A Journey From Worry to Confident Hope: Praying Through the Lord’s Prayer

Day 1 of NT Wright’s 7-day devotional/prayer challenge – you can join & read the rest here: https://bible.com/…/8de3161a1483a680a6e142df50d42620

“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“Pray then in this way:

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How are you feeling?

How are you feeling right now?

I’m feeling glad that in Victoria, we are at triple 0 (0 new COVID-19 cases, 0 COVID deaths, 0 active cases).  But I’m also feeling anxious for those around the world, especially for my families, who are experiencing record cases in their region.  I feel elated that I can walk without my mask on.  But I feel anxious about my packed schedule for this week.  I feel regret that I was not more empathetic for Joshua this morning when he cried that his socks didn’t fit.  I feel proud that Micah went to help him.

In 1980, Psychologist Dr. Robert Plutchik created a “Wheel of Emotions” to help people identify their feelings, because if left unchecked, emotions can intensify.  He proposed that there were eight primary emotions that serve as the foundation for all others: joy, sadness, acceptance, disgust, fear, anger, surprise, and anticipation.

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