Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:1-4 Sometimes it’s easier than others to … Continue reading Singing praises in the tough times
Holy Spirit
Stay in the fight
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ … stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27-28 We must strive to live up to the gospel. But, we sin. In ways great and … Continue reading Stay in the fight
The call to ordination, and to the grace of the Eucharist
I am always fascinated by the story of how clergy came to discern and surrender to the call to ministry. Some are more inspiring than others, and this one, written after the ordination of Rev. Janie Koch in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, was particularly so to me, especially in her explanation of the meaning … Continue reading The call to ordination, and to the grace of the Eucharist
Anointing ourselves in unity
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even … Continue reading Anointing ourselves in unity
The bonds that set us free
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs … Continue reading The bonds that set us free
Waiting in joy and praise
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4b-5 This scene occurs immediately before the Ascension, and Jesus is telling the apostles to wait patiently … Continue reading Waiting in joy and praise
Flames
Flames claim this world's past Consuming life's castaways Setting hearts afire
Fasting: our Lenten call to action
Most of us start Lent asking ourselves, or being asked, what we will give up. This act of giving something up – a favorite food, a frivolous pastime or common distraction – is all many people know of Lent, and can broadly be categorized as fasting. The practice of fasting is an ancient and important … Continue reading Fasting: our Lenten call to action
Stardust, ashes and surrendering all for everything
An Ash Wednesday reflection ... a few days late. Our entry into this period of self-examination and penitence traditionally begins with the visible mark of ashes on our forehead. If you’re lucky, the mark resembles a cross – the sign of our faith. But, whether you receive the perfect ashen Roman cross or something resembling … Continue reading Stardust, ashes and surrendering all for everything
The path to transformation
This post originally was begun on Shrove Tuesday, as part of an intended series of reflections on Lent. In keeping with the writer's sins of procrastination and poor time management it is offered here, on the first Friday in Lent. If you ever want to see one of the miracles of our everyday life, you … Continue reading The path to transformation
James R. Neal 