Monthly Archives: May 2014

Speaking in Tongues in the United States

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Maren

It is coming Pentecost and I hear all the beautiful ruined voices I’ve loved – an old preacher cracking the gospel open in some dusty July tent, and a blues singer in a cheap bar belting her untrained red throat … Continue reading →

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June, Ode’imin Giizis “heart-berry moon”

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Maren

It is rare that I publish one writer two days in a row, but there was some serendipity this week. I post on Thursdays from “international” writers — my personal point of reference being the United States. Some of these … Continue reading →

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What Wood Jesus Do

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Maren

Occasionally Matthew Stevens sends in a reflection to share. Often they have been about the contemporary faith landscape in Canada. Today’s is a biblical reflection … From time-to-time I’ve mused upon the appropriateness of Jesus being allegedly born into the … Continue reading →

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Ascension

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Maren

Sent to me this morning by Dee Ledger, this remarkable poem speaks on so many levels. Standing at her bedside, the nurse explains when a body dies, the extremities begin to turn mottled. Carefully, she slowly peels back the bed … Continue reading →

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Pentecost liturgy From the Psalms to the Cloud

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Maren

Some short pieces of liturgy as we look ahead to Pentecost: Call to Worship, Pentecost One: Holy Spirit come Add voice two: Send your flame as you did before Add voice three: To set our hearts on fire for you … Continue reading →

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Confession from Isaiah 6 for the United States

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Maren

Woe unto me, for I am a person of unclean silence and I live among a people of unclean guns. We keep listening to the weeping of parents – today they weep in Santa Barbara, but we do not comprehend. … Continue reading →

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Prayer of Celebration

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Maren

God, I celebrate the yet-to-be. God, I celebrate the dangerous yet-to-be, I celebrate the unpredictable, uncontrollable, imaginary yet-to-be — for thanksgiving is just commentary on provenance-proven good-things, my well-adjusted second half of life go-to prayer, flavored with self-congratulation for being … Continue reading →

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Ordinary Ministry by Todd Jenkins

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Maren

Todd Jenkins, one of the few United States contributors to the original book Gifts in Open Hands, maintains an amazing blog of poetry and photography. Learn more about him here. We work, play, casually interact with people every day who … Continue reading →

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I Celebrate You, Creator of the Seasons, by Pam Spain

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Maren

In response to my request for celebration prayers — here is Pam Spain’s celebration of the seasons! More celebrations — send to giftsinopenhands@gmail.com. I celebrate you, Creator of Spring, as the earth warms after the cold winter. The sun shines … Continue reading →

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Prayer of Celebration — From the Psalms to the Cloud

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Maren

Sharon Benton of Colorado prays for celebration — a celebration so deep it doesn’t need to hide itself from sorrow. What do you celebrate? How do you celebrate?And how do you pray celebration? Dancing God, you whirl through our lives … Continue reading →

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