All Saints’ Day feels particularly personal to me this year, having lost my father just a couple of weeks ago. I am sad that I no longer experience his physical presence, and I celebrate the constant support he gave me, the ways he taught me to work hard and be curious, the delight he showed… Read More
Sunday Prayer: every minute of every day
In the name of Christ,
the Messiah,
hear our prayers, O God!
Each and every minute
of each and every day
our faith is tested … Read More
RCL: Advent 2 – Comfort and Peace
Here we are at the second Sunday of Advent, traditionally the Sunday of Peace. You may be using different themes for you Advent Sundays and still choosing the lectionary. These texts speak to the chaos and challenge of today as much as they ever did, particularly the Isaiah and Gospel texts. Isaiah begins with a… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Comfort, Comfort (Isaiah 40:1-11)
When I think about this peculiar preaching profession, I always consider my time in the pulpit as pastoral care. I know there are other models, other types of preaching, but pastoral care is my go-to. There’s hardly a better passage to think about pastoral care than this week’s Narrative Lectionary text, Isaiah 40:1-11. Check out… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
For those of us who mourn deeply and sometimes in secret this season, grant comfort For those of us whose history gets forgotten with holiday cheer, grant justice For those of us who are alone and have been banished from community and table, grant love We need you, O God. For those of us who… Read More
Friday Prayer: Overpacking
God- You and I both know that I am over-packer. Three pairs of pants when one would be fine. More underwear than necessary because who, but You, knows what might happen. Several books, craft projects, and two journals because I always end up with extra free time… except that I don’t. It seems likely that… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Charted Territory
Holy God, I want to run full speed at the cruelties and injustices of the world, kicking and screaming and fighting with all my might. I want to curl up on my couch with a snugly blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and a good, happy movie. I feel lost. I feel overwhelmed. I… Read More