Praying for the hallways.

When people say, “Prayer works”, I wince. “God works,” I say, sometimes out loud. Because prayer isn’t a formula or an incantation. In fact, we would be better off replacing the word “pray” with one or more of the hundred words we use to describe our interactions with persons. Like “converse” with God or “invite” […]

Read More…

Taking notes on community

Most training sessions start with introductions. As I was starting three days of training, I wanted to start with introductions, too. But for a course called “Spiritual Formation”, I want even the process of introductions to teach. So I used my “how do you want to be known in five years” exercise. (I talked about […]

Read More…

Who we are guides us more than what makes sense.

James March talks about decision-making. He says that we think people make rational decisions. We assume that people will evaluate options and choose based on what is reasonable. Which is why we often feel frustration at poor choices of ourselves and others and we say, “What were you thinking?” Instead, we are more likely to […]

Read More…

learning from looking back

From the spring of 1977 to the fall of 1979, I spent many hours a week in the basement of Breyer Hall. It was the chemistry building at Wheaton College. But I wasn’t studying chemistry. In fact, if I had spent hours studying chemistry, I might not have gotten a D one semester. (For the […]

Read More…

rest

(First posted June 23, 2010) The LORD protects the simplehearted;  when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,that I may […]

Read More…