Do you ever feel “stuck” in prayer?  Like you’re just saying the same words over and over?  Or maybe you’ve run completely out of words, and don’t even know what else to say.

This sermon looks at two ways to pray that are “beyond” words — one conventional, one unconventional.

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Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Supra-Rational Prayers

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 When Words Fail [47:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

On this Pride Weekend, we’re taking a look at a story of hope from the Old Testament — the story of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah and his compatriots made their mark on history, and we — who live when, for the first time ever, GLBT equality is within sight — can do the same.  Listen for a message of great encouragement.

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Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Dreamers and Doers [48:08m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We’re continuing our series that looks at the many ways there are to pray.

Have you ever heard of people praying with icons? What’s that all about? Some swear by it, while others say it’s contrary to scripture.

Listen as we investigate yet another ancient form of prayer and assess its relevance to us today.

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Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Home Altars and Gazing Prayers

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Stairway to Heaven [38:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We’re continuing our series that looks at the many ways there are to pray.

This sermon looks at praying with home altars. This may be something you’ve never considered before (or you’ve considered it with suspicion), but it can help break down the false division between sacred (church) and secular (home).

This ancient form of prayer may be just the thing that works for you!

Watch the webcast.

Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Home Altars and Gazing Prayers

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Near, Far, Wherever You Are [35:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

This sermon looks at Praying the Stations of the Cross. It’s an ancient practice that, in some traditions, may be looked on with suspicion — “vain repetition”, and all that.

But it’s in this repetition that we’re reminded of Christ’s life and the story of the Christian faith. This type of prayer allows those stories and principles to seep deep into our minds and hearts — letting us pattern our life after that of Jesus.

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Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Praying the Stations of the Cross

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Patterns of Life [40:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We’re in the midst of a sermon series on prayer, learning about some of the more than 40 ways there are to pray. Within those 40 ways, there’s bound to be a method of prayer that is a perfect match for you.

This sermon looks at Prayers of Examen. (No, that’s not a typo. It’s an old word that relates to deep introspection.) We’ll look at two specific techniques that will help you review your life — the big events, and the day to day — and hear from God about the direction you’re going.

Watch the webcast.

Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Prayers of Examen

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Know Thyself [31:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We continue our series on prayer, learning about some of the more than 40 ways there are to pray. Within those 40 ways, there’s bound to be a method of prayer that is a perfect match for you.

This sermon focuses on written prayers. We’ll look at two ways to communicate with God in writing: letters to God, and journaling.

Writing out your thoughts and impressions in prayer can be a great way to tap into the deep wisdom that God offers to us all.

Watch the webcast.

Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Written Words as Prayer

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 If I Could Write a Letter To Me [38:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We’re in the midst of a sermon series on prayer, learning about some of the more than 40 ways there are to pray. Within those 40 ways, there’s bound to be a method of prayer that is a perfect match for you.

This sermon’s focus: body prayer. Did you know you can pray without using words? Sound bizarre and impossible?

Listen or watch as we look at three ways to use your body and feelings (rather than your mind and words) to communicate with God.

Watch the webcast.

Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Body Prayer

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Body Language [36:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Did you know that there are more than 40 ways to pray? If it seems like you’re just wasting your time when you pray, it could be that you’re trying to pray in a way that isn’t right for you.

This week, we’ll look at the ancient practice of lectio divina — praying the scriptures. This prayer method challenges you to engage your heart, not just your head, when reading the Bible. It may be just the thing you need to make a real connection to God.

Watch the webcast.

Sermon supplement: Experimenting With Praying the Scriptures: Lectio Divina

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Words Leap Off the Page [32:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Did you know that there are more than 40 ways to pray? If it seems like you’re just spinning your wheels — or wasting your time — when you pray, it could be that you’re trying to pray in a way that isn’t right for you.

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new, practical series on prayer. One of the many methods of prayer we examine may be just the thing you need to make a real connection to God.

Watch the webcast.

Sermon supplement: Experimenting with Prayers of Imagination

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download. Comments or questions? Please email us.

 

 Destination Imagination [34:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

What is “grace”? The Bible says without it we cannot be saved.

This sermon cuts through all the theological mumbo jumbo and gain new insight that could. . . well, save us — in any number of ways.

Watch the webcast. Comments or questions? Please email us.

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download.

 

 Grace That Flows Like a River [35:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

“Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.”

We know the “death” part of the story well. And we know the “rose again” part of the story. But few Christians know the “buried” part well.

The New Testament teaches that, after his death and before his resurrection, Jesus descended into Hell. In this Easter Sunday sermon, we explore the significance of that part of the passion story and, from it, draw two powerful practical conclusions.

Watch the webcast. Comments or questions? Please email us.

Use the player below to listen to this sermon. Right-click on the tag to download.

 

 The Rest of the Story [37:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Have you seen the classic Christmas program, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer? If so, you’re familiar with the Island of Misfit Toys, home of the ostrich-riding cowboy and the train with square wheels.

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, and we’re taking a look at a little-examined character from the familiar palm-procession story: the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. He was a “misfit” too, but was needed by Jesus at this crucial time.

Listen or watch as we look at how we can find our purpose and mission — how we can be needed by God, misfits though we are.

Watch the webcast. Comments or questions? Please email us.

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 Misfits Wanted [38:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup