Spirit Prayers: Growing Faith Through Adversity

By Dr. Devoree Clifton Crist

In a world still reeling from a global pandemic, divisiveness, systemic hatred, violence, war, disorientation, uncertainty, change and so much unsettling us, there is evidence that we are all suffering from trauma and sustained stress. Looking to the plant world as metaphor for the relationship with God "Spirit Prayers:Growing Faith Through Adversity" offers reflections on Scripture passages from the common lectionary. The growth theme takes us to the Sower, our roots, seeking out nourishment, connectedness, producing fruit, and facing stress. It is often through hardship or suffering that we come to a deeper relationship with the Holy. We are seeds planted by a loving God who is our foundation. As we take root in the divine we are made strong and more resilient. Our growth leads to an understanding that in God we can face difficulty, fear, or any condition with assurance of the Divine Presence, guidance and protection. Our response is love and service. The author felt a strong push to add a third book to the previous two because after praying through the pandemic she realized how turning to her faith brought her through and is sustaining her in this prolonged time of disquiet, agitation and adversity . She hopes you can find some support through Scripture reflection and beginning your prayer with her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781667898353

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Meet the Sower:

Recognize God as God

The first step in any relationship is to get to know each other. God self reveals readily and often if only we take the time to become aware. God is present in the creation but humankind has been given an invitation and the choice to be in relationship. Whenever we are ready and pay attention we will find a loving companion waiting. Meet the Sower, the Creator, the One who plants and provides all we need to grow. We are seeds being planted and nurtured into healthy plants by a conscientious loving Grower.

Psalm 143:8-10

Good and Loving God, from morning to evening I listen and look for your loving presence. You are with me in the simple and the complex activities of life. You are in the sounds of the birds and the sound of the wind in the trees. You are in the warmth of my morning coffee, you are in the softness of my pet’s fur. You are in the gorgeous color marking the oncoming of spring, you are in the eyes of the person looking back at me in the mirror. You are in music, in laughter, in the gentle good morning from my neighbor. You are in my life and for that I am grateful. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and abide in me and I in you all the days of my life.