‘Shout as loud as you can’, says God. ‘Remind my people about their sins! Every day they come to worship, eager for my ways, wanting to follow my laws. It gives them pleasure, so they say. But then they complain, asking why they should fast when it produces no favours, as though I am ignoring […]
Read full text
Twixt twelve and thirty years, who was Jesus, we ask? The Bible says nothing worth taking to task. A square or a rounder? – we’re all left to wonder How hearty he partied, how much did he blunder? ‘Twas the night before forty long days and dark nights When Jesus went wandering way out of […]
Read full text
We are called to pay attention: a responsive reading Many: This morning/afternoon/evening and all mornings/afternoons/evenings, we are called to pay attention. One: We are called to pay attention to our individual lives, to our delights and pains. We are called to understand and cherish ourselves, to take good care of ourselves, to know ourselves as […]
Read full text
Intercessions arising from Psalm 51: 10 Silence: a diamond symbol (♦) indicates a short pause. One: God we call to mind the places where we live. All: May your people dwell in harmony. ♦ One: We call to mind the concerns of our neighbours. All: May your people dwell in harmony. ♦ One: We call […]
Read full text
On my forehead, A sign of the cross, Smudged in ash from the fire That burned down the McMansion of my hubris, And, with it, The money I should have given away, The screens I stare at to numb my senses, The carpet I should have been called on, The doors I should have opened […]
Read full text
Written April 2018 during a time of personal reflection in the Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral, UK, following the bombing of Syria by the US and the UK. Broken Bombed Darkness descends How did it come to this? God groans The world whimpers. We cower Fearfully crying out, ‘Which way?’ What about our grandchildren? Follow the […]
Read full text
This is one of three readings used to explore the Lent theme: “Hineni: Here I Am” – looking at the idea of spiritually showing up and saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and invitation. Matthew 4:1-11 (slightly altered text) 3 Voices: Narrator, Tempter, Jesus Narrator: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness […]
Read full text
Might be used as an opening meditation at a confessional reflective service such as Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. Can be read by a single voice, multiple voices or responsively. Start in Silence. A drumbeat begins, getting louder than softer. The drumbeat tapers off into a soft background beat for the prayer. O Steady One, […]
Read full text
Isaiah 58:1-12 For 2-4 Voices: Isaiah (might be divided between 2 readers), People 1 & 2 This readings might be used to explore the Lent theme: “Hineni: Here I Am” – looking at the idea of spiritually showing up and saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and invitation. Isaiah: Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up […]
Read full text