Hump Day Prayer . . . HIV/AIDS Awareness

Call to Confession

One:

Last night 8,000 people died of AIDS.

Response:

Forgive us for our complacency.

One:

Last night 5,760 children were orphaned because of AIDS.

Response:

Forgive us for our apathy.

One:

Every 9 seconds someone new is infected with HIV.

Response:

Forgive us for not having the time to raise awareness.

One:

Every day people with AIDS starve to death, too poor to afford food and too sick to work.

Response:

Forgive us for turning a blind eye to your children.

One:

About 20% (1 in 5) of your population is infected with HIV.

Response:

God, help us to see how to help them.

One:

As Americans, many of our domestic and foreign policies think only of the bottom line; we lose sight of your children living with AIDS by supporting these policies.

Response:

Let us not be partners of greed, but of good will.

One:

As leaders of faith, we fail your children with HIV/AIDS.

Response:

Forgive us for being too busy to visit those who are sick in the hospital.

One:

As leaders of faith, we fail your children with HIV/AIDS.

Response:

Forgive us when we preach words of harm, rather than of love.

One:

As leaders of faith, we fail your children with HIV/AIDS.

Response:

Forgive us when we put those with AIDS on the back of our agenda in worship, meetings, and assemblies.

One:

As leaders of faith, we fail your children with HIV/AIDS.

Response:

Forgive us when we, as your pastors, refuse to conduct funerals for people who have died of AIDS.

One:

We stereotype your children with AIDS, we shun them, we hurt them and we disregard them.

Response:

Help us to see with the eyes of our heart, God. Help us to welcome those who are suffering into our Churches, our communities, our houses and into our hearts.

One:

AIDS has devastated your children. Millions are dying, millions are orphaned, millions are sick. Yet, we do nothing and keep “those” people at arm’s length.

Response:

Dear God in Heaven, help us.

One:

We are far from powerless in this fight against HIV/AIDS. With hearts full of love and souls full of grace we can make a difference.

Response:

Dear God in Heaven, help us to stand in solidarity with the suffering and have the courage to help those in need.

One:

Let us be comforted in the sure faith through Jesus Christ that God indeed forgives those who repent. Let us be reassured by the words of St. Augustine when he replied that love “has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear sighs and sorrows.” That, my friends, is what love looks like.

(From Andrew Black for Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary World AIDS Worship Service 12/1/2004)

Monday Question of the Week . . . Who Would You Be

Sorry for the late post it has been a busy day. Currently at my church our head of staff is in the middle of sermon series. To accompany the series he created a study guide for our small groups as well as for personal study. The past weeks text was Mark 14:3-9. One of the questions for reflection was this: using Mark’s account, where would you position yourself in this story? So I really started to think about it. Who would I be in this story? If I got to choose who I was I of course would be Mary but in all honestly I really don’t think that’s who I would. I unfortunately think that I would be the women in the corner wishing I was Mary because I was too afraid to make such a bold statement.
So here is the question of the week, who would you be in this story?

Righteous Men & Unholy Women

James 5: 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Today, two young women are being held in prison in Iran, where they have been sentenced to death. Malak Choubray faces a savage and brutal death by stoning for adultery; the other, Kobra Rahmanpour faces the hangman’s noose for killing in self-defense. Both women have been sentenced under the Sharia laws. Malak Choubray contends that she was raped and that her sentencing is unfair. Kobra’s father is vigorously advocating on his daughter’s behalf. Both women have been condemned to death by all male courts, all "righteous men" in their own eyes, powerful and effective when it comes to meting out justice to "unholy women".

It’s about time we all started to pray for these women and others like them in the Islamic world. They have no rights, no equal representation, and no access to justice. They are treated as being subhuman and as outcasts. Without some sort of outcry by the civilized world and the prayers of righteous people, they will be savagely, inhumanely, and brutally killed.

Perhaps when most people are watching “Desperate Housewives” tonight, they should be informed about the real plight of these desperate women in Iran. After all, if we were living under Sharia, the whole cast of many popular TV shows would be stoned to death, hung in public squares, or beheaded in parking lots.

If you want to read about the plight of these young Iranian women, visit the following website

http://savemalak.googlepages.com/home

But let me warn you, the video links on this page are horrific and the details of the methods of execution are graphic.

Stushie is the writer of the Heaven's Highway blog and the host of a weekly radio show called "Seven Days"

I got the best little light!

Have you ever embarked on a journey to find the best of something? The best milk shake, the best pizza, the best burger, the best anything. In the fall, in Texas, you may find yourself involved in a discussion regarding the best football team, high school or college. Well, folks around here, in Austin, are convinced that they have the best ball club around. The other day I found myself involved in a discussion similar to this.

We sat around discussing theology as all seminarians do and the topic of translations of the Bible reared its ugly head. Everyone has a favorite translation. Some folks love the King James, a few enjoy the NRSV or the RSV, others think the NIV is grand, and we even peppered in a few folks that think the Message translation is king of the interpretation hill.

I found it interesting that not one person declared the Hebrew or Greek translations to be superior. This may be attributed to the on going battle to master the translations, as our professors continuously state the superiority of the original. This got me to thinking does it matter what translation we read and/or prefer.

If we proclaim the reformed understanding of “sola scriptura” and the “doctrine of grace alone” does it matter what translation we utilize in seeking a deeper more intimate relationship with Christ? My first response is, no. Then I chewed on my first response for a few days. I asked my self many questions and have been left with this…

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

If Christ has always been and always shall be it does not matter what translation we utilize as a vehicle to worship. I may even call into question the limitations I personally set upon God in revelation, and witness in creation. “without him was not anything made that was made”, Christ has the transforming power. We are but a vessel for this transformation. Do we create anything absent of our beloved Creator?

All translations are an interpretation, I hear this often as I endeavor to learn the biblical languages. There are as many opinions on interpretation, translation, and inerrancy as there are on the best food, music, books, and sport teams. It is our preferences that are influenced by our cultural, regional, and social experience. Christ fashioned all of us fearfully and wonderfully.

We can argue over the best or worst within our given context. It all boils down to individual understanding. I may like this or that, but it does not mean that anyone else may relate to the same things. Does my inability to relate to you infer right or wrong or does it signify the diversity in creation and our total dependency upon Christ Jesus? So I read my various translations seeking truth, witness, and direction just as anyone else that is lying at the feet of Christ. I am convinced I need to keep my truth filled proclamations at personal and meaningful levels. Darkness cannot overcome the light of Christ Jesus.

Friday Review. . . Traveling Light

Once again I am reviewing a book that I can't find mentioned by any member blog. I am sure, however, that plenty of ring members have extensive experience with Max Lucado's writings. This week's review is Lucado's Traveling Light.

The first question that any book review must address is what is the book about. Interesting question. It is easy to say that this book is a discussion of the 23rd Psalm. It is equally easy to say that this book is about finding peace and rest in faith. It is both, walking through the 23rd Psalm while focusing on how we overload ourselves with baggage.

The suitcase of guilt. A sack of discontent. You drape a duffel bag of weariness on one shoulder and a hanging bag of grief on the other. Add on a backpack of doubt, an overnight bag of loneliness, and a trunk of fear. Pretty soon you're pulling more stuff than a skycap. No wonder you're so tired at the end of the day. Lugging luggage is exhausting.

It should be obvious that this book is cute, clever and an easy read. My first response to this book was that it was a little too cute and easy. I dubbed it a Christian-lite, self-help book; easy on theology and weak on commitment. I was wrong.

Since then, I've been amazed, and humbled, by the number of people I have talked to who are eager to tell me how this book has changed their lives and their relationship with God. For many people under a certain age the 23rd Psalm is simply something they hear read at funerals. This book with its vivid imagery and insightful detail changes that, providing images and emotional connection to a long-cherished Psalm.

This book is a good reminder that peace comes from surrender. It has a study guide at the back that makes it easy to use in a small group or class scenario. It is comforting, smooth and frequently funny. It speaks well to people who take on too much. I'm not sure that I'm ready for a steady diet of this, but I am keeping my eyes open for Lucado's book on the Lord's Prayer.

JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com

Hump Day Prayer . . . Autumn

Now that my computer is better my thoughts have begun to ponder autumn's arrival. Fall officially started the past Saturday and yesterday morning here in north Texas the temperature was in the fifties. The time of changing leaves and harvest, of pumpkins and gourds, of enjoying windy afternoons and frosty evenings has arrived. I find it difficult to not think of God as I watch the wondrous changes that we see during this beautiful season.

A Prayer for Autumn Days

God of the seasons,
there is a time for everything;
there is a time for dying and a time for rising.
We need courage to enter into the transformation process.

God of autumn,
the trees are saying good-bye to their green,
letting go of what has been.
We, too, have our moments of surrender,
with all their insecurity and risk.
Help us to let go when we need to do so.

God of fallen leaves
lying in coloured patterns on the ground,
our lives have their own patterns.
As we see the patterns of our own growth,
may we learn from them.

God of misty days and harvest moon nights,
there is always the dimension of mystery
and wonder in our lives.
We always need to recognize your power-filled presence.
May we gain strength from this.

God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain,
many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender.
We must wait for the harvest in faith and hope.
Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.

God of geese going south for another season,
your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind
and what needs to be carried into the future.
We yearn for insight and wisdom.

God of flower touched with frost
and windows wearing white designs,
may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.

God of life,
you believe in us,
you enrich us,
you entrust us with the freedom to choose life.
For all of this we are grateful.

Glory be, as Autumn teaches,
to our Creator and source of life now and forever.
Amen

http://parishrenewal.dublindiocese.ie/autumn_days.htm

Monday Question of the Week . . .

Most of the time computers make our lives better but there are times when it feels like they were created for the sole purpose of frustrating us. Needless to say my computer crashed Saturday and has yet to recover so this Monday’s Questions of the Week is in your hands.

What is the question that you have been dying to ask and discuss with your fellow Presbyterian Bloggers?

In the Wee Small Hours (7)

Who is the Greatest?

Mark 9:34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Sometimes as pastors, we can become enamored with ourselves because of the amount of power that we hold over the people each time we get into our pulpits. Members and visitors politely listen to us, whether they agree or disagree with what we say. This can easily beguile us into thinking that we are better communicators and greater preachers than we actually are. It can lead to eccelsiastical egocentricity which begins to lead us down the road to being disconnected with the punters in the pew.

Whenever I feel like this, I’m reminded of two things. Firstly, I remember the street fight that the disciples had on the road to Jerusalem – they were so enchanted with themselves that they completely forgot they were in Christ’s presence.

Secondly, I’m reminded of my calling – I didn’t hustle God to make me a pastor; He called me. Any ministry, any preaching, and any pastoring comes from Him, not me. He brought me to this place, this church, and at this time. If there’s any greatness, it all belongs to God.



I've been living in Knoxville, TN for the last eleven years. I love being here and this is the famous Sunsphere from the Knoxville’s 1982 World's Fair. It's also a constant reminder of how God called me here, to minister far away from the parishes I once served in Scotland.

When I was being tormented with the call to come to Knoxville, I just couldn't cope with it. I told God to leave me alone for a while and just let me relax. I sat down with a cup of tea and a cheese sandwich, intending to watch one of my favorite TV programs - the Simpsons. It was that creepy episode - the Cape Fear spoof.

As I watched the cartoon, I felt at ease because God had stopped afflicting my soul. I could get back to Him about the call after the show was over. And then God hit me with a 2x4. The Simpson family were sitting in the cinema and Homer was obnoxiously smoking a cigar. And what did the band read around the cigar?

World's Fair Park, Knoxville '82!

I think I’m the only pastor in existence who has been called to a church three thousand miles away by God through Homer Simpson. Plagued by greatness? Well, duh!

Stushie is the blogger of Heaven's Highway;the writer of Sky Pilots-resources for Busy Pastors; and also the host of the Radio Show "Seven Days"

Diet Jesus, just one calorie!

I have had amembership for over 16 years now. I used it “religiously” for years. In the last 5 years my gym membership has existed and my attendance has been less than stellar. Two weeks ago I began a workout program at the gym. I have enlisted a personal trainer and nutritionist to aid me in this endeavor. I dream of shedding the collected weight that binds me to a less than fruitful life.

There is this ideal that we aspire to be physically, mentally, and spiritually. In recent decades, America physical image has taken the primary interest of our creative efforts to stay trim. To be described as sexy, beautiful, or handsome is a common denominator of the American psyche. This mindset, along with the struggle for power, prestige, and wealth has handicapped the American Church. This has impeded our ability to calmly and humbly sit at the feet of Christ. Over time the definition and practice of what and how to be Christians has morphed into a billion dollar business. With every new venture seeking to be better, bigger, brighter, more insightful than the “competitors” for the spirituality of this nation, all under the banner of Jesus Christ.

Every understanding and confession of Jesus Christ grows out of a particular situation and both reflects and speaks to particular needs and aspirations. Knowledge of Jesus Christ is not simply academic or historical knowledge. Faith in Christ is not just knowing about him but trusting in him and being ready to follow him as the way, the truth, and the life. The living Jesus Christ is greater than all of our confessions and creeds and he surpasses all of our theological reflections about him

What is the difference between the solace, peace, and direction one obtains from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Scientology, etc. as compared to the peace, solace, and direction revealed in Christianity? For Paul Tillich, the difference is the very renewal which takes place in the acceptance and proclamation of Jesus as “The Christ.” Jesus returns us to the intended creation to which God enacted in the “beginning”. It would not matter to convert anyone to Christianity without of this dramatic life altering renewal of the New Being (Jesus Christ). The power lies not in the brand of religion one practices, rather the power of bringing forth creation into the New Being in the midst of the Old Creation in Jesus The Christ.

Creation does not bring forth New Being in the midst of Old Being. New Being is eternally present, eternally available. It is recognizing its presence in creation that allows us to participate. There is no creation absent of Jesus the Christ. When we attempt to bottle this revelation we are left to bumper stickers, leaflets, t-shirts, and the latest round of Christian spiritual books to bring forth transformation. I ask, where do we arrive if we are so motivated to get in our vehicles and drive down to the local Barnes & Nobel or Lifeway Bookstore to peruse and purchase these Being enhancing purpose filled products? We attempt to master and understand the why’s and what’s before we experience New Being in Christ, which has been present all the while.

To embrace Christianity absent of New Being makes no difference as you hold just another life draining misguided attempt at offering transformation. The only place to obtain life transformation is at the feet of the cross in the presence of Jesus the Christ, New Being itself!

I see parallels between our desire to shed excess weight and or desire to be transformed in Christ. Just as we pursue weight loss we pursue Christ. I believe that we must submit to Christ and not work harder, train faster, or watch our diet as we would when train for a marathon or keeping physically fit. I am not saying that we are void of responsibility in our actions. I am not suggesting we haplessly wander on in life to dabble in this or dabble in that. I suggest that in order to fully appreciate, receive, and embrace the grace, forgiveness, and transformation in Christ we must continuously seek the tension between absolute depravity and utter righteousness.

It is in the tension between the Old Creation and New Creation that the courage to be manifests in our religion. The need for religion is a constant for creation. This does not matter if one practices Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, or even atheism--all are a response to the need and longing for something bigger than ourselves. This is a product of Old Creation. We offer only quick fixes and veneers today in American Christianity to display the process of participating in New Being.

We offer packaged vacations to High Holy Days with all the Disneyland trimmings of pomp and circumstance. Where is the New Creation in this? Is it any wonder that American Christianity is losing ground to atheism and apathetic religiosity? “…when the divine is rejected, it takes the rejection upon itself. It accepts our crucifixion, our pushing away, the defiance of ourselves against it. It accepts our refusal to accept, and thus conquers us”. If we are to continue practicing Christianity under the status quo we must prepare ourselves for further marginalization of the gospel message and the Biblical witness. We risk becoming another voice in the masses of consumerism and dilute the radical life altering, courage providing voice that is offered in New Being.

What is needed is a response that fulfills in us the courage to be, as Tillich understands, and live as New Creation absent of the dull aestheticism reflected in our desire to be sexy, beautiful, or handsome. For the only difference between Christianity and all other religions is the promise of New Creation in the midst of Old Creation. It is in the Power of Jesus THE Christ that we enter in to creative order and reunite with our creator. “It is the tension in which modern man lives, even though he may have lost the way to traditional religion. A human being can be ultimately judged by whether or not he has reached and can stand that tension. To endure it is more horrible and more difficult than anything else in the world. And yet, to endure it is the only way by which we can attain to the ultimate meaning, joy, and freedom in our lives. Each of us is called to endure” Tillich’s sermon, Escape from God). There is no room for a lukewarm response or ascetically pleasing visions. A diet of New Being (Jesus Christ) embarks us on a journey into this tension to which we are called. Anything less than this would be a waste of the New Being Christ is and the New Being to which we must have the courage to be.

Friday Review . . . Colors and Light on Vocations

When I told Miranda I would do a Friday Review, I intended to focus on books, movies, etc. that were already referenced in Ring member blogs. I wanted to see if that would generate some communication between blogs. Of course, the problem with that is I have to find books being talked about, then find the book, read it and think up something to say about it. That needs lead time, and it is amazing how quickly Friday turns up. Well, in my quest through blogs last week I ran across a lengthy and thoughtful discussion of a book on Christian vocations on the blog Colors and Light.

Starting Thursday September 7, 2006 and running through Friday September 15, 2006, Colors and Light discusses Vocation: Discerning our Callings in Life by Douglas Schuurman. Colors and Light introduces the topic by saying:

Since we affirm the priesthood of believers, it seems that the Protestant church has no more pressing call than to equip its members to find their priesthood in everyday life.

We talk about needing to find a deeper sense of commitment and awareness of needing to carry our faith outside of church and into the rest of our lives. The Friday September 8 installment begins with a quote:

. . . . many Christians fail to see most of their lives in terms of vocation. . . . Many also assume that 'hearing' God's call is an extraordinary, miraculous event, and so fail to discern God's callings in their lives.

Colors and Light has spent a lot of time addressing this book and its ideas. There are seven different blog entries, all consecutive. The first two: "What's Your Vocation?" and "Where's the Burning Bush?" are linked to above. The remaining five are: "Business is a Holy Calling", "Modern Challenges to Vocation", Two Kinds of Calling", "The Biblical Evidence of Two Kinds of Call" and "Reorientation".

Check them out.

JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com

Question of the Week . . . And the Poor shall inherit . . . ?

Today’s weekly questions comes from last weeks cover of Time magazine. You can read Does God Want You To Be Rich? here.

Here the question, does god want us to be rich? If yes, why? If no, why not? How might your answer affect you theology? What other issues might arrive from your yes or no answer? And any other thoughts we would like to share.

In the Wee Small Hours (6)

A reflection on one verse from today's lectionary.

Mark 8:38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

This week, a US Navy chaplain was court-martialed for being in uniform when he attended a protest meeting outside of the Whitehouse. The protest was being made against an order from the Secretary of the Navy, Donald Winter, commanding all chaplains to use politically-correct, non-sectarian prayers in services. According to some reports, the Navy Chaplain in question, Lt. Gordon Klingenshcmitt, also received a written reprimand for preaching a message that was distinctly New Testament. (The Biblical verse in question was John 3:36)

It seems to be that the Name of Jesus offends some folk and that we, as Christians, are being told by society not to call upon the Lord when we make prayers or lead services in mixed faith company (or of no faith at all). In order to appease the feelings of others, we are failing our faith. People are trying to take Christ out of the word ‘Christian,’ making us become deists who serve an unnamed, unidentified, and unknown deity.

It’s time to stop this nonsense. When Peter preached on Pentecost, he talked about Christ being crucified and raised again. When he and John healed the man at the gate in Jerusalem, it was done in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth. On both occasions, the religious authorities tried to get them to stop talking about Jesus. Because they wouldn’t do this, they were flogged, imprisoned and persecuted. And when most of the apostles died, they were martyred not for an unknown, non-sectarian, politically correct deity; they were killed for being Christians – followers of Christ, who were not ashamed to speak His Name or invoke Him in their prayers.

In today’s lectionary passage, we are given fair warning of Christ shunning us at the end of time, if we choose to be ashamed of Him. As ministers and members of the church, we should not be pandering to wishes of those who would politically and culturally hijack Jesus in order to diminish the radical ministry and challenges that Christ confronts them with. As Christian pastors and Christian people, we should know better, especially those of us who have read about Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Finally, I find it more than ironic that our troops, who are fighting to free the Iraqi people, are having their chaplains spiritually neutered and unable to pray in Christ’s Name. Has the Secretary of our Navy also informed his counterpart amongst the native security forces and police in Iraq that their Islamic imam and mullah chaplains cannot pray in the name of Allah? I think not.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, if we ever forget You, we have failed You. When we remember and worship You, we honor You. In Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, we humbly pray. Amen.

Stushie is the blogger of Heaven's Highway and also the writer of Sky Pilots-resources for Busy Pastors

What is my disability?

Lately I have not been able to sleep well. I lay awake most of the night thinking. I am consumed by thoughts of our current situation within the PC (USA) denomination. I keep thinking about how I may articulate what is going on in my head right now. I am baffled by our circumstances. I am miffed at the mystery of God. I am pissed at purpose. I am worried about our denomination. I am unsure about my future. I also kept thinking about a movie, Simon Birch (based on John Irving’s book, A Prayer for Owen Meany.) It is about a child that is born small.

Simon and his best friend Joe share almost every moment together. Joe’s mom treats Simon like one of her own children. She loves him when his own mother does not. She accepts him and encourages him to be when others doubt him. This is all the more tragic when Simon is sent to the batter’s box in a baseball game and the coach tells Simon to swing away. Simon does and in that instant Joe’s mom is killed by the foul ball that Simon has hit.

Simon is crushed and later cries out to God and/or Joe's mom that he is sorry. He is devastated. Yet his faith in the purpose that God has sent him here to perform is strong and he does not waiver. He seeks guidance from a minister (that is later named as Joe's birth father) that believes Simon to be a troublemaker and asks him to not come to church anymore. He and the minister get into an altercation where they exchange scripture. They fire verses like bullets in a struggle to validate the positions either has taken. Both of them depart exhausted and disgusted with each other.

I love that Simon is neither perfect nor superhuman. Simon has flaws and they are visible even in the light of his obvious humbling circumstances. Simon does not seek to utilize his circumstances to force others into a position of submission. He faithfully walks and lives in the promise of Gods calling upon his life. In the end Simon dies as the purposeful hero he has said he would be and teaches all naysayers a lesson in life (faith). The movie inspires me as I consider these days among us.

I have watched this film numerous times. It delivers me to places in thought too which I begin asking myself, “What is my disability? Where do I fall short in life? How do I overcome these items and serve God?” We can look at these questions in light of our denomination and the trials we are enduring. We may gain a different perspective as we turn inward and reflect upon our lives. Beyond any specific interpretation of scripture, in the light of any formal structure we all are God’s children.

We may need to amicably part ways with each other. We may be called to endure together in unity and diversity. I am not offering any solution. I just want to serve the Lord. It bothers me to see us fight in this manner. It reminds me of the bitter fights my parents waged as they jockeyed for position during their divorce.

Sisters and brothers we are called to love one another. We are called to serve each other. We are all offered the same grace, forgiveness, and transformation in the person of Jesus Christ. Let us do what we have to do. Let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts, all our minds, and all our strength. Trust and certainty in God’s provision was a cornerstone in Simon’s understanding of his purpose here on this earth. Simon did not focus on the have-nots in life, the deficiencies he had by worldly standards. Simon never used his differences to challenge this world. Simon focused on his usefulness to God in his current state. Simon trusted in the Lord to use him as he was and to provide the opportunities to fulfill his purpose.

Friday Review. . . Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home

The first time I read Richard Foster's book on prayer I checked it out of the library. Big mistake. First of all, this isn't a book to keep for two weeks and be done with. This is a book that must be lived with. I now own two copies.

I don't find myself reaching for a book on prayer when I am excited and full of energy. No, books on prayer are for times when I feel too tired and over-committed to pray. That is what makes this book such a treasure. The opening chapter is called, "Coming Home: An Invitation to Prayer". This book has that comfortable and comforting feel of coming home. Early in that first chapter is this:

For too long we have been in a far country a country of noise and hurry and crowds, a country of climb and push and shove, a country of frustration and fear and intimidation. And he welcomes us home: home to serenity and peace and joy, home to friendship and fellowship and openness, home to intimacy and acceptacne and affirmation.

Then Foster proceeds to write about prayer. The prayer of the forsaken, of tears, of relinquishment, of adoration and contemplation and unceasing.

The book's weak point is probably the chapter on meditative prayer. This chapter tries to do too much and would have been better split into two chapters -- one on traditional lectio divina and the other on what I know as imaginative prayer. Other than that, this book is a beautifully written companion through the development of a lifetime of prayer experience.

I haven't run across this book mentioned in any member blogs, so if you have blogged about it; please let me know. If you've read it and haven't blogged about it, let me know that too. I'd love to hear about other experiences with a book I consider a genuine classic for the ages.

JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com

Two Exciting Announcements

• This Saturday we will be starting a new column. Ryan from If I should fall from grace with God… will be bring us a week Christ in Culture column. Welcome Ryan and I know that we all are looking forward to reading what you have to share with us.
  
• We have hit the century mark. As of Monday with the additions of A Pastor's Cancer Diary, Avdat, Mark Time, and Politickal in Paradise our number is officially 103. Welcome to our newest members and hopefully we will continue grow.

Hump Day Prayer . . . Theological Education Sunday

Prayer Of The Day / Invocation / Collect

Eternal God,
You called Peter to feed your sheep,
And set disciples to be your servants.
We give thanks that you call women and men
to lead the church in ministry and mission;
that in your church
you equip people to be bearers of living bread
and pilgrims who lead the way.
Grace us with your Holy Spirit
that we may hear your voice
and follow your leading,
through Jesus Christ the Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God now and forever. Amen.

http://www.pcusa.org/seminaries/pdf/theosunliturgical.pdf

Monday Question of the Week . . . The Day We Will Never Forget

Where were you and what where you doing five year ago today? How have you , your life, and the lives of your family changed?

A Prayer for USA by David Cohen
I pray for the survivors of the attack on September 11, 2001.
I pray for the families who have lost loved ones. I pray for the rescue workers and police on the scene.
I pray for the doctors and nurses caring for the hurting.
I pray for the reporters who work through intense emotion to bring us the pictures and news of the day.
I pray for the President and other elected leaders who so desperately need wisdom from beyond themselves.
I pray for the pastors in Washington and New York who care first-hand for the spiritual needs of those who have experienced this great tragedy.
I pray for the military and intelligence agencies who seek to find out who would do this so they might be brought to justice.
I pray for our nation -- that this event will bring us together and turn our thoughts toward helping each other to fight and VANISH the terrorism out of the world.
I pray for all those who might be tempted to think that violence accomplishes anything of lasting value.
We've seen too much of it in the recent years.
Lastly, I pray for every peace lover in this world.
May God break the cycle of violence to make a difference for His Peace and Grace in this sinful world.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

In the Wee Small Hours (5)

Seeing Beyond Ourselves

Mark 7:28 But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

I’ve just watched the musical movie “Rent.” My college freshman daughter wanted me to see it, so, like any other doting father, I did what I was told. The music and performances were wonderful; the philosophy and ideas were something else. It was like a mixture of Godspel and the movie “Philadelphia.” It made me think beyond my comfort zone. It touched my heart in many strange ways.

One of the lines struck me. A character says: “You’ve got to look beyond the lifestyle to see the humanity.” It hit me like a two by four. During the week, I heard an Islamic student say something similar: “You’ve got to look beyond religion to find God.”

Is this what Jesus saw in the Syro-Phoenecian woman? Did He look beyond her Gentile lifestyle to find her humanity? Did she look beyond Christ’s Judaism to find God?

Tomorrow, or today, we’ll worship in our churches and be spiritually fed in our comfort zones. Here’s the rub. Will the unchurched majority in our communities be able to look beyond our religious lifestyle and see our humanity? Will we be able to look beyond our worship rituals and denominational disciplines to find God?

Stushie is the blogger of Heaven's Highway and also the writer of Sky Pilots-resources for Busy Pastors

Friday Review . . . Monsignor Quixote

I discovered Graham Greene during my last year of high school, which also happened to be my first year in college. I had an English class at both schools, and each of them required a term paper. I compared the two sets of requirements and came up with one author who would do for both classes -- Graham Greene. I wrote my paper on The Heart of the Matter, but I have been a fan ever since; and Monsignor Quixote is my favorite.

Do not misunderstand me. The Monsignor will never be known as Greene's finest but it is only upon first reading that the book is as simple and trite as its characters appear to be.

Monsignor Quixote is an impossibly honest and simple parish priest in 20th Century Spain who believes himself to be a descendant of the legendary Don Quixote. He is made a Monsignor -- almost by accident, and over the objections of his own Bishop. The Monsignor and his good friend, the town's former Mayor and a devout Communist, set off together on vacation. Along the way they tilt at windmills, free a galley slave and spend the night in a brothel -- all quite by accident. Along the way they discuss faith, belief, politics and apply both moral theology and the writings of St. Francis de Sales to the fate of an aging car named, what else, Rocinante.

This is not a book to read if your fiction must make good, clear, rational sense. The book's condemnation of propriety over compassion and legalism versus love is too obvious for readers who must take their fiction at face value, but Greene is a master who understands the value inherent in the suspension of disbelief.

JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com

Hump Day Prayer . . . Christian Education Week

With most children back in school, fall Sunday Schools gearing up, and Christian Education Week starting this coming Sunday, this weeks Hump Day Prayer is in honor of Teachers and once again comes to us the word of a hymn.

We Thank You, God, for Teachers

A Hymn for Christian Education

wie lieblich ist der maien 7.6.7.6. d

We thank you, God, for teachers

Who help us learn your Way,

Who show by their example

How we can serve and pray,

Who find great joy in worship,

Who listen with concern;

For in their loving witness,

They help us want to learn.

We thank you, God, for children

And older people, too,

Who value times of learning

And want to grow in you,

Who seek your precious kingdom

And wisdom from above;

For wise ones of all ages

Still seek to learn your love.

We thank you, God, for families

Of every kind and size,

Who keep the vows they spoke when

Their children were baptized,

Who pray and read the Bible,

Who love and serve the poor;

They teach, by what they value,

The way of Christ our Lord.

We thank you, God, for churches

That welcome one and all,

That nurture every person

In answer to Christ’s call.

So fill us with your Spirit,

And give us life anew,

That we may help each other

Live faithfully in you.

Tune:

Johann Steurlein, 1575 (“We Come as Guests Invited,” no. 517, The Presbyterian Hymnal)

Alternate Tune:

ellacombe (“I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” no. 288, The Presbyterian Hymnal)

TEXT:

Copyright 1999 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.

Monday Question of the Week

The Monday Question of the week is taking this Monday off in honor of the Labor Day Holiday.

In the Wee Small Hours...(4)

Mark 7:8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”

For six years, I studied at the University of Glasgow in Scotland in the Divinity Faculty. I was there full time and had been President of the Divinity Students Association. I passed all my exams and attended all of my classes, but in the final three months of my final year, I took a grave infection which almost killed me.

When I got better, I contacted my professors to see what I needed to do about my finals. I thought that with my track record, they would have found some way to grant me an exemption. I had been a diligent student, so I expected some leeway with regard to the exams. I was also suffering from jaundice after the infection, so I was yellow from head to toe.

I didn’t get any sympathy from the dean. He told me to bring in a doctor’s note and sit the exams. The University rules didn’t allow for anything else. I was also informed that I could sit the exams at a later date, but that would have excluded me from graduating with my peers.

Despite being weak, I took the exams. Because I was still jaundiced, they kept me away from the other students. I then had to go and present my doctor’s letter to the dean. It was the last time I ever visited his office.

When he saw me he was shocked because I had lost over thirty pounds in weight. He apologized for having put me through the exams, discomfort and stress, but he concluded, “The University rules are the rules, and they cannot be changed.”

That’s when I lost it. “For six years, “I said, “I have worked hard to finish this course and graduate with my peers. I have sat in many classes where professors have derided my beliefs, ripped scripture apart and twisted God’s rules to suit themselves. You abandon the ways of God and hold on to the traditions of the University, as if they were almighty and inviolable. You could not show leniency to me due to illness because it would violate the rules. In my six years at this Faculty, I have seen more violations of the Real Rules. I am glad to be finished here.”

More than twenty years later, I find myself feeling that the same, sad, and sorrowful ways are being applied by our denomination. The commandments of God are being abandoned for the sake of upholding the traditions of men. Will we ever learn?

Stushie is the blogger of Heaven's Highway and also the writer of Sky Pilots-resources for Busy Pastors

Friday Review . . . 24-7 and Transit

In September, 1999 a small group of people in England decided to try praying continuously for a month -- and didn't stop until Christmas. Their experiment has now spread to more than 60 countries and fills several large, interconnected weg pages, starting with www.24-7prayer.com/cm.

The purpose? In their words:

The dream behind 24-7 is to turn the tide of youth culture back to Jesus. It's a big dream -- maybe an impossible dream. We recognise that the Body of Christ in the West is bleeding young people. Something has to change. But clever strategy alone is not the answer. Never has been. History shows that the tide turns when God's people pray. That is why God is mobilising prayer movements like 24-7 (and others).

As far as I have been able to tell, the web page began as an organizing center for prayer rooms around the world. People in more than 60 countries, to date, have signed up to staff a prayer room continually (in shifts) for a week or more. At the time that I was writing this, there were 19 prayer rooms praying in 6 countries.

As you would expect from a youth movement, the web page is huge. It is also filled with inspiring, and frequently, beautifully written content. As you would also expect from a web-centered, youth movement; it has evolved. The next step were Boiler Rooms.

Boiler Rooms are described as Millenium 3 Monasteries. They are communities centering around prayer, evangelism and mission. There are currently 16 Boiler Rooms in 7 countries. One of the newest, Kansas City, is the first in the U.S.

The next step for the Boiler Rooms was Transit. Transit is a nine-month, residential, intensive, discipleship traning program. It relies on life in community, missionary service and classroom instruction. The link in the previous sentence goes directly to the syllabus page for Transit on the U.S. 24-7 web page. This link is to the International Transit web page.

The 24-7 web pages are overly complicated and can be difficult to navigate. I think it is worth the trouble. If anything will restore your faith in the future of the church -- these pages will do it. They tell the story of a significant number of young people, literally worldwide, who are willing to live dedicated lives of mission, service, evangelism and prayer.

I have added a few links directly to internal pages to make prowling around a little easier.
Main FAQ page
What is a Boiler Room?
U.S. 24-7 News Page
24-7 Values and Methods
24-7 Mission Teams

Has your church ever sponsored a 24-7 prayer room? A search on "Presbyterian" on the 24-7 web page turns up all of 12 results. A search on blogger for 24-7 prayer produced almost 7,000 results. I didn't check all of them, but I didn't see any member blogs in the first 17 pages of search results.

If you have any experience with the 24-7 prayer movement or have mentioned it in your blog, let me know. Either leave a comment or I can be reached directly at JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com.

JusticeSeeker

Hump Day Prayer . . . Labor Day Prayer

Labor Day Weekend: Responsive Reading

(based on Psalm 15)

Leader: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy mountain? (verse 1)

All: Those whose walk is blameless, who do what is righteous, and who speak the truth from their hearts; (verse 2)

Leader: And who is that?

All: It is those who do not slander with their tongues, who do their neighbors no wrong, and who cast no slur on others; (verse 3)

Leader: And what does it mean to do what is righteous and just and speak the truth this Labor Day weekend?

All: We must treat immigrants working in service jobs around us as our neighbors.

Leader: And do them no wrong.

All: We must treat day laborers looking for work on the corners as our neighbors.

Leader: And cast no slur upon them in word or deed.

All: God calls us all to despise those whose ways are vile but honor whoever fears the Lord; (verse 4a)

Leader: And those who keep their oaths even when it hurts; (verse 4b)

All: Could this mean we might need to pay more for some products in order to assure workers are paid decently?

Leader: Or take lower profits in order to share the abundance with workers?

All: Or give more in our congregation so others may thrive?

Leader: In God’s sanctuary, we will find those who lend money to the poor without interest and do not accept bribes against the innocent. (verse 5a)

All: This Labor Day weekend, we abhor those who would prey on poor workers through payday loan schemes. We deplore those employers who demand bribes to hire undocumented workers. We challenge ways in which unjust practices against workers separate us from the sanctuary of God.

Leader: Those who seek God’s will and do what is right shall never be shaken. (verse 5b)

All: All knowing God, help each one of us to do what is right. Help us to be trustworthy and honest employees, knowing that we honor You when we do tasks well. Help us to be honest and just employers, sharing abundance with all employees, and treating each person as a child of God. And help us as citizens find ways to bring justice and prosperity for all to our nation’s policies and priorities. Amen.

Adapted from Today’s New International Version, copyright 2005 by International Bible Society.

From Interfaith Worker Justice.

Monday Question of the Week . . . I Have a Dream

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring — when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children — black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these unforgettable words from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. As we remember last years the horrific events along the gulf coast and the anniversary of September 11th in a few weeks how do you think we are doing? Are all men (and women) treaded as if they where created equal? Do we judge the content of their character or by the color of their skin or perhaps the faith they confess? If we where lucky enough to have Martin Luther King, Jr with us today would he have reason to sing “Free at last! Free at last!”?

In the Wee Small Hours (3)

A Fisherman's Hope

John 6:68, 69 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Years ago, there was a terrible storm which unexpectedly hit the West coast of Scotland in the late afternoon. All the fishermen in my parish desperately fought against the wind and waves that threatened to engulf their boats. One by one, the trawlers struggled to get into the safety of the harbor. And then a tragedy occurred. One of the older boats was seen about a mile from the harbor, battling against the boiling black waves. One second the boat was there in plain view and then suddenly it was gone. There was nothing the crew could do. The force of the wind and waves overwhelmed the trawler and sent it rapidly to the bottom of the sea. Four good fishermen lost their lives that day and our whole village plunged into mourning.

Only three of the bodies were recovered and when I visited the widow of the fourth man, she couldn't accept what was happening. Time and time again I visited her on a daily basis. She had two teenage boys and they were all utterly devastated. The funerals for the other three fishermen took place within a week of the tragedy, but the fourth fisherman's widow couldn't bring herself to giving permission for the fourth service to take place.

She explained her reasons to me. "If I let you hold the service, John, I'll have to let go of my hope. So long as they can't find his body, I won't believe that he's gone."

For the next six months, we all searched for the body along the shoreline, but we never found it. I visited the family every day and gently tried to persuade the widow to hold the service. The other fishermen were beginning to get uneasy and blamed some of their bad fishing days on the fact that a funeral had not taken place. Support for the family was giving way to superstition, which is bad news in any fishing community.

Eventually, after a great deal of patience and gentle persuasion, the widow consented to having a funeral. We held the service at the end of the harbor and cast out wreaths on to the surface of the waters. We could see where the boat went down, but it was never recovered, and neither was the fourth body.

Sometimes, in the midst of painful circumstances, people hold on to false hope, which is a very sad form of denial. In today’s gospel, Peter, the Big Fisherman, is speaking about a different hope, the hope of being saved for all of eternity by Jesus Christ. For some people, Christ’s words and teachings were too hard to accept, so they deserted Him and went their way. But for those like Peter, who experienced the power of Jesus in their hearts, they knew that He is the everlasting hope that can never be taken away.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the True Hope of our lives and the Shining Star of our hearts. Without You, we have no hope; but with You, we have the promises of God, the covenants of grace, and the hope of eternal life in Your Kingdom. Help us this day, to pass on this hope to our families, friends, colleagues and neighbors. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Stushie - writer of Heaven's Highway Blog and
Sky Pilots: Resources for Busy Pastors

Friday Review -- Into the Silent Land

A new book for a change instead of a golden oldie. Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird was released in July, 2006. So far, I have not found a single Ring member who has mentioned it. Although, its subject,contemplative prayer, isn't mentioned too often either.

Contemplative spirituality strikes many people as either not Christian or not Presbyterian. We are a head-first bunch, and if it can't be intellectualized or rationalized, it probably isn't on our plates. I should admit that my spirituality is more contemplative than most Presbyterians, in part, because I have been strongly influenced by the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.

I have read this new book by Martin Laird, but I haven't lived it. There were places where I found it easy to lose sight of God's place in the teachings of this book. However, when I consider the people I have known who exhibit the kind of calmness and centeredness that this book describes as the fruits of contemplative prayer, I see people whom I have always considered to be genuinely holy.

This book is neither as beautifully written nor as easy to read as Richard Foster's book on prayer. I found it worth the effort, because it offers a kind of walk through the process of developing a contemplative practice that I would expect to find only when working one-on-one with an experienced spiritual director. I have tried contemplative prayer before, but I have never gotten very far with it. The early roadblocks that I remember running into are all well described by Laird with constructive suggestions for working through them.

If you are interested in expanding the contemplative aspect of your spiritual life and Lectio Divina is already an established part of your day, this book looks more practical than any of the others I have seen on the subject.

I would love to hear comments either on this book or on contemplative spirituality in general.

I can be reached directly at JusticeSeeker@aol.com

Hump Day Prayer . . . Higher Education Sunday

In Honor of Higher Education Sunday (August 27) this week's Hump Day Prayer is from the blue Presbyterian Hymnal. As a graduate of a Presbyterian University I would encourage you to support your nearest Presbyterian Affiliated College.

Earth and All Stars
Hymn 458
DEXTER 4.5.7 D with refrain

Earth and all stars,
Loud rushing planets,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Hail, wind, and rain,
Loud blowing snowstorm
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
I, too, will praise him with a new song!

Steel and machines,
Loud pounding hammers,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Limestone and beams,
Loud building workers,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
I, too, will praise him with a new song!

Classrooms and labs,
Loud boiling test tubes,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Athlete and band,
Loud cheering people,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
I, too, will praise him with a new song!

Knowledge and truth,
Loud sounding wisdom,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Daughter and son,
Loud praying members,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
I, too, will praise him with a new song!

Herbert Frederick Brokering, 1964
David N. Johnson, 1968
Text & Music: Copyright © 1968 Augsburg Fortress Publishing House.

Monday Question of the Week . . . Politics

Last week I was listening to Decently and in Order: A Presbyterian Podcast latest post. During their conversation they discussed a Minnesota Megachurch Pastor who stated things from the pulpit that are have a dramatic negative effect on his membership. Click here for more information.

He has some interesting point but he refused to name his political affiliation or even if he has an affiliation. So this made me think, is it ok for pastors and other church leaders to make known their political affiliation? and Why?

In The Wee Small Hours...

Bread of Life

John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (NIV)


About eighteen months ago, I was in Macdonald's restaurant, having a coffee before Sunday School. At one of the tables, a woman was sitting alone, who looked unkempt, unwashed and untidy. She was having an imaginary conversation with someone who wasn't there, but every now and then she looked over to my wife and I, smiled sweetly and then continued talking to herself.

Five minutes later, one of the servers came over to sit down for her breakfast break. At first, I thought she was going to ask the lady to leave. Instead, she sat down beside her and carefully halved her sausage biscuit with the woman. It was a beautiful and sacred moment. A holy communion was taking place before my very eyes.

What made this even more special was the fact that I knew the server was having severe financial problems of her own at the time. But here she was, sharing half of everything she possessed on that morning, with someone whose need was greater than her own.

Jesus once said, "The poor you have with you always, do for them whatever you can." The server at Macdonald's preached to me a beautiful sermon that morning. As she gave to the poor, bedraggled lady, she was lending to the LORD. One day, he will amply reward her for that moment of true compassion and genuine love.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You challenge us to do what we can to help people less fortunate than ourselves. Take away our excuses and fears, our lack of patience and compassion. Enable us to see and grasp those opportunities for kindness and care that You place before us. Grant us the strength to fulfill Your words by doing whatever we can. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.

Stushie - writer of the Heaven's Highway Blog

Growing True Disciples

Anytime church politics start making me crazier than I want to be, I try to refocus myself on why we are trying to be a church, anyway. So, this week I have chosen a book by George Barna called Growing True Disciples for my Friday review. Like last week, this book has been out for a while, but I haven't seen it referenced in any of the ring's blogs that I read, although Barna's most recent book, Revolution was discussed almost a year ago (November 4, 2005) by Kruse Kronicle.

This book addresses the hardest issue facing all Adult Ed. committees. How do you take people focused on spiritual maintenance and refocus them on spiritual development. In other words, how do you convert the Frozen Chosen into zealots for Christ? Of course, since George Barna is a pollster at heart, he is also concerned with how you identify and quantify progress when the traditional abc's of church growth (attendance, buildings and cash) aren't necessarily material.

The new symptoms of success are:

• Worship every day in and out of church;
• Constant effort to discover new insight into faith and apply it to life;
• Complete submission to the Holy Spirit;
• Becoming sensitive to sin and wounded when we offend God;
• Joyfully sharing our resources;
• Building community with other Christians;
• Selfless compassion towards others;
• Evangelism based on relationships and supported by lifestyle;
• Living differently because of faith;
• A church that is loving, caring, focused and clear in its pursuit of God's ways;
• A continual link to God through prayer and meditation; and
• Willing volunteers.

So far, this sounds like a cheerleader book; and it isn't. Barna talks about theory. He talks about traditional practices that have become ruts. He also talks about churches he has studied that he thinks are successfully developing mature Christians and what they have in common.

Perhaps most importantly, Barna really illustrates why it is that successful discipleship programs must be specific to a given church community. The latter chapters are on successful churches and useful tools, and they make it obvious that spiritual growth must take place within an existing Christian culture. Two things make this book successful. First, it couples an awareness of the need for building something unique to your church with the tools to make it happen. Second, it is written in a way that is easily accessible to readers accustomed to intellectual, rational approaches to spiritual matters.

If you have referenced this book and I missed it, please let me know. If you would rather not leave a comment, I can be reached directly at JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com

JusticeSeeker

Hump Day Prayer . . . Staying Spiritually Centered

Gracious God,
it seems that what most holds my attention are those things
and people that I can see, touch, hear, and feel.

Yet, in the moments of my day when my mind is still,
my soul is quiet,
and my breath is slow and even,

I can almost detect a whiff of your presence.
These precious times are all too fleeting;
they slip away almost as quickly as they come.

The phone rings,
my child cries,
a colleague needs my assistance,
or my mind just simply gets distracted.

Help me know, O God,
that you are still present with me,
even in my distractions and interruptions.

But also help me savor those spiritually centered moments so much that
I will make room in my life for more of them.

When I am impatient because I can’t see, touch, hear, or feel you,
let your love seep surely into me
until my heart turns back to you in surprise and delight.

Amen.

Copyright ©1999-2006 explorefaith.org

Monday Question of the Week . . . Theologians

his weeks questions was inspired by something that I read on Quotidian Grace. In one of her post she says that she not a theologian and that made me wonder what makes a person a theologian and what does the word theologian mean away.

Wikipedia Says:

Theology (Greek θεος, theos, "God", + λογος, logos, "word" or "reason") is reasoned discourse concerning religion, spirituality and God. Theologians attempt to use rational analysis and argument to discuss, interpret, and teach on any of a myriad a religious topics. . . . It is the subsequent history of the term in Christian contexts, particularly in the Latin West, that lies behind most contemporary usage, but the term can now be used to speak of reasoned discourse within and about a variety of different religious traditions. Various aspects both of the process by which the discipline of ‘theology’ emerges in Christianity and the process by which this now Christian term is extended to other religions are highly controversial.

I must admit that, despite the fact I have a bachelors degree in religion in addition to a Master of Divinity, I have always been uncomfortable referring to myself as a theologian. This brings us to this week questions. What do you think a theologian looks like? Is formal education required to become a theologian? If not, what prerequisites would you require to refer to someone as a theologian? And finally do you consider yourself a theologian? If no, why not, if yes why? Discuss . . .

In The Wee Small Hours

(Miranda asked for volunteers to help with the Presbyterian Bloggers site. Each Sunday, I'm going to write a short devotion connected to the lectionary -Stushie)

Grumble Pie

John 6:43 "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. (NIV)

These are trying times for our denomination. No one seems to know where we are headed, and local congregations are beginning to feel the effects of a lack of leadership from the top. Pastors are desperately trying to keep things together, using their personal gifts and powers of persuasion to stop the rot. Some people want to jump ship or throw others overboard in an attempt to purify the church. Everybody wants to have their say and everybody wants their own way. We're fumbling, mumbling and grumbling, instead of praying, praising and persevering.

“Stop grumbling among yourselves.” Christ rebukes His people for questioning His teaching. Instead of accepting and experiencing Him as the Bread of Life, they insist upon tearing His words apart and pulling chunks off for themselves. They question His authority and dissect what He says. And that’s when the bickering starts, the grumbling begins, and the conflicts arise. Instead of receiving Him, they reject His words. Instead of embracing Him, they embattle one another.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? In our obsession to have our own opinions heard and speak our peace, we drown out Christ’s voice and ignore His rebuke. We'd rather grumble than be humble. We'd rather bellow and divide than let go of our pride.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we think more of ourselves than we think of You. Forgive our foolish and selfish ways. Help us to get back on Your path, instead of trying to make our own. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Friday Review -- Traveling Mercies

For my first Friday review, I picked an oldie -- Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott. I avoided this book for years. I was an English major in the early '80's, and I developed an allergy to a certain type of liberal, female academic. Now, don't get me wrong. I am female, I'm relatively moderate in most political areas (which in Oklahoma makes me a flaming liberal), and I used to be an academic. It was just a certain type that I was allergic to. Anyway, I was sure that if I read this book I would break out in hives.


The book converted me early when the author wrote:

. . . I knew beyond any doubt that it was Jesus. I felt him as surely as I feel my dog lying nearby as I write this.

And I was appalled. I thought about my life and my brilliant hilarious progressive friends, I thought about what everyone would think of me if I became a Christian, and it seemed an utterly impossible thing that simply could not be allowed to happen. I turned to the wall and said out loud, "I would rather die."

I know people who feel that way. People whose view of Christianity has been etched by televangelists and parents who get in screaming fights over evolution at school board meetings. How does God reach such people, people who would rather die. . . ?

Lamott writes with real authority of a life of alcohol, drugs and sex that left her emptier and more broken than when she started. She writes of the church she stumbled into. She writes of an elderly church goer who saved up baggies of dimes to give her when times were particularly tough, and she writes of joy and forgiveness and fresh starts.

More importantly, she writes as a Presbyterian elder in a church this denomination desperately needs. A church whose members are, or have been, so broken themselves that the most desperate of God's children can find comfort there. Most Presbyterian churches exude wealth, prosperity and respectability. They don't whisper, "Addicts, come sit in back and let us love you."

I broke down and read this book when it was chosen by a group I am in at church. We used a study guide on the publisher's web page. It is short, but we found it useful.

This book has been out forever. I know a lot of people who cross this page will have read it. So, I will start by linking to Cheesehead in Paradise's blog. She listed this book last week as one that changed her life. If you haven't been by her blog lately, drop in and offer prayers. She, and her church, are having an unspeakable time.

So, anybody else?

JusticeSeeker

New on Fridays

Hi,

I read a number of this ring's blogs regularly, but I seldom stop by the ring page. For some reason, I did a few days ago; and I saw Uncle Sam's finger pointing at me. So, I emailed Miranda and said, Ok, I'll take Fridays.

I'm a white, female, middle-aged, Presbyterian lawyer in Norman, Oklahoma. I feel strongly that I am called to seek justice. I am frequently grateful that I don't feel called to actually find it.

I'm not really sure what a blog ring home page should be, but I figure it needs to provide a hub, some sense of community for its member blogs. I will add an email link, hopefully, next week. So, if you are a blogger, or just passing through, feel free to let me know what you think I should be doing here on Fridays.

My idea is to provide a review of a book, movie, tv show or web-based article that I thnk will make interesting weekend reading (or watching). Then, if you have mentioned that same book, etc. on your blog -- let me know. I will see if I can figure out how to link the various opinions. Of course, if you would rather just respond to my review, you can do that in the comments below -- or use it as a topic for your own blog. Let me know, if you do that. If this doesn't foster a response, look for it to morph into something else.

I will be posting a review of Traveling Mercies in a few minutes.

JusticeSeeker

Hump Day Prayer . . . Back to School

This back Monday morning the first school district here in north Texas went back to school. For some there are only a few days and others are not going back for a few week. None the less they all go back to the studying and test, books and calculators, athletics and band. Here is a prayer to send them on their way.

Back to School: Intentions for the Start of the School Year By Steven McGlaun

Let us pray for all Believers around the world and those who seek Christ,
that they may receive blessings and open their hearts to God's word…
We pray to the Lord

For all experiencing some form of social injustice,
that they may feel physical and spiritual relief…
We pray to the Lord

For all of the new students joining our community,
may they find a community that welcomes them and makes them
comfortable in their new surroundings…
We pray to the Lord

For the students, faculty, and staff of our school,
may we be able to work together as a community to accomplish all the goals
set before us this school year…
We pray to the Lord

For all the sick and suffering,
may they experience healing and a full recovery with God's grace…
We pray to the Lord

For all those connected to our community who have recently passed away,
may they feel the grace of the Spirit as they enter the heavenly reign of God...
We pray to the Lord

For all the special intentions we hold in our hearts…(Pause)
We pray to the Lord Published

Back to School: Prayer for the Start of the School Year, by Steven McGlaun

Loving God,

Our creator, our savior, our companion,
bless this journey of a new school year that we undertake today.
Refresh our souls
and renew our spirits
as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to.
We welcome those who are new to this community and
ask that you strengthen them to share the wonderful gifts you have given them.
Lord, make our hearts pure as we prepare for the return of students to this school,
and may you guide them to return with open hearts and minds eager to learn.

We ask this in Your name,
Amen

Published By: Saint Mary's Press © 2003 Saint Mary's Press.

It’s Not What Your Blog Ring Can Do for You but What You Can Do for Your Blog Ring

On July 2 we celebrated our six months birthday and since our genesis we have steadily grown and are just short of the 100 member mark. We average 47 hits a day and that is wonderful but I have a felling that our group is not all that it could be. I have loved manning the helm of our little group but no (wo)man is an island and the Presbyterian in me is uneasy. Unfortunately my creative and idea are limited and I truly believe in the committee system that we Preby’s so dearly love. This is where I need your help.

I am hoping to find a handful of people who would be willing to take a day of the week and contribute to our blog on that day every week. You can choose the theme/topic for that day (ie. Monday Questions & Hump Day Prayer) and I would make it so that you could post your weekly articles directly to the Blogger website. If once a week is more than you can handle you can find a friend to share a day with alternation who posts. Please keep in mind that our group represents a wide variety of people and theologies when thinking about possible themes/topics. The point of our community is to stimulate discussion, share information, and to increase PC (USA) presence on the web.

I am will continue to serve as the administer (add new members, ect) of our site and if no one else wants them I will continue the Monday Question and Hump Day Prayer. If you think you might be interested in becoming an contributor send me (it will be nice to say us) an email and I will get back to you. Please search hearts, perhaps the Holy Spirit is call you.

A Bonus “Tuesday” Question of the Week from Bruce Reyes-Chow

Mark Millar is the author of a new Superman graphic novel called "Superman - Red Son" and during an interview he makes an interesting link between Superman and Jesus.

“Every culture creates its own Christ figure. The Egyptians had one, the Celts had one, the Christians obviously had a fairly successful one and the Americans created their own Christ in the middle of the century where most people stopped believed in the original. Nature abhors a vacuum and these archetypes just find themselves being recreated to suit the needs of a particular culture.”

Is Superman the new American messiah? Are there even any messianic lessons that can be learned from the Superman?

Here is what scholar, the media, and bloggers are saying:
Superman as Christ-Figure: The American Pop Culture Movie Messiah
The Kryptonian Gospel
Superman's Second Coming
Popular Comic Book Heroes Faith-by-Faith
Superman on Wikipedia.
The Religious Affiliation of Comic Book Character
A Few Thoughts on Superman Returns
Superman: Gay Icon? Christ Figure?
Superman, Jesus Christ and Jim Caviezel

Monday Question of the Week form Bruce Reyes-Chow

"Does race matter when pastoring?"

About two or three times a years when talking about Mission Bay Community Church, someone makes the assumptions that MBCC is an Asian American congregation. After trying to politely correct that assumption I am again left with the internal question as Racial Ethnic pastor serving a non-Racial Ethnic congregation, "Does race matter when pastoring?"
Full Post: http://breyeschow.typepad.com/faithblog/2006/06/does_race_matte.html

Mea Culpa

I need to offer an official apology I realized this morning that it had been almost a month since I had checked the PC (USA) Bloggers email. I am sorry to all of the members who where just added and all of you who sent your wonderful thoughts and questions that are just now being posted. I hope that you all continue to join our community and share you thoughts and topics for discussion with us. Again I am sorry.

Hump Day Prayer . . . A Responsive Prayer on Hiroshima Day

At 8:15 in the morning of August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped from a USA B-29 bomber on Hiroshima, Japan. More than one hundred seventy thousand people died instantly or within hours. Few were soldiers. This prayer brings that tragedy before God once again. It expresses both lament and longing—a longing for peace. One: Let us join in prayer on this day of remembrance for Hiroshima, to recall the past, to be challenged in the present, and to seek hope for the future.

People: O God of power, gracious in love, you gave humankind responsibility to care for all the earth. But often we put our faith in military power even though you call us to build a community of trust and love.

One: By both our actions and inactions, by our participation in the systems of society, we often become agents of violence and destruction.

People: O God of all, out of death and despair, turn Hiroshima into a symbol of hope that nuclear weapons will never again be used to kill and destroy.

One: Let us remember Hiroshima as a beacon—committing ourselves to find ways to live together in peace. May we not be just peace lovers, but peacemakers.

People: O God of infinite possibility, transform our hearts and minds. Give us courage to use our skills and technology to transform weapons that destroy into gifts that cherish all of life.

One: Isaiah said: “It shall come to pass that the peoples shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”

People: O God, make your vision real when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” O God, forgive, transform, bring your peace. Amen.

Click here for the PDF

Mondayu Question of the Week . . . Times of Loss

I went to a funeral today and as you can guess Psalm 23 was read. I have never been particular found of this passage and I am not really sure why. So that got me thinking what is it about this text that people find so comforting? What other passage from the bible have you in the past found of comfort during times of loss?

Hump Day Prayer . . . Yes, it is OK to Laugh, God Does Not Mind…

I thought that I would add a little levity to our week hump day prayer.

Man’s Prayer
I'm a man . . .
But I can change . . .
If I have to . . .
I guess.

The above is from a Canadian TV show called The Red Green Show. If you have never seen the show it is worth a look, here in the US it is carried on many PBS stations.

THE THEOLOGIAN:
Lord, you are God.
You are the Triune, Immutable,
Omniscient, Revelatory,
the First Principle.
You even know what
I am going to pray next!...
[etc. etc. etc.]"

Hump Day Prayer . . . The Middle East

A Service of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
(adapted from a service at Hunter Presbyterian Church, Lexington, Kentucky, on December 19, 2000)

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The light shines in the darkness,

And the darkness has not overcome it.

In our Lord Jesus Christ there is light and peace.

Thanks be to God!

Scripture Readings
Responsive Reading Psalm 87 (adapted from Grail Translation)
On the holy mount stands the city founded by the Lord.

The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.

Egypt, Babylonia, Philistia, Phoenicia, and Ethiopia are some of the nations that know you,

And all their people say, "We were born in Zion."

God most high will strengthen the city of Zion.

Then everyone will say, "We were born here too."

The Lord will make a list of his people,

And all who were born here will be included.

All who sing or dance will say, "I too am from Zion."

Psalm 27:7-10 in Arabic

Psalm 27:7-10 in Hebrew

Psalm 27:7-10 in English

A Moment of Silent Reflection

Isaiah 2:1-5

A Moment of Silent Reflection

Isaiah 65:17-25

A Moment of Silent Reflection

Prayer of Intercession (Responsive)

Give us ears to hear, O Lord,

to hear the cries of a people living under occupation,

of farmers whose land has been taken,

of parents whose children have been killed or wounded,

of faithful Christians and Muslims barred from worshiping in the Holy City.

Hear our prayers for justice and peace for the Palestinians.

Give us ears to hear, O Lord,

to hear the voices of those who bear the scars of the Holocaust,

Of mourners grieving the deaths of those killed in recent conflicts,

of those who seek new ways of bringing reconciliation,

Of those whose bright hopes for a "promised land" have ended in despair.

Hear us as we pray for security and peace for the people of Israel.

Eternal God, merciful and compassionate,

we pray for the Christians of Israel and Palestine.

Surround them with the prayers of their sisters and brothers around the world,

strengthen them to witness fearlessly for justice and peace.

We pray for the Jews of Israel and the settlers of the Occupied Territories,

that the spirit of the prophets may flourish among themand then they may know your shalom.

We pray for the Muslims of Israel and Palestine,

that they may worship freely and be richly blessed.

We pray for all the children of Abraham-Christian, Jewish, and Muslim-

that justice and peace shall clasp hands and the "Holy Land" become truly holy.

Hymn

Closing Responses
When the song of the angels is stilled

and the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home

and the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,

to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry,

to proclaim liberty to the oppressed,

to bring peace to the people.

Salaam. Shalom. Peace.

Stated clerk urges Bush to press Middle East peace

Monday Question of the Week

Luke 23:39-43 (NRSV) says:
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding Jesus and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

How will Jesus be with the criminal in Paradise today, if Jesus descended into hell for the next three days?

Monday Question of the Week

Does the Bible Promote Vegetarianism?

Hump Day Prayer - Fourth of July

With malice toward none;
with charity for all;
with firmness in the right,
as God gives us to see the right,
let us strive on to finish the work we are in;
to bind up the nation's wounds...
to do all which may achieve and
cherish a just and
lasting peace among ourselves and
with all nations.
- Abraham Lincoln
Source: From Lincoln's second inaugural address (1864)

Monday Question of the Week

Did God Create Humanity in Order to Show Mercy?