I'm delighted to be serving as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas. This summer we are journeying together through the Jesus Priorities (based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Sermon My message, “Prayer: Just do It!,” was based on Matthew 6:5-13. Prayer While I relied on this manuscript, I’m aware that I went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at Read More …
Prayer
Top 21 Posts – All Time (#1966)
Since launching So What Faith in 2009, I’ve written more than 1,960 posts about matters of faith that matter. Based on page views, the all time most popular posts on So What Faith (as of December 26, 2021) are listed below followed by year of publication and change in popularity when compared to last year's list of top all time posts. Pastoral Prayer – Love (2014) [+1)Prayers of the People – Youth Sunday (2009) [-1]Are 10,000 Churches Closing Every Year? (2019) [+4]My Visit to Read More …
Struck (#1944)
On Wednesday afternoon, I was driving from East Dallas to Mesquite for a meeting. The drive was going according to plan until it wasn't. Without warning, I was struck from behind by another SUV. Over the last few days I've reflected on the experience and the life changes that have followed: Health. Thankfully neither party was seriously injured. The many safety features on both vehicles performed as designed.Priorities. The other driver felt his next meeting so important that after Read More …
Stranded? (#1913)
If you are anything like me, you know what you'll be doing and when. Planning wisely is key, and executing a plan on schedule is vital. Experiencing the Unexpected Yesterday I pulled into a gas station to refuel my SUV. I pushed the button in the cabin to open the fuel door, exited my vehicle, and noticed the door had not opened. I leaned back into my vehicle, pushed the button a second time, heard the sound I assumed was the door opening. Unfortunately while my actions had been Read More …
Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic (#1868)
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I'm more aware of the importance of prayer and I'm spending more time praying. Prayer in Corporate Worship As I've participated in worship in congregations I know well and in those I am less familiar with, I've noted changes in prayer. The changes are varied and include who prays (limited by technology or use of a single sacred space with concern for others being physically present) what is included in the prayers (a blend of new concerns Read More …
Volunteer Appreciation – Closing Prayer (#1792)
Earlier today the Mansfield Mission Center held its first annual volunteer appreciation luncheon. This event provided an opportunity to say thank you to many of the people who power this dynamic ministry. I had the honor of providing the closing remarks. After talking a bit about love and family, I concluded with the following prayer: Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Loving God, we have gathered here today in your Many Names to pause the natural rhythm of life and ministry of the Read More …
Mid-Year Update – Popular Posts (#1634)
According to Google analytics statistics for So What Faith (based on view counts from January 1 to present) Most popular blog posts published in 2016 Search for a Church: 9 Months & Counting (May) Mainline Members – Political Leanings (February) My 2016 Search for a Church (January) Reflections on Average Worship Attendance (February) Top Religions by State (January) View from the Pew: 12 Sacred Spaces (June) Most popular posts so far in 2016 (regardless of date of Read More …
Sermon: Concert of Prayer (#1533)
Sermon Text: Matthew 6:5-13 Sermon Excerpt The Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father is a model for prayer. While you can pray through it quickly as we do in worship, it is also a rich resource for a slower form of prayer. If you look at the chart I placed in your bulletin you will see that the prayer begins with an introduction and ends with a conclusion. In between, in the body of the prayer, there are seven petitions. The first three focus on God. The final four Read More …
Americans Pray For (#1480)
Results of a new LifeWay survey suggest that Americans tend to focus their prayers on themselves and close family and friends rather than the well being of the world or people or causes that are beyond their immediate influence. More specifically, when given the opportunity to select as many things from a list as they wished, participants indicated they prayed most for family or friends - 82%, own problems and difficulties - 74%, good things that have recently occurred - 54%, Read More …
Connecting Beyond the Local Church (#1470)
Davida Foy Crabtree completes her service as the Interim Conference Minister for the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ later this month. As one who has benefited from her leadership, I share her parting prayer (the prayer originally circulated in the e-Celebrate newsletter dated September 3, 2014): Behold, God, your Conference, the United Church of Christ in Florida! Filled with life and hope, struggling at times to see the future, but faithful and strong, these Your Read More …