As theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar says, “Most Christians are convinced that prayer is more than the outward performance of an obligation, in which we tell God things he already knows” (Prayer, 13). If prayer is more than an obligation, why do we pray? Why Pray? Well, we spontaneously pray when we are filled with […]
Tag: Prayer
To the question, “Why pray?” I’ve heard the answer, “Because God commanded it.” This is pretty is pretty confusing, unsatisfying for me, and dangerous for the faith. Sure we can there are passages in the Bible that commands us to pray. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful […]
Responding with prayer is right (but not in the way you think). The immediate reaction to shootings like the one in Las Vegas is to offer “thoughts and prayers.” We make an image-card and post it on social media. And we say prayers for those grieving. But the immediate response to this by progressives is to […]
Last month, at the Ecclesia National Gathering, I had the privilege and honor to preside over communion for the whole group. I led through the time as we usually do here at Life on the Vine, but many people not from a more liturgical background asked about the prayer leading into the Table. Many commented […]