Monthly Archives: September 2015

Near the end of the eclipse

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Maren

It looks like a shadow of something, maybe a hand with a cloth trying to wipe out an unbearable brightness from our eyes, or the curve and feathered breast of a bird lifting. I understand how frightening it must have … Continue reading →

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Turning off ESPN …Blessing of the Animals

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Maren

I anticipate a “blessing of the animals” service in my congregation this week and think about what I have learned from God’s creatures. I watch the dog play — she chases a stick, returning it, again and again – for … Continue reading →

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Heartbreak and who blesses whom in Blessing of the Animals?

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Maren

Heartbreak is a primary contributor to our ability to love. When we willingly and freely open ourselves to another and receive, in return, less than love or less than what we understand as love or even purposeful pain, the breaking … Continue reading →

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An Improvisation on Canticle of the Creatures for Pope Francis’ Arrival

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Maren

Welcome is our brother Francis who comes to Cuba and comes to Washington, hoping to shine a light in places newly reconciled, hug children, pray prayers. And welcome is brother Obama, whose term wanes like the moon, but still whose … Continue reading →

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For everything a season …

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Maren

The man was so gentle that, when he stood by the back door of the white church he had come every week for ten years to clean, as the volunteer janitor, and leaned against the splintered frame looking at September … Continue reading →

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Prayers for Toxic Tour, Ontario Canada

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Maren

Here is a prayer: Creator, grant us the strength of purpose to make this shit end. Show us how to make the politicos and officials give a damn. Teach them how to curb their rapacious greed and avarice. Amen Matthew … Continue reading →

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Wedding Prayer in honor of Rosh Hashanah

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Maren

A week ago I officiated at a brief wedding, a legal event in advance of the wedding celebration of a couple who were raised — one in Conservative Judaism and one in Roman Catholicism.  This is the prayer I prayed … Continue reading →

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For your autumn reading

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Maren

Two books by frequent contributors to this blog — Isobel de Gruchy from South Africa and Malkhaz Songulashvili from the Republic of Georgia are fascinating books to read  for this autumn. Between Heaven and Earth Poems, Prayers, Pictures ISBN: 978-1-4982-2274-7 … Continue reading →

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Responsive Prayer for Climate Justice

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Maren

This prayer has been written as a prayer action for faith leaders at events in New Hampshire during the candidates visits in advance of the New Hampshire primary. I wrote much of it, then took in some more ideas and … Continue reading →

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For Aylan and Ghalib Kurdi

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Maren

I hold my grandchild in my arms — he is kicking and wiggling and my heart is tender. Why is my heart so indifferent until I see another woman’s grandchild, cheek to the sand, red shirt? Aylan and Ghalib, are … Continue reading →

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