Gossip–its a basic human sin. We talk about someone behind their backs, criticize and demean. If only we spent some of the time we spent putting people down praising them. Today think of someone you’ve put down in your own head or in the presence of others. Then write that person and tell them how you see their lives working toward the good of God’s kingdom. Don’t tell the person that you’ve put them down, but honestly appreciate their goodness. Read more
Eat no food or drink until sun down. Wendell Berry once wrote that: “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.” The same could be said of food. In fasting we stop eating to open space in our lives to once again find the sacredness of food and embrace the goodness of God. It is a way of rest for the body, a kind of Sabbath. Today think about the sacredness of the food you... Read more
So much of our life is complicated and it is often made so because of our attempts to manipulate others. A habit–a standard way of dressing in a simple way is a way beyond all of this. For a week or two find a couple of standard, versatile outfits and wear them over and over. Keep the outfits simple and find ways to adapt them to the weather. The key is to make your clothes a non-issue so that you... Read more
Billy Graham famously prayed through the newspaper. This is a practice that re-narrates the world’s events in light of God’s kingdom and the fundamental news that love wins. Today pray through the news whether its online, on paper, or on the screen. Don’t pray for any outcome other than that God’s kingdom will come in its fullness in each life and story. Read more
The future is an obsession for many of us–we plan for it, insure it, invest in it. But the future is always uncertain and completely beyond our control–we simply can’t know it or make it into what we want it to be. Instead, we must trust that God has our best interest at heart and put our energy into following God’s way. Make a list of all of your future worries and cross each one off and replace it with... Read more
In addition to memorizing scripture it is also fruitful to memorize prayers, especially ancient prayers that have played a significant role in the church. The prayer of St. Ephrem is such a prayer. Likely composed in St. Ephrem’s name around 373, the prayer of St. Ephrem is a penitential prayer and is used as a the essential prayer of Lent by the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is a beautiful prayer that in a few sentences helps name the sins that... Read more
Today rest from all effort, all work, all striving. There’s nothing you have to do–just accept God’s grace. Read more
Take time today to walk in a natural setting–it could be a garden, a hiking trail, or beach. Pray that God will reconcile all of creation and ask what your role in that reconciliation might be. Read more
Fast from all food and caloric drinks until 5 PM. Pay attention to your hungers–what non-food cravings do you have? These are likely areas that need your attention. Read more
As you go about your day, offer quick bursts of prayer–a quick word of blessing, a short petition, a confession. When you see the news pray, “Thy kingdom come” at the screen. When you pass a person on the street pray, “Lord, bless her today.” When you think some disparaging thought of someone else say, “Lord, have mercy.” Keep your prayers short and let them mediate your interactions with the world around you. Find one hour early in the day... Read more
Word + Flesh
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