Pray & Ponder

The Examen is an ancient prayer practice that invites us to intentionally seek the presence of God throughout the day that has passed and anticipate and ask for his presence in the day ahead. At the end of each day, take time to quiet your heart and mind to reflect on and notice the Lord's presence with you as we pray and ponder together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder what you imagine when you think of a place where there is no sadness or hurting, no tears or worries, nothing scary or uncertain, no fear or sickness, just the most perfect of perfect places where all of creation is restored and reunited with God? Join us as we read God's words in the book of Revelation. I wonder how hearing this story of hope will help you live as God's beloved? Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder what helps you to remember things that you know are true? Join us as we read God's words to us from letters that John wrote to remind us of who Jesus is, who we are to Him, and what it looks like to live as His children -- even when the world around us tells us different things about how we should live. I wonder what you'll notice about God's words to you as you listen? Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder how you use your words? The ones you say? Or think? Or write? Join us as we read God's words in Paul's letter to the Romans. I wonder what you'll notice about God's words to you as you listen? Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder about the stories you tell -- stories about your day or stories about your experiences with God? Join us as we read these scriptures and listen to Saul, also known as Paul, tell his story to others about the way that Jesus changed his life forever. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder about a time you changed your mind about something? Where you used to not like _____, but now you do? What happened to change your mind? Join us as we read these scriptures and wonder about the power of the Holy Spirit that not only changes minds, but hearts, too. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder if you have a favorite sense -- a favorite way of noticing what's happening around you? Join us as we read these scriptures and engage all our senses as we listen with our eyes and hear with our hearts. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder if ever there was something you were waiting for that when it happened wasn't at all what you thought it would be? Join us as we read these scriptures and watch Jesus' friends watch Him leave in a rather surprising way. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder what it would be like to unexpectedly see Jesus? Join us as we read these scriptures and wonder what it was like for the disciples to have breakfast with Jesus -- and for Peter, in particular, to have a tender conversation with Jesus. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder if you have ever missed something, making it hard to believe the thing you missed actually happened? Join us as we read these scriptures and wonder what it was like for Thomas, a friend of Jesus, who had questions for Jesus about how he could really and truly believe that Jesus was alive. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder about something that makes you curious? Something that you have to look at or read about or think about again and again, just so you can understand it more? Join us as we read these scriptures about one of the most curious of all of Jesus' stories. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder if you've ever waited for something that didn't quite turn out the way you thought it would? Join us as we read these scriptures and wonder together about the things the prophet Isaiah and even Jesus told His friends would happen to Him -- things they didn't really expect to happen. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder what you know about courage? I wonder if there has been a time you have had to be courageous? In today's story, we get to see Jesus being courageous when "knowing everything that would happen to Him" He steps into the very thing He was meant to do. Join us as we read these scriptures and stand in awe of Jesus' great courage and love for us. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder what you learn about someone simply by watching them or listening to what they say? I wonder how overhearing a conversation they have with someone else teaches you about who they are? In today's story, we overhear Jesus talking to God in prayer. Join us as we read these scriptures and notice more about the relationship Jesus has with the Father and how He longs for us to have that same kind of relationship, too. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder if you have chores that you do to help others in your household? I wonder if there are chores you like or if there are chores you don't like? In today's story, Jesus took on the chore that no one liked and He did it all out of love -- just so He could show His friends what kind of life He came to live for our sake. Join us as we read these scriptures and notice how Jesus' actions reveal more of who He is -- the One who came to wash our hearts (and feet!) clean. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.

I wonder how you plan for a trip? What do you think about? What do you do to get ready? How do you wait? In today's story, we begin the journey with Jesus as He prepares to go to the cross as our rescuer King. Join us as we read these scriptures and notice how Jesus continues to prepare us for this trip. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to our website for more information about Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.  

I wonder what you know about how grapes grow, attached to a vine that's attached to a branch? But I wonder if you've noticed what happens when a bunch of grapes is cut from the vine or the vine is cut from the branch? Join us as we read these scriptures and hear Jesus say that He is the true vine and what it means for us to stay close to Him. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever lost your way? I wonder how you felt when you were lost? I wonder how you got back on track? Join us as we read these scriptures and hear that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. He is the One who shows us the way -- who keeps us from getting lost -- as we trust in and follow Him. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever seen something that looked dead come back to life? Read along with these scriptures as you not only hear Jesus say that He is the resurrection and the life, but where we see, too, that Jesus brings life and hope in places where there is none. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you remember a time when someone you love spoke your name in a way that sounded like love to you? Jesus -- our Good Shepherd -- is the One who loves us, His sheep. And He speaks to us in love. Read along with these scriptures as you listen for God's gentle voice through His good words to us. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever been up so early in the morning that you got to watch the sunrise? I wonder what you noticed about how the light changed the dark sky? In today's story, we'll see how Jesus -- who tells us that He is the light of the world -- brings light to dark places as He transforms people's hearts and minds and even their eyes. Read along with these scriptures as you see who Jesus is as revealed in God's good words to us. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder what you think is the difference between a snack and a meal? I wonder what makes for a good snack or a good meal? In today's story, we'll take a look at how Jesus is both more than a snack or a meal -- that He is the bread of life. Read along with these scriptures as you nibble and noodle on God's good words to us. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when someone introduced him or herself to you? I wonder what you learned about who they are because of the words they used? I wonder how you introduce yourself to others? I wonder if you say, "My name is . . ." or "I am . . . "? Today we are introducing the way Jesus introduces himself throughout the gospel of John. Over the next several weeks we'll be looking at those introductions -- those "I am" statements. But for today, we'll take a look at these scriptures and how they connect to and introduce who Jesus is. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when you had really good news to share? What was that good news? How did you share it? Today we hear the story of some really, really good news that God promised long ago. Follow along with these scriptures from the Gospel of Luke where we, too, get to hear that good news of God's promise coming true. You may want to listen and sing along to one rendition of how we might respond to that good news. It's a song called "Go Tell It On the Mountain" sung by Sandra McCracken, off of her Christmas album. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever heard something so extraordinary that you could barely believe it? I wonder if after hearing that extraordinary, hard to believe news, you saw something that helped you to believe the unbelievable? Today we hear the story of how Mary became the mother of Jesus through the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit. Follow along with these scriptures from the Gospel of Luke where we, too, not only hear, but also see, God's promises coming true. You may want to listen to Mary's song to God after she heard and saw His good news to her. It's a song called Magnificat sung by our friends, Rain For Roots, off of their Waiting Songs album. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you've ever been so surprised by something you didn't have any words to say? Where maybe all that came out was a "Gasp! . . .  uuuumm . . . uh . . . oh . . . er . . . "?  Today we hear the story of Zechariah who responded just like that. Follow along with these scriptures from the Gospel of Luke where we, too, are amazed by how God is keeping His promise. You may want to listen to the story here -- the song "Zechariah" as sung by our friends, Rain For Roots, off of their Waiting Songs album. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you've ever played hide and seek? I wonder if you prefer to be the "hider" or the "seeker"? Follow along with these scriptures from the story Esther as we seek and find God all throughout the story. I wonder how looking for God in the story of Esther can help you see God in your own life, too? Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when you tried to fix something that was broken? Why was it important to you to fix it? Follow along with these scriptures as we notice what God -- the best kind of fixer -- is up to as He works through Nehemiah and Ezra to reveal His heart for His people. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever seen God do something miraculous or unexpected? I wonder if you're wanting Him to do something like that in your life right now? Follow along with these scriptures as we notice how God is with Daniel and how those around Daniel notice how God is at work in and through him. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever been asked to think or do or say something that was different from what you believed? How did you respond? What did you do? In today's story, we see three friends who loved the Lord who were asked to do something that went against what they believed. I wonder what you'll notice about how God was with these friends as you follow along in the scriptures from the book of Daniel? Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you know a friend who is a really good buddy to you? One who just likes to be with you no matter what you are doing and no matter how you are feeling? Today's story is about a friendship like that, but it's also a story that has glimmers of the kind of friend that Jesus is to us. I wonder what you'll notice as you listen and follow along with these scriptures from the book of Ruth? Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you've ever tried to do the exact same thing as someone else? Or perhaps you have tried to draw a picture just like a picture you've seen? God's Ten Commandments are a reflection of who He is. They are meant to help us imitate Him; to live like Him as His beloved children created in His image. Come! Follow along with these scriptures as we pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder what you know about the best way to do something? Why is it the best way? How does doing something the best way help form you into a better do-er of that something you do? How do the best ways shape what it means to be a do-er of that something? Follow along with these scriptures as we tell the story about some of God's best ways that show us more about who He is and what He is like. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a story that is so important you tell it over and over again? God's people tell and retell the story of God's great rescue of them through the parting of the Red Sea. Follow along with these scriptures as we tell the story that has shaped the hearts of God's people, a story about God's power and protection. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when you were told "no"? I wonder why someone told you "no"? God, who knows and loves us best, tells his people "no" to protect them -- especially when their hearts are turned away from Him. In today's story, you'll see God telling some people "no". Follow along with these scriptures as we read from Genesis 11:1-9, a story about God's love and protection in saying "no". Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

Do you ever think about all the things that God made? I wonder if you have a favorite thing that he created? Join us as we wonder together about the ways God made the world and everything in it and what that tells us about who God is! Follow along with these scriptures as we read from Genesis 1:1-2:3 and begin at the beginning to tell God's BIG story of his BIG love for his people. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

Pray & Ponder is back for another season of reading the Bible -- God's words to us -- as we come to know and believe who God is and who we are to Him. Follow along with these Scriptures and be reminded that we are truly and deeply known, loved, and not alone.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you can imagine a time when all the sad things of this world will become unsad? The book of Revelation reminds us who Jesus is, who we are in Jesus, and tells us what it will be like when Jesus comes again to make all things new. Follow along as we read together about the hope of what is and what is to come -- all because of Jesus. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.   

I wonder about a time when you have received encouraging words? How did those words spur you on to keep going -- or to change what you said or did? Follow along as we read a letter from Paul that reminds his friends in the church who we are because of Jesus' love for us and how we can live out of the love that Jesus has shown us because of the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.   

I wonder about a time when you believed something? How did you come to believe it? Believing — having faith — means that we put our trust in something or someone. In the Bible it says that “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see.” Follow along as we read a story about how Paul shared his faith in Jesus and how the Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of those listening as they, too, came to have faith in Jesus. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when you have seen or experienced great power that caused a change? I wonder how witnessing that change caused a change in you? Follow along as we read a story about different ways the power of the Holy Spirit was at work changing hearts and minds -- and even rocking the earth! It's a power that is born all out of love. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together.   Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.   

I wonder about a time when you changed your mind about something? Maybe it was something you didn't like before that you really like now? I wonder if you have ever observed someone else change their mind about something? I wonder what caused that change? Follow along as we read a story about a man whose heart changed from one of extreme hate to a heart overflowing with God's love. It's an amazing story about the power of the Holy Spirit to not only change that man's heart, but to change the hearts of those around him. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you like to know if a surprise is coming or if you like to simply be surprised by the surprise? In other words, I wonder how you feel about waiting? Follow along as we read a story that is all about the surprise that Jesus had promised to his friends. A surprise that came in the form of fire and power. A surprise that was God-with-them always and forever. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder how you know something, but have learned more about it? I wonder how knowing you know, and, yet, growing in your knowing, makes you think about what you will know more as you continue to learn and grow? Follow along as we read a story that is not only in the Gospel of Luke but also in the book of Acts. It's a story about a time when Jesus reminds his disciples all that they already knew about Him, all that they are learning about Him, and all that they will know about Him. Come. Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when you didn't understand something -- where it didn't make any sense at all. And, then! Poof! All of a sudden it did! Follow along as we read a story from the Gospel of Luke about a time when Jesus' disciples didn't understand and then -- all of a sudden -- they did! I wonder what you'll understand more clearly as we pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time when you heard or saw or experienced something that seemed too good to be true? What you heard was amazing! What you saw was astounding! What you experienced couldn't be anything but true! Follow along as we read The Story of all stories about God's great love for you. A story that's truly, truly true. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time you celebrated something by having a special meal? I wonder if during the meal you shared stories to help you remember what the celebration was all about? Follow along as we read a story about a very special meal that helped God's people remember what the Lord had done and also hinted at what Jesus would do to rescue the whole world. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder if you have ever had to wait a long time for something? I wonder what you did when it arrived? I wonder if it was everything you thought it would be? Follow along as we read a very familiar story about the very thing that God's people were waiting for -- something they expected but something God planned to be different from what they expected. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time that you felt deeply loved? I wonder how knowing that you were loved changed what you thought or did or said? Follow along as we read about that kind of deep love and how being God's beloved child invites us to come to Jesus just as we are and to ask him for what we need. You are God's beloved child. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder what you notice about how you talk with someone you love who loves you back? I wonder how talking with them and spending time with them changes your relationship? Follow along as we read about the way Jesus talks to God and invites us to do the same, so that we, too, can deepen our relationship with the Lord -- all out of love. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode. 

I wonder about a time you were invited to do something? I wonder what it felt like to be included? I wonder if you've ever experienced a time when you weren't invited to something? Follow along as we read about a man whom others never invited but who was invited by Jesus. Come! Let's pray and ponder. Together. Head over to restorationarlington.org for more information on Restoration and Pray & Ponder. Remember to subscribe so that you never miss a new episode.