Ah, May—the time of long spring walks, balmy breezes, and final papers/grades/classes/committee meetings/all of the above. The Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) is grateful for the beautiful weather, but also aware it can be a tough time for our readers as everything wraps up. This Sunday, we share an encouraging passage from Zephaniah and a few prayer requests: [Read more…] about ESN Prayer Post
Prayer
30 Prayers of Thanksgiving
May by God’s grace Emerging Scholars grow in the habit of slowing down in order to express thankfulness and gratitude with those in our various contexts (home, community, campus, local congregation, online): person-to-person, in public small groups, by notes of appreciation, and as a replacement for “obscenity, foolish talk and filthy joking” (Eph 5:4). Consider this an inspirational launching pad/basic toolkit so as not to pass by this season of Thanksgiving like a blur. . . . [Read more…] about 30 Prayers of Thanksgiving
Invitation: A Day of Prayer for Campus Access
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.†— Psalm 91:1-2
Today InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is petitioning the Lord to keep open the doors for our 23 chapters in the California State University (CSU) system. Please join us in A Day of Prayer for Campus Access.
For a Guide for a time of Prayer for the California State University Decision, developed by our national Spiritual Formation Team, visit the Call for Prayer for the California State University System. In the opening section [Worship/Adoration], I meditated upon Praise to the Lord, The Almighty  (3 min) for quite some time before turning to Interceding for the California State University Decision through the lens of Daniel 1:8-9, Daniel 1:18-20, Daniel 3:13-18. [Read more…] about Invitation: A Day of Prayer for Campus Access
Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 1
In follow-up to Who Am I? Bonhoeffer as a Historical Mentor in Prayer, I will explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s understanding of the Book of Psalms as The Prayer Book of the Bible and offer some suggestions for our daily practice. I was inspired to dig into this topic by Theology and Practice of Prayer[1].
Question: How do you “read” and/or pray a Psalm as an individual follower of Christ (possibly as a part of your daily practice) AND as a member of a particular Christian tradition (in corporate and/or daily practice)? To begin prayerful consideration of one’s interaction with the Book of Psalms, I encourage you to take time today to read, pray, and reflect upon Psalm 40 AND U2’s 40. Yes, this is an modification of an exercise of compare/contrast which I used in my class presentation — where we began with a responsive reading of Psalm 40. Note: This video of the Vertigo Tour Live From Chicago (2005) fittingly begins with Yahweh and then transitions to 40.
Today, this week, and throughout our years, may we by God’s grace encourage one-another to wait patiently upon the Lord. May we, as the people of God, offer our thanksgiving (new song) to the Lord. May we rejoice in His deliverance not only from the slimy pit(s) we have found ourselves in this term, but also those from past terms. [Read more…] about Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 1
Who Am I? Bonhoeffer as a Historical Mentor in Prayer: Part 4
Preface
Click here for Who Am I? Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a Historical Mentor in Prayer: Part 1, here for Part II (focused upon Bonhoeffer’s historical context), and here for Part III (focused on Bonhoeffer’s theological reflection). As you consider Praying the Psalms as part of a rule of life, reflect upon
- what it means that Jesus the Christ is the Lord of your head, heart, and hands in all aspects of life (including vocation).
- how often and how thoroughly do you pray through the Psalms individually and/or in your Christian tradition?
- how have you found Bonhoeffer’s “theology is interwoven with the course of his lifeâ€Â (Bethge 1997, viii)? How do his actions in Nazi resistance agree/disagree with his way of life, walk with God? In the end, do you find Bonhoeffer a historical mentor in prayer or not?
Who Am I? – Praying the Psalms as part of a rule of life
Bonhoeffer developed a rule of life[1], informed by “pre-Reformation Christian thought, liturgy, and liturgical renewal, and some features of Catholic philosophy†(Marty, 156), which sustained him even in the darkest hours. In his opening lecture at Finkenwalde Seminary, Bonhoeffer offered a “new monasticismâ€: [Read more…] about Who Am I? Bonhoeffer as a Historical Mentor in Prayer: Part 4