Wow! I don’t know what kind of weather you just went through last week, but I know there is still a level of ice beneath the snow here in Huntington. But, the miracle of God’s world is, our trees in the back yard are full of robins! They are fat and healthy and lively and gloriously free. Behind every storm of life, God has promised a rainbow.
Our granddaughter, Hannah, has a knack for seeing rainbows in the sky almost every time she is in the car with us. Please, surround yourself with family and friends who point out the colorful arch in the sky and not the dark clouds that have just passed. Stay safe, but don’t stay in the focused on the storm.
I pray for you, this day, that you can see the rainbow and not the storm, the blue sky and not the ice, the robins and not the snow. That doesn’t mean they aren’t there. You simply are not giving them the energy to frighten you or weigh you down, by focusing your eyes on the blessings all around you, the miracles of each day. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, truth divine, bless this icy world of mine. May I see all the beauty you have for me this day so that your Heaven may touch the earth and bring your warmth. For this very day, regardless of the negatives of this world, may I see only your joy, your peace, and your love. I can really feel sorry for myself sometimes and think there is only ice and wind in my little three-quarter acre yard. How very self-centered we can be. Forgive me for dwelling on myself and let me see ways to brighten the lives of those around me. May I bring rainbow sightings to everyone I touch, that your promises may color their world. May the robins in my trees, fill the yards of all those around me. In the name of Jesus Christ my Lord, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
A RESTLESS WORLD IN NEED OF PRAYER
People are in the streets in Egypt with signs and fists, all demanding one thing, that they can live within a democracy. But there are other forces that are using the people’s desire to be free to attempt to gain their own advantage.
I do not pretend to know the history of the region, their current struggle, or the hearts of the people. I do know that God knows. He also has a plan for those people, the same as the one he has for us in the West. He wants to bring them HIS peace. The least we can do is pray for God’s peace to reign, where turmoil now has mastery. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, smile down from Heaven and bring his stability, love and peace to the Mideast. Let us pray:
“Father God, your name is Holy and precious to all your people. Rain peace and love, like a gentle dew from Heaven, on all your people so that your kingdom may come and dwell in the hearts of your dear children. I am not arrogant enough to decide whom you love, for you love us all. Let the miracle of your grace and redemption fill all your people, those in the East and in the West, seizing upon this opportunity of desire for freedom to usher in the laws of love. There are millions of people who are feeling the breath of freedom within their grasp. Let them not be captured instead by the laws of hate and revenge. Pour out your love so fully, so completely, that there is no room for non-love. You know how to circle the city, blow on the ram’s horn, and have the unjust fall so your people are free to love and prosper in your sight. Bless us in this day of change that it may not come for change’s sake alone, but for a turning to your love, peace, salvation, and grace. Forgive us when we could have said or done more to stabilize your world with extravagant generosity within the means you have given us. Let us walk in a new love and a new understanding and acceptance of your grace. Through the Holy name of Jesus, your son, our Savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
I do not pretend to know the history of the region, their current struggle, or the hearts of the people. I do know that God knows. He also has a plan for those people, the same as the one he has for us in the West. He wants to bring them HIS peace. The least we can do is pray for God’s peace to reign, where turmoil now has mastery. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, smile down from Heaven and bring his stability, love and peace to the Mideast. Let us pray:
“Father God, your name is Holy and precious to all your people. Rain peace and love, like a gentle dew from Heaven, on all your people so that your kingdom may come and dwell in the hearts of your dear children. I am not arrogant enough to decide whom you love, for you love us all. Let the miracle of your grace and redemption fill all your people, those in the East and in the West, seizing upon this opportunity of desire for freedom to usher in the laws of love. There are millions of people who are feeling the breath of freedom within their grasp. Let them not be captured instead by the laws of hate and revenge. Pour out your love so fully, so completely, that there is no room for non-love. You know how to circle the city, blow on the ram’s horn, and have the unjust fall so your people are free to love and prosper in your sight. Bless us in this day of change that it may not come for change’s sake alone, but for a turning to your love, peace, salvation, and grace. Forgive us when we could have said or done more to stabilize your world with extravagant generosity within the means you have given us. Let us walk in a new love and a new understanding and acceptance of your grace. Through the Holy name of Jesus, your son, our Savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, January 24, 2011
IN FROM THE COLD
“It is cold out there!” The cold weather seems to be the talk of most water cooler groups and grocery lines. Why are we surprised when it’s cold in January? A better statement would be, “It’s January, therefore it’s cold!”
The blessing is, we don’t have to stay out in the world in the freezing wind, away from the warm hearth of Love. Come into the light cast from the glow of God’s love. You do not have to stand at the window and wish. You don’t even have to have total and compelling belief. Just open the door and enter into the life of God’s grace, and your belief will grow over time. You don’t have to take the first step! Open the door and the Holy Spirit will enter into your heart and dwell there. Wow!
Come in out of the cold, all who would cherish the warmth and love of God through the indwelling Spirit. Warmth will then shine from you so that you can take the flame to an ice-hardened world. Glory to God for his plan of warmth-sharing, through you and through me. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, warmth of my heart, sweet and precious is your name. May your kingdom be built in my heart through the opened door. I ask that you, oh Father, rule over the kingdom of my life so that Heaven may come to earth within my time. At this very moment, I pray that your people may come in out of the cold and find their warmth in you. Forgive us when we wander the alleys of life, thinking that beauty can be found there on our own. All we have to do is open the door and enter into more glory than can ever be imagined. We have the handle to our heart on our side of the door. We open it today. Praise be the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, in whom we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
The blessing is, we don’t have to stay out in the world in the freezing wind, away from the warm hearth of Love. Come into the light cast from the glow of God’s love. You do not have to stand at the window and wish. You don’t even have to have total and compelling belief. Just open the door and enter into the life of God’s grace, and your belief will grow over time. You don’t have to take the first step! Open the door and the Holy Spirit will enter into your heart and dwell there. Wow!
Come in out of the cold, all who would cherish the warmth and love of God through the indwelling Spirit. Warmth will then shine from you so that you can take the flame to an ice-hardened world. Glory to God for his plan of warmth-sharing, through you and through me. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, warmth of my heart, sweet and precious is your name. May your kingdom be built in my heart through the opened door. I ask that you, oh Father, rule over the kingdom of my life so that Heaven may come to earth within my time. At this very moment, I pray that your people may come in out of the cold and find their warmth in you. Forgive us when we wander the alleys of life, thinking that beauty can be found there on our own. All we have to do is open the door and enter into more glory than can ever be imagined. We have the handle to our heart on our side of the door. We open it today. Praise be the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, in whom we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
THE DEER
Great! I woke up about 12:30 a.m. last night and couldn’t go back to sleep. Well that’s a fine how-do-you-do. I have to have my sleep.
Rather than stew too much, I decided to get up and write a little, have some cocoa, and go back to bed. As I came down the steps, the thought that came to my mind was, I want to see the deer. What deer?
The night was very bright with the moonlight shining off the snow and I could see everything out in the front yard really well. Just as I got to the windows in the front door, seven deer ran through our yard between our house and the neighbor’s. They were large and graceful and beautiful. If I hadn’t awakened and unable to go back to sleep, I would have missed the blessing of the deer. Let us all remember to turn our negative experiences into blessings by looking for what God has for us to enjoy while we’re down there. Let us pray:
“Father God, Holy One of Always, your name is precious to my ears. It is my prayer that I may live within the bosom of your heart, where I’ll find beauty and love. Give me eyes to see the deer, and ears to hear the songs you hum every day. Even the stars give music as they pass through the sky - the music of the spheres. Forgive my dissatisfaction with the minor inconveniences of life. They are often merely little whistles from heaven, your attempts at getting my attention so I don’t miss the masterpieces of beauty you have on displayed for me. I pray that I too may be able to point out the flowers among the weeds for others, that no one may miss the beauty of life. In the name of your precious son Jesus, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Rather than stew too much, I decided to get up and write a little, have some cocoa, and go back to bed. As I came down the steps, the thought that came to my mind was, I want to see the deer. What deer?
The night was very bright with the moonlight shining off the snow and I could see everything out in the front yard really well. Just as I got to the windows in the front door, seven deer ran through our yard between our house and the neighbor’s. They were large and graceful and beautiful. If I hadn’t awakened and unable to go back to sleep, I would have missed the blessing of the deer. Let us all remember to turn our negative experiences into blessings by looking for what God has for us to enjoy while we’re down there. Let us pray:
“Father God, Holy One of Always, your name is precious to my ears. It is my prayer that I may live within the bosom of your heart, where I’ll find beauty and love. Give me eyes to see the deer, and ears to hear the songs you hum every day. Even the stars give music as they pass through the sky - the music of the spheres. Forgive my dissatisfaction with the minor inconveniences of life. They are often merely little whistles from heaven, your attempts at getting my attention so I don’t miss the masterpieces of beauty you have on displayed for me. I pray that I too may be able to point out the flowers among the weeds for others, that no one may miss the beauty of life. In the name of your precious son Jesus, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Monday, January 10, 2011
A FINE LINE
Shots rang out in Arizona that were heard in every home and around the world. Congresswoman Gabriella Giffords, Arizona Federal Judge John Roll, and nine-year-old Christina Green were among the dead and injured. Some are saying that there is a fine line between inflammatory speech and civil discourse. That may be true, but there is not a fine line between truth and lie.
Let this tragedy be a call for love to underpin our conversations, while at the same time seeking truth, not as we want to believe it, but as it is. Seek and speak facts from a position of grace and love.
Let this tragedy not be a call for silence. A society can only remain free when truth is spoken with boldness, but not with blisters. Voices are better heard when spoken with calm and confident timbre or texture. I cannot hear you when you are yelling.
But do speak, speak boldly. Our freedom is at stake. The whole world waits and watches to see if the people of this free nation will still have free voices when all the manipulation of these events is accomplished. Let our voices never be silenced. Our truth is never supported by anger or name-calling, however. Truth stands on its own when facts support the details of our thoughts.
There is, sometimes, a fine line between sanity and insanity. Mental illness is that, an illness. Let us understand mental illness, put aside political correctness, and bring treatment for those who are ill.
We may all feel like we walk a fine line every day. Still, God lives on the razor’s edge. He will keep us on our sharp line if we will but know we are in his hands, within his domain. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Let us pray:
“Father of truth and love, we come before you with broken hearts over the senseless shooting in Arizona. We ask that your healing power may wrap those who have been harmed within your creative and re-creative love. We pray for the families of those who are hurt and those who have been lost. They are going through unspeakable grief. Let them know that you are in control, that you are always there beside them, that you will walk this new road with them. Forgive the shooter, Father, for he is yours too. May his sanity return so that he may know what he has done and seek your forgiveness. We turn our voices over to you Father that we may speak truth in love and not anger. But, truth must always be spoken in this free land you have given us. Give us strength to be brave, discernment to know the words you would have us say, and your grace buried in our heart that the words may be spoken in love. In the name of Jesus, your son, our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Let this tragedy be a call for love to underpin our conversations, while at the same time seeking truth, not as we want to believe it, but as it is. Seek and speak facts from a position of grace and love.
Let this tragedy not be a call for silence. A society can only remain free when truth is spoken with boldness, but not with blisters. Voices are better heard when spoken with calm and confident timbre or texture. I cannot hear you when you are yelling.
But do speak, speak boldly. Our freedom is at stake. The whole world waits and watches to see if the people of this free nation will still have free voices when all the manipulation of these events is accomplished. Let our voices never be silenced. Our truth is never supported by anger or name-calling, however. Truth stands on its own when facts support the details of our thoughts.
There is, sometimes, a fine line between sanity and insanity. Mental illness is that, an illness. Let us understand mental illness, put aside political correctness, and bring treatment for those who are ill.
We may all feel like we walk a fine line every day. Still, God lives on the razor’s edge. He will keep us on our sharp line if we will but know we are in his hands, within his domain. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Let us pray:
“Father of truth and love, we come before you with broken hearts over the senseless shooting in Arizona. We ask that your healing power may wrap those who have been harmed within your creative and re-creative love. We pray for the families of those who are hurt and those who have been lost. They are going through unspeakable grief. Let them know that you are in control, that you are always there beside them, that you will walk this new road with them. Forgive the shooter, Father, for he is yours too. May his sanity return so that he may know what he has done and seek your forgiveness. We turn our voices over to you Father that we may speak truth in love and not anger. But, truth must always be spoken in this free land you have given us. Give us strength to be brave, discernment to know the words you would have us say, and your grace buried in our heart that the words may be spoken in love. In the name of Jesus, your son, our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Monday, January 3, 2011
THIRD DAY
Did you make it to the third day? This is the third of January, have you broken your New Year’s Resolution yet? It seems to me a resolution for an entire year is just another way to feel guilty about something! I have another idea.
Make 2011 the year you give your life over to God. His resolve will flow through you, rather than your trying to recreate yourself on your own. Matthew 6:33 tells us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (English Standard Version 2001). Let us pray:
“Father God, you sent your Love, your Peace, Your Song to earth in the form of a child, the Christ. Holy, holy, holy is your name. I make no resolution to be this or do that. I give my life over to you that you may do and be, within me, whatever is your plan. I don’t even ask that you create a plan or a purpose in me. I ask that I may be used as part of your plan and your purpose within you, for the work you have to do. Forgive me when I have been self-centered and asked you to bless my desires. May the desires of my heart be those that first dwelled in yours. Let me be a blessing to someone each day and don’t let me know when, or with whom, or under what circumstances it may happen, so I cannot claim responsibility for the work you do in another’s heart. Only you are holy. Only you are worthy, Only you do I follow. In the name of your blessed son, Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, my Lord, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Again - Have a Blessed and Abiding New Year!
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Make 2011 the year you give your life over to God. His resolve will flow through you, rather than your trying to recreate yourself on your own. Matthew 6:33 tells us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (English Standard Version 2001). Let us pray:
“Father God, you sent your Love, your Peace, Your Song to earth in the form of a child, the Christ. Holy, holy, holy is your name. I make no resolution to be this or do that. I give my life over to you that you may do and be, within me, whatever is your plan. I don’t even ask that you create a plan or a purpose in me. I ask that I may be used as part of your plan and your purpose within you, for the work you have to do. Forgive me when I have been self-centered and asked you to bless my desires. May the desires of my heart be those that first dwelled in yours. Let me be a blessing to someone each day and don’t let me know when, or with whom, or under what circumstances it may happen, so I cannot claim responsibility for the work you do in another’s heart. Only you are holy. Only you are worthy, Only you do I follow. In the name of your blessed son, Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, my Lord, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Again - Have a Blessed and Abiding New Year!
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Monday, December 27, 2010
INTENTIALLY ATTEND in the NEW YEAR
“That reminds me of Eddie Cantor and his song about his wife, Ida,” Pastor Bill said.
Ida, sweet as apple cider. My head found a musical path and off it went. Let’s see, it ended . . . I love ya, Ida, deed I do. Then I wandered over to another Cantor song, Toot, toot Tootsie, goodbye. Toot toot, Tootsie, don’t cry. As Pastor Bill continued, I discovered that he was talking about paying attention to life so we don’t miss any part of what is truly precious.
The problem for me was, Americans speak at 125 words per minute in normal conversation. A speaker usually slows down to 100 words per minute so the audience or congregation can follow. My problem that morning was everyone’s problem. We hear at a rate of about 400-500 words per minute, more than enough time to sing another refrain of, If you knew Susie, like I know Susie.
Attending is a deliberate act, not a passing fancy. With every word or sentence spoken by Pastor Bill, I repeated them in my own mind, truly listening and carefully planting them in my heart. That is what we are called to do.
For 2011, let us intentionally attend–deliberately listen–to every good thing God has for us. Can you imagine racing past diamonds strewn along the path, and ignoring them, to reach the red plastic prize at the end of the road? It’s not the goal that is important. It’s the life lived while traveling toward it. Don’t miss one glorious moment of 2011. The only real life, is the life lived in the moment, all else is preparation or memory. Live every minute of 2011, deliberately listening to The Voice–who only speaks to us in the moment. Let us pray:
“God and father of all, holy is your name. Your precious, yet mighty voice, I hear. Your Christmas child, the Christ, I just celebrated. Now what? I pray that I might see his sweet smile and glowing eyes in the faces of my children and friends. I ask to hear him whisper love, which I may pass it on to others. Let me remember to repeat your words in my mind and heart, so that I may plant them there and grow food to share. Forgive me when I have not slowed down enough to hear you call my name–what melodies I have missed while singing my own song. I dedicate this New Year of 2011 to you, Father God. May I be present with you each moment of every day that I may be open and ready to hear your words of love and charity. In the precious name of the God Child, Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Have a Blessed and Abiding New Year!
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
Ida, sweet as apple cider. My head found a musical path and off it went. Let’s see, it ended . . . I love ya, Ida, deed I do. Then I wandered over to another Cantor song, Toot, toot Tootsie, goodbye. Toot toot, Tootsie, don’t cry. As Pastor Bill continued, I discovered that he was talking about paying attention to life so we don’t miss any part of what is truly precious.
The problem for me was, Americans speak at 125 words per minute in normal conversation. A speaker usually slows down to 100 words per minute so the audience or congregation can follow. My problem that morning was everyone’s problem. We hear at a rate of about 400-500 words per minute, more than enough time to sing another refrain of, If you knew Susie, like I know Susie.
Attending is a deliberate act, not a passing fancy. With every word or sentence spoken by Pastor Bill, I repeated them in my own mind, truly listening and carefully planting them in my heart. That is what we are called to do.
For 2011, let us intentionally attend–deliberately listen–to every good thing God has for us. Can you imagine racing past diamonds strewn along the path, and ignoring them, to reach the red plastic prize at the end of the road? It’s not the goal that is important. It’s the life lived while traveling toward it. Don’t miss one glorious moment of 2011. The only real life, is the life lived in the moment, all else is preparation or memory. Live every minute of 2011, deliberately listening to The Voice–who only speaks to us in the moment. Let us pray:
“God and father of all, holy is your name. Your precious, yet mighty voice, I hear. Your Christmas child, the Christ, I just celebrated. Now what? I pray that I might see his sweet smile and glowing eyes in the faces of my children and friends. I ask to hear him whisper love, which I may pass it on to others. Let me remember to repeat your words in my mind and heart, so that I may plant them there and grow food to share. Forgive me when I have not slowed down enough to hear you call my name–what melodies I have missed while singing my own song. I dedicate this New Year of 2011 to you, Father God. May I be present with you each moment of every day that I may be open and ready to hear your words of love and charity. In the precious name of the God Child, Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Have a Blessed and Abiding New Year!
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Order Prayer Therapy Primer, by Doris Gaines Rapp, at www.bn.com. An eBook.
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