It’s a very old-fashioned word, isn’t it? In spite of that, you probably have a good idea of what it means and can think of several synonyms for it. Here are a few – meditate, deliberate, reflect, consider. The dictionary suggests that it means “to think deeply about something” or “to think with painstaking care and…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
“I LOVE YOU, O LORD”
A study based on David’s Song of Praise and Trust – Psalm 18 To View or Print Study Guides “I LOVE YOU, O LORD” If someone asked you to list ten or more reasons why you love God, how would you respond? Why don’t you try it? Then you’ll have your answer ready just in…… Continue Reading
PRAYING WITH CONFIDENCE
Lesson 9 – Hebrews The contrast is striking. Our culture teaches us that “self-confidence” is one of the greatest traits that parents and teachers should build into the lives of children. Counselors spend hours helping people to have a realistic view of their own potential and value. While all of this is very true, it…… Continue Reading
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
Lesson 8 – James How much of the time do you feel you are “righteous?” Originally that word was translated into English as “rightwiseness”, that is 100% good and right and wise. All of us falter and fail when it comes to controlling our tongue, attitude, and behavior at times. Our sinful nature seems to…… Continue Reading
PRAYING ERNESTLY
Lesson 7 – Colossians We seldom use the word “earnestly”, do we? You might think of other words like soberly or fervently when you hear it. It has a very strong word meaning – “determined or passionate, not trivial or petty.” It infers that you are very serious about the subject or concern that you…… Continue Reading
PRAYING WITH JOY
Lesson 6 – Philippians Do you think there is a difference between happiness and joy? What makes you happy? What gives you joy? Do you use the words interchangeably or do you make a distinction between the two of them in your mind and conversation? Webster’s dictionary indicates that happiness is characterized by luck, good…… Continue Reading
PRAYING WITH HUMILITY
Lesson 5 – Ephesians, Part 2 If you wanted guidance or advice about your prayer life, to whom would you go? You might know a friend or a spiritual director who could give you some helpful insight or ideas. There are certainly excellent books that you could read and find many wonderful suggestions. There is…… Continue Reading
PRAYING WITH EXPECTATION
Lesson 4 – Ephesians, Part 1 One of the delightful things about young children is their enthusiasm and joy when they realize that something special is about to happen. It might be Christmas or the first day of kindergarten, but it could also be something that would be quite ordinary to most adults, like going…… Continue Reading
PRAYING WITH HOPE
Lesson 3 – Romans Did you know “that you and I could probably live 40 days without food, 8 days without water, 4 minutes without air, but only a few seconds without hope”? What is it about hope that makes it so essential to our lives? The anticipation that tomorrow will be better, that change…… Continue Reading
PRAYING WITH PERSEVERANCE
Lesson 2 – II Thessalonians How many synonyms can you recall for the word “perseverance”? Perhaps the words persistence or tenacity come to your mind. How about the idea of indefatigability or stick-to-itiveness? The dictionary defines this quality of character as “the ability to hold to a course of action, belief, or purpose without giving…… Continue Reading