Stories tagged:
prayer

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2024.09.01

Liturgy Dear Lord,The winds of this worldPull at our faithRooted in your mysterious love.The fire of our anger burns,Our lightning bolt judgements meant to keep us safe,Starve us from each other.The quicker we act,The safer we feel,But the farther we’re swept away from you.Guide us back to your slow and steady Grace,Heal our hearts so we may better serve your […]

Whatever Readies For Peace

What comes to mind when you think of Christ’s power? On the fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Christopher Mack examines the armor of the oppressive Roman Empire, and how it was reimagined as strength for creative nonviolent resistance in challenging and tumultuous times. [Ephesians 6:10-20] Reflection How might you practice pivoting toward God’s Peace in this season? What does it mean […]

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2024.08.25

Liturgy We enter through these doors with hopes & fearsfrom our daily routines still clinging to our mindsand interwoven with our breath.Thank you God for the gentlenesswith which you carry our burdens,not asking that we discard them behind us,but calling us to place them before you in trust.We are pressed upon by powers and systemsthat feel both too great to […]

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2024.08.18

Liturgy Lord, the challenges of this world are very old,but to us, they feel ever-new, and alarming.Washed-up, bone-tired,we are thirsty forthe cool and steady wisdomyou offer from your cup.You walk up and down the streetcalling us to a feast,your very sacrifice the invitation,a foreign, tender mercyfor us to mull over.We enter your home now,to dwell in the place whereconfusion fades […]

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2024.01.14

Liturgy We come from places of straight lines,Grids that create small boxes for us to live in.Some of us have tried to follow all the rulesAnd some of us have tried to break every last one.Lord, free us to live the life you have given us.May we inhabit all the space you provide.We have been taught to color inside the […]

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2024.01.07

Liturgy God of dawn and dusk,You gather us here to witness your Light.A light that pierces through the thickest fog; a beacon for all to find warmth and comfort.God of morning and evening,awaken us from our slumber.Open our eyes to the boundless compassion that draws all things to Yourself.Like a mother beckons her children,You draw us into your continuous embrace. […]

A Contemplative Life: How Receptivity & Action Create a New World

Lauri Raymond reflects on how embracing contemplative prayer opens us to the Love, Wisdom and Wholeness of God that transforms us individually and collectively. [Ephesians 3:14-19] Reflection What is getting in the way of vulnerability and trust? How can I spend more quiet time with God? How can I bring contemplation into my life and relationships?