I think a lot about sanctification. That particular theological undertaking is not often pondered in Lutheran circles, since we are heaven-bent on emphasizing justification. Yet, I cannot believe that God brings us into right relationship with the Divine and with creation, only to let us remain the same for the entirety of our lifespan. I am… Read More
Thursday Prayer: like a bird
Dear Holy Spirit, A sacred kingfisher came to sit on the fence today and I was having an Important Conversation about identity and vocation, about solid ground, tūrangawaewae, a place to stand; and I was reminded that birds do not exist only on solidity: they perch on branches that sway, and on telegraph wires; they… Read More
Saturday Prayer – While Washing the Dishes
A plate, a cup, a bowl, a spoon. It is morning, and I am washing yesterday’s dishes. Forgive me for the sin of leaving these dishes unwashed. And for the other sin of wishing I hadn’t left the dishes unwashed And for the further sin of convincing myself I’m probably a very bad person for… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit
Veni sancte spiritus. Come, Holy Spirit, breath of life. Come in the luke-warm breeze that cuts through the humid heat. Come in the sun-infused waves licking our ankels and the cool sand my toes find below the burning surface. Veni sancte spiritus. Come through the hard and holy remembrances of those who have been driven… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Pentecost!
Welcome to the end of the season of Easter, and one of the only days in the church year that celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit! (Do you know where your red stole is?) RCL texts for this Sunday can be found here, and links to additional resources are available on The Text This… Read More
RCL: You are My I Love You
When I read John 15:9-17 I find myself reading it in many different tones. So far, my favorite is to read it in is exasperation. You the super-exasperated “I love you” that is sometimes the best you have to give one another. Its a favorite of my husband and I’s, we will be completely be… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
As Lent takes these final breaths, Divine Winds, remind me to breathe deeply. The shallowness of the intake of air robs my body from oxygen and peace. My anxiety levels rise as I refuse to stop and be mindful… inhaling… exhaling. My heart thumps as I recall the level of work that needs to be… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God whose presence and love goes beyond words, I have no idea what to say today. As I face the tearful grief of a family Or the complex relationships life brings, Give me the exact words that need to be spoken. Or maybe whatever sentences exit my mouth will be a mess. In that case,… Read More
Thursday Prayer: decent and disorderly
Dear God, In the part of your church I’m from we like to talk about worship being done decently and in order. We are busy writing prayers, crafting liturgy and dressing the building for Pentecost: that day when we celebrate your life-giving Spirit, poured out on all flesh. Help us not to be so concerned… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: We are Not Left to our own Devices
There is something within us that resists limitations and authority. We don’t like to admit that we have so little control over our lives and that humanity is not the ultimate authority on much of anything. I’ve been thinking about something I read many years ago by Peggy Way. She wrote about “the fact of… Read More
