Growing in Prayer this Year

When I led women’s ministries in churches, the position of prayer coordinator was often difficult to fill. Most of us (and I include myself here) have a mental image of the ideal pray-er, and we are aware of our own inadequacies. The women I approached often expressed their surprise at being asked to shoulder such a responsibility and their belief that almost anyone else would be better equipped for the role.

What is it about prayer that makes us feel so inadequate? What steps can we take to move forward?

Blown Away by the Incarnation

On December 1, we received a wonderful Christmas gift—our first grandchild. I was blessed to visit the family for eight great days, including lots of time loving on her. Because of her birth’s proximity to Christmas, I often thought of the baby in the manger when I held her, and my mind was blown away by the truth of the incarnation.

How can God become a baby? How could he remain God and yet be totally dependent and helpless? How did Jesus grow in wisdom and knowledge like other children when he is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end? How can the Creator be enclosed in a created body?

I Don't Always Get It

My dog Libby had surgery three days ago for a torn ACL. (Yes, dogs tear them just like we do!) She spent twenty-seven hours in a strange place handled by unknown people. She awoke in pain, unable to put weight on her left rear leg without additional hurt, wearing a cone on her head. It is impossible to explain to her why we sent her alone into such misery and pain. Our actions will allow her to use her leg without discomfort, but she only knows temporary agony. Even when she begins to feel better, we must restrict her from running or jumping before her leg is totally healed. She won’t get that either!

Frequently God’s people endure painful situations because God must hurt us in order to help us. Although scripture gives general explanations,