Words on the Word
Worship
Read Your Bible: But How? (Lectio Divina)
“Read your Bible.” But how? I’ve benefitted from reading large portions of Scripture–whole narratives, books, and multiple chapters–in one sitting. I’ve also benefitted immensely from slowing down and meditatively just reading a few verses at a time. Lectio Divina is a way of reading Scripture that encourages that. It’s reading, as many have said, for transformation and … Continue reading
Praying Morning Prayer (beta site)
My friend Ben Rey has made a really attractive site for praying Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. The site is in beta right now, but you can use it to pray each day–it’s got the liturgy and Scriptures. Ben says: Thanks again for participating in the Morning Prayer (MP) beta testing. The … Continue reading
A Perfect Song
“North American Field Song,” by the Innocence Mission: Lyrics: Raincoats, Finlandia, Raincoats and lakes. The best words, I take along in my field bag. Across the morning, the beautiful air, I will be aware. I’ll speak if I dare, and Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm, stay calm in the meantime, Stay calm, stay calm, … Continue reading
Who is the New Pope? Bergoglio (now Francis I) of Argentina
The cardinals today selected a new pope. From the New York Times: With a puff of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and to the cheers of thousands of rain-soaked faithful, a gathering of Catholic cardinals picked a new pope from among their midst on Wednesday — choosing the cardinal from Argentina, … Continue reading
There is a New Pope
From the New York Times: With a puff of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and to the cheers of thousands of rain-soaked faithful, a gathering of Catholic cardinals picked a new pope from among their midst on Wednesday. The name of the new pope, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic … Continue reading
Lenten Worship
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has a “Lent Resource Guide” that will be helpful for worship planners during this season. Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. … As a period of preparation, Lent has historically included the instruction of persons for baptism and profession of … Continue reading
More than 125 youth workers at Open Boston
More than 125 youth workers gathered at Gordon College on Saturday, February 2 for Open Boston. An initiative of The Youth Cartel, Open Boston brought together more than 20 speakers to lead sessions on topics ranging from student leadership and youth ministry innovation, to soul care and strategic relationship building. Interactive sessions enabled mutual collaboration throughout the day, … Continue reading
Psalms of Lament (for “Scalding Tears”)
Psalms of Lament is a heartbreakingly beautiful collection of poetry. Weems alarmingly yet assuringly gets right down to business in her Preface: This book is not for everyone. It is for those who weep and for those who weep with those who weep. It is for those whose souls struggle with the dailiness of faithkeeping … Continue reading
Derrida, Caputo, and David Walk Into a Psalm
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:2 The heading of Psalm 51 gives its setting: “When the prophet Nathan came to [David] after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.” The Hebrew text is more explicit in its description of David’s adulterous act in the Psalm heading. David had had … Continue reading
Calvin Symposium 2013 Recap
We sent five student worship leaders to the Calvin Worship Symposium this year. Here is the Symposium recap from Calvin. You can watch the final communion service here.
