“…Give us today our daily bread…” -Matthew 6:11 As Anabaptist Mennonites we reject the teachings of the prosperity gospel. We take seriously the blesseds of beatitudes found in the Sermon on the Mount, trusting in the upside-down kingdom that Jesus revealed. Those that gathered near to Jesus knew need, experienced suffering. And this simple andContinue reading “Comfort: Lent Week 4 – Daily Needs”
Tag Archives: prayer
Joy: Lent Week 3 – The Will of God
“Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below.” -Matthew 6:10 As Anabaptist Christians we understand our call to live in the way of Jesus. As the poem from Saint Teresa of Avila says: Christ has no body but yours. We are invited to join in God’s kingdom work, being agents of shalom. AsContinue reading “Joy: Lent Week 3 – The Will of God”
Comfort: Lent Week 3 – Set the world right
“Set the world right;Do what’s best- as above, so below.” Matthew 6:10 (The Message) “So many bad things have been done in the name of God. How do we know we are doing the right thing?” a friend asked during a Bible study. This is such a good question and one that many of us haveContinue reading “Comfort: Lent Week 3 – Set the world right”
Joy: Lent Week 2 – Holiness of God
For your practice this week find some time to enjoy the Lord’s Prayer set to music. There are many versions. Music, of course, helps us to remember, and a beautiful or catchy tune often springs up unbidden again later in the day. Find a musical version of the Lord’s Prayer that you love and play,Continue reading “Joy: Lent Week 2 – Holiness of God”
Joy: Lent Week 1 – Imago Dei
“With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven…” -Matthew 6:9 The wallpaper image on my computer is a picture of me and my daughter sharing a laugh. While the photo is now five years old, it brings me joy to see the delight on myContinue reading “Joy: Lent Week 1 – Imago Dei”
Comfort: Lent Week 1 – Our Father
“Our Father in heaven…” -Matthew 6:9 I love hearing all the names children call their parents and grandparents. There are so many and they are generally endearing. When my son Joel was little he sometimes called me Mama, which warmed my heart. Now that my children are in college and middle school, I’m usually justContinue reading “Comfort: Lent Week 1 – Our Father”
Pray very Simply
In times of uncertainty, overwhelm or stress, we can turn to the rhythms and rituals of our lives to ground us. Just as seasons of grief, winter or wilderness force us to wrestle with discomfort and uncertainty, so too, these are opportunities to lean into the practices that sustain us and explore new ways ofContinue reading “Pray very Simply”
Counterbalance: Blessing for Renewal
May the wonder of this world renew you day by day. When you feel distant isolated and alone May you be comforted and companioned by your community When you feel overwhelmed pained and grieved May you simply be through noticing all your body is sensing and experiencing When you feel busy frantic and frenetic MayContinue reading “Counterbalance: Blessing for Renewal”
Advent Blessing
No matter what unfolds, may you hold onto hope for the fulfillment of what the Lord has spoken. From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings & Practices for Advent, available now from your favorite book retailer.
An invitation and practice for election day
“While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ” – Luke 24:15 (NRSV) Dear Community, Anxious or restless, passionate or unplugged, there are many intense feelings and concerns within our country, communities, families, and even within ourselves as today, the US election seasonContinue reading “An invitation and practice for election day”
some comfort and joy 