God, on this day in the middle of the week It becomes clear that You are “both/and” Both merciful and just Both leading and at the same time granting free will Both the ground of our very being and transcendent over all In a time that can seem very complex Help us to know that… Read More
RCL: Behavior Modification Edition
Do you ever get discouraged by human behavior? I do, often. I sometimes find even my own behavior disheartening. We know what is right and good, yet we persist in doing things that are harmful to ourselves, to our neighbors, or to the planet. The other day, after reading a particularly horrid news article, I… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God who abides with us on this side of the clouds… There’s nothing as ordinary as a gray Tuesday in January. But I will take the plain. I will take the bland. Too many days are filled with pain- News of hatred Speeches and videos and walls which divide us from one another Health declining… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Days of Blessedness Have Begun
At the end of last week’s passage, the Narrative Lectionary takes us from Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness to the beginning of his ministry, saying “repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near”. In this week’s passage, we start to get a sense of what the Kingdom of Heaven (or commonwealth of heaven, as… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: The Absence of Tension and the Presence of Whiteness
I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate… who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: “I agree with you… Read More
Monday Prayer
For the invigoration of a walk with the dog this freezing cold day – we thank you For the glory of a deep red sunrise following the blood red moon – we thank you For the busy-ness of diary setting, and planning, and reading you word – we thank you For the peace that will… Read More
Sunday Prayer
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! How glorious is your lovingkindness, that your Beloved Child should begin your marvelous work, not with a display of power over nature (that we might tremble), or with a flashy revelation of divinity (that we might be smug), or even with providing blessed relief from pain or… Read More
Saturday Prayer: The First Sign
Holy One, I give you thanks for the water turned to wine, For the miracle that allows the party to continue, For Jesus’ first sign Which is not a disease healed, not a prejudice corrected, not an authority challenged –he will get there—You will get there— But first it is the wine First it is… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: What did you hear?
I am in Chicago at the seminary that I graduated from with an M.Div nearly 20 years ago, attending a class lead by Eric Law on Diversity and Context – diversity in congregations. I am with a group of M.Div student and D.Min students, along with a parishioner of mine, my curate, and me –… Read More
Friday Prayer: In the Borderland
Holy Breath of Life- There is a fine edge in my world. The space before the ledge is the area wherein I acknowledge the idols in my life- Attempts and desire for control, Tasks that busy my day and prevent rest and stillness, Issues that I have made my own without consulting You, Frustrations and… Read More
