   Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) and George Whitefield (1714-1770) were close friends for thirty years. It was an unlikely friendship. Whitefield was an Englishman and Franklin was an American; and, in the later years of their friendship, America was moving toward independence, much to the dismay of England. Whitefield was an eloquent and fiery evangelical […]
3337) Ben, George, and an Interesting Speech Read More »
For most of my ministry, I led Sunday morning worship out of the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978, Augsburg Publishing House). The order of service was the traditional Lutheran liturgy. Near the end of the service each week was the “The Prayer of the Church,” with a recommended format (along with other options). In the
3317) The Prayer of the Church Read More »
George Washington (1732-1799) ——————- PRIVATE: Â A prayer at age 20: Â Â O Most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ, my merciful and loving Father; I acknowledge and confess my guilt in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. Â I have called on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of my sins,
3290) George Washington on Religion Read More »
    Spontaneous prayer, prayed in our own words, can be heartfelt, personal, and real. It can also be repetitious, shallow, and unfocused. Good printed prayers, written by others, read and meditated upon, can be a helpful aid to our prayer life. Today’s meditation consists of a few prayers that might be useful to you. Print
3280) Going Deeper Read More »
William Barclay (1907-1978) was a Church of Scotland minister, professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Glasgow, and author. He wrote several excellent books of prayer from which the following were taken and adapted. ************************************* Praying for Help to Be Good People: Lord Jesus, help us to live that we may bring help and
3274) Prayers of William Barclay Read More »
   Eighty-two years ago today, on the morning of June 6, 1944, Allied forces led by the Americans, invaded Northern France in the biggest military operation in history.  The goal was to get a foothold on the continent, push back the German forces, and defeat the Nazi war machine that was threatening Western civilization.
3267) FDR’s D-Day Prayer Read More »
   When newscasters are reporting a tragic accident, crime, or storm, they will often end the segment by assuring all those affected that they are “in our thoughts and prayers.” Sometimes they will also add a website address to which viewers can go to find out how they can help those in need. Here
3257) Thoughts and Prayers Read More »
Psalm 19:14 — May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. ******************************** LIKRAT SHABBAT (preparing for the Sabbath) By Rabbi Jack Riemer We cannot merely pray to you, O God, to end war; For we know that You have made the
3249) Good Prayers Read More »
From The Exile, by Pearl S. Buck, 1936; as quoted in Stories of Faith, by Ruth Tucker, 1989. ——————————- Pearl Buck at home in Zhenxiang, China as a child (on left): Â Â Â Spending time in prayer each day is a discipline that is often difficult to maintain, and missionaries sometimes struggle more with time
3238) “Somebody Has to Do the Work” Read More »
    A few days ago, Emailmeditation #3228 told the story of William and Wilhemina Kruse, South Dakota pioneers, who lost nine children to diphtheria in 1894. Upon reading it, my friend Tim emailed to tell me that the story was very personal for him. He sent me a brief account of his family faith history.Â
3232) “In Jesus’ Name” Read More »
