Category Archives: prayer

The penultimate last word

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

“It is finished.” Hurry, Jesus. Hurry to the appointment you have made to duel death. Hasten the darkening sky, that  a false dawn may break early; that you may fell the great destroyer. The soldiers come with mallets and spear, we hear … Continue reading →

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The fifth last word

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

As the frog seeks its spawning ground, I yearn for the waters of new life. As the child wails for its mother’s breast, I crave your loving tenderness. As the hunger striker is starved of a reprieve, I cry out … Continue reading →

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The fourth last word

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Life shines in the dark lens of your countenance. When you hide your face, all die, and return to the earth. Was it dust or grief, guilt or love that made … Continue reading →

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The third last word

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciples, “Here is your mother.” There is no changing one body … Continue reading →

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The first last word

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

                                          Father, forgive them   – not yet, Jesus. Give us time.  We are in no hurry for new life. Give … Continue reading →

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A prayer for St Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

He returned. I can’t get over that: he got away, he got free, he came home. Then he returned, to the scene of his slavery, to the landscape of his discontent, to the house of his enemies. He returned, not for … Continue reading →

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Earth, oil, ashes, and a pound of precious nard

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

I have anointed people for death, and I think Mary was right to get in early, because when I return, a few days later, or a week, I do not come bearing precious nard. Continue reading →

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The prodigal God

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

Waiting  for the God to come home; if I saw her on the road would I run, hitching up my skirts, fire up the pyre, melt the golden calf, sacrifice my unbelief, my cold soul on the altar of her … Continue reading →

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The penitent

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

on her knees scrubbing blood from the pavement beneath the broken icon

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Still

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

At the eclipse, the birds fall silent, the earth shrugs its mantle of shadows close; death comes easily, a simple matter of forgiving all that life still owes Resurrection rises with the spring equinox sun pressing home its higher vantage. … Continue reading →

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