Three decades ago, at the lowest aspect of my life, in an isolated western Alaska town, found myself standing in a small Russian Orthodox Church. Taking advantage of the pews I sat lingered in this church searching and wondering, if there was a God? Was it possible to know Him, or to be known by Him?

As I turned to leave this wilderness sanctuary, notice a basket with a sign - "Free to all" containing several small books. I took one. It was no larger than size of a cell phone.

Little did I know that the ground of my spiritual awakening would be tilled that day as I began to pray the "Sinner's Prayer". Learned meaning of "to pray without ceasing" until seed was planted gave way to faith (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

It was difficult to get to a place of "rejoicing in all things", knowing this was will of God for everyone, for "not all have faith" (3 Thessalonians 3:2). I was too consumed with natural sorrows, guilt of life, to see or know God. The Sinner's Prayer prepared my hardened heart to see value of the Divine Sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Thank you for posting this reminder of new beginnings. May He bless you!