An intentional, Christ-centered community focused on hospitality, contemplation, and service
“The war here has been going on for more than four years. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled, and thousands more are dead, including many of my friends. My wife and I are among about 250,000 people trapped here in the besieged eastern section of the city. ” -Aleppo resident, Omair Shaaban
As a turbulent storm passes over our desert this early evening, we pray for the life or our world: especially with the people of Nice, France and all the places marked by violence. We pray the Kingdom of God will break like a calm over the restless sea:
“Choose the way of the yucca…”
Holy Spirit, enfold me into yourself
In the aftermath of the tragedy in Orlando, we offer our prayers and set our hearts to work for peace:
We hold space in solidarity with the community of Charleston, and especially the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
“Almighty God, Thou has called us to walk for freedom, even as Thou did the Children of Israel. We pray, dear God, as we go through a wilderness of State Troopers that Thou will hold our hand. We pray, dear God, as we must go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, that Thou will go with us and strengthen us for the task. Keep us strong. Keep us calm. Help us to love our enemy. And above all, keep the fires of freedom burning in our hearts, so that no matter what happens, ain’t gonna let nobody turn us around. Because Thou, dear God, has sent us into this place. Thou has sent us to fight, not just for ourselves, but to fight for this nation so that democracy might exist here for the whole world. Keep this vision in our hearts, and may we one day wake up and find the state of Alabama, where all men might vote, where all children might get a decent education, where every man and woman might have a job according to his (or her) abilities, and where every man and woman might live together as brothers, and violence and bloodshed and hatred and prejudice shall be no more. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
Lord, comfort those who cannot be comforted.
“The one desire of God is to be held: held deep in the center of all being beneath all motives where understandings are drown out by the gurgles of an infantile creation, fully rested in its baby-ness.”
Our prayers go out in solidarity with the people of the Philippines. Donations for relief work are tangible prayers. We’ve known the people at Mercy In Action for many years, and they’ve been doing great work there for years, and we’re thankful they made it through safely. Check them out at the link below, and…
A dangerous prayer and sentiment, but absolutely necessary for the spiritual journey, for intellectual honesty, and most of all–to becoming authentic people: -A Franciscan Benediction May God bless you with discomfort At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships So that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger At…
