Mark 4

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was … Read More

Psalm 62

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God[c]; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God … Read More

Prayers for the Future

Curiosity: Make us curious, Lord. What if we tried something new? What if this involves being uncomfortable? Risk: Take away our fear, Lord. May we know Your presence is always with us. May we not be fearful to embrace change. Openness: Open our hearts, Lord, to whom you want us to serve in our city. Open our eyes to see … Read More

Praise for the Past

Praise for the Past Curiosity: Thank you, Lord, for calling Pillar to be curious about the future of the church years ago. Risk: Thank you, Lord, for giving Pillar the courage to step out in faith and take a risk, following You where you were leading them. Openness: Thank you, Lord, for opening the hearts of your people to welcome … Read More

Centering Prayer

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…” Let’s try this simple prayer. Sit comfortably. Settle yourself with your feet flat on the floor and your arms in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Be aware of your body. Maybe there is tightness in your muscles, or distracting thoughts that are filling your mind. Try to relax. Now, … Read More

Visio Divina

Choose one of the pieces of art in this journal. What is the first thing that caught your eye? Breathe deeply and gaze on that for a few minutes. Now, look at the whole picture. Take it in slowly. Reflect on what you are seeing for a few minutes. Then consider the following questions: a. What emotions does this image … Read More

Lectio Divina

Let’s try this prayer practice of lectio divina with this passage from Mark 10:46-52. Find a quiet place if possible. Begin with a few moments of silence. Read: Read the text slowly as if you have never heard it before. Read it aloud if you want. 10 11 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with … Read More

Journaling

If you have never journaled before, don’t worry. There is no set formula or right way to do so. You may just want to write out some thoughts that are filling your mind; ideas you want to remember to share with others; a poem to express your thoughts to God; or write a simple prayer. Just share with God what … Read More

Introduction

What Might God Do? (a poem/prayer by Nancy Boote) What might God do in us, if we asked the Maker of the Universe? What might God do in us, if we asked the One who is Majestic and mindful of us? What might God do in us, human beings, whom He cares for? What might God do in us, if … Read More