Tag Archives: humility

Like a Child with Its Mother

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Michael Summers

A sense of entitlement can mar our prayers as we worship God. If I believe I deserve more, that I have earned more than I have received, I will approach life and prayer with anger. On the other hand, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged anger, anger management, faith, family, Genesis11, humility, Mother's Day, pride, Psalm 131, Psalms, religion, spiritual discipline, Spiritual Formation, spiritual warfare, spirituality | Leave a comment

Prayer of a Parent

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Michael Summers

The words of a mother in Proverbs 31 reflect what her prayers must have been for a son who would become a ruler. Although he is identified as Lemuel, a name otherwise unknown in the Bible, some have suggested that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #metoo, children, christianity, domestic abuse, faith, humility, life, parenting, Prayer, relationships, sexual harassment | Leave a comment

Praying to the God who Creates and Sustains

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Michael Summers

The prayer of returned exiles in Nehemiah 9 gives us insight into the God to whom we pray. As the prayer continues, its words remind us that we continue a legacy of faith that still informs our concept of God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, faith, God, God as sustainer, humility, life, Nehemiah, Nehemiah 9, Prayer, religion, sovereignty of God | 1 Comment

Prayer When Planning for the Journey

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Michael Summers

I spoke yesterday about “Budgeting for the Journey” as part of a sermon series entitled “The Way of the Cross Leads Home.” When we embark on a journey, whether a holiday excursion or a work-related trip, pre-travel resource assessment … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, Counting the cost, discipleship, fear, humility, Prayer, reconciliation | Leave a comment

Prayer for Less Disputing

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Michael Summers

More than two hundred years ago, five Kentucky preachers penned a document (“The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery”) in which they opined that Christians should “pray more and dispute less.” Their words resonate with me when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christian unity, Church Music, confession, discernment, discipleship, ethics, faithfulness, fear, forgiveness, glorifying God, humility, Jesus, love, Prayer | 2 Comments

Praying with Reverence

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Michael Summers

“Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty. But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged faith, faithfulness, glorifying God, hope, humility, Lament, love, Spiritual Formation, submission | 1 Comment

Prayer When Grief Challenges Faith

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Michael Summers

The prayer of Psalm 143 spoke for me today. As I read it, its words echoed the pain in my soul. Like the Psalmist, I have felt crushed by events in my life. The most recent, and most painful, is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, confession, discernment, faithfulness, glorifying God, hope, humility, love, overwhelmed, Prayer, Problem of Evil, Psalms, spirituality, Theology | 9 Comments

Prayer as Response to God

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Michael Summers

Prayer may be a response to God. When we pray, we may attribute a recent event in our lives to the providence or the judgment of God. When we thank God for food, or a new job, or an answer … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged discernment, faith, glorifying God, humility, Jeremiah, Lament, listening, Prayer, submission, the judgment of God | 4 Comments

Learning to Trust When We Pray

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Michael Summers

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2). Inspiration for prayer dries up when events shatter our … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged confession, faith, hope, humility, loneliness, love, Loyalty, overwhelmed, Prayer, Psalms, Spiritual Formation, trust | 1 Comment

Praying a Prayer of Praise

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Michael Summers

“Oh sing to the LORD a new son; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” Psalm 96, a song that celebrates God, begins with these words. A parallel, in 1 Chronicles 16, was sung by Asaph and his brothers at … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, faith, fear, glorifying God, holiness, hope, humility, Jesus, love, praise, Prayer, Psalms, submission, Theology | 1 Comment