With two they covered their faces; Interrogate the ways we watch the world, O Holy Magnificence, for too often we hide the eyes of our hearts from the blaze of your love as it is at work on earth as in heaven; too often we watch with cynicism, judgment, and self-interest. Now cover our sinful… Read More
RCL: Behavior Modification Edition
Do you ever get discouraged by human behavior? I do, often. I sometimes find even my own behavior disheartening. We know what is right and good, yet we persist in doing things that are harmful to ourselves, to our neighbors, or to the planet. The other day, after reading a particularly horrid news article, I… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Immerse
Life is not tried it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire. (Garth Brooks, “Standing Outside the Fire”) I’m cruising on the RevGalBlogPals’ Big Event 12.0, and the Rev. Angie Shannon — making use of Garth Brooks’ lyrics — reminded the group in opening worship that the fire (the Fire) does not change… 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
Advent 1: Sunday Prayer
The day will surely come. Steadfast God, hold us in the meantime that we might not fear the long night. The time will surely arrive. Faithful God, give us signs while we wait until every speck of star and dust is a revelation. The promise will surely be fulfilled. Eternal God, plant the seeds within… Read More
RevGalBookPals: A Gracious Heresy
I’ve heard the story from my Presbyterian colleagues about the Rev. David Bailey Sindt, who stood up at the 1974 General Assembly with a sign that read, “Is anybody else out there gay?” Other mainline denominations have their semi-famous gay icons, but what of the gay and lesbian people who took their own stands on less-remembered… Read More
RCL: Trying to Abide in God’s Tent
After reading the texts this week, my first thought was can we please have more bread? The return to Mark is rather jarring. Many U.S. pastors are on vacation this weekend, some are concluding summer sermon series, and the rest might be right with me in wishing for more bread. Then, without further delay, let’s… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Church Seasons
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
Tuesday Prayer
For this new chapter of my life, Divine Designer, I pray this day- For my new desk and new pens and new office, I ask for blessings. May these spaces be one in which I can bring peace into the world. For my new pulpit and new sanctuary and new flock, I give joy. May… Read More
RCL: Waiting for Morning
The nights of weeping feel endless these days. I can’t help but ask when the joy of morning will come. The promise of the dawning joy is woven throughout this week’s texts. Lamentation and yearning lean in toward hope and healing in a way I desperately wish were true in the world. I live and… Read More
