By Preston Clegg “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” This command is one of the 10 Commandments, just between “Don’t take the name of the Lord in vain” and “Honor Your Father and Mother.” The command to honor the Sabbath was of supreme ethical and spiritual importance to the Jewish people. For many in our day, … Continue reading
By Lauren Hooie “Dear Lord, we thank You for this day and everything You’ve given us. Thank You for this food we’re about to eat and for sending Your son to forgive our sins. Amen.” This is the classic dinner prayer that I’ve said for about 20 years. For a long time, it was the … Continue reading
By Rick Burnette Loving God, Lord of all Creation, we ask your mercy upon the vulnerable now suffering because of this powerful storm. We ask your protection for those who remain in harm’s way. We pray for the displaced; especially those who find themselves without shelter. We lift up those who have suffered mental and … Continue reading
As I sat down in the Westin’s ballroom this morning, preparing my heart for what I expected to be a quiet prayer retreat with speaker Lauren Winner, it was hard not to notice that each person in the room was distracted. We all giggled at the high-pitched screaming and laughing coming from the children next … Continue reading
The title of this blog post may seem flippant. That is not my intent. In our fast paced, media driven society we are oftentimes ruled by our computers and TVs, whatever catches and holds our attention, captures our hearts and wallets. Unfortunately, as soon as another breaking story occurs our attention spans break with it. The recent plague … Continue reading
We were asked specifically to pray for wisdom…wisdom for her and all others in positions of leadership. Continue reading
Early this morning I awoke to my phone buzzing. (This is not abnormal, especially since we began our ongoing response to the earthquake in Haiti.) However, the inital buzz was followed by another, and then another. Quickly, I got up and went to my computer. That is when I learned of the massive early morning earthquake … Continue reading
Friends, This past week, there has been an outpouring of concern for Haiti. It is indeed important that we feel such concern and restlessness. This is the work of the Holy Spirit drawing us to be the church.[1] That is why acting upon such concern as a Fellowship is essential for our … Continue reading
Several weeks ago, in route to Santiago, Chile to lead a spiritual formation retreat for our Chilean Baptist partners, I felt compelled to pray. All of the feelings consistent with leaving family for a week, visiting a new culture, and traveling at 35k feet for 9 hours weighed heavily on my heart; what’s more, I … Continue reading
Lately, life has been nuts and I’m on the edge of integrity. What I mean is, I often preach the value of contemplative retreat opportunities, but too often wait until I’m on the edge to plan one for myself. I’ve always struggled with this in ministry. I’m amazed at how easy it is to look … Continue reading