Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Prayer

Okay, Why “Trespasses,” “Debts” and “Sins”? (Heidelberg Catechism Q119)

September 25, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen 14 Comments

One peril of visiting a new church comes when it is time to pray. At least if the congregation of a traditional flavor they will wrap up with something like “Now let join our voices in the prayer Christ himself has taught us, saying…” It all goes fine for a while: …Father… …Name… …kingdom… …will… …daily […]

Filed Under: Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Prayer, Theology, Worship Tagged With: Debts, Lord's Prayer, Sins, Transgressions, Trespasses

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 7, conclusion): Process & Goal

September 4, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

And so we come to the end of the classic book on lectio divina by Guigo II (d. 1188), The Ladder of Monks. The idea of a ladder is key to understanding his approach to the Bible — despite all the food metaphors I’ve noted in these posts. He might have done better still with a spiral […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Guigo II, Ladder of Monks, Lectio divina

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 6): Contemplate Upon It

August 30, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Contemplation is when the mind is in some sort lifted up to God and held above itself, so that it tastes the joys of everlasting sweetness.” That is Guigo II (d. 1188) talking about the fourth and final step of lectio divina, the spiritual reading of Scripture. In his classic little book he compares the process to […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Bible, Guigo II, Lectio divina, Scripture, Spiritual reading

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 5): Pray It

August 22, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

I am convinced that far too few who follow Jesus find fuel for the journey in their own regular engagement with the Bible. If you do, that’s great. If you don’t, Guigo II (d. 1188) is the man to check out. Actually it is his little book that you should check out: The Ladder of Monks is […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer Tagged With: Guigo II, Lectio divina, Praying Scripture, Praying the Bible

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 4): Meditate On It

August 15, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Raise your hand if the word “meditation” brings to mind images of someone trying to empty their mind of every thought. Okay, how many of you think of “meditation” as repeating a mantra — a secret word in a language you don’t actually understand? What about option three: When you hear “meditation” how many of […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer Tagged With: Christian meditation, Guigo II, Lectio divina, Reading the Bible, Spiritual reading

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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