A PERSONAL PRAYER God of love, When I read the papers, watch the news, read and hear the comments, it seems that the animosity towards others is overwhelming. It appears folks have all chosen a team, and have little good to say about anyone on another team. I would like to believe that it is only the people on the fringe, but it seems deeper than that. You know, God, how hard I try to bring people together, to unite people around our mission, to share your truth as I understand it in a way that people can [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, on this day, I am asking for a fresh start. It is a new school year, a new beginning with projects and goals for my life and my work. Are they what you want for me? Have I correctly discerned your preferred future for my life? I have tried to listen to you, God, and get clarity, but sometimes it seems so fuzzy. I ask you today to put the right dreams in my heart, the right goals in my head, the right hopes in my soul, the right projects on my schedule. Your scripture [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER Gracious God, I still remember the day I heard you call my name, asking me to follow you, telling me you had work for me to do. It seems I am always trying to figure out exactly what work I am supposed to be doing, continually searching for that great purpose in the sky that will change the world. Is that what you want of me? I confess that while I am looking for that greater purpose, greater vision, there is a friend who needs a word of encouragement, a colleague who needs some help [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all come from? Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all belong?  God, I think that is what you are saying so much of the time. Sometimes, even I, who have a marvelous family and incredible church family, think to myself "where do I belong?" It is at the core of the human condition, isn't it? From the moment we hid ourselves from you in the garden, loneliness set in. You said it was not good that we be alone, but then [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, sometimes life is marvelous and wonderful, and gratitude comes easy. But sometimes, life is difficult. Bad things happen. I've seen it in the lives of other people I care about. People they love die too young. They get cheated or swindled or robbed. The job they count on goes away. Their marriages fail and friendships falter. Children struggle and parents disappoint. Money gets scarce and pressures rise. Sometimes, God, these problems are "circumstances," out of their control. Sometimes, they contributed to the problem. And God, you know there have been times in my own [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God of all times and all people in all places, You know how I hate conflict and tension. I suspect there are some people who love a good fight - sort of "bring it on." But not me, God. I just want us all to get along. Is that just an unreasonable expectation, God? I read your scripture to call for "shalom," peace with justice, everything in harmony. You tell me that if I come to the altar with gifts, and my brother or sister has something against me, I should leave my gift at [...]