Dr. David Swanson | In a time of Irish/English strife, this hymn was oddly written by a firely newspaper editor who had a vision for bringing ALL people together.  This is the gift of the gospel.  It's the most inclusive faith in the world. Luke 2:8-14

Dr. David Swanson | Our series concludes heading into Thanksgiving weekend with a look at prayers of thanksgiving. Growing in our thankfulness may be one of the most important dynamics to our life in Christ. Colossians 1:10-14

Dr. David Swanson | Paul prays for the mature in faith that they, having been loved in Christ, would realize their call to serve in Christ's Kingdom. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Rev. Tanner Fox | Our need to ask others to pray for us - the joy of praying for one another. Romans 15:30-33

Dr. David Swanson | We all tend to be rather impatient people, and that extends to our life in Christ - and our prayer life.  However, when the love of God is poured out into our hearts by faith, our patience can grow.  We do not have to demand immediacy as we know God is already at work, loving us fully. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Dr. David Swanson | We are in a season where people are searching for hope, but that hope seems to be elusive.  It was the same in Paul’s day, leading him to pray for the Roman Christians that they might look to God as the true source of hope, one grounded in the Scriptures, generating deeper faith and the fruit of joy and peace.  When our foundation is the God of hope, our hope for the future overflows. Romans 15:13

Dr. David Swanson | Our prayers are often prayed from the dark places - the depths - of life.  We sometimes fear that we cannot cry out as if that is a sign we lack faith.  To the contrary, God wants us to cry out to Him and He is faithful by His presence. Psalm 130

Dr. Case Thorp | How intercessory prayer forms us for wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9-12

Dr. David Swanson | Paul indicates through this text that prayer is something to be learned - something that we mature in as our life in Christ grows.  We should not expect to do algebra on the first day of school, but learn over time as Christ sanctifies us by faith. Ephesians 3:16-19

Dr. David Swanson | We now begin to delve into the prayers of Paul, starting in Ephesians 1.  It is here that we quickly realize that Paul does not ask for the same things we ask for.  He is thinking deeper, richer, fuller than our minds tend to go.  He is asking for the things of God. Ephesians 1:15-19