Blog
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“Learning to Trust Ancient Ways of Praying” by Kathleen McAnear Smith: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I’m humbled by Kathleen’s wonderful post about how she’s come to pray with the ancient practices I outline in my book, 7 Ways to Pray. When writing I prayed so much that it would be a means of introducing some of these time-tested practices to people who might not only not have heard of them,…
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Praying with a Painting: A Winter’s Walk
I invite you to spend some time praying with my dad’s painting, which he entitled, “Winter’s Day.” Yes, he lives in Minnesota where they enjoy scenes just like this. I miss the sunshine gleaming on the snow, the sound of the crunch under your boots, the brightness of everything covered in white. Mind you, I…
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‘Under a Wing and From a Prayer” by Juliet Mitchell: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
Welcome back to the 7 Ways to Pray blog series! I welcome Juliet Mitchell, who shares a beautiful picture of being safe and secure under God’s wings – whatever happens. Enjoy! In 2019 my husband and I decided on a joint 50th birthday journey to New Zealand to visit my brother and cousins. My husband…
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What I Read in 2021
I missed out writing about what I read in 2020, but want to join in with this yearly look back at a life in books. (Here are other years.) I read some 50 books in 2021 – down from 2020 but still a good number. I love reading and so yes, this may be more…
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Happy Christmas!
It brings me great joy to wish you a happy Christmas! Whether you’re experiencing unadulterated joy with the gathering of your dreams or you’re feeling sad about changed plans – or somewhere in between – may you know the wonder of the Gift of Christmas, Jesus, God and Man. I’m grateful to know that so…
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Prayer for the Light this Advent Season
I’m pausing the prayer guest blog series for a few weeks over the holiday period; I look forward to sharing some more wonderful contributions later in January. Here’s a prayer from Celebrating Christmas for this Advent season. You can buy a copy of this book with my dad’s wonderful art and my reflections. May you…
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Treasuring all these things: Praying with a Painting
As we move toward Christmas, we can become overwhelmed with plans and carol concerts and baking and shopping and wondering whether or not to host that Christmas meal in these pandemic times. We can overlook the reason for all of this activity – Jesus being born. Why not stop for a few moments and ponder…
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‘Practicing God’s Presence: God in my everything’ by Ruth O’Reilly-Smith: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
Reading Ruth’s blogpost makes me smile. I love hearing her story of noticing God at work through his creation, as the robin darted to and fro during her daily walk. Practicing God’s presence can be achieved simply by noticing. I trust you’ll enjoy Ruth’s post – and do check out her lovely new book too…
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‘Lament as a Means of Survival’ by Claire Musters: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
The experience of heart-wrenching trials has pushed Claire even closer to God, especially as she has rediscovered the prayer of lament. She shares movingly and gives a helpful example of how to pray this way, based on Psalm 13. You won’t want to miss this. Guttural cries of ‘Why Lord?’, heart-wrenching pain, endless tears, physical…
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A Prayer for Advent
Here we are in Advent, and I haven’t yet set up the Advent wreath or figured out if I’m going to read something different for my daily devotional time. Can you relate? Whether we are super organized and have all of our Christmas shopping already done (and yes I do actually know a few people…
