Blog

  • “Enjoying the Waiting Room” by Ruthann Yeaton: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    I’ve appreciated getting to know Ruthann recently and have been moved and inspired by how she is negotiating life after the death of her husband. Her prayer life is blossoming and she’s feeling God’s nearness. I think you’ll be inspired too! I have been journaling my journey as a widow since the passing of my…

  • Praying with a Painting: Blessing the land

    We’ve enjoyed some beautiful sunsets and sunrises lately, which this wonderful painting of my dad’s evokes in my mind. This scene makes me think of visiting the farms of my relatives from both sides in the Midwest. I appreciated the wide-open spaces, the cats running around the barn, the rows of corn ready to be…

  • “The Change Gratitude Brings” by Teresa O’Driscoll: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    How gratitude can lead to change and intimacy with God… I love Teresa’s account of this simple but profound practice, which has led to transformation in her life. How might you incorporate giving thanks into your morning routine? Many years ago, after reading yet another of those news reports where, after a near-death experience, someone…

  • Praying with a Painting: Embracing the season you’re in

    My daughter loves autumn. She doesn’t enjoy heat and doesn’t love the beach like I do, so for her, the changing leaves don’t instill in her a sense of dread. I used to love fall with the gorgeous colors especially in the upper Midwest in the States, but now autumn for me means shorter and…

  • “Walking with God” by Jean Gibson: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    I’ve had the absolute delight of walking by the sea near to where Jean lives; I can only imagine what that must feel like as one’s daily walk. We can’t all live close to the sound of crashing waves or the gentle lapping of water, but we can all walk with God. As you take…

  • Meeting God in Spain

    Hello from sunny Spain! I am here at El Palmeral leading a retreat. This week we’re exploring the story of Jesus with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and how friendship with God changes them—and us. I’ll be sharing some videos on my YouTube channel in which I lead prayer exercises and welcome you to join in.…

  • Meeting God through Devotionals

    My first writing love is Bible reading notes, in the British parlance (devotionals). When New Daylight asked me to write back in 2008, I soon realized that this was my favorite type of writing. I never tire of it. I love delving into the commentaries and putting together the narrative and then discerning how we can apply…

  • “Talking to God as a Friend” by Tasher Adaarewa: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    What an insightful post by Tasher about our need to listen at least as much as we talk when we pray, as inspired by his observations of his wife’s friendships. I hope you’ll read, enjoy, and put his advice into practice! So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to…

  • “The Gift of Forgiveness” by Sheila Holwell: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    I so appreciate hearing from readers when they share their stories of God working in their lives, and when a bit of my writing plays a part, I’m humbled and grateful! I loved reading Sheila’s story of forgiveness, spurred on by the Spirit. As you read, may you open your heart to that same Spirit,…

  • Praying with a Painting: A walk in the woods

    Join me for a few moments of prayerful contemplation of this painting of my father’s – you could take a walk in the woods through your imagination. As you do so, you might want to consider this passage from Mark’s gospel: The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then,…