Prayer to Go: Recent Episodes
Carolyn Beard
Prayer is hard. Whether you don't know what to say or you don't have the time to say it, "Prayer to Go" is here to help. Each episode focuses on a different prayer in the Christian tradition and includes both readings of the prayer and information about its history, meaning, and significance. "Prayer to Go" is the perfect soundtrack for your busy routine and can help you encounter God in your everyday life - even when you're on the go.
“A Song of Creation” from the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer (88-90) Invocation Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever. In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever. The Cosmic Order Glorify the Lord, you angels... Read More
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in... Read More
What is the connection between suffering and love in the Christian tradition? In this episode, Carolyn reflects on Jesus’ suffering on the cross as a reminder of God’s love for us in our despair and a model for how to love those suffering around us. This “prayer for mission” is a perfect way to set... Read More
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, Book of Common Prayer 40) Mornings are hard. But just like a cup of coffee can get your day rolling, so can even a quick prayer or moment of meditation start... Read More
What does it mean to love someone who might be different than you? In this episode, I share an anecdote from Edith Stein’s life that demonstrates how we can love those around us to embody God’s love on earth. A Prayer for the First Sunday After Christmas Day Almighty God, you have poured upon us... Read More
Counting down the days until Christmas? Me, too! Though I love Christmas cookies and Hallmark movies, early sunsets and long nights can quickly get me down. In this episode, we take a look at the symbol of light as a symbol for God in the Christian tradition. Bible Passages John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke... Read More
Meet my would-be patron saint, Edith Stein, or St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross! Born into a Jewish family in 1891, Stein studied philosophy, served as a nurse during WWI, and fought for women’s suffrage before she converted to Christianity, had a distinguished career in education, and took orders as a Carmelite nun. Murdered at... Read More
Want to take part in the Prayer to Go #dailyprayerchallenge? Get the daily email in your inbox by signing up here! A Prayer of General Thanksgiving Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of... Read More
Why wait until January 1 to make goals, set resolutions, and work on building a happier and healthier life? We have two months left in 2018 – join me in dedicating the last two months of 2018 to developing a strong and loving relationship with God. November’s #dailyprayerchallenge with Prayer to Go centers on autumn as... Read More
“Be deeply loved.” As the Owner and Principal Artisan of Prayerworks Studio, Kristen Vincent is dedicated to helping people connect with the divine through the art and practice of Protestant prayer beads. In addition to selling handcrafted prayer beads, Kristen leads classes, workshops, and retreats on spiritual formation, the art of prayer beads, and healing... Read More
This woman has a way with words. In Episode 024, we meet poet and author S.T. Gibson, who shares how she sees her writing as a spiritual practice. You’ll be drawn in with her poem “Four Apologies to the Trinity” and see yourself in the stunning imagery she uses in her writing. Let yourself be... Read More
You love her music, but have you heard her story? In this episode, singer-songwriter Sherdonna Denholm talks about difficulties in her prayer life and how music helps her communicate with God, especially in times of lament. Take-aways: There are always challenges to our prayer life. Prayer is a time to lay bare to God. God... Read More
“Because God made us, we are called to make as well.” In this episode, we explore what it means to made in God’s image. MacLean Collins, a senior at Princeton University studying visual arts, joins us to explore the relationship between God’s creation, artistic expression, and self-love. Mentioned in this episode: Connect with MacLean Collins... Read More
A song that speaks to your soul. A painting that moves something inside of you. A poem that lifts your spirits. Much like prayer, art has the ability to connect our inner sense of self with something much bigger. In our new series, “Art and Prayer,” we look at the relationship between art and prayer... Read More
Just breathe. In Episode 020, seminarian and yoga instructor Laura Di Panfilo shares her experience with yoga and meditation as prayer practices and leads us in an interactive meditative prayer. Find a quiet space to listen and take a moment for mindfulness!
A rainy morning. A small cat squeak. A piping hot chai tea latte. God is in the small moments. In Episode 019, I introduce my practice of finding God in life’s “Kodak moments,” or ineffable instants we experience every single day.
Thank you to our guest contributor, Rev. Len Scales, who serves as the Presbyterian chaplain at Princeton University. Learn more about Princeton Presbyterians here and connect with the worshipping community Breaking Bread here. Want to try a labyrinth? Find a labyrinth near you with Labyrinth Locator. Unable to get to a labyrinth? Don’t worry! You... Read More
We ask our friends to pray for us – why not ask saints to lift up prayers on our behalf? In this episode, our guest contributor Sarah Gianakon discusses the ancient Christian practice of intercession, or the act of one person lifting up prayers to God on behalf of another. Also featured in this episode... Read More
Does your mind wander when you pray? Get out of your head by grounding your prayers in a physical practice, such as the guiding use of prayer beads. In the episode, Carolyn discusses the use of prayer beads in the Christian tradition, including popular ways to pray the Rosary. Mentioned in this episode: The Dominican... Read More
What is prayer? Do we have to close our eyes? Bow our heads? Put our hands together? Kneel? In our new series, “Prayer Practices,” we unpack the definition of prayer and explore various traditions we can use to expand our prayer and faith life. Mentioned in this episode: Pope Francis’ homily on prayer – Catholic News Agency... Read More
Do you struggle to call yourself a Christian? Most days, I do, too. Join Carolyn in a moment of contemplative prayer as we discuss two stories from the Gospels: Lazarus’ death and Jesus’ crucifixion. Mentioned in this episode: Read the story of Lazarus’ death (John 11:1-44) here Read the story of Jesus’ resurrection (any Gospel, here Matthew 27:32-50)... Read More
God hears our cries and joins us in weeping. Join the Psalmist in lifting up your cries in Psalm 6. Psalm 6 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord,... Read More
Hate silence? So do I. In this episode, Carolyn introduces a Prayer for Quiet Confidence. She shares her experience struggling to discern God’s will and discusses how she built a stronger relationship with the divine by quieting her self-doubt, leaning into silence, and taking positive action. A Prayer for Quiet Confidence O God of peace, who... Read More
Feeling lost? In this episode, Carolyn introduces a Prayer for Guidance. Learn about God’s faithfulness even in the darkest times and practice asking God for help in figuring out what steps come next. A Prayer for Guidance (traditional) O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the... Read More
It’s okay to not be okay. In this episode, Carolyn features Ecclesiastes 3 and speaks about healing and hope when we’re struggling in our faith. Take-aways: It’s okay to not be okay. Hope comes in many different shapes and sizes. Even in the darkest seasons, we can find joy in small blessings. A dear friend... Read More
Going through a dry season in your faith? In this episode, Carolyn introduces our new series, “Prayers from the Depths” – words for the times when you don’t feel like God is listening. Psalm 4 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear... Read More
In this episode, Carolyn discusses the life and legacy of St. Francis of Assisi and introduces a prayer that calls us to make the world just a little bit better. A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury,... Read More
In this episode, Carolyn discusses the Serenity Prayer, the Christian origins of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the difference between wounds that need to heal and the work we are called to do. The Serenity Prayer God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Courage to change the things I can,And wisdom to know... Read More
Trouble falling asleep? In this episode, Carolyn introduces her favorite Evening Prayer, the Song of Simeon, and unpacks our desire to know that God has a plan for us. The Song of Simeon Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in... Read More
In this episode, Carolyn introduces the ancient tradition of the “divine offices” and discusses her experience praying into the void. Don’t forget: “God made you. God loves you. God keeps you.” A Morning Prayer: Open my lips, O Lord,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right... Read More
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is... Read More
Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy Name,thy kingdom come,thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the... Read More