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A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing
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Category Archives: prayer
Saved and unsaved
It is a variation on that old question of what to save from the burning house. This morning, my middle cat, not the most grace-filled of creatures, landed unexpectedly in my cup of tea while I was working at my … Continue reading
The penultimate last word
“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
Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer
Tagged crucifixion, Good Friday, Holy Week, It is finished, Jesus, Seven Last Words
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The fifth last word
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
The fourth last word
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
Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer
Tagged Jesus, Psalm 104:29, Psalm 22:1, Psalm 90:4, Seven Last Words
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The third last word
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
Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer
Tagged bereavement, grief, Holy Week, Jesus, John 19:26-27, Luke 3:8, Seven Last Words
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The first last word
Father, forgive them – not yet, Jesus. Give us time. We are in no hurry for new life. Give … Continue reading
Posted in meditation, poetry, prayer
Tagged father forgive them, forgiveness, Seven Last Words
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A prayer for St Patrick’s Day
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
Earth, oil, ashes, and a pound of precious nard
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
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer, sermon preparation
Tagged anointing, clergy, funerals, Holy Week, John 12:1-8, Mary of Bethany, Palm Sunday, Year C Lent 5
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The prodigal God
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
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer, sermon preparation
Tagged God, Luke 15:11-32, parable, prodigal son, repentance, Year C Lent 4
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The penitent
on her knees scrubbing blood from the pavement beneath the broken icon
Posted in haiku, lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer, sermon preparation
Tagged Luke 13:1-9, penitence, repentance, year c lent 3
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