Blog
Weighing in on faith and life.
B.H. Carroll faculty members, students, and those who support its mission desire to create dialog and stoke critical thinking about important topics which relate to faith and life in this world. Below are posts from diverse authors, whose views contribute to the ongoing discussion of these areas. The positions of the authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary, its faculty, and its governors.
Examples of Prayer in the Bible: Jesus
So, what can we learn from how Jesus himself prayed? It would be nice if the writers of the four gospels had spent more time on the topic. For the most part, we just catch glimpses here and there of what surely was a much deeper and richer reality.
Examples of Prayer in the Bible: Jeremiah
The whole sad affair is fascinating. It calls into question some of our most treasured assumptions about who God is and how God acts. It stands in stark contrast to so much of the preaching that we hear today, obsessed as it is with stroking our self-esteem and telling us that God is on our side.
Carroll Prayer Network: How To Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is a lifestyle. It’s a lifestyle that means you acknowledge the relationship you have with God isn’t here and there throughout your week or day. It’s EVERY moment of EVERY day. He’s always there and wants to walk in that kind of intimate—always, without ceasing, in all circumstances—relationship with you.
Examples of Prayer in the Bible: Jabez
Jabez should not be our only, or even our primary, example of how to pray. There are others who are better examples (as we will see in a few weeks) because they reflect the character of God in their prayers. Moreover, I think that we err greatly when we look for patterns or mantras that we can recite in order to achieve the results we desire.
When Church Leaders Let You Down
The redemption that comes through the cross of Jesus is powerful enough to overcome any sin, even the sin of church leaders. When a leader falls, we can see plainly that the only legitimate head of the church is not any sinful man, but Jesus Christ himself, and he is always faithful, always trustworthy, and always able to heal our deepest hurts.
Examples of Prayer in the Bible: David
David does not rail against God for not hearing his prayer. He does not withdraw from God in fear and anger. He continues to lean into his relationship with God.
Leadership and Culture: Part 1
How do we “change the way we see our fellow citizens around the world?” Education is not enough. A heart change must happen for us to be genuinely effective inter-, multi-, and transcultural leaders.
Examples of Prayer in the Bible: Samuel
What do you do when people turn against you? What do you do when circumstances do not go your way? What do you do when you get frustrated about the tasks that you have been assigned or the people who have been entrusted to your care?
Top Six Obstacles to Answered Prayer
Life often puts barriers in front of our hopes and plans, and we cannot see why we do not move forward with projects, opportunities, or dreams. I have observed six kinds of obstacles. Let’s examine each kind of obstacle that could block each one of us from receiving an answer to our earnest and genuine prayers.
Examples of Prayer in the Bible: Hannah
I am not suggesting that we can or even should pray in an utterly altruistic manner. Remember, Hannah poured out her heart to God, and if we are to do the same, some of our own desires and motivations will inevitably come spilling out. What I am suggesting is that we pray in such a way that something greater than ourselves is always in view.