"Hello darkness my old friend..." in 'the Sounds of Silence' (Simon and Garfunkel) is not original, I see. For, the Psalmist said: "...darkness is my closest friend" (Psalm 88:18b, NIV). So, Father, this is my prayer for the one who is overwhelmed and depressed, who feels abandoned and all alone: be their present Help, abundantly available to them. Surround them unmistakably with Your mighty, tend...  Read More

Father, today in my devotional reading, I was asked a question: Why? Here is the statement that led to the question: God in His triune nature [the Holy Trinity is in perfect community and communion] has never been lonely, yet He created us for relationship with Him. Why? Clearly, even in our reading through Ezekiel and the Psalms, You desire a relationship with the beings You created in Your image...  Read More

Teach me your way, LORD,    that I may rely on your faithfulness;give me an undivided heart,    that I may fear your name.I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;    I will glorify your name forever.For great is your love toward me;    you have delivered me from the depths,    from the realm of the dead. (Psalm 86:11-13, NIV)I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will...  Read More

Gentle Shepherd, Good Shepherd, come and lead us today in paths of right living. Gather the wanderers, refresh the weary, feed the hungry. Kind Shepherd, speak to us that we may hear Your voice and know You, and not wander away from Your presence. Through the day may we bring You joy and delight. May we walk where You lead and do what You bid, and when the day draws to a close, enfold us in Your l...  Read More

Father God, where You dwell, that is where I want to be! Thank You that You invite me into Your presence and thank You that You make Your home in me. That I have the privilege of being the doorkeeper, ushering people into Your dwelling, into Your presence, into Your love, into Your redemption, into Your glory, that is an honor beyond words! Thank You! May I always abide in You. May I always reflec...  Read More

To be honest, LORD, sometimes the word of judgment that dominates the prophecies, becomes a heaviness. These are a reminder that in the day they were written, all was not well. Your children had enemies and evil powers were at work in the nations around about them. Not only that, the hearts of people were bent toward sin. We realize that Your are holy and so You cannot tolerate sin. So, Your judgm...  Read More