The word “Sabbath” calls up lots of ideas and feelings for different people. As I grew up, we were expected to observe it strictly, with no unnecessary work and no homework done on Sundays. We could not patronize a swimming pool or a restaurant, because that would require other people to violate the Sabbath as they served us. This was not altogether a negative thing. … Continue reading Life-Giving Sabbath
Revelation 3:8 has been my go-to verse for a couple of years now. It leapt off the page of my Bible one day and has held a place in my awareness. It urges me to keep looking, to see how big God is and all the ways the Great Love manifests in the world around me. It is God’s invitation to keep seeking new ways … Continue reading Open, Open, Open
This is the fourth in a five part series, “Unexpected Treasures in the Desert.” It is a sermon series for the congregations I am serving, known collectively as Prairie Faith Partners. This series is provided to help you navigate the COVID-19 epidemic “wilderness” we are experiencing together. For each sermon I am writing my own reflections on the texts, which I like to do in … Continue reading First Sabbaths
Reality. It is a stinker right now. We would rather not have to endure this overwhelming stoppage and restriction that has us anxious and impatient, irritable and sad. But now is all we have. It is all we ever have, if you think about it. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow exists only in our imaginations. But “living in the now” seems like a silly statement. Isn’t … Continue reading Spiritual Practice: Being Present
Fasting is an ancient practice that invites us to abstinence for the sake of spiritual focus. I am no expert; you can find information and guidance in books devoted to this practice alone or to a range of spiritual disciplines. My first experience with fasting happened in college when I decided to fast from lunches on Mondays during Lent and to give the money saved … Continue reading Spiritual Practice: (Forced) Fasting
In a time when our emotions seem like a soup with lots of unexpected ingredients, it is tempting to find ways to numb ourselves. It’s too much! Yet ignoring our emotions is not a habit I recommend. It is helpful to turn to the Psalms of the Bible, where the realities of the human condition are expressed vividly. They could help you express your own … Continue reading Spiritual Practice: Writing Psalms
Today’s practice is the Prayer of Loving Kindness. The beauty of this prayer is in the many ways it can be used. My first introduction to it was in a contemplative mode, praying it slowly and repeatedly, for yourself and others. First, for yourself, taking your time. Then pray it for someone who has blessed your life, a benefactor. Then for a friend, then someone … Continue reading Spiritual Practices: Prayer of Loving Kindness
The quality that we so often seek in our lives is joy. When we become wise enough to know that joy cannot be manufactured through short-lived pleasures, we might settle for less. We might resign ourselves to what the writer of Ecclesiastes concludes: “there is nothing new under the sun.” (Eccles. 1:9) Or we could learn the secret to joy: gratitude. There was a time … Continue reading Spiritual Practices: Gratitude
One of the compulsions most of us wrestle with is the desire for control. The COVID-19 pandemic is revealing to all of us our illusion of control. Layers of confidence in our careers, our bank accounts, our health are being peeled away without our consent. When we can release our hold on our cherished expectations, we are invited to explore deeper dimensions of trusting God, … Continue reading Spiritual Practices: Welcoming Prayer
I have used this prayer often, and it always helps me move into the day with intention and joy. It is by Joyce Rupp from her book Out of the Ordinary. I post it here with her permission. The video will help you see it in action. Stretch your arms high and wide above your head. I thank you, Holy One, for the gift … Continue reading Spiritual Practices: Six Gestures of the Morning Prayer
saint sinner seeker 