A prayer on reading Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, o mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Exalted God, you ask too little and too much of us. You show us justice and mercy and... Continue Reading →
Prayer: We are not ready
A prayer on reading Micah 1 Sovereign Lord, we long for your coming, but we are not ready. You come in your mountain melting, valley splitting, holy presence, but we are unprepared. We, who gather weekly - daily - to praise your name find ourselves trembling before your majesty. We want you tame and docile, We... Continue Reading →
Prayer: Seeing Salvation
A prayer on reading Luke 2:21-38 Fairest Lord Jesus, eternal Son of the Father, you came down from heaven and became incarnate in the womb of Mary. You took on meekness, took on lowliness, took on humility. You subjected yourself wholly to the law - consecrated to the Lord - obedient in life - loving... Continue Reading →
First Glance: Matthew 6:9-10
“Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9a) For many Christians, the Lord’s Prayer is the first prayer we learned by heart. We may pray it every week in worship or every day at meals. This prayer has worn deep paths in our souls. However, our familiarity with the prayer Jesus taught... Continue Reading →
First Glance: Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34) Jesus does not ask that his enemies get what they deserve (“Father, smite them, for they knew exactly what they were doing!”). Instead, he prays for their forgiveness. He prays... Continue Reading →
First Glance: Luke 1:1-25, 57-80
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." (Luke 1:13-15a) I... Continue Reading →
Review: Rejoicing in Lament
J. Todd Billings, Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer & Life in Christ. Brazos Press, 2015. It is a rare book that can hover between the academic and the personal in a way that enriches both realms. After he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 39, J. Todd Billings’ life took a surprising... Continue Reading →
First Glance: Luke 1:5-25, 57-66
“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” (Luke 1:13a) Advent is a season of longing. As we anticipate Christmas and the celebration of the coming of Christ, we are invited to long with Israel for the Messiah. Zechariah and Elizabeth had lived with longing. This... Continue Reading →
First Glance: Psalm 122
Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. (Psalm 122:3-4) A few weeks ago we had the unique opportunity to walk on the temple mount. The tension was high. Armed... Continue Reading →
First Glance: Psalm 113
Who is like the Lord our God, who sits on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. (Ps 113:5-7) Sometimes a prayer comes at just the right time. God takes all our feeble plans and hopes,... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 