Beyond Rituals: The Privilege Of Prayer

by Dane Massey    The school of prayer is an apprenticeship, not a lecture. This apprenticeship requires sustained, close personal contact with the Master.    As I approach the subject of prayer I’m reminded of a quote by Samuel Chadwick, a master of prayer from long ago:   “Any teaching on prayer that does not …

Traditions That Shape Graduation Ceremonies

by Kevin Burton    Wanted to give a shoutout to all the 2023 high school and college graduates, but without reflecting, depressingly, on how long it has been since I became a new grad myself.    So I decided to talk tradition, rituals, why we do what we do at graduation ceremonies.    A lot …

A Swedish Tradition I Can Fully Embrace

by Kevin Burton    So Friday night is taco night in Sweden.     Who knew?  I’m so up for that!    It’s part of a longstanding tradition in Sweden called cozy Friday, writes Maddy Savage on http://www.bbc.com. It is a relaxing way to end the work week and spend time with family.    “For the …

What Is Your Definition of Family?

by Kevin Burton    At a church I attended in Columbus years ago, the pastor mistakenly referred to my “wife and kids” one day.   Back then I had neither wife nor kids, but his mistake was understandable. I am mentioning this anecdote today as I try to define the term “family.”    A good …