Here we are, Lord, slung between death and resurrection. Suspended in the moment between the blank page and the final word the desperate argument and the forgiving embrace the pink slip and the new offer the last tear and the first smile the diagnosis and the treatment plan the caught breath and the exhale. Here… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Easter
We’ve done it. Travelled the journey of Lent. Moved through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and (for some of us) The Great Vigil of Easter. Now, we’re headed to Easter morning. What will you be preaching on this morning? Are you compelled to tell the story from the perspective of the women? The one’s who… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
On this day, a quiet holy day that’s silent and full… most everything is ready for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and even Easter morning, I pray with my breathing. I pray with my heart beat. I pray with my sighing. I pray with my unfinished, foggy thoughts. I pray with my list. I pray with… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of hope God of life Now begins the holiest of weeks The Lenten journey concludes through pain sorrow despair illness loss fear anger hatred vitriol grief Through a (self) examination of all the ways we work against You – against your hopes and dreams O God for creation against Your love poured out in… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: I have seen the Lord!
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! But not quite yet. For church professionals, we first have to endure the hard and holy week leading up to Easter. We live out the mental, emotional, and spiritual drama in real time. On Maundy Thursday, we may wash feet or share Communion, or both (hopefully with some… Read More
Monday Prayer: Holy Monday
Comforting One, who bolsters us as we tumble between triumph and defeat, draw us near to your sustaining grace and love. Open the eyes and ears of our being to receive the fullness of your mystery, that we may yield to is transforming power. As we journey through the disorienting events that pierce the hope… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Summer Worship Ideas
Summer is coming and preachers are planning! This week’s question solicits advice for summer worship ideas. Dear Matriarchs: This summer, I would like to diverge from the lectionary for the summer. Last year a colleague and I came up with a fun, travel-themed trip through the book of Exodus. Have any of you tried anything… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
After a semi-restless night of sleeping, I awoke at dawn, the birds singing me fully awake. In that moment, I heard You say “Today, beloved, just listen. Receive what you hear, and hold it in your heart.” Help me listen and receive in all of my moments today. Amen. Rev. Karla Miller is pastor of… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Embodying the Text
As I read the text this morning I saw Jesus bringing the scripture he had been taught to life. Like an actor taking a script and not only committing their lines to memory – but making the story their own, embodying the text and helping those watching feel the intent and intensity of what was… Read More
Tuesday Prayer: Spring
This morning, although it was still dark, the birds were singing in full chorus. I let the dogs outside and noticed that the air was almost warm. I thought Spring is here. Finally. Easter is in two weeks, and in the meantime the last week of Lent and Holy week still need to be travelled… Read More
