Karl Barth (1886-1968) is widely considered to be one of the greatest Protestant theologians of the last 100 years. As a theologian, he wrote many big and baffling books, challenging even the brightest seminary students. But he began his ministry far from academia, serving for ten years as a pastor in a remote, small Swiss […]
3020) A Theologian at Prayer Read More »
TWO PICTURES –By Annie Douglas Robinson (1842-1913) An old farmhouse with meadows wide, And sweet with clover on each side; A bright-eyed boy, who looks from out The door with woodbine wreathed about, And wishes his one thought all day: ”Oh, if I could only fly away From this dull spot, the world to see,
3009) On Wanting to Be Somewhere Else Read More »
One afternoon, according to an old Sufi (Muslim) tale, Nasruddin and his friend were sitting in a cafe, drinking tea, and talking about life and love. ”How come you never got married, Nasruddin?” asked his friend at one point. ”Well,” Nasruddin said, “to tell you the truth, I spent
3002) “She’s Perfect, But…” Read More »
MARK 10:13-16 — People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
2998) Praying for Children Read More »
Image above: Head of an Old Woman, 1563, Pieter Brueghel the Elder (Flemish, 1525-1569). ********************* Job 34:17-28: 17 Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One? 18 Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ 19 who shows no partiality to princes
2991) “We’re Gonna Pray Ye Dead” Read More »
She was 89. Her arthritis kept her from moving around freely in the nursing home, and now that her sight was gone, she was even more reluctant to venture out on her own. She had no family, and all her friends were gone. No one came to visit her. Most days
2968) Let Me Not Live to Be Useless Read More »
Galatians 5:22-23a — The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ————————- Christian pastor, author, and speaker Bob Hostetler put together this monthly prayer list in 2005. He developed it as a way to pray for his children. In addition to daily prayers for their guidance and
2952) Praying for the Fruit of the Spirit Read More »
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something of every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my
2930) Prayers for the Elderly Read More »
Wendell F. was an Old Testament professor at Luther Seminary when I was a student there in the 1970’s. In June of 1995, the year he retired, he wrote this article. This is not a happy story, but it is a typical story. It is written to parents of a particular generation, but it will
2928) A Father’s Anguish Read More »
Today’s meditation is brief, but it requires a slow and prayerful reading. It is taken from the book A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie (1949). This book contains 62 prayers, one for every morning and evening of the month. It is one of the resources I use every day in my own personal
2922) A Prayer for Self-Examination and Confession Read More »
