Jesus said, “Have you never read what David did when he & his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, giving some to his companions too. In the same way, the sabbath was made for humanity’s sake — humanity was not made for sabbath’s sake. The… Read More
Fourth Sunday of Advent Prayer
Overwhelmed by the shadows of this world, O God Most High, we pause to remember and be centered within your power that overshadows all fears and iniquities. In your mercy, incline your heart to our prayer. Your steadfast love is established forever: without fanfare or pride, yet omnipresent and glorious. We magnify you, by whom… Read More
Friday Prayer: Almost but not yet
Holy One, we are in this time of almost but not yet. We tell of your promised return but not yet. Of the wearied hearts who wait and grieve and yet rejoice for it is that time for the Babe to be our King… and yet not quite yet. This Advent winds to a… Read More
Thursday prayer: praying, trusting, hoping.
Dear God Today we are praying, praying with our hands: counting carol candles typing to-do lists putting crayons in containers sharing communion in hospitals and homes. Today we are praying, praying with our bodies: walking the dog packing food parcels dealing with laundry locating the Christmas star. Today we are praying, praying with our voices:… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Advent in the Time of Trump
The politics of this contemporary moment in the United States are as bleak as they have ever been in my lifetime. Read More
Third Sunday of Advent Prayer
For love of your justice, O God, keep your promise to comfort the mourning and relieve the oppressed. For love of your dream, O God, keep your promise to fill our tongues with joy and bring peace among the nations. For love of your light, O God, keep your promise to speak hope to the… Read More
Friday Prayer: In the Quiet
Lord, in this waiting, we stand in the silence, surrounded by the faithful of today. And the saints of old, who watched and waited, praised and prayed, had visions and discouragements, yet believed, whisper to us on the winds of the Spirit, “Wait… wait…” May we put down deep roots in this quiet witness of… Read More
Friday Festival: Advent Thoughts
Our bloggers are delving deeply into Advent’s work. They’re writing about the bottomless practice of watching and waiting for God’s presence to be born into the world again. At An Unfinished Symphony, Deb Vaughn invites: The empty chair at the fireplace edge beckoned welcomed invited me. “Come and sit” “Come and listen” “Come and just BE” And… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Waiting for Justice
Advent is by far my favorite liturgical season. This time of quiet reflection and expectant waiting, with the multiple meanings that it carries is always a rich one for me personally. The themes of a fertile darkness where things grow and change, the eschatological hope for justice through God’s realm on earth, and all of it… Read More
Second Sunday of Advent Prayer
You are the beginning of all life, O God, and the foundation of all hope. You are the joy from which springs peace and the peace from which blooms love. We turn our hearts toward you: Be kind to these weary bones, we pray. This life withers like grass and our spirits faint in search… Read More
