Savior, thank you for your unfailing presence with me. Thank you for reminding me that everything I do is filled with meaning in you. You know that I struggle against and resist so much of what you lay before me to do, because I don't "feel like" doing it. So very much of my meaning … Continue reading Prayer Notes #9–Wanting What You Want, Lord, Then Doing What I Want
Tag: prayer
Prayer Notes #8
The following is an excerpt from much longer piece that I edited and updated from a classic manual of piety from early seventeenth century England. Feel free to make use of this in any way that will be helpful to the body of Christ. Two requests: mention where your got it and don't make money … Continue reading Prayer Notes #8
Prayer Notes #7
A Reflection on Matthew 27:24-31 What kind of king are you, Lord Jesus? Just when I think I’m beginning to understand your kingship, some new facet shifts into my view, and I am again swept up into wonder and amazement, confusion and mystification. You are the Creator of all things, all majestic vistas that we … Continue reading Prayer Notes #7
Pastor Notes #13
In my time as a pastor, I've performed lots and lots of weddings. I've made no secret of the fact that on the whole I'm not terrible fond of doing weddings. Each wedding with the premarital counseling, wedding planning, rehearsal, preliminary and follow-up can be very time consuming. I don't mind that so much. What … Continue reading Pastor Notes #13
Prayer Notes #6–Choosing to Hear
My Lord, how you work in faithful purposefulness! You give me a heart that is able to listen. You intentionally choose to place me where I can be of use. Though, all too often I fail to pay attention. The failure is in my attentiveness, my alertness, not in the clarity of your voice. You … Continue reading Prayer Notes #6–Choosing to Hear
Prayer Notes #5
A PRAYER Lord God, your goodness and patience are a constant presence in my life. I confess that I do not recognize or acknowledge that presence sometimes . . . often. That, I suppose, is why I experience you so often as Patience, though I neglect to attend to you, to your wisdom, to your … Continue reading Prayer Notes #5
Prayer Notes #4
A Prayer Good morning, Lord. Thanks you for another lovely start to a new day. I find such pleasure in being near you. Why do I so often wander away from you and for such long periods? Why do I find it so hard to return once I've wandered off? I do feel so much … Continue reading Prayer Notes #4
Prayer Notes #3–Reflecting on Acts 2:38
A Prayer Reflecting on Acts 2:38 I confess, Lord, that I'm not sure that I'm willing to repent. Well, but I don't want not to repent. The price of that is far too great. But the complete change of life, of direction, of behavior seems so hard; and I love my ease and comfort and … Continue reading Prayer Notes #3–Reflecting on Acts 2:38
Prayer Notes #1
A Prayer about Prayer Lord, I struggle so much to force myself to be still and to concentrate on anything, but especially on prayer. I really do hate this about myself. Do I have to be this way? Please, Lord, if I could simply be still and concentrate better mentally, I believe I would be … Continue reading Prayer Notes #1
Pastor Notes #8 (9/11/2001) — Presence as Ministry
[The following is from several entries into my journal about the events of the evening of September 11, 2001. I was at that time the pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ohio. There are several large, high-end hotels in the immediate vicinity of the church.] Tuesday, September 11, 2001 7:30 … Continue reading Pastor Notes #8 (9/11/2001) — Presence as Ministry
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 