I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  John 17:9   The familiar prayer found in Matthew 6 and again in Luke 11 is the prayer Jesus taught. Whether His disciples are to use it as a pattern for prayer or quote Him directly is a moot point. Either is acceptable to God if one’s heart is in it. However, if you want to examine the Lord’s prayer for His disciples, turn to John 17.   In Jesus’ words to the Father, He spends a good deal...

St. Thomas Aquinas places contemplation as the central goal of life. Aristotle thought highly of the practice as well. I’m not a deep thinker, so I borrow the thoughts of those who were. However, I have found that a regular time of contemplation and reflection about who I am and where I am going helps me choose the path I wish to travel.   I have told the story many times of how a college writing assignment convinced me to write stories that I allowed others to read. I have told fanciful...

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.   I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness  come  by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.  Galatians 2:20-21   I may be overestimating the truth when I say that I am an expert on frustration, but I don’t think so. Frustration seems to cling to me like my shadow. It may not...