Does setting aside time to pray feel more like religion and legalism to you?

Do you feel like your relationship with God feels more authentic and natural when you're talking with God throughout your day rather than praying at a particular set time daily?

There's merit to this. If we study the ways of the Pharisees - who prayed at the same time three times a day - we see Jesus addressing their religious ways in correction.

What were they doing so wrong that incited rebuke from Jesus, and what was Jesus doing so right that his disciples requested, "Lord, teach us to pray."?

In this episode, we'll explore the ways of praying Jesus demonstrated as documented by Luke in his gospel, and observe how he communed with his Father...

... because if Jesus' ways were different than the religious routines of the Pharisees - relational instead of legalistic - I'd ask him to teach me to pray too.

BLOG: Finding Your "Certain Place" for Prayer

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If spending time in prayer is challenging for you, allow me to share six ways to enjoy prayer every single day.

Join the November Prayer Practice with Study, Pray, and Rest by clicking here.

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In this fourth and final episode of the Forgiveness Series, I'm talking with Bible Teacher and Small Group Facilitator Chanda Stegall about the unique challenges surrounding the forgiveness and possible reconciliation of a close loved one after a breach in the relationship.

In our current cancel culture, it doesn't take much for us to cut someone off who has hurt us even a little bit (if you've ever had a social media comment thread fight with someone, you know how fast things can get out of hand) - let alone when the sin or offense is significant and runs deep.

What is Jesus' expectations of us in regard to the reconciliation of relationships he desires to keep together? Must we stay in proximity with someone who has sinned against us? Is it OK to end the relationship? Or is God calling us to do more?

Chanda and I talk about it all, and you're invited to listen in.

ENROLL in the Study, Pray, & Rest Bible Study on Forgiveness by clicking the link below:

⁠⁠⁠Forgiveness Bible Study⁠⁠⁠

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Forgiveness may be a one-time extension of grace towards sin or offense, but there is definitely much more to it.

Many times, we carry pain long after we've forgiven someone.

And sometimes we make forgiveness and relational reconciliation synonymous.

Are our hearts truly aligned with forgiveness if pain or an unreconciled relationship are still there?

In this episode, Bible Teacher and Co-Founder of Faith Family Dominique Young is explaining the differences between forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation so that we can identify where we are in our forgiveness journey and allow God to continue to give us hearts like love like Jesus in this area.

ENROLL in the Study, Pray, & Rest Bible Study on Forgiveness by clicking the link below:

⁠⁠Forgiveness Bible Study⁠⁠

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I can think of a handful of very painful situations in my life that I still have an emotional reaction to in specific scenarios.

There have been times when I felt just as angry (years later) as when the wound was fresher.

I'd pray to God and say, "God, I thought I'd forgiven them. Why do I still feel this way?"

God was faithful to hear my cry and has given me answers to help me navigate my forgiveness toward my offender and the pain I still carry today.

In this second episode of the Study, Pray, and Rest Podcast Forgiveness Series, I'm sharing six myths of forgiveness - things that you may believe about your ability to forgive or be forgiven (and maybe have convinced yourself you're not as merciful as you should be).

You may be a lot further along than you think.

ENROLL in the Study, Pray, & Rest Bible Study on Forgiveness by clicking the link below:

⁠⁠Forgiveness Bible Study⁠⁠

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Answering the question, "What is forgiveness?" may seem intuitive.

But for me, I came to realize what I understood about forgiveness (and my puny human efforts to be forgiving) fell short of what I think scripture reveals about it.

In this first episode in my Forgiveness Series, I'm exploring Jesus' teachings to his disciples as he answer's Peter's inquiry, "Lord... how often should I forgive?"

I invite you to study, pray, and rest with me.

ENROLL in the Study, Pray, & Rest Level 1 Inductive Bible Study on Forgiveness by clicking the link below:

⁠Forgiveness Bible Study⁠

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Enough.

Enough money.

Enough material goods.

Enough of what is needed.

What does enough mean in the life of a believer?

I was challenged with this question during my first trip to Uganda as I observed poverty in a way I'd never seen before as well as the joy the exuded from those I'd confidently biblically label as "the least of these."

How can someone who had so little - who seemingly need so much according to my standards - be so full of joy and gratitude?

God took me (and is taking me) on a journey to explore what enough really means in the midst of living in a country full of abundance like America.

And in this episode, I'm sharing a few of my revelatory thoughts as I let scripture reframe my heart and mind around what enough is for The Mason Family... for me.

Click here to see the beautiful Martha from Compassion International.

If you're interested in the work of Compassion International, click here to learn more.

ENROLL in the Study, Pray, & Rest Level 1 Inductive Bible Study on Forgiveness by clicking the link below:

Forgiveness Bible Study

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In this episode of my series "Justice & Equity Lessons from Uganda,” I’m sharing what the people of Uganda taught me about exemplifying the heart of a servant.

I was challenged in a way I wasn’t expecting, and today my prayer is for my life to reflect the servant leadership I witnessed in this beautiful country more and more. Trust me, I’ve got quite a ways to go.

I hope you feel challenged in a special way as well.

Enroll in A Beginner's Guide to Sabbath Rest: An audio course that leads you in creating a refreshing sabbath rest practice and considers your unique home life, your season of parenting children, your work, and your worship.

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This is the first of what I'm calling Spiritual Formation Episodes for the Study, Pray, and Rest Podcast.

I believe our spiritual practices - specifically those of Bible study, prayer, and sabbath rest, are where our hearts are shaped and changed to become more like Jesus.

In this first Spiritual Formation episode, I'm sharing some of what God has been challenging my family about recently in regards to how we see and engage with the poor and houseless in our city.

I invite you to listen in and see if God might have a challenge for you as well.

Enroll in A Beginner's Guide to Sabbath Rest: An audio course that leads you in creating a refreshing sabbath rest practice and considers your unique home life, your season of parenting children, your work, and your worship.

⁠ENROLL HERE⁠

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Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be publishing a series called "Justice & Equity Lessons from Uganda."

I'll be sharing some of the stories from my trip to Uganda (summer 2023) that impacted me the most and what I believe God showed me about his love, his equity, and his justice for humanity.

My opening episode is an interview with the man who invited me to Uganda in the first place, my friend and founder of Promise International, Daniel Tulibagenyi.

Daniel shares about the important work he does with the outcasted community of special needs in Uganda, and how he believes God uses people like us to share God's love to the least of those there.

He's an amazing leader and a beautiful new friend.

Learn more about Promise International by clicking below:

https://promiseinternational.org/

Enroll in A Beginner's Guide to Sabbath Rest: An audio course that leads you in creating a refreshing sabbath rest practice and considers your unique home life, your season of parenting children, your work, and your worship.

ENROLL HERE

Follow Study, Pray, & Rest on Instagram @studyprayrest