I hear you
(Photo: Irene Bom) I’m subscribed to the GOODNEWSLETTER – a weekly dose of five good news stories to counter cynicism and despair, to awaken hope. This week’s GOODNEWSLETTER opens with a wonderful story from Zimbabwe about the Friendship Bench, a groundbreaking mental health programme based on evidence-based talk therapy, offered for free by trained … Continue reading "I hear you"
Hard of hearing
(Photo: Irene Bom) Prayer of Confession (inspired by 1 Samuel 3, John 1: 43-51) God of grace, in the days when your word was rarely heard and when visions were scarce, you broke into Samuel’s life and called his name … and he said “Here I am, speak, for your servant is listening.” We confess … Continue reading "Hard of hearing"
Hear and answer
(Photo: Irene Bom) Appealing to God to hear and answer is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. Here are a few examples from the Psalms: Psalm 27:7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. Psalm 55:2 … hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and … Continue reading "Hear and answer"
Listen, speak
(Photo: Irene Bom) Prayer of Petition (1 Kings, 2 Kings) Beckoning God, as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha, move in our lives, inviting us to journey to unknown territory, to listen for your voice, and to speak your prophetic word in a world that does not want to hear. Empowered … Continue reading "Listen, speak"
3 Prayers for discernment
Rotterdam at dusk (Photo: Irene Bom) To quote Paul: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit … Continue reading "3 Prayers for discernment"