Description

In the three sections of this 275-page book, the author shines a new light on the real meaning and purpose of prayer, including an explanation of each of the special phrases of “the Lord’s prayer” in Matthew, chapter 6. Then he goes on to discuss and illustrate 5 specific laws of Divine providence, including why God permits so much evil in the world. And in the last section he takes up 14 specific stories, mainly in the Old Testament, to show how their symbolic meaning confirms the previous teaching, and how those stories impact our lives today.

Written originally for New Church, or Swedenborgian, congregations (as explained in the introduction), the 40 sermons in the book are accessible to any reader, and are intended to inspire new or renewed confidence in the government of Divine love and wisdom. For example, if God already knows everything, and lovingly provides for us every moment, why pray at all? What are the possible perils of prayer? And why do we even ask not to be led into temptation?

One chapter highlights the parallels between the Lord’s prayer and the 10 Commandments. Another discusses 7 benefits that can come out of even the worst experiences, and another features the symbolic, personal meaning of the manna sent from heaven to nourish the Jews during the exodus. The book has been highly recommended by other ministers and teachers from many different backgrounds, and readers from all walks of life.

“Mike Gladish is an immensely gifted homilist and this book is a splendid all-star collection of his sermons. His perspective and style make for easy consumption and practical life application.” ~ Dr. Larry Brannon, Charlottesville, VA

“These sermons, now conveniently bound in a single volume, I am convinced will appeal as much to your affections as to you understanding…they are a true delight!” ~ Stephen H. Smith, M.D. Springfield Twp, PA

Table of Contents

Introduction

Other Notes & Acknowledgments

Who is Swedenborg?

Abbreviations

Resources for Further Reading

Prayer

Critical, Basic Teachings about Prayer

The Importance of Prayer

The Power and the Perils of Prayer

How to Pray (and How Not to Pray)

What to Pray for (and What Not to Pray For) – An Inspirational Formula for Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer – A Unique, Overall Perspective

“Our Father” – Connection Us with Him

“Hallowed Be Thy Name” – So What’s in a Name?

“Thy Kingdom Come” – But How? When? Where?

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” – Living in the Present

“Forgive Us Our Debts” – How Forgiveness Really Works

“Lead Us Not Into Temptation” – He Never Does; So Why Even Ask?

“For Thine is the Kingdom” – If it’s All His, What’s Left for Us?

The Lord’s Prayer and the 10 Commandments

Providence

Five Laws of Divine Providence

Providence in Every Least Detail

Going with the Flow – of Providence

Providence, Foresight and Permission – What Kind of Order Includes Misery?

The Use and Purpose of Temptations – 7 Ways to Get Some Good out of Evil

Chaos and Providence

Why God Permits War, Specifically

Everybody Has Problems

Why me?

Compensations

The Power of Limitations

Scriptural and Practical Applications

“Be Fruitful and Multiply” – “Fill the Earth and Subdue It”

Moving Mountains, Parting the Sea

“The Lord Your God is With You”

The Pillar of Cloud and of Fire

Gathering Manna in the Wilderness

What Can We Learn from a Pandemic?

The Deal with the Gibeonites

Gideon’s Fleece – Indications of Providence

Saul’s Dilemma

Elisha and the Widow’s Oil – How the Lord Fills Us with His Love

Horses and Chariots of Fire

Spiritual Alchemy – Understanding the Transformation Process

Signs that Follow Belief

How Unbelievers Can Get to Heaven

Just Do the Right Thing

Epilogue