Why is he here? And so it began—the long human wondering, imagining, arguing, asserting, interpreting, deciding, proclaiming, expanding, emphasizing, controlling, re-ordering, etc. of reasons for Immanuel, God with us. Yes, there was wondering before it happened. It was a particular responsibility, rich with meaning and a belonging held in trust by some and not others.… Read More
Monday Prayer
Cherishing God, in your abiding love we stop to ground ourselves again. Here is where cast our rods far out in time to catch a glimpse of how long you have known us, loved us, accepted us—and reel it in. In quiet we hear the echoes of your call to us from before our own… Read More
Monday Prayer
I love your Christmas story, God. Thank you for giving it to us, to me. I love the way its miracles unfold in the midst of tired people, worries, poor planning, a strained relationship, make-do options, long shot dreams, bad lighting, and the call of government paperwork. Is that why it keeps on, keeping on?… Read More
Monday Prayer
Hear my prayer, O God. And let my cry come unto you. It’s not feeling so great right now, I am pushing forward but you feel further behind. It’s taking a lot to get this season, this year, done and dusted. How are we doing? So many hard moments gathered up at every turn. They… Read More
Monday Prayer
Hello God, After the worst had happened I couldn’t speak to you. No words. I thought I might be finished. Faith was leaking out of me every day. Morning, noon and night passed. I couldn’t see you anywhere. Sometimes I was awake the whole night, looking at the moon and the stars until the sun… Read More
RCL Advent I: Keep Awake!? You’re kidding, right?
Keep Awake!??? There it is in Mark’s Gospel reading for Advent I—”Keep awake.” (Mark 13:24-37) Hmmm. I don’t actually know anyone who is getting a good night’s sleep. Do you? Between the pandemic and it’s ancillary product line of economic, social, political, and religious turmoil, the people I know want more strategies for getting asleep… Read More
RCL: The Communion of Saints Offers Perspective
The communion of saints is an active category of faith for me—helping me remember I’m part of a story bigger than my life, my time in ministry, my years on earth. Three decades ago I threw myself into ministry, wanting to add value, make a difference, and change things that needed hanging. I worked and… Read More
Monday Prayer
Thank you, God, for the way my cat stretches out long beside me on the bed, showing me his perfect white soft tummy—but won’t let me touch it. Sometimes it’s like that between you and me. I feel safe, accepted, and resting alongside you. I luxuriate in the certainty of your love, and stretch out… Read More
Daily Prayer – Monday – reclaiming my promised life
Holy Friend, Let me just remember—the whirlwind of detailed worries that tucked me into bed last night. Are they all here today? Fresh as daisies and ready for another round? Let us stop this madness that chases me. Hold me still and brush me off. Tell me there is no need to take that on… Read More
Monday Prayer
Dear God, I have some catching up to do with you. There are things chasing me down. Things from years ago when I thought setting them aside meant they could be left behind. They are not. And now, years later, I feel them even more–mistakes I can’t undo, my wrong words echoing still, what I… Read More