A PERSONAL PRAYER Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all come from? Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all belong?  God, I think that is what you are saying so much of the time. Sometimes, even I, who have a marvelous family and incredible church family, think to myself "where do I belong?" It is at the core of the human condition, isn't it? From the moment we hid ourselves from you in the garden, loneliness set in. You said it was not good that we be alone, but then [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, sometimes life is marvelous and wonderful, and gratitude comes easy. But sometimes, life is difficult. Bad things happen. I've seen it in the lives of other people I care about. People they love die too young. They get cheated or swindled or robbed. The job they count on goes away. Their marriages fail and friendships falter. Children struggle and parents disappoint. Money gets scarce and pressures rise. Sometimes, God, these problems are "circumstances," out of their control. Sometimes, they contributed to the problem. And God, you know there have been times in my own [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God of all times and all people in all places, You know how I hate conflict and tension. I suspect there are some people who love a good fight - sort of "bring it on." But not me, God. I just want us all to get along. Is that just an unreasonable expectation, God? I read your scripture to call for "shalom," peace with justice, everything in harmony. You tell me that if I come to the altar with gifts, and my brother or sister has something against me, I should leave my gift at [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I remember the first time I made a commitment to following you, and offered you my life in response to your amazing grace. I felt so empowered, so full of life. I felt that nothing could bring me down. It was like I was getting married - I was going to follow you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. In my mind, I knew there would be good times and bad times, but I thought we could handle them all together, you [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, I have discovered that most folks don't like to talk about sin much. Actually, I don't like to talk about sin much. But sin is real. It is "crouching at the door." Sometimes, I find myself stuck in a pattern of living and thinking that I know miss the mark. Like St. Paul, I want to do good, but the very thing I want to avoid is the thing I find myself doing. I won't detail it all here where others can read the list - but you know what it is God, and [...]