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ON TODAY'S SITE:

Book of Psalms, Book of Matthew, Book of Nehemiah, Tao Te Ching, Brother Lawrence
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Dear Readers,

At the risk of pathetically dating myself, my favorite show as a little girl was "Romper
Room." To close each show, "Miss Nancy" would pick up an over-sized fake magnifying
glass. Television was so crude in those days: I remember it looked like a piece of clear
plastic with a tin foil-wrapped frame. But to me it was magical, because she'd peer into
camera and list children's names: "I see Johnny, and I see Cathy...and Nena, and Len,
and Mikey." And each day, my heart would silently cry out, "See me! See Lisa!" I'm
certain she said "Lisa," at some point, but I must have missed the show that day.
Nearly sent me into therapy...

So many of our prayers to God are like my little girl Miss Nancy yearnings.
"Please, Lord, see me!" "Please say my name!" That's not a horrible prayer -
it's one that echoes throughout the Bible. Asking of the Lord, always honors Him.
At the same time, we have repeated assurances in the scriptures of all religions
that He does "see" us. He knows us inside and out. He considers us. He values
us. He forms our very lives daily; scrutinizes us with understanding grace.

We don't have to live each day wondering if He knows what we need and want.
We don't need to keep checking behind us in uncertainty. He's got our backs.
Unfailingly.


- Lisa

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statue of st. Paul, italy
St. Paul, Rome, Italy           Photo by Stephen Bowman                   All rights reserved


From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth -
he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love...


Psalm 33:13-16, 17
The Holy Bible
New International Version


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Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?
and one of them shall not fall on the
ground without your Father. But the very
hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are are
of more value than many sparrows.


Matthew 10:29-31
The Holy Bible
King James Version


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O Lord, may your ear be attentive to my prayer
and that of all your willing servants
who revere your name.


Nehemiah 1:11
New American Bible



"God" clouds, Italy
Photo by Lisa Bowman                   All rights reserved


That which we look at
but cannot see is the invisible.

That which we listen to
but cannot hear is the inaudible.

That which we reach for
but cannot grasp is the intangible.

Beyond reason, these three merge,
contradicting experience...

Confronting them, you see no beginning.
Following them, you see no end.

Yet, riding the plowless plow
can seed the timeless Tao,
harvesting the secret
transcendence of the Now.


Verse 14 of the "Tao Te Ching,
A New Translation & Commentary by Ralph Alan Dale"
Barnes & Noble, 2002


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O Hashem, You have scrutinized me and You know.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You encompass my path and my repose,
You are familiar with all my ways.

Where can I go from Your spirit?
And where can I flee from Your presence?

Your eyes saw my unshaped form,
and in Your book all were recorded;
though they will be fashioned through many days,
to Him they are one.


Psalm 139:1-3, 7, 16
The Stone Edition Tanach


The Last Word:

We have a God who is infinitely gracious
and knows all about our wants.

Excerpted from "The Practice of the Presence of God,"
by Brother Lawrence (circa 1614-1691)
French Carmelite monk




 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 








 







 


























Utterly Random Bonus Quote:

Pluck our your self-love as you would pull off a faded lotus.

The Dhammapada
Buddhist scripture

  


Welcome to
The Religion Network!
I'm Lisa Bowman, editor
of The Religion Network,
a multi-faith Web site.
This site offers inspiring
messages exploring
various topics each
Monday, Wednesday
and Friday.

The Religion Network
holds that inspiration is
found in all faiths; and
furthermore, that finding
commonalities in the
world's religions builds
bridges of understanding.

Religion as an institution
s a precious gift,
blessing us and
uplifting communities.
However you worship,
may this site enhance
your journey. To read
my personal story, click:
biography.

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