Heavenly Father, You who are more eager to hear than we are ready to speak, Have mercy on us. We believe that we have the ability to correct our world by our intellect and might alone. Forgive us. Only you have the strength to solve the mess that exists in this world and within us. … More Prayer for Today
Almighty God, Blessed be your name; the one that protects the innocent and holds the throne of justice. Guide my path as I patrol my beat. Keep my wits sharp, and help me to make the right call in the heat of the moment. Give me the strength to rush into the darkness for the sake of others. Return me … More A prayer for those who serve and protect the graveyard shift
The stuff that my kids say really blows my mind sometimes. There is so much excitement and imagination that if it were not for my one year old throwing is bowl of food to the floor and making noises at high volume that he is finished with the meal time I could just sit and … More What Children See.
Last night I went to see the new film Dark Knight Rises. Today I am having a difficult time putting into words what I felt and still feel from the experience. The film was a piece of fantasy escapism art that was well crafted and worth seeing on the big screen. At the same time there … More Dark Night Rises
Lord Jesus, you foretold that your disciples would be despised on account of your name, but that not a hair on their heads is ever forgotten. In times of persecution, defend and revive us by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be freed from our enemies and praise your … More A prayer for the persecuted Church
Recently I read a survey that said that people in the United States would generally agree that there has been a rise in incivility in both the public and private sectors. Sometimes people say that they are not meaning to offend, but they are merely being honest or blunt in order to express themselves authentically. … More Offense: A Vicious Cycle
06-03-12 How to Shine Without Burning Out – Work
In Dr. Seuss’ classic “Oh the places you’ll go” there is a moment when the narrator explains that in life there will be times that we will arrive at the waiting place. As he describes this place you as reader or listener begin to feel the restlessness of the location creeping in all around you. Your only course of action … More The Waiting Place
Jesus in a teaching moment with his disciples encouraged them to seek God, ask whatever is on their hearts, and while they are pursuing these things trust that our Father in heaven is ready and desires to bless. The example of how a parent would always provide for the basic needs of their children comes … More If you know how to give good gifts….
A dear friend of mine once told me; “If you don’t know what to pray go straight to the Book of Psalms.” I have had no difficulty in coming up with things to pray lately, but I am concerned that these prayers have become too me focused without leaving room for God. Prayers that focus on us, our … More Psalm 103
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 