Just Talk to Jesus: Praise

I've been reading Pray Like a Gourmet (see my review here) and meditating on the topic of Praise. Author David Brazzeal shares some great reminders about praise. My favorite is "praise radically changes our perspective.")

I enjoyed several of the suggested exercises. I looked at the verbs in Psalm 147 (you should do this and praise God for His actions!). I blended two ideas (making a praise list in which each line begins "God, you are..." and making up a simple song). I made a list of lines of praise choruses that say "Lord, you are..." and then I used those phrases in a prayer.

I think that too often I save praise for happy times. We often sing "10,000 Reasons for My Heart to Sing" at church, and I have been pondering the phrase, "Sing like never before, O my soul." I used to think that was a call to burst out in joyful exuberant praise on a great day when my skinny jeans fit and my kids are calm and my heart is overflowing with happiness. (Did you hear that perspective...my...my...my...?)

But we sang that song quite often at church during a season of loss. And we sang it at the Retreat I attended this spring when I was still very stressed about our unexpected move. And I thought about the prayers I pray through gritted teeth, or the days I stare at the sky and search for words to pray.

Those are the days when I can "sing like never before." It might not be a happy song. But praise can radically change my perspective. Praise is talking to God about who He is.

Who He Is.

There is a time to talk to God about how confused I am about His plan or His strange answers to my prayers. Perhaps that time is right before or right after I praise Him!

But when I say, "Lord, I praise You because You are faithful. You have been faithful in the past and I trust that today will be no different. Your word is full of stories of Your faithfulness! I praise Your faithfulness!"

And then I say something similar about His love or His mercy or His grace.

That kind of prayer brings peace.

And radically changes my perspective.

Read more about Pray Like a Gourmet at PrayLikeaGourmet.com.
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photo credit: 02.24.Peace.WDC.30sep01 via photopin (license)

Book Review: Pray Like a Gourmet

I am not a gourmet cook. I can put together a decent meal that my family enjoys, but it is never anything fantastic. My husband, however, is a gourmet cook. I look forward to every meal all summer long, because Mark is home and he cooks. He takes the simplest ingredients and makes something delectable.

I thought about this as I read Pray Like a Gourmet. I want to look forward to prayer. I don’t want prayer to be a monotonous dull duty. I want to enjoy it, to taste its different flavors and treasure my time with the Lord. Prayer is communication with the Creator. Prayer can be creative!

Is there something in your spirit that keeps telling you it should be different: more interesting, more engaging, more creative, more profound? Does your prayer life feel like you’re eating the same food over and over every day—mixing the same ingredients but hoping for a new, more enticing dish? (page 7)

Author David Brazzeal seeks to expand our prayer palettes. He describes different kinds of prayer:

Adoration or praise

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication or asking

Observation

Intercession

Meditation

Contemplation

Blessing

Lamenting

Joining

As the author explores each type of prayer, he shares exercises and examples to put them into practice right away. I really appreciate his approach. He does not describe the different types with the goal of checking off every box every day. It’s more like a menu: these are available, what do you and God need to talk about today? And how can you enter into that prayer with creativity and expectation?

The book is beautiful—full of colors and sketches. There are ideas for praying alone and praying in a group. This paragraph caught my attention:

There really is a natural interplay between my spirituality and my creativity. When I enter into a spirit of prayer, I can cultivate a receptive space and actually ask God for creative ideas that will enhance my praying. Then, these creative practices allow me to enter into the spiritual space even more quickly and deeply. The result is a spiraling effect leading to ever-expanding dimensions, encompassing both deeper spirituality and heightened creativity. (page 23)

This is a nourishing book for my own prayer time, but it would be a fun and thought-provoking book to discuss in a group, especially over a great meal.

…Prayer, like the grace of God, is new every morning. The way we pray can morph itself to our emotions. It adapts itself to our agenda [and, I would add, to God’s agenda!]. It flows into our real-world, here-and-now realities. It blows through shut windows, locked doors, and closed countries…It nourishes our souls like nothing else. (page 174)

The author sent me a copy of Pray Like a Gourmet and asked me to review it. This simple review today is just the beginning as I dive into this book over the summer. I will be looking at each type of prayer in more detail. This book deserves more than just a read-through--although it is certainly an enjoyable read. I'm going to savor a chapter a week. 

The Secret to Living a Defiant Joy: an interview with Margaret Feinberg

The Secret To Living A Defiant Joy: An interview with Margaret Feinberg

One of my favorite authors, Margaret Feinberg, has been through a brutal fight with cancer and shares the unexpected lessons she discovered along the way in her new book and Bible study Fight Back With Joy.

It’s been inspiring to learn how Margaret has been practicing a defiant joy, and I and thought you might like to get an insider’s look, a sneak peek of the video and read an interview with Margaret.

Preview the 6-Session DVD Bible Study, here. 

Your newest book and Bible study, Fight Back With Joy, was born out of your fight with a life-threatening illness. What was your difficult diagnosis, and what has your journey to health entailed?

For the last 18 months, I’ve been battling breast cancer. Breast cancer isn’t just one disease represents thousands of different diseases with their varying components and factors. Being diagnosed under the age of 40 is significant. I’ve been through a brutal year of chemotherapy, radiation, and more surgeries than I can count or want to remember.

Why did you write Fight Back With Joy?

I studied joy for a year and was putting the finishing touches on book on joy—just two weeks from turning it into the publisher, when I received the diagnosis. I had been pursuing and activating joy in my life in the relatively good times, now I had to do it in the midst of darkness, depression, and torturous pain. Through the process, I’ve discovered the breadth, depth, and power of joy—that despite hundreds of sermons and many decades in the church—no one had told me of before.

In Fight Back With Joy book and Bible study, you really push the reader to reevaluate their definition of joy. Why do you think this is so important?

Much of the teaching I’ve heard on joy over the years is oversimplified. I remember those days in Sunday school learning that JOY is spelled Jesus, Others, Yourself. While that made perfect sense at 9 years old, I’ve seen how distorted that can become as an adult.

I see friends who love Jesus but spend so much time pouring into their kids, grandkids and others that their joy looks something like this: jOy.

Technically, it still spells joy, but more than anything, these men and women who are so exhausted, so empty, so running on fumes from pouring into others need to pause and take time to focus on themselves. Laying hold of joy right now will require them to reevaluate for a season and discover the joy that comes with JYo.

I also noticed how most of the definitions of joy define it more by what it isn’t than by what it is. I constantly heard that happiness is based on circumstance but joy is not dependent on circumstance.

Biblical expressions of joy turn out to be far different than what I had been taught. I am now convinced the writers of the Bible would say that, the reason we have joy is because we have great circumstances. If you are a child of God, you are drenched in the grace and mercy of God.

No matter what you’re facing: Your circumstances are better than you think.

If you’re not experiencing joy, perhaps it’s because your definition of joy is too narrow.

On a scale of 1-10, how hard was it for you to write this book and Bible study?

An eleven! This journey has been the most painful experience of my life. And, to share about it requires some vulnerability. Okay, a lot of vulnerability. And, that’s really, really hard. But I feel like I’m finally ready to share what God has stirred in my heart along the way because although cancer has been the most painful journey—it has also been the most joyful. And no one is more surprised than I am.

A video message from Margaret

Pick up a copy of Fight Back With Joy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble today.

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Seek Joy in 2015

I read Margaret Feinberg's book Fight Back with Joy during Christmas break. I meant to study it, to soak in its truth, and to allow it to direct my focus in a new direction.

But I got caught up in its pages--the joys and the trials and the truths. Margaret writes of her journey through cancer. She does a beautiful job of sharing her journey without making this an emotionally heavy book. I couldn't put the book down, and I finished it far too quickly.

I ordered the member book that can be used in discussion groups. I am reading it one day at a time, pacing myself so that I will hear the message and the biblical truth that Margaret shares. I am discussing this book on facebook with a few friends, to give myself a bit of accountability.

Margaret balances her story with biblical truth and humor. It is an enjoyable read, but it calls readers to evaluate our own lives and coping techniques. It urges us to lean on Jesus and let him plant his joy in us. This is a comforting yet compelling book.

Margaret also includes some down to earth advice on helping friends who are experiencing difficulties.

Margaret writes:

My prayer is that this book will be beacon for anyone searching for HOW to fight darkness.

My prayer is that this book will be a beacon for anyone ABOUT to face a battle.

My prayer is that this book will be a beacon for anyone IN the fight of their lives.

My prayer is that this book will be a beacon for anyone who has crawled THROUGH the trenches.

 Find this book on Amazon or Barnes & NobleBarnes & Noble. You can also purchase the 6-Session Bible Study Kit.

Hear Margaret introduce her study here: http://mar.cta.gs/0be

You are Here: a new Bible study

I stared out the window of our apartment in Las Vegas and wondered what in the world I was doing here. It was too hot to take the baby outside and I hadn't made friends in our new town. Reading my Bible seemed like more fun than folding laundry. The book of Ecclesiastes caught my attention. Its author was an ancient king who looked out his palace windows and declared that life was meaningless--a chase after the wind. I looked at the dishes in the sink and the cereal on the floor and I could understand the feeling. I kept reading. Nothing made King Solomon happy. Nothing brought him fulfillment. He saw all the evil and unfairness in the world and he was discouraged and confused. I considered current news events and I realized that not much had changed in our world. I was intrigued by the reality in this ancient book.

My Sunday school class led me into another biblical book. Philippians was the opposite of Ecclesiastes! Its author wrote from a prison cell, and said he was perfectly content. Paul urged his readers to rejoice and to be confident that God was working in their lives. I wondered if I too could choose to be content.

These contrasting books were my companions for several years. When the desert heat was overwhelming and discouragement knocked on my door, I would turn to God's word and find hope. I bought a study Bible, and noticed a chart in the book of John. It showed me the statements Jesus made about his identity: I am the light of the world, I am the bread of life, I am the vine. These simple words answered all the longings expressed by Solomon. They explained why Paul could proclaim, "For me to live is Christ."

I began to understand that the difference between discouragement and contentment was not so much a choice but a Person. When I am aware that my Savior is walking beside me, I am not so concerned with memories of the past or worries for the future. He is here, speaking his truth into my reality.

In my new book You are Here, you can join me in the books of Jonh, Ecclesiastes and Philippians. Come see Jesus in action. Whisper your needs and longings to him. He is here.

To order a copy, use the Contact Me form to the left of this page. The spiral bound book is 253 pages and has 12 chapters. The books are $11 each, plus shipping.

Travel Light Readers

I was blogging along through Travel Light, to keep in touch with you, and I took a little break to work on a new book. Now I see that my little break was quite a bit longer than I expected! How are you? Are you done with Travel Light now? How did it go? What are you reading now? Please comment or e-mail me at grapelighthouse @ cox.net. (Remove the spaces in the e-mail address.)

Breakfast on the Beach

In Margaret Feinberg's soon-to-be-released book Wonderstruck, she shares a special prayer in which she asked the Lord to show her His wonder. She uses a unique phrase as she asks for a new and childlike awareness of the wonder of God's presence. (You'll have to read the book to get the whole story!) As I read Margaret's prayer experience, I immediately understood.

Because I too have a simple prayer for an awareness of God.

Mine is "Please, Lord, make me breakfast on the beach."

In John 21, the risen Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples by the sea. They'd been fishing all night and they were weary. Jesus made their breakfast and they all sat on the beach and ate fish together.

I love the simple picture of companionship. This is what "Wonderstruck" means to me, because if I am constantly aware of God's presence and the flashes of wonder He scatters through my day, I will talk to Him and share every experience with Him.

Four years ago when we traveled North for my Dad's memorial service, I knew it was going to be a long trip. I knew there were lots of details to take care of, lots of people to see, and we would be a thousand miles from home with three small children in the minivan. So I prayed, "Please, Lord, make me breakfast on the beach." I was too tired to come up with an eloquent prayer. I knew what I meant. God knew what I meant.

And He answered. That was a joyful trip.

As I read Wonderstruck, I said, "Hey! I've prayed like that!"

And soon I said, "Why did I stop praying like that?"

Wonderstruck called me back to the practice of asking God for a greater wonder at the fact of His presence with me.

Learn more about Wonderstruck and Margaret's other books at margaretfeinberg.com

You can follow Margaret’s snarky, funny, and inspirational posts on Twitter, Facebook  or her blog . You can learn more about this great book by visiting www.margaretfeinberg.com/wonderstruck where she’s offering some crazy promos right now with up to $300 of free stuff. I’ve seen the book for as low as $7.57 ($14.99 retail) on Barnes & Noble  for all you savvy shoppers.  

photo credit: puliarf via photopin cc

Pray for Jenni

If you're my Facebook friend, you've read my "Please pray for Jenni" status updates. Jenni had several strokes this month and she's been hospitalized for weeks. Tomorrow she's having surgery. Jenni has three young children. Please pray that Jenni will be get to return home soon, that she will be able to care for her children and that she will be able to continue her writing project. Pray for her husband, her kids and her relatives who are helping to care for her kids.

Let me tell you a little more about her. Here's an excerpt from Only for My King, in a chapter I wrote last spring about surrendering our resources. This segment is titled "Serving with Limited Resources."


Mark and I were married for four years before our first living child was born. During that time we had two miscarriages. I found encouragement and friendship at Hannah's Prayer Ministries (hannah.org), a Christian online support group for women facing infertility, miscarriage or infant loss. I still keep in touch with a few friends from Hannah's Prayer, including Jenni Saake, the cofounder. Jenni experienced infertility and miscarriage herself. Jenni wrote a book, Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, & Adoption Loss, to encourage women and share the comfort she found in God's word.

Now Jenni is in a different chapter of life, mothering three children, homeschooling and blogging. She handles these duties while coping with very limited resources of strength and energy: she has an immune disease called XMRV, formerly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Jenni describes this as an “ongoing daily battle.”

The MS-like issues have escalated with involuntary muscle twitching at rest, and many random nerve sensations ranging from pain to tingling to numbness. I battle vertigo frequently and when I'm especially tired I drag one foot when trying to walk. I rarely leave the house without a wheelchair and often hold my hands out for balance when walking in my own home. I completed a survey this week that helped me see that my current ability is around 35-40% of my pre-illness ability, and that's a marked improvement from those first earliest years as well as the setback that had me in bed for much of 2007. I grieve that my children are growing up without ever knowing the mom I so long to be.




Most people see the "face" of a healthy-looking me, the vast majority of the time. They cannot see that I live with a ticking time-bomb called XMRV that can land me hard down in bed with the smallest provocation, or sometimes for no apparent reason at all. They can't see that I'm one step away from walking past a balloon and landing in the hospital for a latex allergy like I did this week. They can't see that I struggle every day to get out of bed and try to lead as normal of a life as possible, despite immobilizing fatigue and ever-changing levels and kinds and cycles of pain or cognitive dysfunction and a variety of other symptoms ranging from the annoying or distracting to the downright unmanageable.


I am an author. I am living with "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". When questioned by a doctor last year on my cognitive function, I explained, "I have written one book, but where others could have written it in several months, maybe a year or two, it took me ten." I continually turn down speaking engagements and travel requests because I do not have the stamina for public speaking, nor the strength for travel. Writing is my passion, my therapy, my outlet. But "being a writer" while fighting through this illness isn't an easy road.


I believe pain is a gift, though certainly an odd one. The thing that makes it a gift is the way it drives us to dependence on God. If I'm fixated only on my illness, or my desire to be well, I miss out on God's best for me right here, right now, right in the heart of living these trials.


Because I cannot see the big picture from God's perspective, instead I must cling to His promise that His grace is enough and accept that His power can shine most fully through me when I yield my heart to His plans. Therefore, I will boast gladly in my weakness and thank Him for the power that He gives me for every step He enables me to take, every breath He blesses me to draw. (quoted from Jenni's blog, Given Me a Thorn)

Jenni finds encouragement in these verses:

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4 Message)

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3 NIV)


The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)


[Because of] the Lord's faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end.

They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Praying in Color

Several years ago I read Praying in Color, by Sybil Macbeth. Suddenly my prayer journal was colorful and I was praying longer and more detailed prayers. Praying in Color is a simple concept: doodle while you pray. Keep your hands busy with a marker and your eyes busy with a lot of colors, and you just may find it easier to focus.

God created color, and if you love it, this might be a great prayer tool for you. If you are often interrupted while you pray, this may help you re-focus when the interruption is over. If you have no artistic ability, this is for you. If you are a fabulous artist, this is for you too. If you are easily distracted while you pray, this is definitely a tool for you. There are a million ways to adapt this simple idea, but here's what I do.

Step 1



I make the page pretty. I've always found it easier to write in journals that have a few decorative elements on the page, and this gives me that feeling. I use stencils, partly because it speeds up this step, and partly because I cannot draw. Not at all. I also add a phrase from a verse; I usually read a Psalm before I pray. Sometimes I add a bit of a hymn.

Step 2
I add names--from my prayer list and my heart. I add words--fruits of the Spirit and character qualities. I work quickly, praying short prayers while I write. I am often interrupted as I finish this step.


Step 3

Sometimes I do this step several hours after the previous steps. Seeing the picture and the words reminds me where I stopped. I grab a different color and I dive right back in again. I doodle around the words and the names as I talk to God. My hand is busy with the pen and my eyes are busy with the colors and I am able to focus. I think about the phrase Christians often use when talking about prayer: "bringing you to the throne of grace." If I were bringing a friend to meet a King, I would do more than mention the friend's name and rush away; I would stay and talk to the King about my friend's needs and concerns.

Step 5

I don't always do this step, but if I happen to think of it, I open my prayer journal in the evening and pray again. I use yet another color and I might add a few more names if I've heard about a prayer request during the day.

That's how I pray in color, but the tool is very adaptable to different personalities.

My friend Claudia prays in color by coloring a detailed page from a coloring book while she meditates and listens to the Lord. This helps her focus...and refocus when her children interrupt her.

My friend Suzanne draws objects to represent her prayer requests, and hangs the drawings in her kitchen. Without any names or words on the page, she can keep personal requests in a very visible place and remember to pray for them throughout the day.

My friend Connie taught a Bible study and prayed for the women in color. She used one piece of paper each week, beginning with names and simple shapes on the first day and adding more colors and patterns every day. She posted the photos on facebook. I was in that group, and every day I could see that she was praying for me. This was so encouraging!

Sometimes I use Praying in Color to pray someone else's words: an ancient prayer or a Psalm. Here's St. Patrick's prayer (I used it as a memory tool for the Apostle Paul's prayers in my Sacred Signposts book):

My nine-year-old prays in color occasionally. I love teaching my children that prayer does not have to be solemn.
Here are some other ideas for putting this into practice. Some of these are my own ideas and some come from the Praying in Color book:

A colorful page of praises

Names of God

Meditate on a verse or one word

Dump all your complaints and whining on a page of paper. Give them all to God and stop dwelling on them.

Draw or list important events in your spiritual life. Praise God for them, and entrust painful memories to Him.

Make a colorful list of your mentors.

Make a personal mission statement or list of goals you're praying about.

Pray through a writing project--doodling the chapter titles or key words.

Use this method to pray in a crowded environment; you'll be focused but your conversation will be private.

Keep a small journal near your bed. Write a short gratitude list each night. Make it colorful!

Pray in color during Advent. See example here.

Not sure where to start? Write a friend's name on a paper. Draw a circle or a square or a wobbly line around it. Add doodles...dots, lines, shapes, whatever. While your hand is busy, talk to God about your friend. Repeat with another friend's name. It's that easy.

If you've blogged about Praying in Color, I'd love to see a link to your page!

For more examples, check out the author's website.

A winner!

The winner of my book giveaway is Teri Lynne!

Keep watching this blog for a new giveaway.

and the winner is...

Angie, from Coaching Hearts and Tutoring Sisters! Angie won a copy of Catherine Martin's book Six Secrets to a Powerful Quiet Time in a random drawing.

I'll be posting another book giveaway next week.

Books on the brain

My mind is full of books this week! I'll be teaching my new study, Praise Patterns, at church this fall, and a box of Praise Patterns books arrived a few days ago. It's one of my favorite moments all year: opening that box and seeing my project in print!

I posted a proposal for the study I wrote last year, Sacred Signposts, at christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com. I set up a blog specifically for Sacred Signposts: sacredsignposts.com

Meanwhile, I have a basic outline for next year's study and I'm cleaning and organizing my writing corner so I can start the process again. Next year's book doesn't have a title yet, but the sub-title is A Song of Service and Surrender. Watch this blog for more details over the next nine months or so.

Tomorrow I'm giving away a book! Come back and read the details.

Praise Patterns: Suggested Soundtrack

Every chapter of Praise Patterns includes the lyrics of a hymn. Here are my favorite recordings of the hymns.

A Hymn for Monday Morning

Every chapter of Praise Patterns has a hymn--a poetic prayer of praise. Chapter Five's theme is "The God Who Sees." This hymn reminds us to see, look for, and be more aware of His presence.

This is My Father's World
The author of this hymn was a pastor who loved to go for long walks. As he left his home he often announced, “I'm going out to see my Father's world.” It's a great reminder that whatever frightening news is filling the airwaves today, this is still my Father's world.

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.

--Maltbie Babcock, 1901


Benediction
...Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. (2 Peter 3:18)

5 Minute Devotional Books

There are seasons of life when an hour of Bible study all at one time is easy to schedule every day, but there are other times when even ten minutes at once is difficult. It's better to spend five minutes than none at all, and often I find I can fit several five minute readings into a busy day. Or perhaps I have a nice long study in the afternoon, but I want to begin the day with a quick upward glance: a focus on the Lord as my strength for the day. Of course there are also the days when I have lots of spare time, but, well, very little brain. Needier-than-usual children or a backache or a migraine can really be distracting. These are the times that short devotional books are useful.

I like to keep a few devotional books in various places around the house so there's one handy whenever I have a few moments. I can read while I wait for my tea kettle to boil, when I grab an afternoon snack or just before I fall asleep.

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite short devotional books. Please leave a comment about your favorite and how you fit it into your busy schedule or tell me about a time in your life when you found short studies especially helpful.

First, of course, is the Bible. In busy seasons of life it is too easy to read other people's thoughts on the Bible and neglect the most precious book of all. Psalms is easy to dive into when you only have five minutes. Try Philippians too: a joyful book full of verses you can meditate on a few at a time.

Ruth Myers wrote a wonderful series of books: 31 Days of Prayer, 31 Days of Praise, 31 Days of Power and The Satisfied Heart. These Scripture-based prayers will encourage readers to pray and praise and respond to God's word. The daily segments are only two pages long.

I'm currently enjoying Jennifer Rothschild's Fresh Grounded Faith. The author's goal was to write daily devotions that you can easily read in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee. She shares meditations on Scripture and stories from her own life in a thought-provoking way that is not too deep for those early in the morning still-haven't-finished-your-caffeinated-beverage times.

Ken Hemphill wrote several short books with titles like God Is, God Will, We Are, and We Can. Daily segments are two pages long and begin with a scripture about who God is or what God says about us. Ken Hemphill explains the scripture with everyday illustrations and personal examples.

Joni Eareckson Tada's book More Precious than Silver has 366 daily readings. Joni's testimony of faith and endurance is encouraging; her thoughts are especially relevant to anyone experiencing pain or difficulty. Joni wrote at least two other devotionals in this format: Diamonds in the Dust and Pearls of Great Price.

Daily Light on the Daily Path has been a popular devotional book since it was published in the 19th century. Author Samuel Bagster chose two topics for each day (a morning reading and an evening reading) and wove together scriptures that speak on those topics. There are many versions of this available: paperback, leather-bound, abridged, KJV and NKJV. Mine is a leather-like substance in hunter green.

Another classic devotional is Amy Carmichael's Edges of His Ways. This missionary's prayers and meditations are encouraging and challenging.

The Divine Hours by Phillis Tickle is a weekly pattern of short scripture readings and classic prayers. It is set up for believers who want to pray several times a day and desire a little guidance to begin praying or to stay focused during their prayer times. I really appreciated this book when I was in a very exhausted season of life, wanting to converse with God but not coming up with many of my own words. The Divine Hours would prompt my own prayers. It's a small book, very handy for an early morning in the park or a long vacation. Not every prayer in this book will fit every denomination's theology, but I found I rephrased the prayers in my own words anyway.

Ann Spangler's two books on prayer will take a little longer than five minutes a day, but you can certainly divide up the reading into smaller portions if you need to. The titles are Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus. She also co-wrote a one-year devotional with Jean Swyserda: Women of the Bible.

If you like a little artwork with your quiet time, try Lillias Trotter's Blossom in the Desert. This missionary woman gave up a promising art career to be a missionary in North Africa from the late 1800s until 1928. This book blends exerpts from her writings with sketches from her diaries. Every page is beautiful. Open this book up on a cookbook stand and enjoy it.

Another book that's great on a cookbook stand is Catherine Martin's Drawing Strength from the Names of God. Georgeous landscape photos accompany Catherine's prayers and explanations of the names of God. I like to read a page or sometimes just a paragraph while I wait for my teakettle to boil in the morning.

Catherine Martin also wrote a devotional book: Quiet Time Moments for Women. Themes include love, grace, prayer, quiet, and ministry. I like to read this in the evening before bed.

What are your favorite five minute Devotional books?

Praise Patterns: excerpt from Savior Chapter

Here is an excerpt from my new book Praise Patterns. This is from Day Three, which in every chapter focuses on Jesus in the Gospel section of the New Testament. Day Three also includes a Practical Praise section with a simple idea to help you insert more praise into your day. (Day One is an overview, Day Two contains an Old Testament passage and a praise quote from a historical or contemporary Christian, and Day Four's scriptures are taken mostly from the Epistles.)

God My Savior
My bedroom window looks out toward the rugged mountains that surround Las Vegas. The red and orange layers in the mountains seem to shift as the sun moves across the sky. Between me and the mountains stands Red Rock Casino, a sleek copper building that reflects the mountains and the clouds and, best of all, the sunrise. If I wake early enough in the morning, I watch the sunrise change the skyline. The rocky mountains, the neighborhoods, the casino, the palm trees...all are touched by the light. I love to think of my Savior as the sunrise, His rays of love bringing hope and change to our world.

In the first two chapters of Luke, the praises of three people are recorded. The first is Mary's prayer of praise. Today, we'll read the other two: the joyful announcement of Zachariah (the husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist), and the words of Simeon, the elderly man we met when we read Anna's story.

Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Zachariah's words in Luke 1:78-79)
Now Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. (Simeon's words from Luke 2:29-32)

These two prayers speak of Jesus as a light dawning upon the dark world. Later, Jesus called Himself the Light of the World, and even on the dark day of His death, His light dawned upon a criminal hanging next to Him:

Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”

But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don't you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we're getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

Practical Praise: Thank God for Your Mentors
Who taught you about Jesus the Savior? Who models Christlike living to you? Whose attitude of gratitude encourages you to be more grateful too? Who mentors you in practical areas? Praise God for those people today, and write one of them a short thank-you note this week.

I need to write a note to my friend Gina. We've gotten acquainted chatting on Facebook—she writes the funniest status updates and she shares prayer requests too. A few weeks ago at a church service I could see Gina and her husband in the sanctuary. While the congregation sang, Gina sat in her wheelchair, and her husband stood up, but as we began to sing “How Great Thou Art” Gina's husband helped her stand up. Even from a few rows away, I could see that though Gina's life is filled with health issues, she trusts God and makes praising Him a priority. Because I could see the song was meaningful to her, I reflected on the words a bit more than usual myself. The verse about God not sparing His son reminded me to praise my Savior. Gina didn't know that she was my mentor that day.

Praise Patterns will be available for purchase very soon.

Praise Psalms

Another excerpt from Praise Patterns:

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! (Psalm 42:11 NLT)
Lord my God, You have done many things—Your wonderful works
and Your plans for us; none can compare with You.
If I were to report and speak [of them], they are more than can be told.
(Psalm 40:5)
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love
and His wonderful works for the human race. (Psalm 107:8)
Sing to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name. (Psalm 30:4)

Wonderful Lord, tonight my heart longs to praise You, but I am exhausted. I will borrow phrases from a few Psalms and praise You with words that are not original but are certainly heartfelt.

Praise Patterns: the back cover summary

Click on the image here to view this larger. Click on it once, and then hover over it with your mouse and click the plus sign to see it actual size.

Also, check out the Chapter Titles,
the Front Cover,
and an excerpt from the first chapter.

Responding to Exceeding Joy

Here is an excerpt from my Praise Patterns book, Chapter Three ("My Exceeding Joy"), Day Four. Each chapter's Day Four is focused on our response to God. Praise is not just a bunch of nice things we say to God; praise is responding to God in obedience and love.


I think it's impossible to talk about joy without talking about troubles, and finding joy within troubled times. Let's think again about that scene in the temple, when Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna were praising God together. The Jewish nation was expecting the Messiah to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. This little group probably had this in mind as they praised. They didn't know God's great plan of redemption in detail. They just knew He had arrived, so they praised Him.

I think there is a lesson here for us. In the midst of a situation with no solution in sight, God's presence is our comfort. When worry or grief or pain darken the sky, we can whisper the name of Jesus and remember that He is with us. This knowledge may not instantly produce a spectacular sunrise of joy, but it can light a tiny candle within the dark night, a gleam of hope within our hearts. Maybe our praises are timid, perhaps they aren't as eloquent or determined as Habakkuk's—but God accepts what we are capable of offering. Look at these Scriptures about joy and rejoicing:

...through Him, we have received access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy. (I Peter 1:6-8)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:12-14)
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light. (Colossians 1:10-12)

When circumstances are bleak and grim, the Lord never leaves us, and we can ask Him to be our Exceeding Joy—our joy that exceeds our situation.


Praise Patterns will be available to purchase in about a month.

My Exceeding Joy

The third chapter of my book Praise Patterns is titled "My Exceeding Joy." Here's an excerpt from Day Two:

Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who wrote the book that bears his name. It begins with a prayer of questions and a longing for justice. God answered him with the frightening news that Israel's enemies were going to sweep in and conquer the land. Habakkuk kept praying, pouring out his questions and concerns and heartbreaks to God, and God continued to show him the judgments that were coming to his nation. In chapter three, Habakkuk proclaimed God's power, and closed the book with a prayer of determined joy. Habakkuk's circumstances didn't change; in fact he had God's assurance that things were only going to get worse. Yet Habakkuk responded to God with praise. Notice the last phrases—not only did Habakkuk write this beautiful prayer, he set it to music.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!
For the choir director: on stringed instruments.(Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Habakkuk didn't start out with this joyful attitude. First he took all his concerns and complaints to God, listened to God, and responded in prayer. Then he praised. I see a similar pattern in David's words in Psalm 42.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God my Rock,“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.(Psalm 42 NKJV)


Praise Patterns will be available to purchase in about a month. In the book, this segment is followed by a Prelude to Praise (a quote from a historical Christian and a few details about that person's life), discussion and application questions, and a selection of Psalms.