What do you feel after you put yourself out there to minister to others? Many people struggle with self-doubt or self-criticism. Pastors may wonder if they preached a good sermon. Small group leaders may question their effectiveness. Counselors and caregivers feel might feel unsure they said the right thing. Anyone who serves others is likely…
People get angry in different ways. You may raise your voice. Or react with harsh words. Or gossip negatively about someone. Or carry resentment. Or stonewall someone who has offended you. Or get depressed. Or you can follow the example of the Psalmist and offer an angry prayer. The Psalmist shows us how to deal…
“St Francis’ Prayer Inspired By the Our Father” is one of his best writings, but it’s little known. It’s based on his meditation of the Lord’s Prayer.
This article features simple, step-by-step instructions on how to lead a Lectio Divina group. These instructions are meant to go along with Soul Shepherding’s library of Lectio Divina Guides, each of which provide the format we use. I’m assuming that you have some knowledge and experience of with Benedict’s 6th Century way of reading and…
Have you ever seen something that brought you distress or even traumatized you? Do you have any harmful images you’ve internalized that periodically come back to upset you?
Ignatian meditation is the most used method for Scripture meditation around the world. It was developed in the 16th Century by Ignatius of Loyola and used in his famous Spiritual Exercises, which Kristi and I completed on a thirty-day Sabbatical in 2015 under the spiritual direction of Tom Ashbrook, founder of Imago Christi. At the heart of The…
Jesus’ John 17 prayer can used as a discernment prayer for Christian leaders and groups. This tool frames Jesus’ petitions as six key discernment questions. If we make Jesus’ holy prayer our prayer then we’re sure to get in sync with God’s will!
How do you respond when a family member speaks harshly to you? When you’re publicly criticized or slandered? When you’re vandalized or abused? Often it’s people we love or those we serve who mistreat us. We all suffer in these ways, especially pastors and others who serve the Lord in ministry. How are we to…
Many Christians are stunted in their spiritual growth because they don’t understand or express their deep emotions and desires. As pastors, ministry leaders, caregivers, or parents we may get so busy or so focused on other people that we become disconnected from our own emotions and needs. But being self aware is crucial to our…
We’d like to share with you my favorite Christmas devotional experience that we use for Advent. We’ve done this in our personal devotions the last six years. We’ve also used it in small groups, spiritual formation classes, and family gatherings. It’s a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Advent and the Christmas season with friends!…