The current economic crisis in American and beyond has created an opportunity for us, as Christians, to take a look at how we are spending our money. If you saw the interview by 20/20 on Rick Warren, you will know that he currently tithes 90% of his income and lives on the rest. Now you might say, that is easy for him since he has the best selling non-fiction book besides the Bible. That may be true, but how he chooses to spend his money is admirable. I wonder if I would do the same? I don't usually buy tickets for the lottery but have thought about what I would do with the money if I ever won. I have very good intentions in this dream scenario. My prayer is that I would remember the poor and helpless in the unlikely event that my numbers were selected. I received a really nice prayer about personal finances this morning and wanted to share it with you. I prayed it and it brought me solace. "Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Dear God, I send up a prayer request for financial blessing for me and my extended family of believers. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything! I thank you in advance for your blessings. God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that you have given me God, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come, because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus name. Amen!"
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...
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