I sit on the veranda overlooking the Caribbean ocean fitfully sobbing. As a 16 year old kid, I’m alone confronting my own contemptuous selfishness, flush with shame. My parents are fully confident that God wants us serving Him in Jamaica. I’m far-removed from such certainty. But as I read “How to Pray” by R. A. Torrey, the rottenness of my … Read More
The idea of a prayer rule is new to most people who read The UnCommon Journey. I’d say most of you have a time set apart each day to meet with God. You’ve learned over the years how important it is to read your Bible and pray daily. You pray for others and sometimes for yourself. You wish you were … Read More
I awake this morning, after a restless night, feeling out of sorts. My muscles ache and my mind races. I don’t feel like praying. Yet, as much as I want to give in to my feelings, I know it’s better to show up at my place of solitude and start saying my prayers. So, lacking much desire or enthusiasm, I … Read More
Wouldn’t it be great if you could organize an everyday prayer habit? Given the choice between a sporadic, sketchy prayer routine and a vibrant, vital one, most Christians would choose the latter. Yet, many Christians do not know how to establish a vibrant, vital prayer routine or maybe fear the idea of organized prayer. Most are familiar with “daily devotions,” … Read More
What’s on your schedule today? Get kids to school? Meet with your company’s CEO? Go grocery shopping? Take your dog to the vet? Make 5 sales calls? Have lunch with a friend? Attend your son’s soccer game? Prepare your Bible study lesson? Study for tomorrow’s exam? Drop off clothes at Goodwill? Fix dinner for the family? Mow the yard? Get … Read More
Lisa is struggling to pray. She’s tired of saying the same words day after day like a broken record stuck in the same groove. She wants to liven up her prayer life – giving it new substance and earnestness. She isn’t asking to get more “into” prayer, more emotion or passion. She senses that if she can sincerely and concretely … Read More
Recently, a young man that I mentor told me a story about his use of the Jesus prayer during a recent struggle. It illustrates the effectiveness of prayer and the Jesus prayer in particular. I had a very disturbing dream, in the vein of an ongoing struggle I’ve had for years. In the dream, filled with alarming distress, I … Read More
How do you function in this world while seeking to live in God’s presence? Practically speaking, how can you do what must be done while actually communing with God? [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] If you’ll indulge me a bit, I’d like to share an example – This past weekend, we are in perpetual motion. Friday, we prepare for a family of guests … Read More
As I try to “practice what I preach” by being more thankful, I am experiencing new aspects of thankfulness. I observe what it does to me. What I’m discovering is that living more thankfully gives room for ongoing communion with God. In other words, real thankfulness consistently connects the heart to God. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] These experiences remind me of what … Read More
For 7 weeks, beginning February 27 and ending April 15, I was honored to pray for over 140 people every morning and evening. There were also countries, life situations, and a few marital situations prayed for. Sadly, during this time, two people mentioned on the prayer list, died. Yet, it was great to connect through prayer with many I do … Read More
