TagPrayer

A Message from our Presiding Bishop

In the following video message, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Elizabeth Eaton offers words of encouragement to our communities of faith in this difficult time. This is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect, to breathe, and to think about what it means to be the body of Christ. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Let…

How Does Your Garden Grow?

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) You, my…

Fervent Prayer

“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” ~~ Ephesians 6:18   I like bookstores.  A little reading is never a bad thing, right? …

Christmas Chaos

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14, NRSV It seems an impossible task to be asked to pray.  There is a cacophony of noise surrounding me.  Two kiddos are fighting over…

Advent 4 Preview

“…and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. Never is God so with us as in Jesus of Nazareth. Here is…

Patient & Persistent Prayer

OK, let’s just be honest here … everyone knows this person we’re talking about in today’s parable.  No … I’m not talking about the judge.  You all are perfect citizens … you don’t ever have to stand before a judge …. For a speeding ticket … or for double parking … or for tailgating … …

Pentecost 19 Preview

“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” -Luke 18:1 The Gospel text for this week focuses on the powerful nature of prayer. Prayer is not a passive activity, but one that actively seeks God and pursues God’s will. The widow featured in Jesus’ parable is…

A Solitary Life … or Not

We live in a world that thrives on individuality.   “One of a kind” is preferred over “one of the herd.”  Being “unique” is a higher calling than being “uniform.”  “Standing out” is far better than “blending in.”  I get it.  Being unique makes us feel special, it invites others to notice us.  It helps us…