Book of Common Prayer Archives

Ask, Seek, Knock, Persist

Some years ago I embarked on a long retreat with a new spiritual director, and at our first session he asked me how and how often I pray. Seems like a reasonable question for a spiritual director to ask, but somehow it made me feel a bit like when the dentist last asked me how well and how … Read the rest

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Genesis 18:20-32
Luke 11:1-13 Lords Prayer

Today’s Gospel is one that evokes great humility for a preacher. Well, that’s true of almost any Gospel. But what could I possibly say this morning that would add anything to the Lord’s Prayer, which has preached itself through the prayers of billions of people over thousands of years? You all know this prayer; you’ve prayed … Read the rest

Impressed with Prayer

Luke 11:5-13

Some years ago I embarked on a long retreat with a new spiritual director, and at our first session he asked me how and how often I pray. Seems like a reasonable question for a spiritual director to ask, but somehow it made me feel a bit like I do when the dentist asks me how often I … Read the rest

Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Lent 4B

“Let’s consider your age to begin with— impossible before breakfast how old are you?’  ’ I’m seven and a half exactly.’  ’You needn’t say “exactually,”‘ the Queen remarked: ‘I can believe it without that. Now I’ll give YOU something to believe. I’m just one hundred and one, five months and a day.’  ’I can’t believe THAT!’ said Alice.   ‘Can’t you?’ the … Read the rest

Proof Texting

Today was the last day of training for the new Stephen Ministers at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church. I was privileged to be part of the training team for these lay caregivers, and so I’m already grieving the goodbyes soon to come (after tomorrow’s festive commissioning) as I move on to new ministries.

Wanting to send my trainees … Read the rest

Turning to Romans 7

The Monday after I was made a priest, just about three weeks ago, I started an intensive summer class in liturgical leadership. That’s the class that teaches us how to do the things like baptism, Eucharist and marriage. The kinds of things a priest might be expected to do. I figured that two days after my ordination might be a … Read the rest