Category Archives: Prayer

Prayer–A Gift of God

Janis Van Keuren

     This week, I will be reposting my series on Prayer.     Our pastor addressed an eagerly sought after topic yesterday, yet one that does not have easy answers.Prayer–Asking and Receiving from God.     I was alert, not drifting in and out. The congregation, unusually still, hanging on his every word. All hoping to find that magical formula that guarantees answered prayers. Prayers answered according to our heart’s desire.     The foundation for prayer was established first by our pastor.     “The Lord … Continue reading →

Asking in Prayer

Janis Van Keuren

 Google Images from cvsfkuantan.blogspot.com      This is the second part of the series on Prayer.     Prayer is the ultimate privilege of speaking to God as our Father, our Daddy.  Jesus referred to this relationship with God as one that is as personal as the one we would have with our own Dad.  When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He said to address God as “Father”, using a word that translated in English means “a nourisher, protector, upholder”* (Matthew … Continue reading →

When the Unexpected Happens

Janis Van Keuren

    Where our worries piled up      The evening had a peaceful demeanor as the family huddled around the computers crammed into our box-sized loft.  No plans.  No deadlines.  No must-dos.  Just unwind and fall into dreamland.      My cell phone chimed that a text message was coming through.  Only the youngest was out of the house, so it was probably a note as to when he’d be home.  I flipped open my pink phone nonchalantly, pressed the center … Continue reading →

Time to Humble Ourselves and Pray

Janis Van Keuren

     Today we pause in reflection and prayer for our country. This is a significant time in our country’s history with the events that have taken place this week. These events should rend our hearts even more to seek the Lord’s face in thanksgiving for His protection over our nation and His mercy upon our nation which has forsaken His sweet love for the pleasures of the world.     But let us not be quick to judge. As Christians, we also … Continue reading →

The Answer to Prayer That I Still Don’t Understand–Prayer Series, Part 4

Janis Van Keuren

     Cousins and their family with Their Sweet Little Girls          This is the fifth and last part of the series on Prayer.  This is a repost of an article that appeared earlier.         It was a sultry August day in the San Fernando Valley.  Perfect pool weather.  We puffed air into the inflatable kiddy pool and let the hose run til the water was splashing deep.  A couple of wind-up fishies and frogs, and we were set.  A precious … Continue reading →

Let’s Pray for the Grand Old Flag

Janis Van Keuren

     Running errands yesterday, my eyes took note of the many places waving the “high flying flag”. That would be the one George M Cohan wrote about.  The one that symbolizes this great free country of ours–the Grand Ole USA.      Flapping in the mild desert wind, the flag flew high on many posts.  Singing patriotism in front of a gas station. Pointing the way home at the entrance of an apartment complex.  Declaring freedom at a medical facility. Proudly … Continue reading →