The prayer of the just is holy converse in the intimacy of frienship with the God of our hearts, who is closer to us than we are to ourselves. In prayer, the soul is endowed with power from above; it experiences a strength that is not its own, but Christ's. In prayer the soul acquires and exercises all the virtues, particularly (besides religion) faith, hope, and charity. By these virtues, the soul traverses the distance seperating it from God; prayer is an actual participation of the divine Life; it is the child's sharing in the Father's knowledge and love of Himself.
Prayer takes its origin from the love of God, or at least from the desire to love God; and it is the great means of enkindling this love. It originates in love: it is the love of God or the desire for this love that leads us to pray - to apply our mind to Him. It results in an increase of love, that is its final purpose and ultimate effect.
What are the parts of prayer? From our definition, we can gather that they are acts of the reason and will. The intellect, or reason, considers the subject of prayer in the light of faith in order to arouse acts of the heart, that is, of the will and affections. Considerations - the acts of the reason - without acts of the will would be reflection, but not prayer. Acts of the will, cannot be habitually elicited without these preliminary considerations. But it is the acts of the will which unite our soul to God by conforming our will to His in love, and it is in this loving conformity of will that union with God consists. This conformity extends to fidelity to the duties of one's state in life.
Since prayer is conversation with God, we should introduce it with a realization of His presence. We may call to mind who He is, and who we are. He is all and we are not. We humble ourselves before Him and adore Him; then we have begun to pray.
II Corinthians 4:6
"Let light shine out of darkness"
07 November, 2010
02 September, 2010
Something to Meditate On
The Gravity of sin comes from its being an offense against God, but its effect on the soul is to be measured neither by the guilt nor by the temporal punishment inexorably affixed, but by that deep sense of lonliness it brings with it. Sin makes a man realize as nothing else does the terrible lonliness of life. It is possible that, after a while, this perception wears off and the soul becomes in this way, as in others, hardened to the sense of sin, but at first, when the conscience is still delicate and refined, after an offense against God human nature feels itself to shrivel up and become cut off from the rest of the world.
Notice children when they have done wrong - how difficult it is for them to face their fellows again; they seem to have severed themselves from the companionship of those with whom they are wont to play.
God is the most intimate neighbor of the soul; no other power can creep so close to the heart and tangle itself so cunningly with the roots of our desire.
Man, in other words, was made for love, the diviner part of him for divine love. By sin is all this love dried up. The parched and thirsty soul feels, therfore, the need of the dew of God, and rushes madly as the beasts wander the jungle looking for the water they cannot find. The soul by sin is thus made solitary. When I am feeling particularly the lonliness of life, perhaps the cause is that I lean too little upon God; perhaps it is that my sins will not let me feel that inward presence that is the sole real source of peace here below. I was created by Love for love, and when by sin I act contrary to Love, my heart must necessarily feel His absence.
Notice children when they have done wrong - how difficult it is for them to face their fellows again; they seem to have severed themselves from the companionship of those with whom they are wont to play.
God is the most intimate neighbor of the soul; no other power can creep so close to the heart and tangle itself so cunningly with the roots of our desire.
Man, in other words, was made for love, the diviner part of him for divine love. By sin is all this love dried up. The parched and thirsty soul feels, therfore, the need of the dew of God, and rushes madly as the beasts wander the jungle looking for the water they cannot find. The soul by sin is thus made solitary. When I am feeling particularly the lonliness of life, perhaps the cause is that I lean too little upon God; perhaps it is that my sins will not let me feel that inward presence that is the sole real source of peace here below. I was created by Love for love, and when by sin I act contrary to Love, my heart must necessarily feel His absence.
30 August, 2010
I John 2:9 Called to Love
For each of us, the Word becomes flesh. We know God by traveling the ways of love. On this path, we are transformed into gift. We are made by the light and for the light. This is not a simple assignment. We carved the old commandments into stone and tried to follow them. Where do we inscribe the new commandment? It presses against our flesh and sometimes breaks us open. The ways of love go deep.
From our first breath, love called us into existence. Without care, a child does not survive. Somehow, through the crowded years, we learned to listen. To hold another's words quietly and seek to understand. To take delight in the strange beauty of each person. To act in hope even when no light glimmers. To behold our own self with amazement. To wash the feet of another.
Some love seems impossible. How do I seek the good of my enemy? Saying these words slowly - there stands my brother, my sister - what is impossible begins to change.
Prepare my soul, O Lord, to hear and act on Your words of eternal life. Amen
From our first breath, love called us into existence. Without care, a child does not survive. Somehow, through the crowded years, we learned to listen. To hold another's words quietly and seek to understand. To take delight in the strange beauty of each person. To act in hope even when no light glimmers. To behold our own self with amazement. To wash the feet of another.
Some love seems impossible. How do I seek the good of my enemy? Saying these words slowly - there stands my brother, my sister - what is impossible begins to change.
Prepare my soul, O Lord, to hear and act on Your words of eternal life. Amen
23 August, 2010
Just some thoughts
It's a common mistake to think that God's "works" and "mighty deeds" are told only in Scripture. Every person's life is God's work of art, an expression of His creative love, His goodness, His compassion. We as Christians, should be able to "see" God in all of His creation. If we are to help our fellow man, then we must see him/her as Jesus see's them.
As a unique, precious, eternal soul in search of completion. That completion can only be found in God.
God is the Lord to one who waits for Him,/
to the soul that seeks Him. Lam 3:25
As a unique, precious, eternal soul in search of completion. That completion can only be found in God.
God is the Lord to one who waits for Him,/
to the soul that seeks Him. Lam 3:25
19 August, 2010
09 August, 2010
Give to Caesar
"Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God" (Mark 12:17)
When Jesus asked whose image was on the coin, He pointed to the image as a sign of ownership. Caesar's image and inscription on the coin meant that it belonged to Caesar. Jesus applied this logic and expression of ownership to humanity, when He added: "Give to God what belongs to God."
Going by the logic of the comparison, if the coin belonged to Caesar because it bore the image and inscription of Caesar, then humanity created in the "image and likeness of God" (Gen 1:26-27) must belong to God. If the coin must be given to Caesar because it bore Caesar's sign of ownership, namely his image, then we as human beings, bearing God's sign of ownership in our creation in the image of God, must in justice give ourselves to God.
That means that religion and worshiping God are about justice. Giving ourselves to God is doing what is just: We are giving to God what belongs to God. The worship of God is a basic act of justice.
When we don't give to God what belongs to God, we are not able to give to others what belongs to them. When we are unjust to God, we will be unjust to others. The less religious we become, the more the world will be filled with unjustice, and the more faithful we become in relationship with God, the more justice there will be in the world.
When Jesus asked whose image was on the coin, He pointed to the image as a sign of ownership. Caesar's image and inscription on the coin meant that it belonged to Caesar. Jesus applied this logic and expression of ownership to humanity, when He added: "Give to God what belongs to God."
Going by the logic of the comparison, if the coin belonged to Caesar because it bore the image and inscription of Caesar, then humanity created in the "image and likeness of God" (Gen 1:26-27) must belong to God. If the coin must be given to Caesar because it bore Caesar's sign of ownership, namely his image, then we as human beings, bearing God's sign of ownership in our creation in the image of God, must in justice give ourselves to God.
That means that religion and worshiping God are about justice. Giving ourselves to God is doing what is just: We are giving to God what belongs to God. The worship of God is a basic act of justice.
When we don't give to God what belongs to God, we are not able to give to others what belongs to them. When we are unjust to God, we will be unjust to others. The less religious we become, the more the world will be filled with unjustice, and the more faithful we become in relationship with God, the more justice there will be in the world.
08 August, 2010
Books of the Bible
Some of you have e-mailed me asking why you can't find certain books listed in the readings in your Bible. This is because some Bibles do not have all of the books of the Old Testament (OT). Typically there are seven (7) books missing from the OT in most protestant Bibles. They are known as the Deuterocanonical (DTC) books. For centuries they were part of all Bibles, until they were removed by protestant reformers. I personally believe that no part of the Bible should ever be removed by anyone for any reason. If your Bible doesn't have them you should be able to find them online. Check out http://www.e-sword.net/ this is a great web-site! You can download numerous versions of the Bible, look for KJVA or KJV 1611, these contain all 73 books of the OT. Also, you can d-load commentaries, dictionaries, images, maps, etc.. and a host of other items that are very useful. As to the question of which translation is best. I say the best translation to have is the one you will read. For in depth Bible study I prefer the Revised Standard Version (RSV) by Ignatius Press and the English Standard Version (ESV) by Crossway publisher. Although I must confess for general reading and memorizing I still use the King James Version (KJV).
04 August, 2010
A Lack of Silver
If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
- Psalm 90:8
A lot of families have taken a serious financial blow in recent years. If at one point they had that "bountiful harvest" Jesus talks about in Luke, it's disappeared. And the need for building bigger barns is long gone. In some cases, the family home is gone.
If every cloud has a silver lining, maybe a lack of silver - gold, savings, stocks, steady employment - offers something valuable, too. Yes, these families mourn what they've lost and they worry about what will be but....Whether they've wanted it or not, they've taken a large step toward a simpler lifestyle. Toward one that focuses on "treasures in heaven". It's a lesson, and a lifestyle, we all need, no matter what our financial status may be.
Dear Lord, help me find ways to assist families who are hurting financially. Amen
- Psalm 90:8
A lot of families have taken a serious financial blow in recent years. If at one point they had that "bountiful harvest" Jesus talks about in Luke, it's disappeared. And the need for building bigger barns is long gone. In some cases, the family home is gone.
If every cloud has a silver lining, maybe a lack of silver - gold, savings, stocks, steady employment - offers something valuable, too. Yes, these families mourn what they've lost and they worry about what will be but....Whether they've wanted it or not, they've taken a large step toward a simpler lifestyle. Toward one that focuses on "treasures in heaven". It's a lesson, and a lifestyle, we all need, no matter what our financial status may be.
Dear Lord, help me find ways to assist families who are hurting financially. Amen
02 August, 2010
August 1st -
Hello All, I know it's been several weeks since my last post. I've been working 6 days a week, 12 hours a day. Even though that is still my schedule I'm going to be more diligent about posting at least every couple of days. So today I thought I would give you the readings for the 1st week of August.
8/01 Sunday - Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Psalm 90
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
Wisdom 16:20
John 6:35
8/02 Monday - Jeremiah 28:1-17
Psalm 119:1-8
Matthew 14:13-21
John 10:10
8/03 Tuesday- Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22
Psalm 102
Matthew 14:22-36
Wisdom 16:20
8/04 Wednesday - Luke 4:18
Jeremiah 31:1-7
Psalm 8
Matthew 15:21-28
Matthew 28:20
8/05 Thursday - Jeremiah 31:-34
Psalm 51
Matthew 16:13-23
Hebrews 13:14
8/06 Friday - Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97
II Peter 1:16-19
Luke 9:28b-36
8/07 Saturday - Habakkuk 1:12-2:4
Psalm 9
Matthew 17:14-20
8/01 Sunday - Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Psalm 90
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
Wisdom 16:20
John 6:35
8/02 Monday - Jeremiah 28:1-17
Psalm 119:1-8
Matthew 14:13-21
John 10:10
8/03 Tuesday- Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22
Psalm 102
Matthew 14:22-36
Wisdom 16:20
8/04 Wednesday - Luke 4:18
Jeremiah 31:1-7
Psalm 8
Matthew 15:21-28
Matthew 28:20
8/05 Thursday - Jeremiah 31:-34
Psalm 51
Matthew 16:13-23
Hebrews 13:14
8/06 Friday - Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97
II Peter 1:16-19
Luke 9:28b-36
8/07 Saturday - Habakkuk 1:12-2:4
Psalm 9
Matthew 17:14-20
07 July, 2010
Prayers
Prayer - Everyone I have ever met says that prayer is the best thing to do in any/every situation. And yet everyone I have ever met also says that they don't pray enough! What is the deal with prayer? We all say we do it, need it, want it, but I wonder sometimes if anyone other than little 80 year old women are doing any real prayer time.
If you want more prayer you have to make it part of your daily routine, i.e. habit.
This in no way takes away from the meaning of prayer. Just like a friend who gives you a call just to chat instead of only calling when he/she needs something, God wants to hear from you on a regular basis. Pray before meals (say grace), pray before you go to sleep, pray in the morning (before work or school).
You can start with short simple prayers until you get comfortable with doing it in a deeper more meaningful way.
There are 2 different kinds of prayer that I use, both of which are effective (especially when inspired/led by the Holy Spirit). Pre-written and "Free-style".
The 1st are just like they sound - these are prayers written ahead of time by you, or more often by someone else. The Lord's Prayer is a good example of a pre-written prayer. Also, you can purchase whole books of prayers. These are great for those times when you don't know how to put into words what you want to say. I mean no disrespect when I say, just like picking out the perfect greeting card for someone on their birthday, pre-written prayers come in handy. You can even memorize a few of them, especially ones based on sacred scripture.
The 2nd kind - "free-style" - tend to be more spontaneous. They can be short, or long, full of big words, or little words. They can quote from scripture or other writings. They can ramble, or hammer the same point over and over in different ways. They can be for our selves or for others. The list goes on and on.
Remember though, not all prayer time involves you doing all of the "talking". Sometimes the best prayer time is spent simply listening. No matter which type of prayer you like best, I encourage you to try them all. Also, prayer works best when it is from the heart. Take the time to put away your ego, remove the "walls" that we all use to keep people at a distance, and offer up your most inner self, that part of you that God wants to know and love.
Here is the prayer I mentioned in my last post:
SURRENDER
Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
May the Grace and Blessings of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, descend upon you and remain forever. Amen
Your humble servant, pastor-jonathan
If you want more prayer you have to make it part of your daily routine, i.e. habit.
This in no way takes away from the meaning of prayer. Just like a friend who gives you a call just to chat instead of only calling when he/she needs something, God wants to hear from you on a regular basis. Pray before meals (say grace), pray before you go to sleep, pray in the morning (before work or school).
You can start with short simple prayers until you get comfortable with doing it in a deeper more meaningful way.
There are 2 different kinds of prayer that I use, both of which are effective (especially when inspired/led by the Holy Spirit). Pre-written and "Free-style".
The 1st are just like they sound - these are prayers written ahead of time by you, or more often by someone else. The Lord's Prayer is a good example of a pre-written prayer. Also, you can purchase whole books of prayers. These are great for those times when you don't know how to put into words what you want to say. I mean no disrespect when I say, just like picking out the perfect greeting card for someone on their birthday, pre-written prayers come in handy. You can even memorize a few of them, especially ones based on sacred scripture.
The 2nd kind - "free-style" - tend to be more spontaneous. They can be short, or long, full of big words, or little words. They can quote from scripture or other writings. They can ramble, or hammer the same point over and over in different ways. They can be for our selves or for others. The list goes on and on.
Remember though, not all prayer time involves you doing all of the "talking". Sometimes the best prayer time is spent simply listening. No matter which type of prayer you like best, I encourage you to try them all. Also, prayer works best when it is from the heart. Take the time to put away your ego, remove the "walls" that we all use to keep people at a distance, and offer up your most inner self, that part of you that God wants to know and love.
Here is the prayer I mentioned in my last post:
SURRENDER
Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
May the Grace and Blessings of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, descend upon you and remain forever. Amen
Your humble servant, pastor-jonathan
06 July, 2010
Readings
Greetings all,
Today I thought I would get us started with listing the readings from a lectionary. Also, I created an e-mail address just for this blog. Please try not to over-use it, but do contact me with important items/comments.
The readings for July 4th - Psalm 66:1, Isaiah 66:10-14, Galations 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9
July 5th - Psalm 145:8, Hosea 2:16, 17-18, 21-22,
Matthew 9:18-26
July 6th - Psalm 115:9; Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Matthew 9:32-38
July 7th - Psalm 105;4; Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Matthew 10:1-7
July 8th - Psalm 80:4; Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9; Matthew 10:7-15
July 9th - Psalm 51:17; Hosea 14:2-10; Matthew 10:16-23
July 10th-Psalm93:1; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 10:24-33
Today's Gospel (7/5) teaches us to approach Jesus with confidence that our
prayer's will be heard.
"Jesus, only say the word and I shall be healed".
Tomorrow I'll share a prayer that I found in an old book that's been on my shelf for years. It's centuries old, but some things are timeless, like Truth.
Yours in Christ, Jesus - pastor-jonathan
pastor-jonathan-blog@live.com
Today I thought I would get us started with listing the readings from a lectionary. Also, I created an e-mail address just for this blog. Please try not to over-use it, but do contact me with important items/comments.
The readings for July 4th - Psalm 66:1, Isaiah 66:10-14, Galations 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9
July 5th - Psalm 145:8, Hosea 2:16, 17-18, 21-22,
Matthew 9:18-26
July 6th - Psalm 115:9; Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Matthew 9:32-38
July 7th - Psalm 105;4; Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Matthew 10:1-7
July 8th - Psalm 80:4; Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9; Matthew 10:7-15
July 9th - Psalm 51:17; Hosea 14:2-10; Matthew 10:16-23
July 10th-Psalm93:1; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 10:24-33
Today's Gospel (7/5) teaches us to approach Jesus with confidence that our
prayer's will be heard.
"Jesus, only say the word and I shall be healed".
Tomorrow I'll share a prayer that I found in an old book that's been on my shelf for years. It's centuries old, but some things are timeless, like Truth.
Yours in Christ, Jesus - pastor-jonathan
pastor-jonathan-blog@live.com
04 July, 2010
first post
ok people lets do this!! First of all I must warn you that you will find all sorts of things on this blog from all parts of christianity. Instead of being non-denominational, I prefer to be inter-denominational, or is it intra-denominational?
Doesn't matter.
What I'm trying to say is I don't care what denomination you are as long as you are christian. I seek truth and understanding from many sources, although I regard the Bible as the only Word of God, completely inerrant.
So, having said that, lets begin this journey together and see if we can have a little fun as we strive to become better people and spread the "good news" as far as we can.
Doesn't matter.
What I'm trying to say is I don't care what denomination you are as long as you are christian. I seek truth and understanding from many sources, although I regard the Bible as the only Word of God, completely inerrant.
So, having said that, lets begin this journey together and see if we can have a little fun as we strive to become better people and spread the "good news" as far as we can.
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