How writing out our prayers (especially when we never have to show them to anyone else, including ourselves) can slow the spin of thoughts, worries, fears and doubts in our head... and can even lead to silliness and giggling. 

Pastor Courtney describes ways written prayers can help guide us on our journeys, and invites us to read a prayer this week. Whether we are drawn to an ancient prayer from Scripture, the words of the church fathers and mothers like St. Augustine or Julian of Norwich, or a modern-day liturgy about changing diapers or enjoying hot coffee, the words from the community of faith are a wonderful tool for prayer.

Resources for reading prayer:

Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey

The Liturgy of the Hours

The Book of Common Worship (free online!)

The Book of Common Prayer (free online!)

Good news! We don't have to sit still to pray! Wisdom from the Jesuits, the Benedictines, and an old friend of Pastor Courtney's on praying in motion, plus an invitation to you to pray on the go this week.

The good news of prayer is that we can start so small. How small? We're so glad you asked! Pastor Courtney invites us into a super-simple prayer practice. Plus: wisdom from Ellie Roscher's book 12 Tiny Things, Psalm 121, and a "bird from the Lord."

A Bird from the Lord (Fathom Magazine)

We intro our summer series on invitations to creative prayer with a poem by Aarik Danielsen (read by the author!). Join Pastor Courtney to discover rich rhythms of prayer from out of the box places as we connect with God more deeply this summer.

Prayer Language by Aarik Danielsen

Fathom Magazine

Let's explore the visual arts and continue to expand our imagination around what good and authentic worship of God can look like. 

Hear from Emily Wood, ER doc Ian Ellis, Fuller NT professor Chris Blumhofer, singer/songwriter Natalie Schlabs, author and activist Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, novelist Shawn Smucker, and journalist Aarik Danielsen on a year like none other and how God saw them through.

Take a tour through the past with us as we revisit April and May of 2020 - the uncertainty of almost everything AND the faithfulness of God in this greatest hits episode.

Pastor Courtney shares some stories of whimsy and an invitation to join God in holy play. How do you play best?

Bluey on Disney +

Big Nate books

Books by Kate DiCamillo

Recommendations for adults:

Ted Lasso on Apple TV

The Cornell Bird ID app

Change is hard! How do we embrace positive change and also name, normalize, and grieve the losses change entails? When is change too much? How can we love one another well in seasons of change? Plus: why Pastors Courtney and Daryl sobbed as they drove away from their wedding reception. (Hint: it's NOT that they were sad they married each other!)

Resources:

The Leaders Journey podcast: Two Feet Walking

Disquiet Time, edited by Jennifer Grant and Cathleen Falsani

Jesus is in the boat! Mark 4:35-41

Life Index Change/Stress Scale from Dartmouth

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. 

May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 

God has not abandoned you. God will not abandon you. Amen.