Routines

Welcome and Good Morning!

I'm beginning a new/old routine for myself. I was inspired by two articles I read this morning.

One by Fr. Richard Peers called "The Solitary Life."
https://educationpriest.wordpress.com/2018/03/11/serious-christianity-the-solitary-life/

I was moved by the ideas in this article and how it can move me closer to God. Now, I can't live the Solitary Life being married and also living with my mother-in-law, but I can incorporate some of the routines, like solitary prayer and what and how they pray. I'm feeling drawn to this. It made me want do Morning Prayer from "The Book of Common Prayer," this morning and I feel refreshed by it.

Another article I came across, I found them both on Facebook this morning, is an article by Fr. Drew Downs called "Praying in the Dark," where he talks of Nicodemus.
https://drewdowns.net/2018/03/11/praying-dark/

This article also inspired me towards Morning Prayer and also toward Evening Prayer, as well. I used to practice Evening Prayer in my backyard one summer, sitting in my swing and looking towards the mountains. I found such peace in the nightly practice. Time to get back to it.

I don't have "my" church close by. I am an Episcopalian and the closest churches are an hour and a half away in each direction once I hit the major highway. I have tried a couple of churches in my area and wasn't inspired to return. So, I think this new routine of Morning and Evening Prayer, along with the internet studies I belong to, will do the trick of deepening my faith and my walk with the Lord. I will keep you posted on my progress.

I am starting to notice signs of Spring in my area. Although we  still need more snow on the mountains and rain, I look forward to this season of the renewing of the earth and myself. Maybe take some time for yourself today and look for the signs of Spring in your area. Share them with me in the comments below.

Drove by beautiful Mt. Shasta yesterday. Breathtaking....

Gratitude

1. Mountains

2. Routines

3. Peaceful feelings

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Blessings,

Deborah

About the Sacraments

Challenge - Day 15

Start with God
Stay with God
End with God

I read another great article by Fr. Downs today regarding the sacraments. Once again he nailed it. Beautiful post.

http://drewdowns.net/2016/10/15/talk-sacraments/


Gratitude
1. The Sacraments
2. Baptism into Faith
3. The new day

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

8 Ways to Pray When You Can't

After my shakedown in faith, (see July 7, & 26, posts), I still struggle with praying.  I'm good with short prayers, like asking for a safe trip to my destination and home again, or praying for a friend/stranger in need of prayers for something. Where I am still having trouble is with the in-depth and meditative prayers.

Here are a few things I am trying to help me get back on track.

1. Use a book of prayers.
I have two, "The Book of Common Prayer" and "365 Pocket Prayers." Both are full of prayers for all occasions and topics. Any you may have will work.

2. Read the Psalms. This needs no explanation.

3. Ask Jesus to pray for you.
I simply say, "Lord I can't pray today. Please pray for me."
I feel He does.

4. Read a verse or book in the Bible and offer it up as a prayer to God.

5. Sing your favorite hymn or pop Christian song. Do it loudly.

6. Read other Christian Blogs on prayer.
There are many out there with lots of inspiration.

7. Count your blessings.

8. Go to a place like Bible Gateway, (link on my right sidebar), and do a search on pray or prayer.

I hope these will help you if you struggle, at times, like I do.


1Thessalonians 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually,

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Gratitude
3 gifts in prayer
1. Confession
2. Forgiveness
3. Joy

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah