God of remembrance, we call to mind today those whom we have prayed for, and forgotten for a time. For the kidnapped young women of Nigeria, as they cook a meal, or suffer through more abuse, tend a child, or think of home, make your protection and peace abundant. For those seeking food, or a doctor, or… Read More
Friday Festival: Messy Middles
In the middle of the month of May, our bloggers are also in the middle of things. Physical buildings and new visions and prayers are coming to life. The midst of a construction project is not a fun place to be, as Marguerite Sheehan writes in from there to here and more to go, but… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
So much to weep for today, God, as we imagine that you are also weeping, crying over unnecessary deaths, unthinking celebration, more people wounded, disheartened and with their hopes dashed again, battered people who are now mourning again. Forgive us, God, for our silence, our inattention, and our easy distractions, and for our hard hearts that… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Language Barriers (Acts 2:1-21)
Jerusalem, the setting for the Acts story, is also the site of the new United States embassy to Israel, which opened this week to much fanfare from some and much anguish from others. Unlike on the day of Pentecost, this week, no one was speaking the same language, or hearing news of grace in their own… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Breath of Life, Breath of Peace, Breath of all that is new, for the air that fills our lungs a million times a day, without ever thinking about it, we breathe in our deep gratitude to you. When our hearts race with worry, and breath grows short, may we return again to your peace. When… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Easter God, who keeps appearing to us until we take you in, we praise you for the sacraments you give us today: the splash of water on our hands, welcoming us into the day, the luxury of a shower, evidence of our fortunate lives, the communion of coffee with a friend, or mac and cheese… Read More
Friday Festival: Revealing the Hidden
Our bloggers are writing about things unseen this week. They explore the hidden nature of other people, themselves and their lives. Also, the thinly veiled beauty of chocolate chip pie. Unconscious contracts are on Mags Blackie’s mind, as she ponders the things she does without thinking deeply about them. They include “The knee jerk response… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Still-present God, these holy days feel like busy days, and so we come to you, seeking the spirit of Jesus, which still circles the world. Remind us, we pray, to walk slowly in these days, treading in the footsteps of our brother Jesus, who used these days to eat with a leper, defend a woman,… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Lent’s days are winding down, Merciful God, and we are no closer to having contrite hearts. Our small complains still loom large, and we don’t hurry to show mercy, or rush to be kind. The old habits of Fat Tuesday are still alluring, and we resist the emptiness of the desert that reveals you. The… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Palm / Passion Sunday (John 12:12-27; 19:16b-22)
“Sir, we would see Jesus,” the plaque on the pulpit proclaimed, visible only to the preacher. In a former congregation, like many places, the words of people seeking Jesus greeted every preacher who stepped into the pulpit. Mysteriously, thankfully, in that particular church, the plaque was lost in a sanctuary renovation. The people who come… Read More
