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Category Archives: Prayer

The Temptation to Strike the Rock

Bruce Gangnierā€™s sculptureĀ ofĀ Moses Striking the RockĀ captures the one of the great temptations of leadership. Moses was commanded by God to speak to the rock so his ā€œchurchā€ (2-3 million strong) might have water to drink. Instead, out of great frustration and anger, he struck the rock twice with his staff (Numbers 20:7-12). Moses never sees the Promised Land. Many of us miss the joy and peace of leading others in Jesusā€™ name (our Promised Land) because we are anxious, fearful, angry, frustrated and tired. The people get their water, as the Israelites did, but we pay a steep price. I have struck the rock more times than I want to count. Why? There are 2 temptations: 1. To build our own kingdom.Ā We become unsure if we can trust God to grow our churches.Ā So we help Him along, initiating programs and ministries to move the church along without consulting Him. 2. To force things because. Read more.

Follow the Thread

Take a few minutes to meditate on this lovely poem by William Stafford (1914ā€“1993). It lays out the indispensable foundation for both the Christian life and great leadership. The Way It Is Thereā€™s a thread you follow. It goes amongthings that change. But it doesnā€™t change.People wonder about what you are pursuing.You have to explain about the thread.But it is hard for others to see.While you hold it you canā€™t get lost.Tragedies happen; people get hurtor die; and you suffer and get old.Nothing you do can stop timeā€™s unfolding.You donā€™t ever let go of the thread.

Follow the Thread

Take a few minutes to meditate on this lovely poem by William Stafford (1914ā€“1993). It lays out the indispensable foundation for both the Christian life and great leadership. The Way It Is Thereā€™s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesnā€™t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you canā€™t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop timeā€™s unfolding. You donā€™t ever let go of the thread.

A Leaderā€™s Prayer

Let nothing disturb you,Nothing frighten you;All things are passing;God never changes;Patient endurance attains all things;Whoever possesses God is wanting in nothing;God alone suffices. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

A Leader's Prayer

Let nothing disturb you, Nothing frighten you; All things are passing; God never changes; Patient endurance attains all things; Whoever possesses God is wanting in nothing; God alone suffices. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

A Coupleā€™s Prayer for 2014

Geri and I have been praying this prayer each day for our marriage as it articulates our vision as we enter into 2014.Ā If you are married, pray it for your marriage several times a day. And if you are single, pray it for the marriages in your church. It is a prayer filled with a rich theology that the sexual love between a man and woman is the closest thing we have to the intimacy of the Trinity and the passionate life-giving desire God has for each of us. (This is adapted from a pamphlet distributed by theĀ Pastoral and Matrimonial Renewal Center.) Lord, grant us the strength to answer your callto become a living sign of your love.Make our love for each other like your love for us:passionate, permanent, intimate, unconditional,and life giving. May we be as present to each other as you are to us,so that all the world can see your presencemanifested. Read more.