How familiar are you with the ancient practice of “fixed-hour prayer” or as other traditions call it “daily offices” or “divine hours”? With its roots coming directly out of Judaism, it is one of the oldest surviving habits within Christian spirituality. Across the Roman empire a forum bell rang every 3 hours each day, beginning…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
WHAT WAS HE THINKING? – Intro Lesson 7
“What was I thinking?” It’s a question which comes to mind when we are faced with results of a poor decision. “What were you thinking?” It’s a question we can often ask when someone you love is paying the price for making a hasty choice. Perhaps more accurately the question should be, “Were you even…… Continue Reading
WHEN THE ANSWER IS “NO” – Intro Lesson 6
It happens to all of us. As we pray, we echo Jesus words, “Your will be done” and then we find out the answer to our request is clearly “NO”. The promotion we seemed to deserve went to a co-worker. The house we wanted to buy has been sold to another bidder. Our loved one…… Continue Reading
A TIME TO LAMENT – Intro Lesson 5
It has been said, “To cry is human, but to lament is Christian”. What do you think Mark Vroegop meant when he used this phrase in his book, “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy”? Did you know that almost one-third of the Psalms are “songs of lament”? In fact, there is a whole book in the Old…… Continue Reading
WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID – Intro Lesson 4
Do you agree with this idea? “It’s not that we shouldn’t ever feel fear . . . We’re just not supposed to obey it”. Fear is, without a doubt, a God-given emotion for our protection and safety. It can be a vital and even a life-saving response to both physical and emotional danger or pain. …… Continue Reading
MUSIC and PRAYER – Intro Lesson 3
Have there been times in your spiritual life when a song touched your spirit and emotions in a profound or significant way? Perhaps it was a rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus”, sung harmoniously and beautifully, on an Easter morning. It could have happened as you listened to a child simply but sincerely singing, “Jesus Loves…… Continue Reading
A CHOICE or A DECISION? – Intro Lesson 2
Is there a difference between a making a choice and making a decision? There are experts who tell us an average person makes about 2,000 choices every hour or around 35,000 per day. If this is true, then immediately one must realize a high percentage of them are either unconscious, habit-based or insignificant. You could…… Continue Reading
IS IT TRUE or NOT? – Intro Lesson 1 – Sept. 17 – 24
Perhaps it has always been true, but would you agree that these days it is extremely hard to know whom or what to believe? Human beings are born with an innate propensity to interpret evidence in ways that support or are consistent with one’s present or existing views and values. We have what is known…… Continue Reading
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
It takes effort. It takes thought. It takes a willingness to listen and to care about the hopes and desires of others. Sometimes it means changing your mind or incorporating new ideas. It doesn’t matter whether you are embarking on an adventure, starting a new job, furnishing a new living space, or forming a small…… Continue Reading
BEFORE YOU EAT . . .
What do you call it when you pray before a meal? In your mind is it “saying grace”, “giving thanks” or a “blessing”? Is it a spontaneous or a memorized prayer, a song, or simply a time to bow silently and individually before the Lord? In the Christian tradition a grace is explained as “a…… Continue Reading