Category: review

2019 is history: Top 20 posts for 2019


Rome at twilight  (Photo: Irene Bom)

 

With the current theme being HISTORY, I decided to devote a post to the 20 posts with the most views in 2019. Funny how many date back to 2017, the first year of the Prayer Matters blog.

Personally, I’m not surprised that Circle me, Lord scored high, both for its outline and examples of encircling prayer (especially the video).

Also, I’m encouraged that the thematic prayer sheets continue to be useful, as well as the series, “In the school of prayer” and “3 Prayers”.
 

2019 Top 20

 

Looking forward looking back

 
With 2019 around the corner, let me share an overview of the posts that attracted the most visits to the Prayer Matters website over the past year.

For some reason, these blog posts keep on giving.

Top 10

  1. 3 Prayers for endings and beginnings
  2. Give me a heart of flesh
  3. Theme: God makes all things new
  4. Circle me, Lord
  5. In the school of prayer with Ann Lewin
  6. In the school of prayer with Eddie Askew
  7. Theme for January 2018: Heart
  8. 3 Prayers for Wayfarers
  9. Theme: Shelter under his wings
  10. Theme: Ever sustaining
     

Hopes for the new year

I hope for more regular subscribers in the new year, and for the blog to continue to minister to our Presbytery and beyond.

 
In closing, a powerful blessing by Joyce Rupp, originally published in 2004, and as inspiring as ever.

Feel free to pass the blessing on.  Maybe this post will reach the top 10 in 2019, just as the final post in 2017 made the No. 1 spot in 2018.
 

Blessing for the New Year

 
I hope for you in this new year

… that the single, most significant dimension of life
is your relationship with the Source of Goodness
who never ceases to sing love songs to your soul

… that you find meaning, purpose, and vitality
in what you do daily

… that you treasure your loved ones
and let them know how dear they are to you

… that you make choices and decisions
that reflect your truest self

… that you look in the mirror at least once a day
and smile in happy amazement

… that you remember relationships are what count above all else –
more than work or money,
or all the material things we spend so much time tending

… that you live in an uncluttered manner,
enjoying the freedom to be content

… that you keep your sense of humor
when things don’t go the way you want

… that you find adventure in each new day
and marvel at the wonders of creation
which constantly present themselves to you

… that you never give up on yourself
when others turn away or do not understand

… that you are attentive to the health
of your body, mind and spirit

… that you take risks and accept
the growth-full challenges that come to you

… that you draw on your inner strength and resiliency
when you are in need

… that you carry peace within yourself,
allowing it to slip into the hearts of others
so our planet becomes a place
where violence, division, and war are no more

 
by Joyce Rupp. Posted on Joyce Rupp’s website.
 

 
P.S. “Looking forward looking back” is also the title of the Anniversary booklet we published this year, celebrating the 375th anniversary of the Scots Church in Rotterdam.