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Friday, December 17, 2010

4 New Christmas Posts

Read and Enjoy the 4 Christmas Posts below
1. Framing the Christmas Story
2. Eyes on the Manger
3. Forty Cents
4. Christmas Makes It Easy

Framing the Christmas Story

So, you’ve got this amazing picture. And your job is to find the perfect frame to go with it.

Framing the picture. That was the challenge both Matthew and Luke had. They had this amazing picture of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger.

You start asking yourself questions. Why do I like it? And why do I want it, like, permanently hanging there? What room will I put it in, and where? Who else will see it? And what do I hope to convey to those who do?

Matthew chose a kingly frame [the royal line of David, the Magi, and King Herod], a frame rich and royal. Luke chose a family, pastoral frame [cousin Elizabeth, hometown Bethlehem and local shepherds], a frame common and caring.

But they both had the same picture, the one and only Christmas picture, the picture of salvation, the picture of God’s ultimate love, the picture of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger.

Matthew put that amazing picture in a frame showing the infant King Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise, the completion of God’s plan of salvation through the people Israel.
Luke put that amazing picture in a frame showing the loving Lord Jesus as the source of all fairness, the perfect justice of God.

But it is the same picture, of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger.

In Matthew, the rulers political and religious see it and shudder. In Matthew, the faithful rejoice. In Luke, the proud, sly and self-serving get their due. In Luke the lowly, honest and true are blessed.

Taken together these two framers of this beautiful picture of the Holy Family tell us that in the Birth of Jesus the good rich, the good commoners and the good poor are blessed, and that the bad rich, the bad commoners and the bad poor are judged.

Our questions this Christmas are 1) What do you see in this amazing picture, Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger? 2) Where will you display it in your life and what frame will you use?

It really is a beautiful picture, Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger. Is there any better?

Eyes on the Manger

Angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold?
Peace on the earth, good will to all, from Heaven’s all gracious King?


Nice words, but do they describe the real world. I don’t think so. Life seems more of an uphill climb and a burdened journey than the sweet words of this carol suggest. It’s tough out there in the world. Everybody wants something from everybody else. Compassion and fair play are rarely seen. It’s a hard-knock life. You have to grab for everything or else you’ll get crushed. In this, as in every, Christmas season so many people have to fight really hard to avoid dissolving into tears. Where is the sweetness of Christmas and the comfort of God in that?

The answer is in Jesus, the innocence of the baby Jesus, and his innocent death for the sins of the world. His beauty shines through the sorrow; his light overcomes the dark.

The Baby in the Manger is God’s sign that in the midst of difficulties, trials and tribulations, God is with us. God is with us sometimes lifting us, sometimes carrying us, sometimes lighting the way. God is with us. That’s the promise of Christmas. That’s the miracle of Christmas. And that’s the message of Christmas. God is with us.

Do you get it? You! you! are beloved and important to God. Jesus was born for you: to touch your life, to touch it with heavenly peace and Godly good will. Jesus was born for you, so don’t be overwhelmed by the world. Rather, let your eyes see and your heart believe the goodness of God. Let Heaven’s all gracious King change you. Be at peace and celebrate Christmas with your Eyes on the Manger.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.




Thanks to WorshipConnection.cokesbury.com for these ideas.

Forty Cents

My checkbook balanced perfectly with the bank. But I have another book and in it I divide my checkbook balance into several sub-totals, one for housing expenses, one for auto expenses, others for food, charity, medical, etc.

Last week I added up the sub-totals and, “Oh no,” I was missing forty cents. I re-checked the housing expenses. I re-checked the auto expenses. I re-checked everything. Still I was missing forty cents. I went back to the previous month and checked every entry, every calculation. Forty cents? No luck. I went back two months, then three months. Still I could not find the forty cents. This took like 3 hours.

Finally I gave in and added forty cents to the housing expenses. When I could not fix it I just made it right. I overruled the numbers and changed the books. I justified my totals. I reconciled my accounts.

We are like the forty cents. We are out of balance with God. Our lives don’t quite add up. No matter how hard we work or how much time we spend we can’t overcome the imbalance. We need someone to just arbitrarily decide to make it right, to make us right, to get us into balance with God again, to justify and reconcile us.

God did that. God loves you that much. God loves the whole world so much that he gave the world his own son, Jesus, to pay whatever to restore us in balance with God.

Christmas is God’s picture of everything in balance.

Christmas signals 1) God’s devotion to innocence and perfection, 2) God’s faithfulness and power over all creation and 3) God’s unwillingness to give up on us.

Christmas is God’s passionate promise to make it right for us, to cover our debt, to overcome the imbalance, to justify and reconcile us to the Glory of God. No wonder that Christmas is such a Merry Holiday!

Merry Christmas to you.

Christmas Makes It Easy

Christmas makes it easy for parents to teach their children how to be Christian – how to read the Bible, to pray, and to care. Christmas makes it easy for parents to be the spiritual leaders of the family.

Christmas is a totally Biblical time. It’s an easy time to pull out a Bible and read together. Or to grab a children’s nativity story book to read at family time or bed time. The Christmas story is on TV and DVD. Watch it together. Or, stream it online at Faith Comes By Hearing or download the kidz version' Christmas is a great time to let your children see your devotion to Jesus and share your love of his birth.

Christmas is an easy time to Pray. Everywhere are images of people getting together – families, shoppers, bell-ringers, marching bands, church goers, and holiday travelers. And, at Christmas, many are the images of desperate need and the stories of heroic compassion. Our hearts are moved. We can’t help but be reminded of others and to pray. Prayer is such a natural Christmas response. So pray with your children. In communion with the Lord (maybe even kneeling) pray the real cares of your heart, the real needs of the world, and invite your children to do the same.

Christmas is the season of Caring. Christmas makes it easy for parents to teach their children the difference between giving and caring. Giving is something you do and are done with. And it’s opposite is getting. Giving is about stuff. Caring, on the other hand, is about relationships; it’s about people and what happens to them through the exchange of feelings, words and actions. Giving costs money and maybe time. Caring costs more. It costs a little bit of self, some heart, maybe even some burden-bearing. At Christmas parents can show their children the difference, lead them to build their spiritual characters, and encourage them to join Jesus in bringing the pain of the world to our Father in heaven.

Christmas makes it easy for parents to teach their children how to be Christian. Have fun! and Glorify God, as a family.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Hello Mr. Dale

That's how Kelly Lee James started this happy message {testimony}. He writes:

Whoo what a year. God has so blessed us. I want to start by saying thank you so much for blessing us at your Watermelon Day festival. They're still talking about it and it was the coolest road show we played all year, people were great and we loved the atmosphere, it was charged with a little American Town feel and reminded me of what we {America} really stands for. Thanks again my friend.

Not only has God blessed us with Kellys Kountry Junction {BUT} we also have other shows that have opened up for us. Here in Joplin I just did my first Cooking show called {Country Cooking With Music}. These shows will be picked up later by channels in Oklahoma, Ark and Kansas. Kathy is also producing a new show which I will be hosting as well called Spotlite On The Ozarks.

If you have good talent there tell them to get ahold of me or Miss Kathy and send us some music or a video. We will send alot of them to Branson as well to appear on Branson Radio Live.

I am also talking with channel 13 here in town about doing a cowboy version of homecoming music, we will sing gospel music and give testimonies in the show. Be in prayer with me for that please. Let me take a breath. haha. And also our Cowboy Church may be on local tv, and a radio station in Kansas City may start playing us to. And we {Kellys Kountry Junction} have been asked to do a radio version of the show on Branson radio so I have to write those shows and one more, we may be talking about doing some live stage shows in Branson before long. God has brought us so far in such a short time.

But know this: I talked to the gang here and they all said if you ever want us for anything there you just call or text and we'll make a way to do it. Even if it's just a small church service. Don’t hesitate to ask us cause my friend we will do what you need done. After all this whole thing is about clean family TV and shows that help others in some way. No job to big or to small. We will be sending you copies of all 13 shows when they are done.

Mr. Dale, God bless you my friend and Merry Christmas from all of us here at Kellys Kountry Junction. PS. Tell Miss Linda hey.

Everyone who had a hand in bringing Cowboy Church to town, and everyone who attended the alumni dance, the Saturday stage show, and Cowboy Church this summer should feel pleased to have been used by God to bless this ministry. Let's keep praying for Kelly Lee James, his tv and radio shows, and his Cowboy Church ministry.

Cowboy Church - The Rest of the Story

Do you remember Cowboy Church?

Kelly Lee James, country singer and composer from Joplin Missouri, together with some of the cast members from the Kellys Kountry Junction TV Show entertained us during the 2010 Watermelon Day celebration in Humeston and led us in worship at Cowboy Church in the Park the next morning. What fun.

From the first time I met Kelly I sensed that God would use our friendship in some remarkable ways. And God has. Kelly came to Humeston and while here not only encouraged our ministry but also touched a few lives. And we touched his life, encouraging him when he really needed it to continue in his calling to produce a “clean country comedy” show for public television.

Well now!

Since Watermelon Day the Lord has been busy in Kelly’s life. Via Facebook on Dec 1 Kelly proudly announced: Kellys Kountry Junction TV Show has been picked up by the Springfield Ozarks PBS Channel 26 for the Spring season 2011. Should start sometime in April. Saturday evenings. Time will come later. Thanks friends.

When Linda and I sent our congratulatory reply Kelly Lee James said more. He said:
I can't make any promises but we're coming soon to Iowa and talk to your PBS there as well. If they pick us up well be state wide. Pray God's favor over us and we sure appreciate it. Thank you my dear friends. Merry Christmas to you and hope it's a great Holiday Season for you.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

UMCOR Kits

UMCOR BIRTHING KIT
1 hotel-size bar of soap (1 oz. and up)
1 pair of clean latex gloves
1 square yard of clear 4-mil plastic sheeting
3 pieces of clean string, each 12’ long
1 clean single use razor blade (carefully wrap the blade in paper or plastic for protection)
2 flannelette receiving blankets, each 1 square yard
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag. (Value $8 plus $2 shipping)

HEALTH KITS help disaster victims reclaim their dignity and self-respect and are used as teaching tools with children. When people can maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves. Add $1 for toothpaste to be purchased by the UMCOR Depot.
• 1 new hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”)
• 1 new washcloth
• 1 bath sized bar of soap in wrapper (3 oz. or larger)
• 6 band aids (3/4”)
• 1 large, sturdy comb (not pocket sized)
• 1 new toothbrush in original sealed wrapper (no child-sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clipper (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
Fold the towel and washcloth and lay the other items on top. Place in a Ziploc bag.
(Value $12 plus $2 shipping)

SEWING KITS foster independence rather than dependence. Cottage industries often grow out of sewing classes where these kits are used to practice skills.
• 3 yards cotton or cotton-blend fabric (one piece)
• 1 sewing scissors
• 1 new spool matching thread
• 5-8 matching flat buttons
• 1 package hand sewing needles
Fold fabric and lay other items on top. Seal in Ziploc bag. (Value $18 plus $2 shipping)

SCHOOL KITS provide tools for education, which changes lives. In countries where children don't have books, school supplies or classrooms, a school kit may be their only educational resource.
• 3 Notebooks, approx. 8 ½ x 11 wide ruled
• 1 2 1/2” eraser
(210 to 250 sheets total) spiral or bound
• 1 blunt scissors
• 1 30 cm metric ruler
• 1 hand pencil sharpener
• 1 box of 24 crayons (ONLY 24)
• 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers
All items are placed in a sturdy cloth bag, 14” x 16” (finished size) with 22” handles. Do not put any of the
items in Ziploc bags. (Value $11 plus $2 shipping)
Empty school bags are also needed and are valued at $3 each.

LAYETTE KITS provide women with basic supplies for the needs of their new babies.
• 6 cloth diapers
• 2 shirts or 2 one-piece body suits (Onesies)
• 2 gowns or sleepers
• 2 baby washcloths
• 2 diaper pins
• 1 sweater or jacket open in the front
• 2 receiving blankets
Bundle items inside one of the blankets and secure with diaper pins. (Value $35 plus $2 shipping)

Baby sweaters or jackets may be sent and are valued at $6 each. Patterns for a knitted baby sweater or for
a sewn jacket are available from the district representatives.
For further information: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Bible's Golden Chapters

Here are more than 80 of the Best Loved Scripture messages of all time. Some are beautiful and uplifting, others are instructive and challenging.

Friends, God blesses every spiritual work of our soul. And reading the Bible is one of the soul’s more important works.

The United Trinity Parish has a Fitness Priority for 2010-2011 which includes this Bible reading challenge: Read 400 chapters in the Bible, October 2010 through April 2011.

IF you suspect that this activity can help you achieve the greater spiritual fitness you desire, we recommend the Golden Chapter Challenge: Read the 80 Bible Favorites listed below 5 times each.

IF your goal is to help our small parish read 400 chapters every month, you may read these or any chapters, anywhere in the Bible, randomly or Bible book by Bible book

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
And God bless you.

"We found this list of Golden Chapters in the Third Improved Edition (1957) of The New Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., containing Frank Charles Thompson's original and complete system of Bible study. The Golden Chapter index number therein is No. 4311."

Ascension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts 1
Backsliders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hosea 14
Beatitudes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .Matthew 5, 6, 7
Bread of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John 6
Brotherhood.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Romans 14
Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nehemiah 4
Burden-bearers. . . . . . . . . . . Galatians 6
Call, Universal. . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaiah 55
Call, Worker’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaiah 6
Chastening. . . . . 2 Corinthians 4; Hebrews 12
Confession. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 51
Consecration. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 3
Constancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Ruth 1
Contrast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deuteronomy 28
Converts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 32
Deliverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Acts 12
Divinity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 1
Dominion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 8
Duty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Romans 12
Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 11
Flood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Genesis 7
Frailty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 39
Friendship. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 1 Samuel 20
Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John 15
Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Corinthians 12
Gideon’s Band . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 7
Hallelujah. . . . . . . . . . . . .Revelation 19
Heaven. . . . . . John 14; Revelation 7; 21; 22
Holy Spirit. . . . . . .John 14, 15, 16; Romans 8
Humility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 13
Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Proverbs 1
Intercession. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . John 17
Joy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaiah 12
Jubilee. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Leviticus 25
Judgment. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . Matthew 25
Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 20
Life Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 12
Love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Corinthians 13
Messianic. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Isaiah 53
Minister’s. . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Corinthians 4
Missions. . . . . . . . . .Psalm 72; Romans 10
New Covenant. . . . .. . . . . . . . Hebrews 8
Old Age. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ecclesiastes 12
Omniscience. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Psalm 139
Overcomers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Revelation 2, 3
Parables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 13
Passover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exodus 12
Praise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 103
Prayer. . . . . . . . . . .Daniel 6; Luke 11, 18
Prosperity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 73
Providence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 121
Refuge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Numbers 35
Regeneration. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . John 3
Rest. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hebrews 4
Resurrection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Corinthians 15
Revival. . . . . . . . . . .. . .2 Chronicles 30; Luke 3
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 91
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Luke 10
Shepherd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 10
Soldiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ephesians 6
Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Corinthians 2
Temperance. . . . . . . . . . . . .Proverbs 23
Tithers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malachi 3
Tongue. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . James 3
Transfiguration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew 17
Unity. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . Ephesians 4
Vanity. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . Ecclesiastes 2
Watchmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ezekiel 33
Water of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 4
Wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 3
Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 31
Word of God. . . . . . . . . . .Deuteronomy 6
Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 84

Monday, September 13, 2010

LeRoy Harvest Festival 2010

September 25, 2010
Parade – 11:30 AM

Kids Games –
following parade
(Behind the church)

Music – 12:30 PM

Auction – 2 PM
Quilt drawing following auction

Supper – 5 PM
(Free Will Offering)

Snack Shack will be open all day.

LeRoy Presbyterian Church, LeRoy, Iowa.
For more information please call the church office at 641-877-4641.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Nikki says.....1M2L......

Nikki says…
A good self-esteem is great, a huge ego full of pride...well, that will lead you nowhere very quickly. If we develop soooo much pride and a "me" mentality, we end up not paying attention to anything around us, including our amazing Father. Word of Wisdom: Proverbs 16:18," Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (air1.com)

Tim says…
love deeply..and forgive quickly, take chances..give everything.. and have no regrets (1M2L.com the tongue of the wise brings healing.")

Monday, June 14, 2010

Nikki says....1M2L.....

Nikki says…
There's a moment (or moments) where the sun isn't shining that nicely, & it's so easy to go the negative route and stay there. But it is a CHOICE to always think negatively, see the glass half-empty! Are you going to focus on the positive instead? Word of Wisdom: Proverbs 12:18, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (air1.com)

Tim says…
It is all about being a part of something big by doing something small. (1M2L.com)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

# 100 - Family Prayer

Oh how we take our family for granted. Pray for your family, all of your family – brothers, sisters, parents, children, cousins, aunts and uncles. Pray for the immediate family, also the in-laws, out-laws, and ex-laws. Like a child at bedtime pray for each one by name, “God bless …. and … and … and etc” List them all by name, even if it should take an hour or more. They are worth it. They are family, kin to you and precious to God. Perhaps Sunday is the “most family day” of your week, or the most relaxed. If so, gather your family together and offer your Family Prayer every Sunday. You don’t have to bow your heads or close your eyes. Just mention different ones in the family, talk briefly about them, tell how maybe Jesus could help them out or maybe how he has helped them out. When you are all done, end by singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” Establish this practice and watch your family life improve. Don’t be surprised if the children quickly take the lead in this.

Monday, May 24, 2010

# 99 - Prayer Boots

Loretta Ross (http://theprayinglife.wordpress.com) is truly a spiritual leader. Her denomination has endorsed her and her spiritual retreat ministry as being truly called of God. She tells of the early years of trying to discern her call, knowing that she had to be with God, alone with God, in that piece of God’s holy creation that would one day become her retreat center. One day per week, all day, she would walk the land and talk with God. On muddy days she would wear a pair of old rubber “farmer boots.” In time, those boots became her Prayer Boots which she wore regardless of the weather. Well worn now and set aside in an honored place those Prayer Boots remind her of the wonderful intimacy and intense distress that, way back when, shaped her ministry today. Prayer Boots. Would a pair of your own help get you outdoors and in closer communion with God?

Monday, May 17, 2010

# 98 - The Pittsburgh Experiment

Built on the writings and ministry of Dr. Sam Shoemaker in the 1950’s and 1960’s this prayer experiment is a 30-day covenant between you and God. In it you promise to talk to God straight out about your deep thoughts and deeper feelings, knowing full well that he knows what’s in your heart and mind. Most of us cannot handle that kind of honesty for a day, let alone a month. In return you expect absolutely God’s answer to your prayer within the 30 days. This prayer form is a strenuous self-challenge of continual asking, listening, and arguing with God for an entire month, changing and changing again the wording of your prayer until your struggle-shaped prayer and re-shaped self finally conform to the true and answerable need of your soul. You must allow 30 days for this to happen, and it will. And when it does, God’s answer will be so immediate, perfect, and obvious.

Monday, May 10, 2010

# 97 - Jesus Prayer

Developed in the Russian Orthodox tradition the Jesus Prayer is a prayer that can be practiced not only in a monastic cell, but in the busyness of a lay person’s active, demanding life. The prayer consists of the following words: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” To pray this prayer speak it aloud and repeatedly, aware of the resonance of the sounds in your throat. Engage the lips, the mind, and the heart, while imagining the face of Jesus and opening yourself totally to the constant flow of his abundant grace. It is a passive prayer whereby our faith is stirred, our sin is forgiven, our needs are provided for by God’s mercy, and without our specific asking. (from Doug Rumford’s book, SoulShaping, pp 176-7.)

Friday, May 7, 2010

# 96 - Camera Prayer

If you are more of an image person than a word person, you might prefer to pray with your camera. Oh my, you can say so much with a picture. With your camera you can capture so many things: beauty, shame, innocence, pain, achievement, artistry, and more. And now with camera phones there is no reason for you not to shoot a prayer pic every day.

Monday, April 26, 2010

# 95 Praying the Hours

Praying the Hours involves using a very specific set of prayers for each part of the day.
Matins is pre-dawn
Lauds is morning
Terce is mid-morning
Sext is midday
None is mid-afternoon
Vespers is evening
Compline is night
Many monasteries (ancient and modern, Protestant and Catholic) have refined and developed a unique set of prayers for each of the Hours, reflecting the priorities of their Order. But they all use a combination of Psalms, petitions and praise. These are available in various books of prayer and worship, also in guides to prayer. I sometimes pray Compline with The Virtual Abbey as they post the prayers on Twitter (about 9:00 pm Central Time). At other times I scroll back to their earlier tweets to pray and meditate at my own pace. Praying the Hours takes a lot of self-discipline and because it does can be a powerfully transforming force in one’s life.

Monday, April 19, 2010

# 94 - Alphabet Prayer

This is the A is for …, B is for …, C is for … prayer. Childish perhaps, but ever so useful. Think of 26 people, or countries, or causes each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, and as you do, pray. Your prayer can be a listening prayer as in “God, what concern of theirs would you place on my heart today?” Your prayer could be a prayer of thanksgiving or an intercessory petition. Take time to discern what there is about your alphabetic prayer concern to cry over or to celebrate. Then offer a tear or smile for each of the 26 as your prayer. Or, as you name each one, simply pray a general prayer like, “Willingly or unwillingly, Jesus, may they in some way a) experience your blessing, b) draw closer to you, c) fulfill your Godly purpose.”

Monday, April 12, 2010

# 93 - Disney Prayer

Like the statues of the saints, Disney characters each represent a certain human trait or quality. You know people with all of these qualities. So you can easily pray your favorite Disney characters. Take, for example, the 7 Dwarfs. Using them as your guide to prayer you might pray for people you know who lead (Doc), who disapprove (Grumpy), who bring laughter (Happy), who are clumsy (Dopey), who are tired and un-motivated (Sleepy), who have allergies (Sneezy), who are shy and retiring (Bashful). In God’s kingdom there is a place and a purpose for everyone, just as in Walt Disney’s animated universe. When you finish your prayer, thank God for all the characters in your life, as well as for your own precious traits and qualities.

Monday, March 29, 2010

# 92 - Firefighter's Prayer

As we approach Holy Week 2010, let’s remember that Christians are spiritual firefighters, rescuing those who are in peril of being engulfed by the raging fires of Hell. This Firefighter’s Prayer is as appropriate to our spiritual mission as it is to the heroes of our communities. When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life whatever, be its age. Let me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor and protect their property. And, if, according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless, with your protecting hand, my family and my wife.

Monday, March 22, 2010

# 91 - The Prayer Concert

In many non-Western churches, Christians often pray aloud—all at the same time. The idea is to lift individual prayers to God in concert. Try it with your small group. Share prayer concerns and requests first. Then have everyone pray at once in low voices. No one hears specific words, just murmurs. The sound this makes is beautifully soothing. Imagine what it sounds like to God! An added benefit is that this form of prayer can help you focus on God and prevent your mind from wandering while someone else is talking to the Lord. This idea from NavPress e-newsletter March 9, 2010

Monday, March 15, 2010

# 90 - Lean into Jesus Prayer

Leaning into another. It’s what we do when having a picture taken, when frightened at a movie, when feeling close in love, and when weeping in heartache. Practice leaning into Jesus in times of grief and sorrow and find assurance there. Jesus faced grief in a spiritually and emotionally healthy way. He wept – over the spiritual death of Jerusalem. He cried – at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. He agonized – as he faced his own impending death. And still, in his grief, he focused on his Heavenly Father, on his Father’s love, and on his Father’s purpose. He leaned into his Father’s strength, wisdom and love. He grieved while keeping his focus. Learn from Jesus. Lean into him, into his understanding heart, his strong love, his life-giving embrace. Words are not necessary, sobs and sighs are welcome. Lean into Jesus, weary one, lean into Jesus.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

# 89 - Taste & See Prayer

God loves the delightful things he has created; and when we enjoy them, he enjoys our enjoying them. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!" He created us to enjoy him and his creation. We certainly experience the Lord’s goodness at the communion table. No question about that. But meal times and snack times can also be sweet. You know, don’t you that in enjoying any satisfying morsel you can experience God’s goodness, for the Lord God made it all. At meal time, or whenever you enjoy a tasty delight, just thank the Lord. Turn the corners of your smile upward and say, “The Lord is good!” Or, just sing the Johnny Appleseed Prayer – “Ohhhh, The Lord is good to me. And so I thank the Lord. For giving me. The things I need. The sun, the rain and the apple seed. ...the Lord is good to me.”

Monday, February 1, 2010

One Month to Live

The One Month to Live Church-wide Challenge has begun. This 30 Days to a No Regrets Life is stirring the soul of the church.

More than 90 parishioners are asking every day, "What would I do if I knew I only had 30 days to live?" Most of them have joined one of the 19 challenge groups. The groups, with as few as 2 and as many as 9, are meeting to encourage deeper personal reflection on the 4 main topics.
- Live Passionately
- Love Completely
- Learn Humbly
- Leave Boldly

We are also focusing on each of these themes in Sunday worship, with powerful preaching, touching video clips, and inspirational music selections. The entire series runs through Feb 28th.

There is still some One Month to Live books available at the Humeston church, 2 on audio CDs. The books offer daily readings, 1 per day for 30 days.

Take the challenge. Come to worship. Get a book. Read with a Friend. Join a Challenge Group. Re-discover your Life.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sudanese Became the Boilers for the Cottage Grove Avenue Church

The Presbyterians have a church, Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, in Des Moines, that ministers to the immigrant Sudanese as well as to the needs of the inner city poor. In November their boiler conked out. Not having anything near the $80,000 needed to replace it they were fearful for the people whom they serve in Jesus’ name.

The Des Moines Sudanese community held a special overnight prayer and worship service on November 14, 2009, that lasted until 6 a.m. to help! It was a cold night in a cold church. Here is their report.

Two individuals stood very firm ‘til the daybreak on the November 15. A 5-year-old drummer was the hero of the night, along with a 75-year-old man who did not feel cold enough to go home. They heated up the night.

The large group of 200 people, prayed to God to keep the U.S. as they found it and forgive them if God is judging the U.S. because they came here. Why is it that everywhere they go God seems to punish them? Even with the economic hardships that many people are facing but affect them more than any one as they think.

The prayer would be like this
“Almighty God, forgive our
sins and those of our ancestors, if
that is why you are punishing the blessed
America. Please do not hurt these
innocent people because of our
sins. You are a God of forgiveness
and do not be so sad because we
have come here to worship you
without persecution. That was the
reason why we came and you
brought us and the American People
kindly accepted us. Do you want to
punish them because of us now
God? Please listen to our prayer.
Amen.”


During the overnight they also prayed for peace in the world, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan. They fear war will start again in Sudan during the upcoming election and also in the time of referendum scheduled in 2011. It was wonderful night. God bless you

– Rev. Goanar Chol is the Sudanese Ministries Resource Person. pbysudanese@presbyteryofdesmoines.org

Monday, January 4, 2010

# 88 - Star-gazing Prayer

Are you feeling small and seemingly insignificant in this vast universe? Pray like the Magi – galactic and expectant. Look out across the galaxies in wonder. And wait. God will show you how special, powerful, and specific his love can be. The Magi were given a star to guide them. On a dark night, turn the eyes of your heart heavenward and share with God your biggest challenges. In that context, God will guide you, too. God will grant you the peace that he is big enough to care for you! You are not insignificant but truly beloved of God.
Adapted from Beliefnet.com, 21 Ways to Pray.