Lenten Prayer of Saint Ephraim

Orthodox icon with prayer text overlay.

This year’s Daily Lenten Journey will be about prayer. I have written extensively on fasting over the years. Other years the Daily Lenten Journey has been about the daily scripture readings. All the fasting and all the bible reading is useless without prayer. So, we will spend the next 40 days discussing various prayers. Today…

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Life over Death

Close-up of a pregnant belly being gently held by hands.

In the past several years the battle over legalized abortion in our nation has been thrust to the ‘top’ of every political agenda. With the overturning of Roe V Wade, the question of when and if it is ok to kill an unborn child is once again ‘on the ballot’ of public opinion. Today is…

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A Day of Love

Different people making a heart figure

In the American cultural experience today is Valentine’s Day. Thought to be a celebration of a saint, if we’re honest, is just another secular holiday excuse to boost the economy of florists and candy manufacturers. It isn’t really about love. Brethren, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you had…

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It is up to you

Work Zone sign under blue sky.

One of the difficulties of leadership is when people point fingers. They should do it. They should hear this. They should offer more. Leaders rarely hear people offering themselves. In the Church it sounds like, “I hope they heard your sermon today, Father.” It’s not about them. BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest…

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Who Do You Trust?

Trust and betrayal crossed out on chalkboard.

It may be a parent or best friend. It may be the wealthy business owner who ‘took you under his wing’ to teach you. It may even be your local priest. But whoever it is, there is someone close to you to advise you and to hear your deepest secrets, and you trust everything they…

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Avoid the Fight

Two men boxing in a dark setting.

It can be so tempting to look across the room at two people arguing and think, “I can solve that.” Just then, the inevitable comes with each calling you to “Take my side. Tell him that he is wrong.” Now you’ve done it. You’ve inserted yourself into something you have to business. Timothy, my son,…

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God is in Control

Pointing finger with bright light effect.

We hear it from friends. We read it on social media. “God is in control!” I must admit that every time I see this it almost always means, “Sit back and let God take care of it.” For others it means God will punish those who attack us or intervene for us. What does God…

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How do we heal?

Woman resting on couch, hand on forehead.

Like many of you, I didn’t get much sleep last night. Ever since I was a little boy, I have been excited on Election Night, almost as much as Christmas. The past few elections have caused me to think. So many friends stand on opposite sides! How do we heal from this division? The past…

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All Things Under His Feet

Man facing giant chess pieces on board.

For many years I have struggled with the idea that God is ‘in control’ as if He was playing some sort of game with humanity. “God did…God placed…God chose…” These are expressions of power, not love. God is in control, but He doesn’t play chess. God’s control is based on love. Brethren, God has put…

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Live for God

Outstretched hand offering a handshake outdoors.

There is a great book that has made it way through the Church from the business world. In his book “Start with Why” Simon Sinek leads the reader to a higher business success by focusing on ‘the why’ of the business. The focus on ‘why’ is just as effective for our spiritual life. Brethren, Christ…

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