“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” In this episode, Carolyn discusses the Eastern Orthodox “Jesus Prayer,” her experience staying at a Greek Orthodox monastery in Thessaloniki, Greece, and “praying without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
We ask our friends to pray for us – why not ask saints to lift up prayers on our behalf? In this episode, our guest contributor Sarah Gianakon discusses the ancient Christian practice of intercession, or the act of one person lifting up prayers to God on behalf of another. Also featured in this episode …
Does your mind wander when you pray? Get out of your head by grounding your prayers in a physical practice, such as the guiding use of prayer beads. In the episode, Carolyn discusses the use of prayer beads in the Christian tradition, including popular ways to pray the Rosary. Mentioned in this episode: The Dominican …
What is prayer? Do we have to close our eyes? Bow our heads? Put our hands together? Kneel? In our new series, “Prayer Practices,” we unpack the definition of prayer and explore various traditions we can use to expand our prayer and faith life. Mentioned in this episode: Pope Francis’ homily on prayer – Catholic News …
Do you struggle to call yourself a Christian? Most days, I do, too. Join Carolyn in a moment of contemplative prayer as we discuss two stories from the Gospels: Lazarus’ death and Jesus’ crucifixion. Mentioned in this episode: Read the story of Lazarus’ death (John 11:1-44) here Read the story of Jesus’ resurrection (any Gospel, …
God hears our cries and joins us in weeping. Join the Psalmist in lifting up your cries in Psalm 6. Psalm 6 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is …
Hate silence? So do I. In this episode, Carolyn introduces a Prayer for Quiet Confidence. She shares her experience struggling to discern God’s will and discusses how she built a stronger relationship with the divine by quieting her self-doubt, leaning into silence, and taking positive action. A Prayer for Quiet Confidence O God of peace, who …
Feeling lost? In this episode, Carolyn introduces a Prayer for Guidance. Learn about God’s faithfulness even in the darkest times and practice asking God for help in figuring out what steps come next. A Prayer for Guidance (traditional) O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the …
It’s okay to not be okay. In this episode, Carolyn features Ecclesiastes 3 and speaks about healing and hope when we’re struggling in our faith. Take-aways: It’s okay to not be okay. Hope comes in many different shapes and sizes. Even in the darkest seasons, we can find joy in small blessings. A dear friend …
Going through a dry season in your faith? In this episode, Carolyn introduces our new series, “Prayers from the Depths” – words for the times when you don’t feel like God is listening. Psalm 4 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear …