One of the most insightful scriptures regarding prayer is James 5:16, which takes up two sentences. We tend to focus on the second: “A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much” (NASB). But we tend to overlook the preceding sentence: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” … Read more
“Your will be done,” we pray. We are prone to saying it by rote, week in and week out, without even thinking. For God’s will to have any chance of being heard and heeded, submission is vital. When we pray for God’s will to be done, it means that we are willing to … Read more
An excerpt from A. Donald MacLeod’s latest book. An explanation for this book. My wonderful 21-year-old grandson, Callum, asked me two questions as we were discussing his future: “What is it like to be a minister, Gramps? How has the ministry changed since you were ordained back in 1963?” It is to respond to these … Read more
When I was asked to contribute a reflection on an ancient prayer, all I had to do was look up from my desk, and there was the answer – an Orthodox Prayer based upon the Prayer of St. Ioannikios, as well as the traditional and ancient Troparia to the Holy Trinity. I had printed out … Read more
This devotion is one that I shared at a Renewal Fellowship board meeting in March of 2022 and also shared during a midweek service during Lent. During both we looked at Judges 6:11-7:21, reading just the first part of it and referencing other parts of the section of scripture. This is referencing Gideon, who would … Read more
This is a testimony of a couple who for many years, were homeless and travelling around Canada, destitute and struggling with addictions and hopelessness, surviving by living in parks, alleyways under tarps, tents, and receiving handouts in community centres and shelters. They lived “welfare cheque to welfare cheque” and often taking advantage of the compassion … Read more
Physically, we may be on the defensive. But we are much more than flesh and blood. Spiritually, we are called to be on the offensive. There is much to pray for. In addition to our daily Prayer Calendar guide for April, May and June, I offer the following for use by small groups and sessions. … Read more
What’s the first thing we give up when life gets busy? Time for ourselves. We can easily ignore our personal needs with fewer immediate repercussions than skipping commitments at work, church, in the community and with family. But I’m going to suggest there’s something that’s pushed aside even before our personal downtime. Take my life as an example. … Read more
We begin life with the human instinct to connect to our Creator. Children, whether they’ve been raised in a Christian home or not, reach out to God in their thinking. And it continues throughout our lives. Even a professing non-believer might say, “O please, please, please let me find my wallet” as they’re desperately searching … Read more
Our gifted speaker, Rev. George Anderson, gave a presentation on “Prayer Saturation and the Fullness of the Spirit” at the Renewal Day on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Cornerstone Community Church, Kleinburg, Ontario. To listen to George’s two-part address on Spirit-directed prayer, click here.