The Prayer Porch

Author: The Prayer Porch

  • The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Through Accountability

    The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Through Accountability

    Forgiveness is one of the hardest, most powerful gifts we can give. It asks us to soften where we’ve been hurt. It also calls the other person to face the impact of their actions.

    Sometimes we think forgiveness means “forgetting” or pretending it didn’t matter. But true forgiveness isn’t about excusing. It’s about naming the hurt honestly and then making space for healing on both sides.

    In relationships, forgiveness often works best when it’s paired with accountability. An apology can open the door, but reflection and change are what keep that door open. Growth happens when we pause long enough to ask: How did my words or actions affect someone else? What can I do to repair the harm and live differently going forward?

    Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past. It creates the possibility of a different future.

    Think about a time you’ve been hurt. Did the other person’s willingness to change impact your ability to forgive? How might accountability and compassion walk hand in hand in your own relationships?

    God, help me to be honest about what hurts, and courageous enough to forgive. Teach me how to hold others accountable with love. Help me keep my heart open to the possibility of growth for myself and for those around me. Amen.

    Where in your life right now could forgiveness open the door to growth?

  • Finding Peace in Uncertain Times

    Finding Peace in Uncertain Times

    It’s no secret that life in America feels unsettled right now. The news is heavy, conversations can quickly become divided, and many of us carry quiet worries about the future. It’s hard not to feel the tension.

    Even in seasons like this, there are places of steadiness we can return to. These include kindness, listening, and the simple act of being present with one another. These aren’t small things. They are bridges that help us move beyond the noise and back toward our shared humanity.

    Scripture reminds us of peace for those who walk in faith. It says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). For all of us, peace can become a practice. No matter our background, we can choose calm when everything around us feels uncertain.

    The world around us can feel shaky. Slowing down is important. Choosing how we respond can be a quiet act of courage. A kind word, a pause before reacting, or even taking time away from screens to rest – these choices matter. They remind us that while we can’t control everything, we can nurture peace within ourselves and offer it to others.

    A Porch Reflection ✨

    When was the last time you felt truly steady – even for just a moment? What helped you feel that way, and how might you return to it this week?

    End your day by naming one way you showed kindness, however small.

    Take a break from headlines today. Step outside, notice the air, the light, the quiet.

    Before a conversation that might feel tense, pause and remind yourself: “This person has fears and hopes, just like me.”

    Some families and communities find it helpful to have a prayer bowl on the coffee table. They place it in a room where they gather to pray. Whenever someone asks for prayer, they write the request on a little piece of paper. They put the paper in the bowl. When it’s time for morning or evening prayer, each person can take a few slips of paper from the bowl. They read the requests. This is also a good way to remember people we don’t see every day. We can think of children in war zones. We should also consider victims of human trafficking.

    We may not solve every challenge in our nation overnight. Together, we can create circles of peace. And when those circles overlap – porch by porch, heart by heart – something steadier begins to grow.



  • Trusting God in Life’s Uncertainties

    Trusting God in Life’s Uncertainties

    Sometimes life doesn’t unfold in neat categories. Plans fall through, outcomes aren’t clear, and we’re left holding the tension of what feels uncertain. We often want answers in black or white, right or wrong, but much of life happens in the in-between.

    It’s in these gray spaces that God often does His deepest work. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” When our plans change, it’s not always about success or failure. It’s not about being right or wrong. It’s about trusting God with the middle ground.

    Gratitude becomes the practice that steadies us here. It helps us notice that even in the half-formed, unplanned, or uncertain moments, there is still good. Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard. It helps us see God’s hand at work in the midst of it.

    A Porch Reflection ✨

    Think about a time when things didn’t go exactly right—or exactly wrong. Maybe it was simply different than you planned. With hindsight, can you see a blessing that came through the “middle ground”?

    Sometimes it’s not about labeling the moment—it’s about learning to hold it with open hands and a thankful heart.

    “Lord, teach me to let go of needing every answer to be black or white. Help me to rest in the gray places, trusting that You are guiding me even there. Grow in me a spirit of gratitude, so I can see Your presence in both the planned and the unexpected. Amen.”

    Where in your life right now do you feel caught between black and white? How does gratitude shift the way you see that space?

  • Celebrate World Gratitude Day: Embrace the Power of Thankfulness

    Celebrate World Gratitude Day: Embrace the Power of Thankfulness

    September 21st is World Gratitude Day – a beautiful reminder to pause and notice the blessings that fill our lives. Gratitude isn’t just a nice thought. It’s a practice that can strengthen our hearts. It can lighten our spirits. It can even deepen our faith.

    Science has confirmed what Scripture has long told us: giving thanks changes us. Studies show gratitude boosts mental health, eases stress, and even helps our bodies heal. But more than that, God’s Word invites us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude lifts our eyes from what’s missing and helps us see His goodness right here, right now.

    Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude Today 🌸

    ➡️ Write it down. Keep a gratitude journal or jot down three blessings each day.

    ➡️ Send a thank-you. Text, call or write a letter to someone who encouraged you. Be specific about how they touched your life.

    ➡️ Pause with purpose. Before meals, meetings, or bed, take a breath and name something you appreciate in that moment.

    ➡️ Spot the helpers. Even in stress, look for those who are trying to make things better.

    ➡️ Appreciate your body. Thank God for the way your body carries you, heals you, and enables you to embrace those you love.

    ➡️ Celebrate small joys. The morning sunrise, coffee with a friend, or a quiet moment on the porch – all are gifts worth noticing.

    Lord, thank You for the countless blessings You pour out each day. Teach me to see Your goodness in small things. Help me give thanks in both ease and trial. Let me carry a heart of gratitude that reflects Your love. Amen.

    ✨ Gratitude isn’t about ignoring struggles – it’s about holding them alongside the goodness that is always present. Let today be a gentle invitation to look around, notice the blessings, and give thanks.

  • Apple Cider Mini Donuts 🍎

    Apple Cider Mini Donuts 🍎

    There’s something cozy and comforting about the smell of apple cider and cinnamon baking in the oven. These soft, sugar–coated donuts are a sweet reminder to slow down and savor the simple gifts of the season.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 cup fresh apple cider
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 large egg
    • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

    • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a donut pan. ⬅️ (affiliate link)

    In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

    Add melted butter, egg, sugars, milk, vanilla, and apple cider.

    Stir until smooth. The batter will be thick.

    Spoon or pipe batter into the pan, filling about halfway.
    Note: I put the donut batter into a gallon size Ziploc bag. Cut the corner to pipe into the pan.

    Bake 10–11 minutes, or until donuts spring back when touched.
    Cool for a few minutes.

    For topping: mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
    Dip each donut in melted butter, then coat with the cinnamon-sugar!

    They are the best served warm!

    A Porch Reflection 🌿

    Baking these donuts fills the house with a sweetness that lingers long after they’re gone. Life with God is much the same – He sprinkles grace and joy into even our ordinary days ✨

    With love, from the porch,
    Laura

  • Babci’s Apple Cake

    Babci’s Apple Cake

    There’s something about fall that makes me want to reach for simple, old-fashioned recipes. They fill the kitchen with warmth. They feel like a hug from generations past. This one is from my Babci (Polish for grandmother), and it’s as humble as it is delicious. You’ll need a small bundt pan. Gather a few pantry staples and one crisp apple. With these, you can bake a little taste of comfort.

    “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”

    Ingredients:

    • 1 egg
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
    • ¼ cup orange juice
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 small Granny Smith apple, sliced very thin

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

    Grease a 6″ bundt pan (the perfect size for afternoon tea).

    Mix all ingredients except the apple, stirring by hand until smooth.

    Pour half the batter into the pan (the batter will be thick)

    Layer the thinly sliced apple on top.

    Add the rest of the batter over the apples.

    Bake for 30–35 minutes. Check at 30 minutes since ovens vary. I use a gas stove, so my timing may be different.

    I like to do a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar.

    Let cool slightly before turning out and serving.

    This little bundt cake is sweet and simple. It’s just the right size for sharing with a neighbor. You can also enjoy it with tea on a crisp fall afternoon. 🍂✨

  • Finding Joy in Your Spiritual Gifts: A Reflection on Mary and Martha

    Finding Joy in Your Spiritual Gifts: A Reflection on Mary and Martha

    Sometimes I smile when I read the story of Mary and Martha. Two sisters, both devoted to Jesus, but so very different in how they expressed their love for Him. Martha bustled around, working hard to prepare and serve. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words.

    It’s easy to think one was “right” and one was “wrong.” But maybe the deeper lesson is that each of us has a different way of living out our devotion. Martha’s gift was service, hospitality, and care. Mary’s gift was presence, listening, and worship. Both loved Jesus, just in different ways.

    Not all of us are called to the same work, and that’s the beauty of it. Some of us love to bake bread or cook meals that nourish others. Some feel alive when teaching, guiding, or leading conversations. Others find joy in being the one who notices. They pray quietly and encourage with a text at just the right moment.

    Our culture often pressures us to compare – to think the loudest gift is the most important. But God delights in the quiet as much as the visible. The small prayer, the gentle kindness, the faithful service no one sees. All of it reflects His heart.

    A Gentle Reminder

    You don’t have to copy Mary or Martha. You simply have to be faithful with the gifts God has placed in you.

    • If you love to serve: your kitchen table can be an altar.
    • If you love to listen and pray: your quiet corner can be holy ground.
    • If you love to lead: your voice can guide others toward Christ.
    • If you love to create: your art, music, or craft can become worship.
    • If you love to encourage: your words can be a lifeline to weary hearts.

    Each of us brings something unique, and each gift is precious in His sight.

    Lord, thank You for the reminder that our gifts don’t need to look like anyone else. Teach us to celebrate the gifts You’ve given us, and to honor the gifts that we see in others. May we, like Mary and Martha, welcome You into our homes and hearts in the ways You’ve made us. Amen.

    🌿 As I sit on the porch today, I picture Mary quietly listening. I see Martha bustling with care. I realize the Church needs both. And it needs you too with the gifts God has entrusted to you, however ordinary they seem.

  • Welcoming the Season of Change

    Welcoming the Season of Change

    The seasons are shifting again. Summer’s warmth is slowly giving way to crisp mornings, shorter days, and the golden glow of fall. This change always stirs something in me. It’s an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to notice how God moves through the rhythms of creation.

    Just as the trees release their leaves, we are reminded that change is part of life. Sometimes it’s gentle, sometimes it’s hard, but always, God is faithful in the turning of each season. Fall invites us to slow down, savor small joys, and find gratitude even in the letting go.

    And what better way to mark the season than with something warm from the oven? Apples are the heart of autumn, and these apple scones capture the cozy comfort of fall days on the porch. Let them remind you of the sweetness God weaves into every season and feel blessed ✨

    Apple Cinnamon Scones with Brown Sugar Glaze 🍎

    Ingredients for the Scones:

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ tablespoon baking powder
    • 3 teaspoons cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½ cup chilled butter, grated
    • 2 cups diced apple
    • ½ cup sourdough discard (or 1/2 cup Greek vanilla yogurt)
    • ½ cup applesauce
    • 1 egg
    • 4 tablespoons sweet cream

    Brown Sugar Glaze:

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • ¾ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
    • 2 tablespoons sweet cream
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • Pinch of salt

    Directions:

    Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

    Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture. Toss until the butter pieces are evenly coated.

    Dice apples and add them on top of the flour mixture. Set aside.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together sourdough discard (or Greek yogurt), applesauce, sweet cream, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

    Gently fold wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir until just moistened (scone dough should resemble pie dough, not cookie dough – don’t over mix!).

    Pat dough into a 7-inch circle on parchment paper. Fold circle in half and in half again. Reshape into a 7- inch circle allowing the dough layers to stay. Cut into 8 wedges with a bench scraper, or into 16 squares from an 8-inch square.

    Place parchment on a baking sheet. Chill dough in the freezer for 5 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F. Bake 15–17 minutes, until edges are crisp and centers are cooked through.

    While scones bake, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.

    Drizzle glaze over warm scones. Enjoy fresh or wrap individually to keep scones fresh for a few days.

    As you savor these apple scones, let they remind you that change, though sometimes bittersweet, often brings new beauty. Just as the apples ripen in their time, good things are being ripened in each of us by God. This happens even in the letting go. 🍂

    1. Easy Apple Scones with Brown Sugar Glaze

      Easy Apple Scones with Brown Sugar Glaze

      What better way to mark the season than with something warm from the oven? Apples are the heart of autumn, and these apple scones capture the cozy comfort of fall days on the porch. I hope you’ll try them. Enjoy them maybe with a cup of tea or coffee. Let them remind you of the sweetness God weaves into every season.

      Ingredients for the scones:

      • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
      • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • ½ tablespoon baking powder
      • 3 teaspoons cinnamon
      • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
      • ½ cup chilled butter, grated
      • 2 cups diced apple
      • ½ cup sourdough discard (or 1/2 cup Greek vanilla yogurt)
      • ½ cup applesauce
      • 1 egg
      • 4 tablespoons sweet cream

      Brown Sugar Glaze:

      • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      • 2 tablespoons melted butter
      • ¾ cup brown sugar
      • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
      • 2 tablespoons sweet cream
      • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
      • Pinch of salt

      Directions:

      Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

      Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture. Toss until the butter pieces are evenly coated.

      Dice apples and add them on top of the flour mixture. Set aside.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together sourdough discard (or Greek yogurt), applesauce, sweet cream, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

      Gently fold wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir until just moistened (scone dough should resemble pie dough, not cookie dough – don’t overmix!).

      Pat dough into a 7-inch circle on parchment paper. Fold circle in half and in half again. Reshape into a 7- inch circle allowing the dough layers to stay. Cut into 8 wedges with a bench scraper, or into 16 squares from an 8-inch square.

      Place parchment on a baking sheet. Chill dough in the freezer for 5 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F. Bake 15–17 minutes, until edges are crisp and centers are cooked through.

      While scones bake, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.

      Drizzle glaze over warm scones and enjoy!

    2. Lessons from John the Baptist: Living with Purpose

      Lessons from John the Baptist: Living with Purpose

      John the Baptist was not polished, popular, or powerful by the world’s standards. He lived simply in the wilderness, wore rough clothing, and preached a message many did not want to hear.
      Yet Jesus said of him, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).

      So what can we, as modern disciples, learn from John?
      How can we imitate his way of life while living in our everyday world?

      Point to Jesus, Not Ourselves

      When crowds gathered around John, he reminded them, “I am not the Messiah.” His mission was always to point people toward Christ. We imitate him when we live in a way that gives God the glory. Our words can reflect this. Our choices and even our struggles can too.
      When someone praises you for your kindness, work, or strength, you can simply say, “I’m grateful.” You can explain that God has helped you through so much. It doesn’t mean preaching a sermon, but gently shifting the focus to Christ.

      Live Simply

      John lived with little. His simplicity freed him to focus on God’s call. We don’t have to wear camel’s hair. We can choose contentment and avoid excess. Remember that our true security isn’t found in possessions but in Christ.
      Practice contentment by simplifying your home or schedule. Maybe it’s choosing not to buy every new gadget, or carving out quiet evenings without screens. Simplicity frees your heart to notice God.

      Speak Truth with Courage

      John boldly preached repentance, even when it cost him. In our own lives, we can speak the truth in love. We can do this by standing for integrity at work. It also means being honest in relationships or gently offering God’s wisdom when others need it.
      At work, this might look like choosing honesty over going along with gossip. In family life, it could mean lovingly setting boundaries, even if it’s hard. Speaking truth doesn’t have to be loud – it can be quiet faithfulness.

      Prepare the Way for Christ

      John’s mission was to prepare people to meet Jesus. We can achieve this by making space for Christ in our own lives through prayer. Forgiveness and surrender are also ways we can do this. We should encourage others to seek Him, too.
      Make a difference in your circle by praying for friends. Be quick to forgive. Offer encouragement to someone who’s searching. Small acts of kindness can open the door for others to experience Christ.

      Practice Humility

      John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). His humility is a reminder that we’re not the Savior. Our role is simply to point to Him. Celebrate other’s success without comparison. Share credit freely at work. In your heart, keep asking, “Does this lift me up, or lift up Jesus?” That simple prayer keeps us grounded in humility.

      A Reflection for Us

      To imitate John the Baptist is not to retreat to the wilderness. It means living with the same spirit of humility, courage, and devotion in the midst of our daily lives. It means pointing people to Jesus, even in quiet ways. It means living simply and speaking truthfully. It means remembering that our lives are not about us – they are about Christ.

      Lord, help me to live with the boldness and humility of John the Baptist. Teach me to point others to You. Help me to live simply. Prepare the way for Christ in my heart and in my community. May my life be a lantern that shines toward Jesus, and not myself. Amen.