Pause+Pray

Prayer can become a laundry list of intentions so the Lord can get you through your day-to-day problems. It won’t change the situation, but it will change you. How do you need to switch up your prayer life?

Jesus of Nazareth’s prayer life was not Pollyanna. It was messy, honest, and complex. Even the Son of God experienced the pain of God’s absence.

Clare Offreduccio (1194-1253) grew up in a wealthy, devout family, and likely was expected to marry. However, all that changed when she heard Francis of Assisi speak.

Look around your life today. Can you see how God is right here? Can you tell that you don’t have to wait for anything else to happen?

Speak to someone you don’t know well. Or call someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. And really listen.

I like the idea of an enthused God. It stands in meaningful contrast to the stern judgmental Old Testament God of my youth. I lack the gift of enthusiasm but witness it through some loved ones blessed with that gift.