Very thought provoking…I will try that prayer…”Abba, Father”. Thank you, Father John!
Marge Enloe
on May 1, 2020 at 2:25 pm
I watched your healing service just now and enjoyed “being there” with you in prayer.
Ina
on May 1, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Praise God for your example of faith and love of God when life has given you this very difficult time, Fr. John.
Edie
on May 1, 2020 at 2:26 pm
Thank you Fr John prayer to me is a constant in my everyday life and know God is with me always! I love your prayer room! My space is my comfy chair and coffee too as I rise at 5:30 am. To spend 2hrs more or less with Jesus.
Marilyn Hood
on May 1, 2020 at 3:23 pm
I listened. This has calmed me today when I needed it. I believe He is with us and answers Prayer but usually in His time, not necessarily ours . I know He knows best but , even knowing this, I do get anxious at times.
Shirl Edgerly
on May 1, 2020 at 3:43 pm
A good one! Thought provoking. Thank you.
Georgiann Ackley
on May 1, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Enjoyed this and certainly a lot to think about. I have continued my prayers for you, Tish and family. Will look forward to hearing next week
ed brunger
on May 1, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Great
This was great and very up lifting.
sandie jordhamo
on May 1, 2020 at 4:18 pm
As usual, Father John, I am amazed at the power your in your words.To call forth God, and feel his presence before we pray, whether it be for supplication, thanksgiving or praise, it would be wonderful to feel him in touch with us.
Prayer is good at any time but best in and at peace with our Lord.
Darlene Astrologes
on May 1, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Father John,
I so enjoyed this session with this wonderful message about prayer to our LOVING Abba Father! It is such a wonderful message that God loves us and is with us always, especially during our difficult times. I am thankful for that loving message. God is good…..always!
Darryl Tarbell
on May 1, 2020 at 5:02 pm
This made me think of the John Michael Montgomery song “The Little Girl”. Without any knowledge of Jesus or God she later recognized him in a picture because she said he held her as she hid behind a couch the night his father shot her mom and then himself.
I always feel that children are often more open to the presence of God because of their innocence.
I think prayer is easier during difficult times but so important during the common every day situations.
T hank you for this. I like the format and look forward to the following weeks
LaVerne Collins
on May 1, 2020 at 5:10 pm
I think we need to adopt an attitude of gratitude. Not just pray during bad times or when we want something. As difficult as this period of lockdown has been, there are many good things that have resulted. Many families are closer: I Zoom with family members I might not see otherwise for years. I’ve discovered new recipes. I’ve read books I would not normally have time to read. I’ve learned how to use technology in new ways. God is good, all the time. And when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
Ed Bartle
on May 1, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Well done, I think it will be a time for all of us to listen and comment.
Sandy
on May 1, 2020 at 5:41 pm
I loved this mainly because you were talking to us as a father to his child, from the heart vs a sermon which is mostly read. Looking forward to the next one. PS I feel the Lord’s presence every day. He’s my best friend, my everything.
Claudia Y Smith
on May 1, 2020 at 5:42 pm
Thank you for this mini lesson in God’s love for us. It is a loving reminder that we are not alone.
Lisa Woodward
on May 1, 2020 at 6:13 pm
Thank you Fr. John. My morning prayer time is spent reading ‘Jesus Calling’ ‘Jesus Always’ and ‘Mornings with Jesus’ and the scriptures accompanying each reading. This comforts me and has resulted in my becoming much more familiar with God’s word.
Lynda Duplissea
on May 1, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Thank you for preparing this message for developing a relationship with God through prayer.
Lynda Duplissea
on May 1, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Thank you for preparing this message for developing a relationship with God through prayer. Blessings.
Diana Grant
on May 1, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Thank you Father John for the encouragement to pray. It will help me to once again commit to daily prayer. (I get lazy in spite of my desire to be close to God). I am very aware of what can happen with daily prayer and meditation as I practiced this for long periods of time. The blessings of the messages received and the strengthening of my faith was unquestionable. Quite honestly this happened for me as a result of the 12 Steps of AA. “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God (part of one of the steps).
Also, I am so grateful to my mother and grandmother who took me to Sunday School (Presbyterian Church) during the time my dad was in the Pacific in WWII. I believed wholeheartedly that Jesus loved me and loved as a little girl singing Jesus Loves Me sometimes even as an adult when I’m really happy the song “Jesus Loves Me” springs to mind. Little children are so impressionable. Your sharing your thoughts with us helps us to be open in return..
Sarah Ralph
on May 1, 2020 at 11:07 pm
Be still and know that I am God is my mantra during times that are troubling to me and now I will to my prayers Abba, Father and try to be at peace. Thank you Fr. John.
amy
on May 1, 2020 at 11:53 pm
I will, thank you.
MaryAnn DeSantis
on May 2, 2020 at 12:28 am
Thank you for a wonderful lesson. I love how you use your personal experiences to connect us to the message. Your dad comforting you when your cat died almost made me cry because it reminded me of my own dad as well as how the Lord comforted me during some tough times. I look forward to this series.
Gloria
on May 2, 2020 at 12:46 am
A wonderful message and reminder that God is with us always. So comforting to know God is only a prayer away in times of need and times of praise for his goodness. Reminds me of the song “What a friend we have in Jesus” Thank you for another inspiring message.
Thank you Father John for teaching us the need and meaning of prayer and the Love of Jesus during this very stressful time.
Linda Czumak
on May 2, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Great lesson, Fr. John. Reminding us of how much God loves us and wants to know us makes prayer time a very personal time. Our focus can shift to seeing God as our friend, teacher, leader, Savior, provider, healer — someone who listens and cares. When we take those breaths and say “ABBA, Father”, His Presence becomes real and not distant. Our minds slow down, our bodies relax and we know He’s in our midst to meet us where we are. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Ja 4:8. Thank you!
Joan Braffet
on May 2, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Wow! What a wonderful message about prayer. During the last month I feel that I have become closer to God through prayer —-it has been so comforting as well as rewarding. Looking forward to next week! PS-wondering who your friend was in Newark??? Thanks for your continual guidance and above all,your love. Yes,God is love
Judy Treinen
on May 2, 2020 at 6:22 pm
Thank you FR. John for this great lesson……………looking forward to the next 3! You and the rest of the Clergy at St. George are doing a wonderful job of keeping us attached as a parish with all the services and communications you have provided. I’m so thankful that Tish is making progress and continue to pray for her.
Kim
on May 2, 2020 at 8:59 pm
Fr.John
I have experienced the presence of God many times for so many reasons
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and prayers with us
Looking forward to the next one
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:46 pm
Thank you Kim,
He has been good to us in many times and in many circumstances!
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:47 pm
Thank you, Judy
This has been a “fun” lesson to do, if you know what I mean. I always wanted to do something like this. Yes, and keep the prayers up for Tish.
Fr John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:49 pm
Hi Joanie,
Thank you. He using all sorts of situations, doesn’t he? Ha, about the friend!
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Linda,
The thought about “Abba, Father,” came from a book I read about Centering Prayer years ago. It is a great “breath prayer” to use. Now, I would have to research which author wrote it. It certainly goes against Keating’s thinking. But, I find it valuable. As they say, whatever works!
Thanks,
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Barbara,
It has always been important to be. But, it has been my Swiss Army knife right now! 🙂
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:52 pm
Gloria,
Thank you for that reminder of that wonderful hymn. I have “Alexa” right here… I will ask “Alexa” to play it right now! 🙂
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:54 pm
Thank you MaryAnn,
I suppose I can’t be anything but personal! A side note: my parents did let my sisters and I get another cat!
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:54 pm
Thank you, Sarah…
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Thank you, Lynda,
To quote another one of our comments: “What a friend we have in Jesus!”
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Lisa,
“Jesus Calling” is one of our go to books. When Tish asked for a devotional to use in the hospital. That was the one I brought. It is alway amazing how many times the Lord nails it for me on any one particular day.
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Thank you Claudia..
So good to connect
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Thanks Sandy,
I was trying to do that. That is exactly how I feel. He really is my all and all. I couldn’t have made it this last month without my Savior. I thank Him! PTL.
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Thanks Ed..
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:22 pm
LaVerne,
And attitude of gratitude, yes. Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances. It isn’t always easy to do. But, it sure helps our thinking. With all we have had to deal with, the sun is still shining and the birds are still chirping!
Fr. John
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:24 pm
Thank you Daryl,
It reminds me of how so many people filled our churches following 9/11. There are no atheists in a fox hole! But, we all need to remember that there is a God shaped hole in all of us.
Fr. John
Colleen Rutherford
on May 2, 2020 at 10:28 pm
Thank you for reminding us of the power of prayer at all times- good and bad. I had never tried or heard of the centering prayer of “ABBA, Father” so I am doing it at the beginning of my prayers in the morning. Best wishes and prayers for Tish, you and your family.
Thank you and all the clergy for feeding our spiritual needs during this time.
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:29 pm
Darlene,
I am blessed with a wonderful wife who is in a PCU right now but counting her blessings! If we look up, we will remember we have so many, many things to be thankful for. Despite the virus and the economic hubbub, not one of us is starving. I said on tonight’s phonevite, the night Tish was to receive her first meal her doctor had forgotten to write her meal order down. The nurse brought in ice cream and pudding. She was thrilled! She thanked God for this blessing… God is good… always!
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Sandy,
Jesus is Vitamin J, isn’t He? 🙂
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Thank you, Ed,
It was a good reminder for me, too, as I put it together…
Fr. John+
StGeorge
on May 2, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Georgiann,
Thank you for your thoughts. And please keep the prayers coming for Tish. Everyone’s prayers for Tish are certainly being heard!
Fr. John
Pat Knecht
on May 3, 2020 at 5:07 pm
First, it is so comforting to see and hear you during this quarantine time. Your message
is so very helpful as I have been working on improving my prayer life for several years.
The most difficult thing for me is to be still and listen. Thank you for this message and
I will be using your suggestion.
We so appreciate your sharing your feelings and Tish’s feelings. It gives encouragement
to us to be able to face whatever we might have to face in the future.
I really like having this study on the website because we can listen anytime.
Joyce Mitchell
on May 20, 2020 at 10:50 pm
A good lesson. this was my 2nd time around. I have experienced the presence of God in my life, but still have a hard time remaining connected. Maybe some abba father would really help. Thanks.
Very thought provoking…I will try that prayer…”Abba, Father”. Thank you, Father John!
I watched your healing service just now and enjoyed “being there” with you in prayer.
Praise God for your example of faith and love of God when life has given you this very difficult time, Fr. John.
Thank you Fr John prayer to me is a constant in my everyday life and know God is with me always! I love your prayer room! My space is my comfy chair and coffee too as I rise at 5:30 am. To spend 2hrs more or less with Jesus.
I listened. This has calmed me today when I needed it. I believe He is with us and answers Prayer but usually in His time, not necessarily ours . I know He knows best but , even knowing this, I do get anxious at times.
A good one! Thought provoking. Thank you.
Enjoyed this and certainly a lot to think about. I have continued my prayers for you, Tish and family. Will look forward to hearing next week
Great
This was great and very up lifting.
As usual, Father John, I am amazed at the power your in your words.To call forth God, and feel his presence before we pray, whether it be for supplication, thanksgiving or praise, it would be wonderful to feel him in touch with us.
Prayer is good at any time but best in and at peace with our Lord.
Father John,
I so enjoyed this session with this wonderful message about prayer to our LOVING Abba Father! It is such a wonderful message that God loves us and is with us always, especially during our difficult times. I am thankful for that loving message. God is good…..always!
This made me think of the John Michael Montgomery song “The Little Girl”. Without any knowledge of Jesus or God she later recognized him in a picture because she said he held her as she hid behind a couch the night his father shot her mom and then himself.
I always feel that children are often more open to the presence of God because of their innocence.
I think prayer is easier during difficult times but so important during the common every day situations.
T hank you for this. I like the format and look forward to the following weeks
I think we need to adopt an attitude of gratitude. Not just pray during bad times or when we want something. As difficult as this period of lockdown has been, there are many good things that have resulted. Many families are closer: I Zoom with family members I might not see otherwise for years. I’ve discovered new recipes. I’ve read books I would not normally have time to read. I’ve learned how to use technology in new ways. God is good, all the time. And when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
Well done, I think it will be a time for all of us to listen and comment.
I loved this mainly because you were talking to us as a father to his child, from the heart vs a sermon which is mostly read. Looking forward to the next one. PS I feel the Lord’s presence every day. He’s my best friend, my everything.
Thank you for this mini lesson in God’s love for us. It is a loving reminder that we are not alone.
Thank you Fr. John. My morning prayer time is spent reading ‘Jesus Calling’ ‘Jesus Always’ and ‘Mornings with Jesus’ and the scriptures accompanying each reading. This comforts me and has resulted in my becoming much more familiar with God’s word.
Thank you for preparing this message for developing a relationship with God through prayer.
Thank you for preparing this message for developing a relationship with God through prayer. Blessings.
Thank you Father John for the encouragement to pray. It will help me to once again commit to daily prayer. (I get lazy in spite of my desire to be close to God). I am very aware of what can happen with daily prayer and meditation as I practiced this for long periods of time. The blessings of the messages received and the strengthening of my faith was unquestionable. Quite honestly this happened for me as a result of the 12 Steps of AA. “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God (part of one of the steps).
Also, I am so grateful to my mother and grandmother who took me to Sunday School (Presbyterian Church) during the time my dad was in the Pacific in WWII. I believed wholeheartedly that Jesus loved me and loved as a little girl singing Jesus Loves Me sometimes even as an adult when I’m really happy the song “Jesus Loves Me” springs to mind. Little children are so impressionable. Your sharing your thoughts with us helps us to be open in return..
Be still and know that I am God is my mantra during times that are troubling to me and now I will to my prayers Abba, Father and try to be at peace. Thank you Fr. John.
I will, thank you.
Thank you for a wonderful lesson. I love how you use your personal experiences to connect us to the message. Your dad comforting you when your cat died almost made me cry because it reminded me of my own dad as well as how the Lord comforted me during some tough times. I look forward to this series.
A wonderful message and reminder that God is with us always. So comforting to know God is only a prayer away in times of need and times of praise for his goodness. Reminds me of the song “What a friend we have in Jesus” Thank you for another inspiring message.
Thank you Father John for teaching us the need and meaning of prayer and the Love of Jesus during this very stressful time.
Great lesson, Fr. John. Reminding us of how much God loves us and wants to know us makes prayer time a very personal time. Our focus can shift to seeing God as our friend, teacher, leader, Savior, provider, healer — someone who listens and cares. When we take those breaths and say “ABBA, Father”, His Presence becomes real and not distant. Our minds slow down, our bodies relax and we know He’s in our midst to meet us where we are. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Ja 4:8. Thank you!
Wow! What a wonderful message about prayer. During the last month I feel that I have become closer to God through prayer —-it has been so comforting as well as rewarding. Looking forward to next week! PS-wondering who your friend was in Newark??? Thanks for your continual guidance and above all,your love. Yes,God is love
Thank you FR. John for this great lesson……………looking forward to the next 3! You and the rest of the Clergy at St. George are doing a wonderful job of keeping us attached as a parish with all the services and communications you have provided. I’m so thankful that Tish is making progress and continue to pray for her.
Fr.John
I have experienced the presence of God many times for so many reasons
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and prayers with us
Looking forward to the next one
Thank you Kim,
He has been good to us in many times and in many circumstances!
Fr. John
Thank you, Judy
This has been a “fun” lesson to do, if you know what I mean. I always wanted to do something like this. Yes, and keep the prayers up for Tish.
Fr John
Hi Joanie,
Thank you. He using all sorts of situations, doesn’t he? Ha, about the friend!
Fr. John+
Linda,
The thought about “Abba, Father,” came from a book I read about Centering Prayer years ago. It is a great “breath prayer” to use. Now, I would have to research which author wrote it. It certainly goes against Keating’s thinking. But, I find it valuable. As they say, whatever works!
Thanks,
Fr. John+
Barbara,
It has always been important to be. But, it has been my Swiss Army knife right now! 🙂
Fr. John
Gloria,
Thank you for that reminder of that wonderful hymn. I have “Alexa” right here… I will ask “Alexa” to play it right now! 🙂
Fr. John+
Thank you MaryAnn,
I suppose I can’t be anything but personal! A side note: my parents did let my sisters and I get another cat!
Fr. John
Thank you, Sarah…
Fr. John+
Thank you, Lynda,
To quote another one of our comments: “What a friend we have in Jesus!”
Fr. John
Lisa,
“Jesus Calling” is one of our go to books. When Tish asked for a devotional to use in the hospital. That was the one I brought. It is alway amazing how many times the Lord nails it for me on any one particular day.
Fr. John
Thank you Claudia..
So good to connect
Fr. John
Thanks Sandy,
I was trying to do that. That is exactly how I feel. He really is my all and all. I couldn’t have made it this last month without my Savior. I thank Him! PTL.
Fr. John+
Thanks Ed..
LaVerne,
And attitude of gratitude, yes. Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances. It isn’t always easy to do. But, it sure helps our thinking. With all we have had to deal with, the sun is still shining and the birds are still chirping!
Fr. John
Thank you Daryl,
It reminds me of how so many people filled our churches following 9/11. There are no atheists in a fox hole! But, we all need to remember that there is a God shaped hole in all of us.
Fr. John
Thank you for reminding us of the power of prayer at all times- good and bad. I had never tried or heard of the centering prayer of “ABBA, Father” so I am doing it at the beginning of my prayers in the morning. Best wishes and prayers for Tish, you and your family.
Thank you and all the clergy for feeding our spiritual needs during this time.
Darlene,
I am blessed with a wonderful wife who is in a PCU right now but counting her blessings! If we look up, we will remember we have so many, many things to be thankful for. Despite the virus and the economic hubbub, not one of us is starving. I said on tonight’s phonevite, the night Tish was to receive her first meal her doctor had forgotten to write her meal order down. The nurse brought in ice cream and pudding. She was thrilled! She thanked God for this blessing… God is good… always!
Sandy,
Jesus is Vitamin J, isn’t He? 🙂
Fr. John+
Thank you, Ed,
It was a good reminder for me, too, as I put it together…
Fr. John+
Georgiann,
Thank you for your thoughts. And please keep the prayers coming for Tish. Everyone’s prayers for Tish are certainly being heard!
Fr. John
First, it is so comforting to see and hear you during this quarantine time. Your message
is so very helpful as I have been working on improving my prayer life for several years.
The most difficult thing for me is to be still and listen. Thank you for this message and
I will be using your suggestion.
We so appreciate your sharing your feelings and Tish’s feelings. It gives encouragement
to us to be able to face whatever we might have to face in the future.
I really like having this study on the website because we can listen anytime.
A good lesson. this was my 2nd time around. I have experienced the presence of God in my life, but still have a hard time remaining connected. Maybe some abba father would really help. Thanks.