Sometimes our prayers flow easily, and we talk to God just as naturally as we would to a dear friend. But sometimes we can't find words to express our thoughts, no matter how hard we try. What can you do when you can't pray, or when you need a prayer for a specific occasion but don't know where to begin? You can turn to the prayers of other Christians to carry you into God's presence. Prayers for Life's Ordinary and Extraordinary Moments is a unique collection of prayers that give you words t...

"Pray for me," someone says to you. How seriously do you take such a request? Ken Carter, a pastor for nearly 30 years, says he has learned to honor the request "Pray for me" as a cry for help. "It is an acknowledgment that we are limited and finite creatures. It is a trust placed in a higher power," he comments. "It is always prompted by a situation that would not be desired, yet it is always an occasion for the grace of God." Carter compares a person in need—whether it's because of illness,...

Many of us feel intimidated about our prayer life—we look at other Christians, and prayer seems to come naturally to them. But somehow we feel that we just don't "get it." Author Mary Lou Redding reminds us that the disciples were with Jesus continually, and still they had to ask him for help in learning how to pray. That should reassure us, she says. Because the Lord's Prayer is so familiar, we run the risk of praying it by rote without really thinking about the meaning of the words. Redding...

Aging is part of God's plan, says author Missy Buchanan—and it's a gift, not punishment. Buchanan reminds us that aging is a matter of perspective—if we fix our eyes on negative images of growing old, we will miss the treasures right before us. But when we focus on God, we will discover an abiding joy that comes only with a long life. Aging Faithfully is divided into four weekly themes: Accepting the Challenges of Aging Finding God's Purpose in Aging Overcoming the Temptations of Aging Dis...

Can I trust God when my child is seriously ill? Wessel Bentley knows the agony of this question, and he writes from his own experience of having a child with severe heart problems. Bentley understands parents' need for spiritual support when they face the tough task of raising a child with a serious illness. He sensitively guides parents through a 28-day process of prayer, reflection, and practical suggestions for coping with their situation. The four weeks of readings address these themes: ...