Good Shepherd Prayer

Today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, is Good Shepherd Sunday on the liturgical calendar. The gospel reading was the familiar words from John 10 (RSV): 11. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 14. I am the good shepherd; I know my...

Praying the Word “Way”

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:14 NRSV) • “Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God, truthfully” (Matthew 22:16 NRSV) • Jesus said to him, “I am the way,...

Dogwood Prayer

A dogwood tree in our backyard produced only a handful of blossoms last year. Ten days ago on Easter Sunday hundreds of nascent blossoms appeared on the tree. Today it is in full bloom. The flowers are a luscious color of deep pink with a hint of salmon. My normal...

Lenten Calendars–Ideas for the Future

Here are some examples of the way other people used the Lenten calendars. 1. Connie D. read a daily Lenten devotional called Renewed For Life by Henri J. M. Nouwen, published by Creative Communications for the Parish. Each day she chose a meaningful word from the...

Morels and Mint Tea

Andy and I spent Easter night at the home of longtime clergy friends, Merry and David. When we came downstairs for breakfast on Monday morning, David was busy brewing coffee and Merry was up to culinary mischief. It wasn’t the first time.Thirty years ago I...