Posts by Karen Barber
Having a Running Conversation with God
A running conversation with God is a prayer method where we consciously and constantly address thoughts and questions to God as we go about our daily routine. Short prayer connections are made with God on every subject, large or small, as they are encountered during the day. How to do this prayer practice: I learned…
Read MoreBrother Lawrence’s Prayer for Success in Tasks
Here is a prayer for success at work that will enable you to use your prayers to God as a secret key to success. It was composed by Brother Lawrence who was a lay brother in a French monastery in the 1600s. Even when Brother Lawrence was working in the kitchen he was able to…
Read MoreBrother Lawrence’s Kitchen Prayer
Lord of all pots and pans and things Make me a saint by getting meals And washing up the plates! Brother Lawrence’s Prayer for Success in Tasks Prayer for a Rainy Day The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Read MorePathway Praying
When I needed to fit more prayer time into my busy schedule I started praying on my morning walk and it helped me expand my prayer time by 45 minutes. Here’s how to do what I call “Pathway Praying,” a term I use to describe praying while doing another activity. How to do this prayer practice:…
Read MoreAn Amish Table Prayer
This Amish Table Prayer is an interesting prayer for moderation in using our blessings. The sentiments are very relevant to use as table blessing when dieting or fasting. Enable us to use Thy manifoldblessings with moderation; Grant our hearts wisdom to avoidexcess in eating and drinkingand in the cares of this life; Teach us to…
Read MoreChristmas Prayer by St. Bernard of Clairvaux
This Christmas prayer by St. Barnard of Clairvaux helps us focus our hearts on the beautiful gift of baby Jesus as a way to touch God’s heart at Christmas. Nativity Prayer Let Your goodness Lord appear to us, that we made in your image, conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate…
Read MoreHow to Meditate from St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Here is an excerpt from a a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux that teaches us how to meditate. Let us take our stand on the tower, leaning with all our strength on Christ, the most solid rock, as it is written: He has set my feet on a rock, he has guided my steps.…
Read MoreThe Prayers of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
St. Bernard of Clairvaux lived from 1070-1153 and was a dynamic force for Christianity. Today his prayers are still used by many. Here are some of that resonate with me. “Prayer is a wine which makes glad the heart of man” High and Holy God, give me this day a word of truth to silence…
Read MoreTravailing in Prayer for Yourself and Others
Intense travailing prayer is praying with great emotional, physical, mental and spiritual energy. Intense travailing prayer is used when you or someone you are praying for is facing overwhelming problems or struggles. The word travail is the same word used for labor pains when giving birth to a child. In intense travailing prayer you are…
Read MoreWedding Prayer of Blessing Based on a Prayer by Teresa of Avila
Here is a wedding prayer that invokes the presence of God to work within the couple so that they “May trust God that in joining your lives together that you are both exactly where you are meant to be.” This is adapted from a classic prayer of Teresa of Avila. Wedding Prayer May today there…
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