Sometimes I wonder how I get any work done. My desk at the office is always some array of discombobulation. It is often covered with an array of books, mugs, pens, and file folders; my keyboard is often hidden beneath by a mountain of bulletin templates and sticky notes. What happens when I need a … Continue reading Clearing the Spiritual Clutter
Resolving Resolutions
At this time of year, we often entertain lofty ideals of resolutions and life-changes. We look back at some of the events and happenings of last year, and we vision-cast into the future. We might even plan for certain activities or attitudes that will make the next year a year of betterment and personal achievement. … Continue reading Resolving Resolutions
The Divine Lover comes
When you think about the celebration of Christmas, what Bible readings do you normally think about? Maybe your mind goes right to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, with readings detailing the birth of Jesus. Do you see a play-by-play of Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem, the birth in a stable, and the exited … Continue reading The Divine Lover comes
You Need to repent… I mean it.
“Repent! Repent I tell you! The kingdom of God has drawn near. Our Lord is at his threshing floor and he will separate the wheat from the chaff! The wheat will be gathered into his storehouse but the chaff he will BURN in unceasing fire. And so I say unto you. . . Repent, Repent, … Continue reading You Need to repent… I mean it.
150 at 2:51
I recently returned from our annual clergy retreat. There was a speaker and a schedule, but these things were punctuated by extended times of silence. We woke in silence. We ate in silence. Even our moments of free time—where the schedule is lax and there is nothing to do, silence was held. I did a variety … Continue reading 150 at 2:51
Choosing Simple
We live in a world of constant noise and distraction. There is always something to tear us away from what we focus on in any given moment. Images flash before us, ever changing what we are thinking about or reflecting on. Music provides an endless soundtrack to life; we find it in malls, in banks, … Continue reading Choosing Simple
Are you Quiet or Silent?
By mere definition, to engage in a retreat is to take a specific time away from the stresses and busyness of regular life, in order to attend more deeply to God’s presence and voice. To do this, many retreats employ some element of silence. We put down our schedules. We close our emails. We turn off … Continue reading Are you Quiet or Silent?
Prayerful Waiting
Do you enjoy waiting? Do you search for times of waiting during your day? For example, do you search out the longest line in the grocery store, hoping that you will end up standing behind someone paying in nickels? Do you arrive for your appointments on time, praying that a delay would keep you in the reception … Continue reading Prayerful Waiting
Can we really practice the presence of God?
I first read The Practice of the Presence of God several years ago. I read the book quickly, more out of a desire to have read a ‘classic’ than anything else. Still, I was captivated by the simplicity of the work. Brother Lawrence is singularly focused on what he feels is the main task of … Continue reading Can we really practice the presence of God?
Eliminating Hurry
Every Sunday I race the clock. It’s true. We announce the processional hymn, and then move seamlessly until the end. We never pause for any significant length of time. One prayer backs onto another; as soon as the reading is done, we announce the hymn. If the intercessions go on a little too long, or … Continue reading Eliminating Hurry
Reverend Kyle Norman 