Ravin’ Rev Blog

The Psalms teach us to express our emotions to God. Praying with our emotions helps us to be open, authentic, and vulnerable with God.  When we express our emotions, embracing them as part our true selves, we often find our connection with God is easier to experience. The Psalms are given to us by God … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “Praying with Emotion”

Many spiritual disciplines have been practiced by those who seek intimacy with God throughout the history of Christianity. In the past, these practices were often associated with the monastic life. One such practice is statio. Statio is being where you are supposed to be before you need to go there. It requires getting ready to … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “The Spiritual Discipline of Statio”

Lord Jesus,Bless all who serve us,who have dedicated their livesto the ministry of others-all the teachers of our schoolswho labor so patiently with so little appreciation;all who wait upon the public,the clerks in the stores who have to accept criticism,complaints, bad manners, and selfishnessat the hands of the thoughtless public.Bless the mailmen, the drivers of … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “Prayer for Those Who Serve”

You carefully take us by the handAnd guide us on our way each day,Watching over us diligently,Nudging us on with encouragement.You give us wings of freedomWhile keeping us close to your heart.You comfort us when we are hurtAnd cheer us on when we succeed.You correct us when we do wrongAnd relish us always as your … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “Divine Parent”

How lovely is your dwelling place,O Lord of hosts!My soul longs, indeed it faintsfor the courts of the Lord;My heart and my flesh sing for joyto the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home,and the swallow a nest for herself,where she may lay her young,at your altars, O Lord of hosts,my King and my … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12”

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, “Here am I; send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Amy Carmichael was born in Ireland in 1867 to a devout Christian family. At 26 years of age she was commissioned by the Church of England … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “Here I Am; Send Me”

I have these words posted on my mirror so I can see them each morning. I encourage you to write them down and place them where you can see them daily to remind you not to allow yourself to think of yourself, others, or daily circumstances and struggles, as being void of God’s purpose, meaning … Continue reading Contemplative Corner – “God’s Mercies Are New Every Morning.”