I saw what I saw, and I can’t forget it I heard what I heard, and I can’t go back I know what I know, and I can’t deny it Something on the road cut me to the soul — Sara Groves Do you remember how and when Read more…
Dear God: Please, Teach me. Keep me. Hold me. Help me. I want to be better than I was yesterday. Amen. — From Christian Today I found this prayer to be helpful and use it frequently. But should Read more…
Last year, the children’s ministry set up a Christmas tree as you entered the church. Next to the tree, they provided markers and paper that could be folded and inserted into ornaments. The sign said this was a “Prayer Tree” and invited us to write down our prayer requests for Read more…
I am frequently asked the meaning of the season called Lent: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday. The traditional purpose of Lent is preparation through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, giving, atonement and self-denial. During Lent, many Christians commit to Read more…
For the last four years, our Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church made up of over 1100 churches has been led by Bishop Young Jin Cho. Bishop Cho will be retiring later this year. As his tenure comes to an end, I have been asking myself: what was Bishop Read more…
Bishop, Young Jin Cho gave a unique present this Christmas. A sculpture made from terra-cotta clay of someone in the midst of prayer created by professor Eui-Seok Oh, who teaches Environmental Sculpture at a University in South Korea. In an interview in the Grand Rapids Press, Professor Oh said: “Terra-Cotta Read more…
“Instead of worrying, pray.” – Philippians 4:6 On the fourteen-hour flight coming home from South Korea, there was plenty of time to reflect: Radical hospitality extended to us as Christians and Americans. Daily 5am prayer services taught the critical importance of prayer and following the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. Read more…
Thanksgiving has somehow retained the simplicity of enjoying good food with family. We have the opportunity to slow down and be thankful. We can express our thanks to each other and to God. For me, Thanksgiving often offers extra time for reflection and prayer. One prayer, written by Rev. Choi, Read more…
“I was a student in college when I first became a Christian but as I started teaching, I stopped attending church. When I got married my husband was away a lot. I was living in a different neighborhood, had a child and I felt so lonely. I decided to go Read more…
Overwhelmed by email requests for prayer, I desperately sought God’s help and scriptural guidance. That’s when I discovered the story of a Roman officer who taught me a valuable lesson: “Just say the word from where you are, Jesus, and my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7:6-10) His trust and Read more…