by Carolyn A. Wright

In seasons of Lent, as the Church again invites us to focus our energies and embrace in new and deeper ways the three spiritual practices, prayer is an option. Wright suggests that when choosing prayer, one should ask, “Do we desire God?” or more pointedly, “Do I desire God” Prayer is communication with God, but it is also an excursion to unexplored realms. Wright suggests that we might today employ the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales—a ‘guru’ who can indeed, teach us to keep our eyes on Jesus during our spiritual travel.

by Kathleen Geraty Davis

Spiritual direction has ancient roots in religious communities and among spiritual seekers. Within the past few decades, it has become much more widespread as more lay people are discerning a call and finding access to programs throughout the world designed to teach and form them to be spiritual directors. Spiritual direction is found in multiple faith traditions but the goal is universal. Spiritual directors, first and foremost seek to help others deepen their relationship with God (or however what is Sacred and Holy is named) through regular meetings, ongoing contemplative practice and committed presence to the endless movement of Spirit.

by Jeff Dailey

Dailey introduces us to using other writings to preach the Word of God and illustrate theological concepts, those of John Donne, the “Holy Sonnets.” Eight years younger than Shakespeare, English writer John Donne lived from 1572 to 1631. Donne was one of the greatest poets in the English Renaissance, yet was conflicted. Even living in a violent era where physical well-being was precarious, he experienced more than the usual amount of death and conflict. Donne used poetry to experience God, a relationship that was not always pleasant. But he also used his poetry to reconcile with God, and to come to a greater understanding of the divine.

by Neal Presa

by Neal Presa

by Darla Turlington

Quotations from the Bible and secular writings that pastors and others may find useful in sermons, essays, or other venues.

by Jin Han

We will find the spiritual quest of the faithful bearing fruit through the shared ministry that promotes the pursuit of honoring God. A cloud of companions is featured under the cover of this issue, ranging from the biblical psalmist to medieval and modern theologians. I trust that in receiving this collection of wisdom on spirituality, our readers are in for a treat thanks to our authors who have spread the blessings of heaven broken into down-to-earth morsels.

by Jennifer Houston McNeel

As Jennifer Houston McNeel studies two key passages in scripture, she expounds first on an element of reconciliation often lost in today’s individualist culture and second on repentance as the vehicle to repentance with God. However, the feature here is not us, the recipients of reconciliation and professors of repentance, but God and Jesus Christ as the initiators of reconciling work and spirit led repentance.

by Stephen Reed

In order to shed understanding on the reconciliation sought by The Confession of 1967, several biblical passages illustrate how reconciliation was a unifying force in scripture. We are able to simultaneously look at history and the present to see how fellowship does not have to be limited to likeness of traditions and convictions. The desire of God’s intent to affect all is fully felt.

by Neal Presa

The Confession of 1967 is an auspicious occasion in world and church history and is passionately documented with relevance in this piece. As divisions are bridged and progress is sought, the church is urgently encouraged to move onward with Christ’s mission.

by Daryl G. Bloodsaw, I

Emotions often separated because of their polar nature, rejoicing and sorrow, are brought together in a much-needed conversation. Daryl Bloodsaw reveals how the human tendency to avoid sorrow’s end of the emotional spectrum undercuts the fullness of rejoicing with a simple study of Job. The reconciliation offered between the emotional opposites challenges readers to experience all for the fulfillment of God’s plans.

by Eunjoo Mary Kim

The root of our ability to rejoice is plainly expressed by Eunjoo Mary Kim, “The Lord has come as our Savior King.” She uses the well-known advent hymn Joy to the World to deepen our sense of rejoicing no matter the tumultuous circumstances of our time. She offers the challenge to rise with the hope of the living Christ to make rejoicing an action rather than a feeling this season.