What is an examining prayer? Typically, it involves reflection on and evaluation of one’s thoughts, activities, and conduct. The Jesuits refer to such prayer as an “examen” or an “examen of conscience” that is based on a spiritual practice developed by St. Ignatius in the 16th Century. Many forms of “The Examine” have been developed over the years but the... Continue Reading
Have you heard the story of the Russian Pilgrim and the Jesus Prayer told in the “Way of the Pilgrim”? It’s a heart-warming and unforgettable story of how God brought healing and transformation to a lonely, depressed man. His amazing story begins this way: Born From A Desire To “Pray Without Ceasing” One day in the early 1800’s a poor young... Continue Reading
One of the characteristics of Christian contemplative spirituality is a humble acknowledgement that we do not understand the ground on which we stand, and yet have a child-like faith that God is present in every moment. It is out of this awareness that Thomas Merton shared this prayer in his book, “Through The Year With Thomas Merton.” My Lord God,... Continue Reading
Like most people of faith, over the years I have practiced various forms of prayer and have settled in on a few that are the most meaningful. One of those I call “prompted prayers.” I refer to them as prompted prayers because they are prayers that are brought to mind by some cue, usually something visual. For centuries, those of... Continue Reading
Centering Prayer is a simple form of Christian meditation rooted in the spiritual practices of early desert monastics and mystics such as Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. The contemporary Centering Prayer movement has been popularized by the writings of Trappist monks Thomas Keating, William Menninger, and Basil Pennington. Father Thomas Keating emphasizes the source of centering payer,... Continue Reading
One of the most helpful ways I’ve learned to pray is to listen, read, and observe the prayers of saints who walked with God. One such example is Moses in the book of Exodus. Moses faced similar challenges to today’s church leaders and I have found five aspects of his prayer in Exodus 33 an excellent outline for my own... Continue Reading
Jim is a Church Organizational Leadership and Management Coach, Consultant and Trainer. Throughout his career Jim has demonstrated a passion for showing Pastors and Ministers how to use organizational tools for church and personal growth and health.
More About Jim“For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5