Tag Archives: persecution

A Prayer, a Song, and a Memory in the Night

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Michael Summers

When life is darkest, what do we pray? When hope dims, what songs do we sing? When opponents taunt, on what memories do we rely? In his prayer to the Lord, the writer of Psalm 119 provides his answers to … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayers from Psalms | Tagged advent, comfort, disappointment, faith, grief, Jesus, Lament, obedience, persecution, Psalm 119, Psalms, songs of faith, spiritual discipline, Spiritual Formation, spirituality, Torah | 1 Comment

Prayer of Despair

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Michael Summers

“I cry to you for help and you do not answer me: I stand, and you only look at me. You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me. You lift me up on … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, faith, Job, Lament, persecution, Perseverance, religion | 4 Comments

Resilience and Prayer in Times of Trial

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Michael Summers

Resilience gets us past our hurdles. Soldiers receive training on improving thueir mental and emotional resilience. Resilience helps Soldiers endure ghastly experiences far away from home. It also helps them survive when they return home. Faith is an integral part … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christian unity, faith, faithfulness, glorifying God, holiness, hope, leadership, love, Loyalty, overwhelmed, persecution, Prayer | 1 Comment

A Prayer for an Unjust Nation Threatened by Terror

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Michael Summers

He prayed while his contemporaries trusted in rituals and practiced a syncretistic religion that mixed elements of nature religion with nationalism and the worship of God. He prayed while a hostile nation sent its armies to eradicate cities and demoralize … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged confession, conversion, ethics, faithfulness, fear, forgiveness, holiness, hope, love, persecution, Prayer, social justice, terror;, Theology, war | 1 Comment

Praying Through the Rain

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Michael Summers

It rained today. The forecast called for thunderstorms; for a short time this afternoon rain descended in a downpour. We needed the rain. Grass in the neighborhood lawns was turning brown. Water levels in area ponds and rivers were noticeably … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, divorce, faith, fear, forgiveness, glorifying God, holiness, persecution, Prayer, Problem of Evil, rain, Spiritual Formation | 1 Comment

Prayer for an Undying Love

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Michael Summers

“Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Ephesians 6:23-24). This benediction, or prayer of blessing, ends the book … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged armor of God, Christian unity, faith, faithfulness, Jesus, love, persecution, Prayer, preparation, Revelation, Spiritual Formation | Leave a comment

Prayer’s Role in Christian Leadership

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Michael Summers

How do church leaders include prayer in their decision making process? The next time you attend a meeting where decisions will be made or leaders of a group will function, observe what part prayer plays. Ask yourself, “Is this how … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, discipleship, glorifying God, leadership, mentoring, Paul, persecution, Prayer, preparation, Spiritual Formation, submission, Theology, vision | 1 Comment

A Prayer to a God Who Loves

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Michael Summers

Psalm 31’s writer called for fire with precision and passion as he penned this prayer. Enemies threatened the Psalmist; he identifies how they have attacked him but also that their practices and values pit them against God. As he calls … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, faith, faithfulness, holiness, hope, Jesus, love, persecution, Prayer, Problem of Evil, Psalms, Theology | 1 Comment

A Prayer for Christ’s Return

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Michael Summers

Prayers in Revelation range from anthems of adoration for God to passionate pleas for justice. In the midst of a story-line that seems chaotic at times, the prayers reveal a God who saves and secures those who persevere. The prayers … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, eschatology, faith, faithfulness, hope, Jesus, love, persecution, Prayer, preparation, Revelation, vision | Leave a comment

Accepting God’s Unexpected “Yes!”

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Michael Summers

How would your local church react if two leaders (think minister, elder, deacon) were arrested, not because of moral indiscretion or tax evasion, but simply because they spoke out for Jesus? Would other leaders suspend meetings of the church and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, faith, hope, leadership, Mary the mother of John Mark, persecution, Peter, Prayer, Rhoda, Spiritual Formation | 4 Comments