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“A Praying Teacher” — Part 3
Jesus makes an impossible promise.
“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14).
Anything? And all we have to do is include his name?
If only the promise were this simple. Many of us have prayed for anything: physical restoration, emotional healing, spiritual renewal — and found nothing.
Is Jesus a liar? Or are we missing a crucial piece of the promise?
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“A Praying Teacher” – Part 2
They’ll never change. He’s lying. She’s cheating. This isn’t worth it. They’ll never pass the test. I should quit.
These are the words of cynicism. Words of discouragement, frustration, and – most of all – doubt.
Are you living a doubtful life? Are your words rife with anxiety over the present and the future?
Then I bet you’re cynical. Here’s why, and how to heal.
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“A Praying Teacher” – Part 1
I should pray more often, but I just forget to.
I’m too busy to pray; I’m a busy person.
I’ve tried praying before, but what does it do? I don’t see the point.
If you’re thinking any of this, I’m with you. In the busyness and chaos of modern America, prayer seems just as forgettable or pointless as we feel it is.
But yet we’re empty inside. We feel like there’s more to our lives, and more to our faith. Isn’t there a deeper relationship waiting for me out there?
There is. But it’s not what you think it is.
It’s better. Continue reading
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Cassie hated me.
Some students are subtle when they don’t like you. They roll their eyes, suck their teeth, or skip your class. Not Cassie.
She told me. “Your class sucks. It’s stupid.”
Her negativity became so oppressive that I dreaded coming to school each morning. I found myself praying, “God, please let Cassie be absent. Please don’t let her come.”
And sure enough, Cassie was right there, sneering at me.
Thanks, God. Continue reading
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