When we have shouted ourselves hoarse and returned home from the parade, forgive our wavering commitment to love. When we have finished our hymns and departed from the comforts of worship, forgive our fickle faithfulness. When we have passed the plate of bread and swept up all the last crumbs, forgive our refusal to extend… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Saturday Teaching
On that day, Holy Friend, before dusty cloaks thrown onto even more dusty earth, before the powers’ posturing, before you washed your friends’ feet and sat at a table even with the one who would betray you and prayed in a darkened olive grove, before torture and death. On that day, Holy Friend, you did what… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: The Marathon Begins
That’s right, it’s the kickoff to Holy Week (I sincerely hope this does not come as a surprise to you). Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday, some combination thereof, or maybe you’re doing something completely different: it’s here! Revised Common Lectionary thoughts and Narrative Lectionary thoughts are on our website. We will attempt to remain calm, cool,… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Embodying the Text
As I read the text this morning I saw Jesus bringing the scripture he had been taught to life. Like an actor taking a script and not only committing their lines to memory – but making the story their own, embodying the text and helping those watching feel the intent and intensity of what was… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Hosanna! Save Us
Hosanna! Save us, O God! From hasty palm waving and distracted worship; from the Holy Week panic about to set in; from the onslaught of emails and plastic eggs; from the special music to arrange and the brunch casseroles to bake; from the late nights, the restless sleeps, the too-early mornings. Save us, O God,… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Palms & Passion Edition
Holy Week is about to begin! Are you ready? Which pieces of the story will you share on each day? Does this Sunday bring you to Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem, or the story of his passion? Both? Will folks return to hear more of the story on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday? Will you… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Palm / Passion Sunday (John 12:12-27; 19:16b-22)
“Sir, we would see Jesus,” the plaque on the pulpit proclaimed, visible only to the preacher. In a former congregation, like many places, the words of people seeking Jesus greeted every preacher who stepped into the pulpit. Mysteriously, thankfully, in that particular church, the plaque was lost in a sanctuary renovation. The people who come… Read More
Palm Sunday Prayer
“I love you,” I shout, because I don’t know if I can be faithful. “Here’s my coat,” I offer, because I’m not certain that I would give my life. “Hosanna in the highest,” I sing, because I doubt there will be good news worth singing tomorrow. “Blessed is the one who comes,” I cheer, because I… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Palm/Passion Sunday Edition
Preachers, lace up those running shoes! The liturgical world moves quickly this week, and this Sunday starts the marathon. What is on your schedule? Palms? Passion? Some of both? Our discussions of the Revised Common Lectionary texts and the Narrative Lectionary texts may be helpful. If you’re working ahead, don’t miss this post about Maundy Thursday,… Read More
Thursday Prayer: Counting
Dear God, We are counting: counting palm crosses (will there be enough for all the people who like to take one for a neighbour, and for the rest home services next week, and some to dry for next year’s ashes); counting how many liturgies are written and services prepared (Holy Week is busy); and counting… Read More
