paravanes:meditations

If you aren't using Zoom, Facebook, or other technology, try these low tech methods of staying in touch. 1. Create a conference call, scheduled at a regular time, when you and your small group can: sing together, read scripture to each other, pray together. Try using your conference call time to share insights into a chapter of a book the group has agreed to read during the week. 2. Text prayers to/for each other at a pre-arranged time. Share daily or weekly updates. 3. Find inspirational sermons on YouTube. Choose a certain time to view the video together. Share comments in the video's comment section. Refer other inspirational videos to each other during the week. 4. Create a letter writing circle: send notes, cards, and letters to each other. Share answered prayers and prayer requests and insights from a favorite Bible passage or from devotional reading. Schedule the day when you will send your mail so that everyone in your group receives mail each week. Save your ma...

I shared with a friend my new twice daily prayer practice: one prayer in the morning, and one prayer in the evening. This practice began when I started to feel overwhelmed by the constant news reporting on COVID19, or the coronavirus. It's not a hoax, a phase, or a media manipulation. I like to be informed, because fact based information makes us smarter. Smart is good. The prayer practice I shared involves a morning prayer of worship, followed by requests for insight, courage, faith, and understanding. Finally, I pray health for all people and wisdom and courage for all leaders. Informed medical counsel says our bodies and minds need several hours of sleep every 24 hours. My second prayer of the day is for restful, healing sleep. No matter what happens tomorrow, we will handle it better if we get a good night's sleep. This prayer features gently closed eyes, and slow, deep breathing for about 5 to 7 minutes. At this time of challenge, I urge you to find and commi...