Rediscovering Prayer
Hi Friends,
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on this past year—the whirlwind of seminary, family life, and ministry—and the ways God has been shaping me through it all.
Last summer feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. During my sabbatical, Sadie and I faced the heartbreak of miscarriage for the first time. What we thought would be a season of rest and renewal through fun and escape became one of discovering rest and dependence on God through grief.
In the midst of it, we began experimenting with Evening Prayer, inspired by our friends at Wellspring Church during my internship where we were gifted copies of the Book of Common Prayer. Some nights, we followed the liturgy in full; other nights, we prayed freely or just sat quietly together.
This practice of Evening Prayer has stayed with us, shaping our fall and helping me grow in unexpected ways. One thing I’ve discovered is how much my spirit comes alive in prayer that combines the common (liturgical), the contemplative (silent), and the charismatic (Spirit-led). There’s something powerful about weaving these together—rooted in tradition yet open to the Spirit’s presence.
But it hasn’t been without challenges. As someone who prays publicly in ministry all the time, it’s surprising how awkward and vulnerable it can feel to pray alone with. And yet, these moments, pushing through the discomfort and opening up our hearts (and mouths) has been the very thing that has most deepened our connection and brought healing this year.
This rhythm of prayer has anchored us through a busy semester. Whether staying up late to write a paper or navigating the ups and downs of parenting toddlers, Evening Prayer has been a constant invitation to pause, breathe, confess my need for grace, and reorient to God’s presence. As we enter a new year, we’re carrying this practice forward—not perfectly, but intentionally.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your prayers and support make all of this possible, and I’m so grateful. As you begin 2025, my hope is that you might find or refresh a small rhythm that creates space for God—a simple practice to invite God again and again into the life you actually have.
Peace of Christ,
David
Financial Update
In 2024, the total cost of seminary was $30,269 ($28,745 tuition, $1,524 travel and books). Of the total cost, $15,640 was covered by scholarships. And thanks to the Financial Support Team, 62% of the remaining cost was sponsored ($9,115)!
As is natural, with the new year has come some transition with Financial Support Team commitments. I am currently looking for one new supporter at $100/mo to replace support that ended in 2024.
You can learn more at davidtanner.co/give or reply to this email to begin a conversation.
Current Reads & Resources
Giving is the Good Life by Randy Alcorn (link)
This book provides a great framework for the practice of generosity and can inspire a pretty radical shift in how you view and handle money and possessions.
The Critical Journey by Janet O Hagberg and Robert A Guelich (link)
This book names and explores six stages of discipleship that are common among those who take the path of spiritual formation with Jesus. This book is an eye-opener and encouragement, especially for those who don’t feel like “normal” Christians, who are in a dark night experience, or are re-thinking meaning and vocation.
Life Focus Life Planning Curriculum from Michael Hyatt and Full Focus (link)
Sadie and I went through this life planning resource as a part of a self-guided retreat this summer during sabbatical. The work and conversations that this curriculum promoted—and the subsequent daily and weekly rhythms we have installed since—have given us an increased sense of clarity, partnership, and intimacy as a couple like we’ve never had before.
“Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future, faith is the courage to dance to it now.”
—Peter Kusmic
