bent but not broken wounded yet still breathing bravely refusing to silently disappear this is how I have been of late, God i am grateful. my gratitude does not wipe away my rage but does allow me to move, and, act, and show-up, in ways where rage doesn’t take over… it just glides off me… Read More
Friday prayer: the witness of Bartimaeus
A relative of mine would yell at referees during basketball games, “You blind Bartimaeus!” This name-calling was, of course, meant as an insult. (It was also problematic in ways I didn’t quite understand as a teenager.) But Bartimaeus was wise. He didn’t have to see Jesus to know who – and what – he was.… Read More
Monday Prayer ~ Small Things
God of Small Things: Thank you for this small, yet perfectly formed Rose of Sharon flower, her delicate pinks, her bee beckoning center. Thank you for the small mercies: the green light when we’re late, the unexpected message from a friend, the way light refracts through stained glass, for warm smiles. Give us courage to… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
For rain where it was needed today, thank you, God For the calming of waters and winds in places that need relief, thank you, God For beauty in times of horrific ugliness and hate, thank you, God For love that refuses to be destroyed, distorted, legislated, commodified, or controlled, thank you, God For another day…another… Read More
Saturday Prayer, September 4, 2021
Giving thanks for the Baja Fairy Duster God, I’m grateful the Baja Fairy Duster,”Calliandra californica, attractspollinators and hummingbirdsand its seeds like dry pea podsfeed chaparral and desert animals. I give thanks for its many gifts, andhow the beauty of another regionstartles me into experiencing my own,with apples red-ripeningand schoolchildren comparingWonder Woman to dinosaurs on masksin… Read More
Friday prayer: God is good
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above. Every smile from a stranger kiss from a puppy genuine compliment porch drop-off post-liturgical nap unexpected windfall new understanding belly laugh offer of help to reach something high on a shelf investment by a mentor bit of good news sunshine after a heavy… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
The day almost got away from me, dear God Have I said, “thank you?” Did I love my neighbor? Am I still following Christ to the cross? In these holiest of days, help us to take the time to ask the questions that will bring us closer to transformation. Amen. ************* Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Gracious God, As the sun steps down and makes space for the moon to shine As the night draws near and stillness begins to settle in all around us We take this moment to give thanks for this day Thank you, God, for every breath Thank you, God, for every smile Thank you, God, for… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
There is so much to pray for, yet today I simply say thank you There is so much need, yet today I simply say thank you There is so much despair and devastation, yet today I simply say thank you There is so much hate and fear, yet today I simply say thank you Thank… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Source of All Greatness- As we ponder all things for which we are thankful, I can’t help but hear the little grouch in my soul… the Grinch-like energy that wants to drag me away from the positive moments of 2020. Allow me to have my grumpy moments, God. This has been a difficult year filled… Read More