Our Stories Unleashed

The Process of Prayer

Growing up in the church, I have been taught much on when to pray, what to pray, and how to pray. Tradition has taught me what word choices, what tone of voice, and what style of delivery God must prefer. I have seen such tradition make prayer seem inaccessible to those not well-versed in our churchy lingo and rhetoric. I bet you have seen this also. Many times it seems the ability to pray is a matter of the brain: a mind activity in which we must remember exactly the right things to pray...

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Remember

When I need to remember to take something with me when I leave the house, I usually put it in a spot at the end of the kitchen counter. I’ll pass by it on my way out the door and see it. If I leave it somewhere else, I likely will forget about it. I need the visual reminder. I do the same thing with lists. When I need to remember to do or buy something, I add it to a list. I may remember it without adding it to the list, but seeing it written helps ensure I’ll...

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Living Courageously

It is natural to be inspired by the bravery of others.  There are times when I reflect upon the sacrifice of my grandparents and all that was required of their generation to overcome the threats of a second world war.  These moments of reflection are both humbling and inspiring.  I have similar emotions when I hear about the bravery of first responders who are often running into danger rather than away from it.  Or even when I think about the examples of courage that are...

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