motivation | encouragement | support
Faith-related posts featuring a devotional, reflection, Bible study, or prayer.
I’ve written about several types of contemplative prayer, like breath prayer, lectio divina, and welcoming prayer. I’ve also shared about using prayer beads in a contemplative prayer practice. Centering prayer is the one technique I’ve tried but haven’t mentioned (before now). Perhaps that’s because I find it to be a little more difficult. It’s the … Read more
The dictionary defines compassion as a sympathetic awareness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. I often pair compassion with the idea of lovingkindness, which refers to tender and benevolent affection. Moreover, compassion and mercy are often linked together, as in the spiritual gift. These ideas resonate with me! My word of … Read more
Welcoming prayer is one of several different types of contemplative prayer practices. It focuses on intentionally accepting–welcoming–your experiences and turning them over to God. Let’s dive into this contentment-building practice and see what it’s all about! What is welcoming prayer? Some contemplative prayer practices have been around a really long time, but welcoming prayer began … Read more
My word of the year is CULTIVATE. I chose this word because it conveys the idea of intentional growth. Nurturing. Fostering. Encouraging. It’s also a versatile word, because there are many different qualities I would like to cultivate. Be watching for future posts around this idea. For now, let’s focus on how to cultivate authenticity. … Read more
Hospitality is the practice of graciously receiving someone. Being friendly, open, and welcoming to guests, visitors, and strangers. The spiritual gift of hospitality is a special ability to warmly welcome and share care and concern for others, particularly those in need. It is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit for building and serving … Read more
Have you ever set a word of the year? A word that resonates with you that you want to use to set a tone for your year. I’ve never done this before, but I’m experimenting with the idea this year. Will you join me? Why choose a word of the year? Selecting a word of … Read more
There is a rich tapestry of stories of women in the Bible who shaped history, demonstrated faith, and led in ways that continue to inspire us today. These women—Deborah, Esther, Hagar, Hannah, Lydia, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of Jesus), Miriam, and Priscilla—are often underrepresented in traditional studies, yet their lives offer profound lessons … Read more
In a world that often feels fragmented, collective prayer can bring hope and unity. Praying for your community is an expression of love. It shows a deep commitment to the wellbeing of those around you. Community prayer weaves together the diverse threads of our shared lives into a beautiful picture of connection and care. When … Read more
Embarking on a prayer walk across a college campus is a meaningful experience. Students will eventually leave campus and fan out around the world, so this is a wonderful opportunity to have a far reach. Whether you’re new to prayer walks or have done them before, this guide will help you thoughtfully pray over the … Read more
Engaging in a prayer walk at your church is a powerful way to deepen your connection with God and your church family. As you move through the spaces where you all gather, you’ll find opportunities to pray intentionally over the ministries, leaders, and people who make up the heart of your congregation. Whether you’re seeking … Read more