Prayer
Articles mainly about how and why to pray, prayer practices, praying for others.
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When despair comes
Dad loved the Ignatian spiritual exercises. He used them diligently to listen and discern God’s will in decision making. When in despair, Ignatian cautions not to change course or make decisions when experiencing hardship and difficulty.
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Full of Wishes
I love Henri Nouwen. I imagine him spending time with Dad in heaven. Henri always longed for a deeply loving friend, and he would have found that in Dad.
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Just Like That
My daughter Natalya prayed every night for months that her sister would have red hair like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. At first, we thought she would outgrow it, but she was relentless.
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Immeasurably More
I love Ephesians 3:14-21 and try to pray it every day. I love to go slowly through each verse imagining the person I am praying for. It is such a beautiful prayer.
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Answered Prayer
My husband Shann wrote the libretto for an opera about the life of Zechariah and Elizabeth highlighting the human suffering of barrenness.
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Closet Prayer
I love C.S. Lewis. I just read a book about his friendship and struggles with J.R.R. Tolkien. They lost some of their joy for one another toward the end of their lives.
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Praying for Good Fathers
My friend had a difficult father. He was complementary but distant to her. They had limited time together. He was unfaithful to her mom. My friend still struggles with this relationship.
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Praying with Hope
I have been praying for many years for two gifts. They both were answered the same week. I laughed and cried with joy at their fulfillment. How immediately the dread lifted. What a gift!
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Timeout
My dad loved timeouts. This is not a punishment and it’s unfortunate that this language is connected to punishment. Timeouts are crucial for our health, for taking a step back, and for reevaluating.
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Rpg
I have been signing cards recently with the acronym RPG. It’s my true north right now. When I get confused, anxious, unsure how to spend my time or focus my thoughts, it is my way forward.
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The Outcome of Unity
At the NBC Camps Christmas party, we took red and white pipe cleaners and wound them together to make a candy cane.
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Which Side?
The word challenge originally meant to accuse. Have you ever been accused? I think about Christ standing on trial. Witnesses attempted to bring accusations against Him, but they kept contradicting their testimony.
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The Miracle of Hope
I have been praying about a few life situations for a long time. It’s easy to begin to feel discouraged because there remains no answer.
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A Sacred Moment
I opened my office drawer for a notecard and found the one I selected was already written on in my dad’s handwriting. It’s a card with a beautiful tree on the front.
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Great Challenge Paves the Way for a Great Encounter
One of my friends says a powerful prayer when something difficult or challenging happens in her life or in the lives of those she prays for.
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Hearing God’s Voice
Dad believed and lived that God was speaking to him. He prayed to attentively listen and hear what God was saying.
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Prayer as Resistance
One of the practices of contemplative prayer is eliminating prayer as performance. I consider how much poor religion gravitates toward perfection, judgment, us and them, pageantry, and power.
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Infinite Abundance
The other day I was praying through Colossians 1:9-14. I was praying about myself which is interesting because the passage is about praying for others.
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Sacred Blue Prints When Life is Hard
God has been surprising me lately. I have been meditating on these verses, “Do not be anxious about anything but through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I have a section in my daily…
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How to Pray
I have been praying for the discipline to trust the Giver of Good Gifts. I believe God loves to surprise and delight us beyond what we ask for.
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Going Through
Sometimes, when I start to pray my mind wanders over the myriad of tasks I have for the day. Sometimes everywhere I turn, my mind is a space of anger and resentment.
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Circle of Listening
I am always surprised by transformation. There are so many stories throughout history of people on a tragic trajectory until grace intervenes and changes the outcome.
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Ask
I have been at my parents’ place, praying where my dad prayed. I imagine him here and picture him praying.
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Meditation on the Cross
A friend of mine posted on Facebook a description of the physical suffering of Jesus on the cross. I never realized the loss of blood is why water poured from his side.
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Strengthened
Sometimes I wrestle with what to pray for others. I have learned that praying for something specific may not be what God wants. Instead, I study scripture. How does Paul pray? One beautiful prayer is in Ephesians.
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Facing the Unimaginable
My daughter is in her Freshman year at Pepperdine. This past week a group of senior girls were walking in a busy part of the pacific coast highway just four miles from Pepperdine when a young man lost…
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Messages to Persevere
Sometimes, I write messages to myself when I am in the middle of a crisis. I keep them as reminders that this painful moment will pass.
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Psalm 20
One of the first passages we all memorized as a staff was Psalm 20. It’s my go-to passage for those in distress.
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Creating Culture
We have been playing a short game and praying everyday as at our office. I have been curious about building meaningful connection. How do we create mini moments of joy and wonder?
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What You Need When You Need It
We have a chalkboard with the “verse of the week” stenciled across the top hanging above the NBC Camps office sink.
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Disciplines
Dad greatly excelled at relational discipline. He willingly submitted to the rigor of relational well-being, investing time and attention, encouraging words, and spending quality time with those he loved. Dad also greatly excelled at spiritual discipline.
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Sifted
I have been meditating on a few lines I heard in my devotional about Peter and the devil. Jesus says, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.
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Lenten Season
Today marks the beginning of Lent. It’s a time that triggers strong images and memories of Dad. I can picture him walking around New York City with an ashen cross on his forehead.
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Listen for the Blessing
I like to talk. Sadly, I often talk too much, and about the wrong thing. This hurts my relationship with my family. I say something that is judgmental, fearful, or just plain bothersome.
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Delight in Difficulty
One of the hardest lessons I have learned is the discipline to delight in difficulty. Our NBC Central office team has been practicing this for almost 10 years, but it still is not easy or natural.
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An Elegant Question
During date night, Shann asked me an elegant question. In the metaphor of sowing and reaping, he asked what two seeds I am thankful I am planting in my life.
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What Goes Around Comes Around
In C.S. Lewis’s Reflections on the Psalms he addresses a topic I have struggled with. What do we do with the Psalms that pray down wrath on enemies?
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Right Intuition and False Suggestion
I am reading Swiss Reformed medical doctor Paul Tournier. He writes that neurosis is the division of right intuition and false suggestion. I see this easily in myself.
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Heartbreak
Recently Shann and I participated in a contemplative prayer retreat. One of the beautiful and elegant questions asked was, “What breaks your heart?” One of the things that breaks my heart is a child without a loving, present…
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Back to Basics
When I feel the deep ache of loss and start feeling sad about Dad being gone, I go back to the fundamentals. I go back to the basics; Dad taught: solitude and gratitude.
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Surprised by Joy
I had been dreading Father’s Day. I woke up on Father’s Day, assuming it would be a bone-crushing day of sorrow, but it wasn’t. I left deep gratitude for my Dad and felt very close to him.
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The Forgiveness Journey- Part 2
One of my Dad’s and my favorite writers, Henri Nouwen writes, “Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly.
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Praying for Others
Prayer always amazes me. I can fall in love with praying and get discouraged because my prayers don’t “turn out” the way I want.
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Ignatian Contemplative Prayer
Our family loves Ignatian contemplative prayer. You listen to the passage and imagine yourself in the story. Recently, we experienced a prayer session together on the Good Samaritan.
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Unseen prayers
Mom and I met to discuss Dad’s celebration of life with a beautiful person helping coordinate the day. While there, we bumped into a long-time friend who has been on a brutal journey navigating cancer.
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Garden
As I plan for Dad’s Celebration of Life, the person helping me organize the décor told me that because the stage is large, she imagined we could make it like a garden and asked if my Dad liked…
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Prayer Sisters
Today is my middle daughter Ariana’s birthday. She has the last birthday in four weeks of March birthdays to celebrate in our family. When she was four months old, she stopped gaining weight.
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Our Present Darkness
I am reading Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal’s novella, Too Loud a Solitude . Hrabal experienced not only the horrors of the Nazi occupation of Prague but also the dark years of communism under Soviet Russia.
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Prayer
My Dad and I loved to pray together, and I learned so much about prayer from him. I have been on a journey to understand prayer myself and find I am more in love with prayer each year.…
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Tears of Christ
Watching the war in Ukraine has been devasting. The cruelty of Putin, the shocking images of destruction, the terror that feels palpable around the globe.
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Dream Dinner
I had my first dream of my father. He was younger than I am now at my current age. We sat side by side at a beautiful banquet table.
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True Peace
Dad sat down with me in the New Year of 2018. He asked me to consider a few tasks for my life. I will be sharing these in the New Year as a form of inner resolution.
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Joyful and Triumphant
Merry Christmas to all of you at Words of Hope. I want to share this Christmas story. Tom is my father-in-law, and he and my Dad were close friends.
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Release from darkness
I have been praying daily for the Christians kidnapped in Haiti. They were held by a murderous gang who wantonly killed children and adults unable to pay an exorbitant ransom.
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A Godly Woman
Today is my Mom’s 80th birthday. Her courage in caring for my Dad through cancer reveals her reliance on prayer and dedication to serving. Mom is one of the most persevering people I know.
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The Discipline of Prayer
Dad died two months ago. It feels like it just happened and conversely that it happened long ago. Dad’s 12 year battle with cancer carried so many thoughts and questions about when his time would be up.
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The Lord’s Prayer
Dad loved the Lord’s Prayer, and it was one of his favorite ways to pray. Here is how time with Dad praying the Lord’s Prayer together would go. Our Father (I am not an only child!
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The Daily Examen
Our whole family often jumped into learning what Dad was learning. He was so infectious and enthusiastic; he inspired us to understand what he was learning. One of his favorite spiritual teachers was Ignatius of Loyola.
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Full Armor and Prayer
I love history with all my heart, especially World War 2, perhaps because I know Dad loved Winston Churchill, or because I lived in Germany, or maybe because I have always wanted to know why this massive war…
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Wait for the Lord
Dad was not the best at waiting when he was younger. He disliked waiting in line or at the doctor’s office. With cancer, you spend many hours of your life in waiting rooms.
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Creating Your Own Secret Garden
I have felt fairly bereft with dad’s passing, so I have decided to set a daily intention, something he would encourage me to consider for the day.
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From Fred’s Daughter Jennifer
Fred Crowell passed away on Wednesday, August 11, at around 7:40 pm. Fred is my Dad, and I’ve had the unparalleled blessing of being raised by such a devoted and loving father.
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Establish the Work of Our Hands
In the Bible, Psalm 90 is a prayer by Moses, full of wisdom. Moses had eight requests in the last part of the prayer.
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Comfort in Silence
Years ago, Henry David Thoreau said: “The mass of men live lives of QUIET desperation.” Yet today, I (meaning Fred Crowell) say: “Most people live lives of ACTIVE desperation.” Why?
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Never Lose Your Dreams
The four P’s – Psalms, purpose, prayer & power. Dr. Shann Ferch tells the following story. One day my dad took me to Circle, Montana to visit his dad. Grandpa was living in a small shack.
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My Tribute to a Man Who Changed My Life
My dear, dear Father B: I slept a very rare 8 uninterrupted hours through the night this week. Praise God.
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Heaven on Earth
One of the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. A profound request! Who else should be asked! His instructions were condensed to 70 words to pray with sincere humility and faith.
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Sacred Place – Secret Garden
The most beautiful and blessed place on earth. Slow the bus down is a favorite expression in the Crowell home when one of us gets too busy, anxious or troubled.
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A Prayer for You
Years ago, a brilliant leader taught the magic learning number is 6 . For example: If you want to remember a person’s name when introduced, silently repeat the name 6 times.
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17 Minutes, 17 Seconds
These two 17’s are the best moments of my day! This is time dedicated to entering my personal secret garden. The psalmist called this a secret place.
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Dear Fellow Cancer Fighters:
This morning the candle is lit here in my home office. Prayers for your courage, faith, and hope have been offered to our loving Heavenly Father in the glorious name of Jesus.
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Thy Kingdom Come
A basketball coaches analysis of the Lord’s Prayer. Based on the prayer instruction of Jesus, how is it possible to have His Kingdom come and His Will be done here on earth?
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Mindful Management & Self-regulation, Part 3
I believe Mindful Management and Self-Regulation are life’s two most difficult skills to master. St.
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The Crowell Beat Cancer Game Plan
This is my personal game plan for dealing with cancer. It is working! My HOPE is it can work for you as you face your possible insults, difficulties, hardships, and persecutions. FROM ST.
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Take and Receive
St. Ignatius’s TAKE AND RECEIVE prayer is one of my most favorite prayers. Multiple times daily these are the words of my mouth. May they be yours as well.
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Contemplative Action
A young Spanish soldier was leading a fierce battle against the superior French army. He took a cannonball between his legs in 1521. Because of his valor, he was not executed.
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The Master Within
St. Augustine, a fourth-century theologian, and philosopher was considered one of the most respected followers of the Master of all masters. He influenced his many followers to learn to discover The Master Within .
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My Prayer
1956 Hit Song by The Platters 56′ and 57′ for the Seahawks. The football team was 53-3 for these two seasons. In 57′ they gave up just 6 points, rolling to an undefeated season.
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Prayer Can Change Your Life
Dr. William Parker received his doctorate from USC and was known for his group counseling and pathology of speech.
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Holy Hands
“Cling to your faith in Christ & have a clear conscience.” – Timothy Around about 64 A.D, which was 31 years after the crucifixion of Jesus, Paul was imprisoned for the second time.
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Prayer Practice – Part 1
Can you name one valuable life skill that does not demand practice? When someone says, “I am good at ….,” you assume that person may be gifted but also has engaged in many repetitions and regular exercise of…
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Prayer Power
1999 was a tough year for many Americans. Political, business and spiritual leaders were forecasting terrible times for our world. They predicted global financial collapse. Due to difficult circumstances, I sought out a spiritual life mentor.
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Prayer Practice, Part 2
Why should I want to practice prayer? My life is full of demands, responsibilities, people. Where is the time for additional practice time? Do you feel that way? I think God knows this.
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Analytical – THE LORD’S PRAYER
KEY STATEMENT: What did the Lord mean when He said, “Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”? Many of us memorized this prayer as children.
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Beg and Plead, Part 1
Briefly, I share with you a true story of a man whose life was saved because another man begged and pleaded. This other man was God’s ambassador to stand in the gap and save his friend’s life.
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The Gift of Gethsemane
Chapter 26, the converted tax collector, Levi, turned to the apostle Mathew, takes us to the olive grove called Gethsame. As I use His precious gift IMAGINATION I place myself with Matthew seated by a fire.
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Church This Morning
This is where I am having church this morning. A cup of coffee. Beautiful Sea of Cortez. An opportunity to pray. This is what’s on my mind today: Pray, give thanks in all things.
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Be Brave Letter
“If you want to be brave do brave things.” Early in the dark silence of a new day, my mind thinks; my heart suffers for a beautiful, kind, gentle, strong, wife and mother in the loving village I…
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The Secret of Silence
“Be still and know that I am God.” A friend likes to tell me, “I am going to do nothing today, and I don’t plan to start until noon.” About 17 years ago, I began the interior journey.…
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Prayer Walk
Ketchikan, Alaska When was the last time you took a prayer walk? It has been awhile for me. Ketchikan is a delightful place nestled in southeastern Alaska. I’m told it rains 212 inches per year.
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The Secret Garden
The world’s best vacation destination and it’s free! IN CABO SAN LUCAS ESPERANZA and La Pamilla battle for the number one best resort. On the seas the major cruise lines boast to be the best.
