Twenty years ago, my dad and I passed an afternoon in Southern California by attending a baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners. We are Chicago Cubs fans, so we were used to watching baseball played by a terrible team in a packed stadium. But in Oakland, we found the very opposite: aContinue reading “Some Passing Thoughts on Baseball’s Hall of Fame”
Author Archives: Jacob J. Prahlow
What I Read in 2022
Every year, I commit to reading as much and as widely as possible. And as a means of attempting to remember everything I’ve read and holding myself accountable to my reading goals, I track the books I’ve read each year. (Click here to see what I read in 2021) A couple of notes on thisContinue reading “What I Read in 2022”
A Prayer during the Noise
Dear God,Speak gently in my silence.When the loud outer noises of my surroundingsand the loud inner noises of my fearskeep pulling me away from you,help me to trust that you are still thereeven when I am unable to hear you.Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:“Come to me, you who areContinue reading “A Prayer during the Noise”
The Tyrannies of Everyday Life
It’s a busy time of year for many of us. But the truth is, many of us live busy lives year-round. Talk to anyone at almost any point during the year and ask how they’re doing. Some form of, “I’m busy,” is almost invariably part of the answer. I’m guilty of it too. I’m busyContinue reading “The Tyrannies of Everyday Life”
Isaiah’s Testimony about Jesus
I’m preparing for an Advent message series on the O Antiphons, songs sung about the coming of King Jesus at Advent and Christmas. And (of course) I’m digging into commentaries on Isaiah. Of particular fascination for me has been John F.A. Sawyer’s The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity. While reading this workContinue reading “Isaiah’s Testimony about Jesus”
Women in the Church: Critical Passages
Several people have recently asked some version of the question, what does the Bible say about women in the Church, often in the context of women in leadership roles. In response, I try to provide the following list of passages. While far from an exhaustive list, these are often the key passages that conversations aboutContinue reading “Women in the Church: Critical Passages”
What Does 1 Thessalonians Say about Masks?
This post is a few months in coming because I’m woefully behind on my writing for all kinds of personal reasons (maybe more on that some other time). But we’re also preaching through 1 Thessalonians at Arise Church right now, so I was reminded about a post I’d started a while back. I write thisContinue reading “What Does 1 Thessalonians Say about Masks?“
Book Review: Spurgeon and the Psalms
In trying times, there are few things more comforting than the Psalms. And in an era when contemplative faith is increasingly difficult, fewer pastors bring the depth of insight than Charles Spurgeon. I was delighted, therefore, to receive the new text of Spurgeon and the Psalms from Thomas Nelson. This slim volume includes each ofContinue reading “Book Review: Spurgeon and the Psalms”
How Can We Respond?
“How should we respond when terrible things happen?” It’s a question that I’m asked all too frequently these days. Our world is filled with senseless violence, abuse, coverups, disagreement, and brokenness. And while none of these tragic things are new, the media and technology of our present moment enable us to see and experience theseContinue reading “How Can We Respond?”
Hilary of Poitiers: Commentary on Psalm 53
Translation of Hilary of Poitiers’s Commentary on Psalm 53 (LXX 52) In the end; according to Maeleth; understandings to David. The fool said in his heart: There is no God and the rest. The present psalm is almost harmonious with the thirtieth psalm, but it does have in this a little understanding, not a likenessContinue reading “Hilary of Poitiers: Commentary on Psalm 53”
Pursuing Veritas 