When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6 It’s a good question: Do I want to be made well? I don’t mean specifically of physical ailments. I mean: do I want all the things that… Read More
Friday Prayer
A Prayer Before An Abortion God Who Sees- You alone know the fullness of my situation. You remember even better that I do how I came to be here and how I made this decision. Even in my resolve, You know all of my feelings. Concede to me, in your mercy, safe entry and exit… Read More
Friday Prayer
God- I’m too grouchy and grief-stricken to begin with a longer list of titles and acclamations. You know who You are and what You do. I have a small bone to pick about “a time and season for everything”. Surely, a young mother dying is out of season. Certainly, a late release of cell phone… Read More
Friday Prayer: Job 13, RJV
An Interpretation of Job 13, Revised Julia Version: Look, I have heard everything you are telling me, “friends”, And your words aren’t new to me. I have the same information that you do; And, frankly, you’re not offering different or better interpretation. I want to speak directly to the Almighty and take up this… Read More
Friday Prayer
Dear God of all times, places, and peoples, I ask for your Spirit of consolation and strength to be present in clear and tangible ways to the people, especially the Muslim community, of Christchurch, New Zealand. In a time of shock and grief, grant peace and gentleness to neighbors helping neighbors. Let the wails of… Read More
Friday Prayer: In the Borderland
Holy Breath of Life- There is a fine edge in my world. The space before the ledge is the area wherein I acknowledge the idols in my life- Attempts and desire for control, Tasks that busy my day and prevent rest and stillness, Issues that I have made my own without consulting You, Frustrations and… Read More
Friday Prayer: By the Bedside
Jesus- The written Word tells us that you wept over the death of your friend Lazarus. It also tells us that you waited until he died before you came to the side of his sisters. I have mixed feelings as to whether your actions were compassionate. A resurrected brother is not the same as not… Read More
Friday Prayer: What Will Be
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
Friday Prayer: Psalm 27 Revisited
Psalm 27, Revised Julia Edition God is my opening to life and my deliverance from evil— who thinks they can scare me? The Lord is a solid fence around me— who will try and come through God’s defenses? When those who oppose God’s will come at me thinking they can do something, it is all over for… Read More
Monday Prayer
I’ve been baking Precious Holy, Weighing and measuring, sifting and mixing, combining and folding, dividing and preparing Then, the baking…. waiting, watching, hoping… sweet smells of spice lifting the spirit warmth and depth rising, swelling until, at exactly the right moment it all comes together and there it is… rich fruit cake. How like baking… Read More
