There are things that happen that are unthinkable, but not unimaginable. We are able to imagine them, but we push them away because we do not want to think about them. What is unimaginable is living after the unthinkable. Holy and merciful God, we pray with broken hearts for all who are living- breath by… Read More
Pastoral is Political: Near the Cross Was Mary Weeping
I’ve found myself drawn to images of the Marys at the foot of the cross. Death, particularly the death of someone you love, is hard to watch. I suppose it is a natural human instinct to look away or to hide from the grief and horror before you. It takes a spiritual hardiness to remain… Read More
Friday Festival: Connections, Broken and Whole
Our bloggers are guiding our minds to the connections of the heart this week. Turning from weariness to gratitude, Kristin Berkey-Abbott notices a parallel between herself and the living things in the garden, “The milkweed is blooming this week–these are plants that have been eaten back to bare stalks several times since I bought them… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Permission to Lament (Ruth 1:1-17)
Lament has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I carry it deep within my heart and right on the edge from where my tears pool. I feel it in my spirit, in the tightness of all of my muscles and within the stiffness of my too often clenched jaw. Maybe it’s because I… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
My heart continues to sting from losing my dad, peaceful God. My soul is not quite as vivacious, and the innocence I felt before his death has drifted away. Grief robs us of possibilities of the future. Grief fogs up the lens we use to see the world. Our universe is smaller and sadder. Pour… Read More
Friday Festival: Relationships Reconsidered
With honesty and tenderness, our bloggers are considering relationships this week – with God, with Jesus, with our stuff and with a lamented mother, who has just died. The hard work of stopping the rush of her life has Sally Coleman thinking about where God is inviting her to sing a new song. “I have… Read More
Thursday Prayer: hear our weeping
What cannot be said will be wept – a quote attributed to Sappho You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? -Psalm 56: 8 O God, when words fail hear our weeping. Hear our weeping, treasure our tears, answer our cry. Amen. … Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Sweet Alpha, Kind Omega- For the ones budding in the early stages of life, we give thanks. And then for the ones nearing the ends of things- for their last breaths their warm tears their last looks around this earth- with aching hearts, we thank you too. Prayers are building in our hearts. Emotions are… Read More
Friday Prayer
Dear God of all times, places, and peoples, I ask for your Spirit of consolation and strength to be present in clear and tangible ways to the people, especially the Muslim community, of Christchurch, New Zealand. In a time of shock and grief, grant peace and gentleness to neighbors helping neighbors. Let the wails of… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of the Heavy Hearts, As the reminder of my friend’s birthday comes across my feed, my heart still stings from her passing – even now years after her death. How I would like to call her to catch up on life or introduce her to my partner! How much would I like to have… Read More
