prayer

American Soundings

Back to centered

Apr 25, 2013 by Rodney Clapp

When I cling to anxieties or resentments, my whole body is like a clenched fist. Contemplative prayer requires unclenching it.

Features

Refuge and strength

Finding peace at a monastery

Mar 25, 2013 by Suzanne Guthrie

I see the monastery sign and drive past. I know two monks there, and I've been grabbing at every possible lead. But I'm too ashamed to turn in.

Books

When God Talks Back

Understanding the
American Evangelical Relationship with God

By T. M. Luhrmann

God at hand

Feb 11, 2013 by Grant Wacker

How did evangelicals develop their belief in an invisible God? T. M. Luhrmann argues that they created a space in their imagination.

In the World

I don't really care who, if anyone, prays at the inauguration

Jan 15, 2013 by Steve Thorngate

It turns out Louie Giglio won’t be giving the benediction at Obama’s second inauguration. Who will?

Jack Jenkins is right: Minerva Carcaño, Otis Moss, Gary Hall and Brian McLaren are all fine options. Joanna Brooks is right, too: so are Pratima Dharm, Sharon Braus, Sanaa Nadim, Anapesi Kali and Valarie Kaur. Ed Kilgore suggests his own pastor, who’s related to Ron and Rand Paul. Sounds okay, too.

American Soundings

Blessed technology

Jan 04, 2013 by Rodney Clapp

I work remotely, out of my home office. As such I am dependent on the smooth and ready operation of computer equipment. Recently I encountered some hitches.

Faith Matters

Desperate prayers

Nov 27, 2012 by Thomas G. Long

Prayer is not a violation of the laws of nature. It's woven into God's ongoing act of creation, as fully as the tides.

Features

The bovine offices

Meditation and milking

Nov 15, 2012 by Suzanne Guthrie

Sister Carol Bernice told me once that when she milks the cows she whispers "Yah-weh" as she alternates hands milking the teats.

Editor's Desk

In need of prayer

Nov 22, 2000 by John M. Buchanan

One of the theological puzzles with which I have struggled over the years is what the Puritans called “special providence”—that is, God’s miraculous intercession in human affairs in response to prayer. Every pastor knows the dilemma.

Cover Story

Talking less, seeing more

An interview with Sara Maitland

Apr 04, 2012

“Silence gives me freedom in both real time and psychic time. When I talk less, I see more. And silence gives me time to pray.”

Features

Prayer is God’s work

Ruth Burrows, Carmelite sister

Mar 22, 2012 by Amy Frykholm

“There is the danger of protecting ourselves from God by striving to be passive. The ‘I’ is very active in its attempt to surrender.”