Lent’s days are winding down, Merciful God, and we are no closer to having contrite hearts. Our small complains still loom large, and we don’t hurry to show mercy, or rush to be kind. The old habits of Fat Tuesday are still alluring, and we resist the emptiness of the desert that reveals you. The… Read More
Saturday Prayer: I am a mess
Incarnate God, I am screaming in the temple, flipping over tables, making enemies of those who do not understand. I am relaxing with my friends, enjoying good food, a nice glass of wine, giving thanks for the bread and the cup and the laughter. I am weeping in the garden, feeling terribly alone, fearing what… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God of peace, you already know that we are worried and distracted by many things. Our hearts are restless, not for you, but for the shiny gifts of distraction, quick comfort and approval. As Lent moves toward Holy Week, deepen in us, we pray, the ability to live with sadness and tension, to rest, not fretting,… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Behold the Man!
The Narrative Lectionary reading for the fifth Sunday in Lent is John 19:1-16a. Working Preacher commentary is here. Jesus’ trial before Pilate continues, and progresses from heated conversation to violence. Pilate has Jesus flogged. Pilate has Jesus dressed with a crown of thorns and purple robe, to be mocked as “King of the Jews”. Even… Read More
Saturday Prayer: In the Midst
Holy God, Alpha and Omega, Our beginning and our end– We are in the midst: In the midst of the Lenten wilderness with its deprivations and spiritual burdens, moving from temptation to cross through grief and betrayal and violence. We are in the midst: In the midst of church busyness with its committee meetings and… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Denial (John 18:12-27)
This week’s Narrative text begins a 4 week dwelling in the end of Jesus’ life in John’s gospel (chapters 18 and 19). Working Preacher commentary is here. Text this Week resources are here. There’s a lot of different places one can focus in this passage. Where are you leaning? A few weeks ago, we had… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Forever Amen
Forever and ever amen, let there be promises that gird our lives and sustain our spirits far beyond imagination. Forever and ever amen, let there be comfort that heals the soul and endless banquets that dissatisfy our enemies. Forever and ever amen, let there be faithfulness that dispels timidity and an urgent calling that binds… Read More
Lenten walking
Lord, In my walking and sometimes stumbling on this journey through Lent, I hear your gentle voice reminding me… Child of my heart, Creation of my hand, Pastor of my flock, I am with you. I am there before you. I am listening to your heart of hearts. I AM. Yes. And Yes! Amen. Rev.… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Faithful Followers
An impossible child. Sarah and Abraham receive wonderful news from God in today’s reading from Genesis. Though they have no children, and Sarah is long past child-bearing age (and Abraham is long past child-rearing age), God promises them that they will become parents to a multitude of nations. In a society where one’s worth was… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Faithfulness
We would follow your ways, O God, across mountain and wilderness, through the floods of baptism all the way to glory’s dawn; We would follow your ways, O God, believing rainbowed promises, convinced of steadfast love, ready for your kin-dom; We would follow your ways, O God, hearts torn apart like heavens, lives in full… Read More
