Tag Archives: self-denial
A Prayer After Memorial Day
King Saul of Israel considered David an enemy during the latter days of his reign. David formerly had served as commander of Saul’s army. David, also a musician, had used that skill to calm the temperamental monarch. Saul … Continue reading
A National Prayer of Confession for Sins of Previous Generations
Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9 record the formal spiritual restoration of a nation. Having returned from deportation to Babylonia, the Jewish people renew their allegiance to God. Their devout governor has helped refocus their attention on prayer and integrity. A … Continue reading
Praying for Focus in Our Lives
Distractions abound in our lives. Children clamor for the attention of parents. As parents, we worry about their choice of friends and their safety in athletics. We grieve when we cannot give them what others have; we weep when they … Continue reading
Praying On the Run
Desperate situations sometimes preclude long prayers. A vehicle driver who has narrowly avoided a crash may quickly breathe the words, “Thank you, Lord.” The prayer requires no more words. Several of Old Testament Judean political leader Nehemiah’s prayers fall into … Continue reading
When Sharing Faith Means Prayer and Hard Ethical Decisions
Paul’s letter to an individual, Philemon, includes a mentoring call for fire for more effective sharing of faith: “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus … Continue reading
Prayer and Integrity
“Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too … Continue reading
Jesus and Temptation in the Garden of Olives
Jesus executed a “Call for Fire” when facing death. “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place he said to them, ‘”Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ … Continue reading