O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You are acquainted with all my ways. For it was you who formed my inward parts; I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:1-14… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God, we can’t even remember what day it is These times still seem so surreal A pandemic Constant political unrest A Black man shot down while jogging Babies in cages Yet we still sing, “It is well with my soul…” Willing it. Believing it. Working to make it so. But how can it be? How… Read More
Friday Festival: May Day Reflections
In some parts of the world, May Day is marked with parades and bonfires and drinking. In other places, it is marked with small baskets of flowers or candy left on a doorstep. For many of our bloggers, the start of a new month has been a time of reflection. What happened in April, and… Read More
Thursday Prayer: quarantine slump
This is a prayer from the day when it feels impossible to stand in another socially-distanced queue. This is a prayer from glasses-fogged face-mask wearing weariness. This is a prayer for missing friends and loved ones and longing for hugs and shared laughter where you don’t have to worry about your outbreath and how far… Read More
Thursday Prayer: for pandemic panic
So much is uncertain You are a rock and a refuge Steady. There is so much fear You are a shelter and a comfort Rest. We are assailed by doubt and grief: Yours is the voice that stills the storm Calm. Decisions to make, tasks to do You are the source of wisdom. Trust. We… Read More
Thursday Prayer: Improvising
Dear God, We are improvising: learning how to be pastors when there are no in-person gatherings for worship; making dinner with what is at hand including those things bought because they would be “good to try” or “seemed a good price”; we are trying our hand at haircuts and dog grooming; finding ways to celebrate… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Pandemic Pastor Types
I’ve been involved in several Facebook chats, Zoom calls, and email conversations with clergy from across the U.S. and around the world in these weeks of Covid-19. In these interactions—and through general observation of news, church websites, and Facebook posts, I’ve noted a few distinct types of pandemic pastors. The “Lentiest Lent” Pastor This pastor… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Socially Distant
Socially distancing with my daughter Holy One, You are not distant. You are present and listening. And though I long for worship gatherings and hugs and coffee hour… for leisurely shopping sprees, and errands and to-do lists… I long for You more. For a sense of Your abiding love wrapping me in a cocoon of… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Hope in a Pandemic
On Monday, March 16, my grandmother fell in her care center, and her health declined quickly that day. Due to covid-19, her care center was on lockdown and would not allow outside visitors to ensure that residents do not catch the virus. While I completely understand this lockdown was necessary for the sake of all… Read More
