Luke 17:11-19 I am indebted this week to Mary Karr and Anne Lamott, both of whom have done much to shape my own prayer life. The essay by Mary Karr that is referenced here is “Facing Altars: Poetry and Prayer” found in the journal Poetry. Anne Lamott’s book Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential PrayersContinue reading “Let us pray”
Tag Archives: god
What Doesn’t Hold Water
Jeremiah 2:4-13 The content of this sermon is difficult, and includes references to gun violence, war, and famine. Footnotes have been provided not as an exhaustive list of resources, but as a starting place for those who wish to learn more about the facts of gun violence and its contributing factors. For steps to takeContinue reading “What Doesn’t Hold Water”
Called & Equipped
Jeremiah 1:4-10 I recently learned that Jeremiah is often referred to by scholars as “the Weeping Prophet” because of how vulnerable, honest, and anguished he often is in the service of the Lord. Throughout the book of the Prophet Jeremiah, one of the longest books in the Bible, the prophet brings hard words to theContinue reading “Called & Equipped”
A Life of Getting Ready
Luke 12:32-40 I am always overtaken at this time of year by a deep sense of nostalgia for the back-to-school excitement. I remember fondly the aisles of fresh pencils and bright pens and folders and notebooks in every color under the sun. I loved the feeling of finding the perfect backpack and opening a brand-newContinue reading “A Life of Getting Ready”
Freedom & Costly Grace
Galatians 5:1,13-25 For freedom Christ has set us free. As the red, white, and blue decorations go up and the flags wave and we prepare for our own celebration later this week, the topic of freedom is timely. This nation in which we live and whose birth we remember on the 4th of July everyContinue reading “Freedom & Costly Grace”
Listening Together
John 16:12-15 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” Right there, in red letters, the Bible tells us that God has more to teach us than what could be said in the brief time that God walked the earth in human flesh. Jesus promises the apostles thatContinue reading “Listening Together”
We Are All Here
Acts 16:16-34 Content Warning: This sermon addresses suicide, mental illness, and death. The photo associated with this post is a photo I took at the excavated prison cell in Philippi where Paul was imprisoned as depicted in Acts. When I saw the readings assigned for today, I was deeply moved. This reading from Acts isContinue reading “We Are All Here”
The Promise of Home
Revelation 21:1-6 See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the firstContinue reading “The Promise of Home”
Wearing Ministry
Acts 9:36-43 When I was newly ordained, a woman in my first parish died and I was to preside at her funeral. Instead of flowers, her children told me they would be bringing some things she had made to adorn the altar. She was a quilter, and an embroiderer, with an artist’s eye. The dayContinue reading “Wearing Ministry”
Changing Minds
Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) I am convinced that one of the hardest things to do in this world is change your mind. Something that might be even harder is admitting aloud that your belief or opinion has changed from what you once fervently professed. We are not rewarded for it, either socially or by our ownContinue reading “Changing Minds”
Mother A Writes 