tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477820608219192508.post6745536390402529157..comments2024-03-17T19:50:37.874-04:00Comments on Book Reviews and More: A Chance Encounter, Prayer and LifeSteven R. McEvoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040746404354724752noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477820608219192508.post-63269136323291923602013-12-29T22:46:24.474-05:002013-12-29T22:46:24.474-05:00Hi, Steve. Glad that things are going well for you...Hi, Steve. Glad that things are going well for you and your family. I am always pleased when things are going smoothly in a person's life. However, I am not inclined to think that our actions map one to one towards outcomes. Certainly, when we make good decisions, this is a good thing and does exemplify our work ethic and values. However, we are not the full masters of our experiences and others have control over important decisions in our lives. Our bosses decide our promotions and benefits. The faculty at my college decided whether I would be accepted or not. I don't control their minds and grace plays a big part in life as well. I suppose that this is another example of the messy, paradoxical nature of life. Those two poles must be kept in tension. Otherwise, we can fall into hubris or inaction. As well, it is important to recognize the systemic forces of privilege that help us and discourage others. Privilege is unearned and is given arbitrarily to one part of society at the expense of others. In short, privilege is violence. Community support is also very important in life, as I learned from the death of my sister Brenda. As far as prayer goes, I think it is important to pray since it situates us inside God's will and allows God to transform us. I don't personally believe in the notion that if I pray for something, good outcomes will result. That makes God into a talisman of power or a butler and I feel uncomfortable about that kind of theology. For me, prayer transforms me and guides me to the places that God wants to transform. I pray for others so that I can be open to what my part is in that. I see it as an obedient following of God's voice. God knows what we all need and so I don't pray for my stuff to inform God. For me, the act of confessing my wants and desires is part of the exercise of personal transformation, not begging God to meet my desires and needs. Anyway, just commenting as you requested. Hope that you will make your goals. Sounds like you are having a god start for your year. Blessings, Steve!Rodney Indonesiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10330768100134982224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477820608219192508.post-18093787428555552582013-12-29T19:22:49.039-05:002013-12-29T19:22:49.039-05:00Nice, Steve. All the best in 2014.Nice, Steve. All the best in 2014.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03735782530936579882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477820608219192508.post-52858616657789072612013-12-29T19:21:57.652-05:002013-12-29T19:21:57.652-05:00Nice, Steve. All the best in 2014!Nice, Steve. All the best in 2014!Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03735782530936579882noreply@blogger.com