oday, we pause to remember September 11, 2001. A day that changed our nation and left wounds that many still carry. We remember the thousands of lives that were lost, the families who faced unimaginable grief, and the first responders who ran toward danger while others were trying to escape. We remember not only the tragedy, but also the courage, compassion, and unity that emerged in its aftermath…..
Much has been made of the fact that the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2026 is as long as it’s possible to be. Memorial Day was on May 25th (seems like ages ago!), and Labor Day is this coming Monday, September 7th. Because those of us who live in the Northeast view these dates as the unofficial brackets around summer, this means that we have had some extra days in that season this year…..
When I began asking for your favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer more than six months ago, I had no idea whether anyone would respond at all. But I needn’t have worried: so many of you have sent me wonderful prayers and explained why you like them. The significance of these prayers in your lives has touched me deeply, and I hope that through this little project, we have all found some new favorites along the way!
Today’s prayer is from John Sandercock, who also contributed the very first prayer in this series (A Prayer of St. Chrysostom). This prayer is also from the Morning Prayer service in the BCP, pp. 75-102, and like Chrysostom’s Prayer, it is one of the concluding prayers…
During the many months when construction made the Mission House uninhabitable, my “office” was in a small space next to the organ (see below). To be honest, when this option was first suggested I laughed out loud. There was a lot of noise and activity during days before everyone and everything had to be moved into the nave of the church. There would be even more there once every aspect of our operations was shoehorned into half the usual real estate. I didn’t think I would get anything done, ever…..
Jesus teaches two powerful lessons that challenge how we view holiness and faith. First, He tells the crowd in Matthews Gospel, that it is not what enters a person’s mouth that makes them unclean, but what comes out of the heart. Our words and actions reveal what is truly inside us. Anger, pride, hatred, deceit and selfishness begin in the heart before they appear in our lives. God is not only concerned with outward behavior; He desires hearts that are transformed by His grace….
It’s wonderful to know that people have been using this space to share prayers that are especially meaningful to them. I’m a bit late to the party, but wanted to include a prayer/canticle that touches my heart, too: O Gracious Light Phos hilaron O gracious light, pure...
We are continuing to share beloved prayers from our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Today’s prayer comes from Linda Gibson, and it is a good reminder that the psalms are ancient prayers that are also included in the BCP, pp. 585-808. Here is a portion of Linda’s favorite, Psalm 27, that we use in Sunday worship:
Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? *
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
5 One thing have I asked of the LORD; one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life;…
Over the past three weeks, many people have asked me some version of this question: what is it like to be back? Four months away on sabbatical leave is both a long time and the proverbial blink of an eye. Either way, there are aspects of sabbatical that are unique. The time spent absent from the regular rhythms of work is longer than a vacation, and the lack of contact with colleagues more absolute.
This was true for me, at least. And, I now know, invaluable. As I said on my first Sunday back in church, sabbatical leave of any duration is an extraordinary privilege. In a more just and equitable world, every working person would have the opportunity. And part of the strength woven through the experience of leaving our “regular life” is a deeper understanding of our commitment to that life…..
We are continuing to share beloved prayers from our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Today’s prayer for Quiet Confidence is from Patrick Murray. It can be found in the Prayers and Thanksgivings section of the BCP, pp. 814-841.
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(BCP, p. 832)…..
As we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this weekend, we might have some mixed feelings. I, for one, am pleased to have learned the word “semiquincentennial”! But more seriously, many of us are feeling both proud of the high ideals of our country, but also sorrowful about our failings to live up to those ideals. It is an ongoing challenge to be a country that truly acts as if all people are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.