Here’s a snapshot at how Tim Keller prays… I try to do petition in the morning. I try to do repentance in the evening. So I try to pray in the morning and in the evening. In the evening I look back on what I did wrong and repent. But in the middle of the day I try to catch myself and I look for four kinds of emotions. I always pray in the morning, “Lord make me happy enough in the grace of Jesus to avoid being proud, cold, scared, and hooked.” Now, in the middle of the day I get it out and say, “Have I been proud, scared, cold, or hooked in the last 3-4 hours. And the...

How is a guy supposed to pray? Joel Hunter offers five prayers that God will always answer (in a recent post at MinistryToday): 1:”Lord, get me out of this temptation!” Believe it or not, when we earnestly pray this prayer, we have to climb over God’s impediments to sin! 2: “Lord, amaze me with a glimpse of the supernatural.” As shallow as this sounds, this isn’t the same as a generation always looking for signs. This prayer is a request to see God’s hand in our lives and appreciate His nearness. He loves to reveal Himself above all rational explanation, but...

Casey Tygrett shares three measurement devices for elders and local church leaders regarding spiritual growth and formation that will bring light and life to situations stuck in darkness. Are you regularly engaging with Scripture, both individually and as a leadership team? Leaders committed to wrestling with the narrative of God both alone and in their group have put themselves in a position to be corrected, humbled, and augmented for the sake of others. Being open to the Scriptures is a posture that embraces the mission of God in the world today. Scripture refines the lenses through which the mission...

Mars Hill has a tremendous problem. They’ve seen phenominal growth in numbers… in fact they’ve grown 50% in the past year (over 5,000 people). That includes a 12% increase in attendance SINCE LAST WEEK. SINCE LAST WEEK. Church-wide… they are at 82% capacity during 36 weekend services at 14 different locations. Jesus has definitely stepped on the gas. Add to that, 551 small groups (with 60 new groups added this month). Whether you’re a fan of Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill or not… something big is happening there. And the stress and pressure from a pure administrative...

A unique approach to ministry.  Actually, I think it’s pretty stinkin’ cool. What do you think?    

Mark Batterson, talking about his new book, The Circle Maker:  Praying Circles Around Your Greatest Dreams and Biggest Fears: You can get your copy here. Have you read the book?  Was it...

Oh for crying out loud.  I appreciate the need to pray, but is anyone else but me a little embarrassed by this? Just...

All the Christmas Decorations are out in the stores already.  So, I’d like to share my favorite Christmas prayer with you.  I’m sure most of you will remember this one: Merry Christmas, early!

Everyone was talking earlier this week about the NASCAR prayer given by this pastor… but did you know that he’s now a rock star?  I think this one could really climb the charts…

This one comes from my friend (and boss) Dave Travis, the ultimate NASCAR fan.  What do you think of this prayer?