Where are you, Lord, in the silence? Where do we find hope in the gap between life and death? In the whirlwind, how can we hear your voice of compassion? In the storm, how can we feel secure? We wait, Holy One. We wait in the shadows of doubt and disbelief. We wait for joy… Read More
Wednesday Prayer – Exhaustion
Holy Spirit, Holy Energy, As the week lengthens and our stamina wanes,we seek the extra strength that will sustain our souls.From bulletins to PowerPoints, we are glued to computersas we perfect the tools of our worship. But you are not calling us to perfection.You afforded us human energy and minds,Not super-computers or brains of perfection.… Read More
Tuesday Prayer: A Long (Holy) Week Prayer
God, Only you know, how long Holy Week is– Only you were human enough to do all the emotions, to go from raising Lazarus… to carry the scent of your perfumed feet to the washing of your own disciples, after you spent precious time having one Last Supper one last fellowship one last night of… Read More
Monday Prayer + After the Parade
The streets are littered with confetti and streamers, dirty from being walked on by the crowds. Every so often one sees a trash can filled with branches, wilted flowers, and placards with his name. The crowds have gone home leaving evidence of the parade. The streets are empty except for those who have nowhere else… Read More
Palm Sunday Confession
We have shown ourselves to be fools, O Teacher. Celebrating the Robin Hood come to challenge the prince,we failed to recognize the outcast Sovereign before us. Cheering the jester’s parade in all its mockery of power,we ignored its earnest portrayal of the realm of God. Triumphantly paving life’s way with our coats & palms &… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Preparing to Prepare the Way
Holy One, We prepare to “prepare the way of the Lord.” We think we are ready! We have practiced our rejoicing, And have learned to sing “Hosanna!” We are ready… But are we? As our feet travel the days ahead, through this Holy Week, Are our whole selves ready? Have we come to declare Your… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God this is a prayer of fast forward as the palms are here, or coming (or not, eep!) As the the church is ready, or not. As the sermon is ready, or not. As our hearts are ready, or not. I lift my eyes to the hills –and some days beyond to skies, and the… Read More
Monday Prayer
I lost a week, last week. Last Monday I convinced myself that I only had one more week of Lent- that it was already week five and not week four. And that little bird, the one that sits on the middle of your chest and makes you feel panicky, was fluttering like nobody’s business. How… 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
11th Hour Preacher Party: Holy Week AND Easter Edition
This week’s Preacher Party gets started a day early to help those of you who may be writing for all of the Three Days. So whether you’re struggling to put words together for Maundy Thursday, or you’re putting the finishing touches on your Easter sermon, we are here for you! As Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe reminds… Read More