A PERSONAL PRAYER Gift Giving God, I don't understand why I do not always, always, always feel grateful. How do I grumble when you have blessed me so much? Why do I feel this sense of entitlement and resentment, when I have been given so much? So God, in order to change my mindset, let me say thank you and bring to the front of my mind the gratitude that is in my heart. Thank you, God, for (in no particular order)... Your love, made flesh in Jesus Christ, and the eternal abundant life that I have in a relationship with [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God of hope, I have all sorts of thoughts about a new year. There are things I hope to accomplish and things I hope to change. I know you call me to keep growing, to keep moving forward on my own journey of discipleship. I am reminded that discipline and discipleship are related words, and that my own growth means I will have to do some things differently. Some of them are the same things I have been working on for years. I need your help, God. Some of these things I know I cannot change without your power, [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God of love, I confess that it is hard to keep love for your Son at the center of my heart this season. Seems like I am even more distracted by deadlines and tasks to do than ever. And I confess that much of the time, the familiarity of the Christmas message makes it feel less incredible to me than it really is. I find myself going through the motions. I have taken you for granted, God. I have let my sense of amazement grow cold. How unbelievable is the story of a God who, "did not [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, I love my family. I must admit, I am a little too proud of them - all of them. Oh, we are clearly not perfect, and you know that. You know our "stuff" and the tensions and challenges that show up. But you know, too, God, that we work through them because we are "compelled by love" to do so. (2 Corinthians 5:14) And during Christmastime, I am especially thankful to you for my family. What an incredibly amazing gift. You put us here in families. More importantly, though, you came as Jesus Christ so that we might be part [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER Gracious, gift-giving God, There are some amazing people in this world, who reflect your love in tangible ways into my life. A neighbor comes by with tomatoes from his garden. A friend takes the time to write me a note of encouragement. A church member, who I know has limited resources, writes a check to support a project. A colleague takes more than a few minutes to visit with me on the phone when I call. There are signs of generosity all around me. I am so thankful to you for these people, in whom I can see [...]