For the speechless tongues of those oppressed For weak hands, feeble knees, widowed, spirits Made lame, we pray For those orphaned from war, violence, fear Parentless children, silent, stifled cries. For the hungry, we pray For wives, beaten, abused, trampled, shot Spirits abandoned, imprisoned by fear. For Women, we pray In the dry land of… Read More
Monday Prayer
Blessed One, ’tis the season to be frantic with plans, and programs, and prayers, and intentions. Steer us toward the pathway followed by your Holy Family, where weary feet chose careful steps along rutted roads and rocky hillsides. Help us take rest where the path is smooth, and to find patience where the way is… Read More
Advent 3: Sunday Prayer
Sing aloud, o daughters! Shout with joy, o children! The peril against you is gone. Yet again and again, O God, we have picked it back up: the peril of fear, the peril of greed, the peril of jealousy, the peril of nationalism, the peril of self-abasement. Again and again we pray, O God: show… Read More
Friday Prayer: Present (Imperfect)
Holy One, I started today with the best of intentions. I had grand plans, (ok, just vague ideas) but one by one they crashed, and perfection faded into sunset. But if I’m honest, I know in my heart of hearts that what was left was still pretty amazing! So remind me, Lord, when I fuss… Read More
Thursday Prayer: in the beginning
In the stories about the beginning,you, O God,bring order from chaos:giving boundaries,separating water and land,making edges. Help us to knowwhere we start and stop,how to hold our space without intruding on others,how to discern what is ours to do,where our edges are:that we might join you in your work in the world.… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Holy Love, As I wade through these days of so much of everything, full and delicious, busy and tedious, raucous, hilarious, sorrowful and sweet, help me live in the balance of all that is before me. You have surrounded me with Love, and challenge, and life. And death. I am grateful for the journey. Amen.… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Holy and Gracious One, God of our Mothers and Fathers, we give you thanks, this day and every day. Thank you for this gift of life, a precious blessing, a hope – that we may magnify Your Name. Be with us as we labor through this life. Be with us as we struggle through pain.… Read More
Monday Prayer: holy ground
I stand before your holy tabernacle, Blessed One, and I watch the feet of pilgrims as they pass in awe. Dirty feet, unsteady feet, confident strides and timid approaches are just some of the manifestations of those who seek you. We come before your presence in designated places to soak in the magnificence of all… Read More
Advent 2: Sunday Prayer
Not to have peace, but to be peace; Not to endure the fire, but to live with fire; Not to be called prophets, but to catch the vision; Not to be complete, but to be preparing; This is our Advent prayer. Rachel G. Hackenberg‘s book with co-author Martha Spong, Denial Is My Spiritual Practice (and… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Winter Haiku
In the frozen ground – a green branch, a yellow leaf. Awake! See the Light! Jennifer Garrison Brownell serves as pastor at Vancouver United Church of Christ in Vancouver, Washington. She contributed to the Revgals book There’s a Woman in the Pulpit and is the author of the not-really-about-a-triathlon memoir Swim, Ride, Run, Breathe: How… Read More
