Tag: prayer

Praying the Psalms for Encouragement

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (Ps 39:7)

My spiritual discipline for 2020 is prayer, and what a year of prayer it has been! From global issues like COVID-19 to national issues such as racial disparities and the election to personal issues like community, I’m learning to “pray continually” (1 Thess 5:17). But sometimes, situations are overwhelming, and words are hard to find. When that happens, I use prayer prompts I find online or in a Bible study plan. Often those prompts are from the Psalms. Continue reading “Praying the Psalms for Encouragement” →

Developing Unity Among Believers

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

This year has brought challenges none of us ever imagined. I wrote recently about how the year started with promise but quickly devolved into a year of chaos. As I mentioned in that blog post, I don’t have any answers. At the same time, I will continue to seek answers for the problems I see around me.

I recently heard the term “virus fatigue,” and I think it encapsulates how many people feel about the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopes were high for the second half of the year to be “normal.” But with the COVID-19 numbers spiking, and in many cases higher than ever, fears surrounding the coronavirus still abound. Continue reading “Developing Unity Among Believers” →

All the Small Things

Posted on by Staci Mauney

All the Small Things

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33).

When my car needs repaired, I turn to my dad for help. He’s an excellent mechanic and enjoys tinkering on vehicles. I’m thankful because I rarely have major car repair expenses. Recently, he changed the brake pads and rotors and then the oil in my car. When he lowered the car back to the ground, he cranked the ignition, and…it wouldn’t start. Continue reading “All the Small Things” →

Why I’m Focusing on the Spiritual Discipline of Prayer

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“…train yourself to be godly” (1 Tim 4:7 NIV).

The word “discipline” often gets a bad rap. When we think of discipline, we think of punishment. While it can mean this, it also has a positive meaning: training to help us grow and mold our character.

A few years ago, I learned my pastor focuses on one spiritual discipline a year. While I practice many spiritual disciplines such as reading and studying my Bible, praying, and community, I had never thought about focusing on a single discipline for the year until I heard him mention it. Continue reading “Why I’m Focusing on the Spiritual Discipline of Prayer” →

Giving Thanks

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’” (2 Chron 5:13)

At Thanksgiving, we gather with family and friends to express our gratitude and focus on our blessings. More than any other time of the year, we focus on what’s most important to us. We experience renewed hope and find deeper joy. How can we grow our faith and live a life of thanksgiving all through the year? Continue reading “Giving Thanks” →