Sermon for Jan 5, 2020Christmas 2AEphesians 1:1-14, John 1:1-18 A friend of mine has a sign in her kitchen that simply says “Gather.” Just one simple word that says so much. There’s something about gathering around a kitchen table that solidifies relationships among friends and family. Food is sustenance for life and fuel for our […]
Category: Spirituality
Home for Christmas
Sermon for Dec 29, 2019Christmas 1AIsaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 A popular song this time of year says “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.” Other Christmas songs echo this sentiment, stating “There’s no place like home for the holidays” or “There’s no Christmas like a home Christmas.” Many movies play […]
Singing in the Rain
December 15, 2019Advent 3AIsaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1: 39-55, James 5:7-10 The last time I was out in the rain without an umbrella on purpose was this past month, when I visited my parents in Brazil. My hometown is a big island, which means that you’re never too far from the beach. I took advantage of […]
Advent prayers and the meaning of Advent
In the Christian church, the period of the four Sundays before Christmas is often referred to as the advent season. Advent, which comes from the Latin word meaning “Coming”, marks the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Church. The season of Advent celebrates the first coming of Christ into the world and also […]
Prayer for a loved one who is dying
Whether or not a loved one’s death has been expected, it is never easy to say goodbye. If their death is imminent, one of the gifts you can give your loved one is to bless them in their death and transition to eternal life/life in spirit.Even if your loved one is not able to respond […]
Prayer before surgery
Any kind of surgical procedure can lead to apprehension. Pray this prayer for yourself or a loved one, adding specific information as you see fit (such as the specific part of the body being treated). Try naming the specific outcome you are hoping for, while also surrendering the outcome to God. Surrender is a difficult […]
Guided Meditation Using the Lord’s Prayer
This is a guided prayer/meditation that can be used while sitting or walking. The prayer is structured around the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Take several deep breaths to release stress and help you focus; as you breathe in, imagine you are breathing in the light of God. […]
Guided Contemplative Prayer
Script: Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Uncross your arms and your legs. If sitting, place both of your feet on the floor. Shift your weight slightly, so that your weight is evenly distributed between both sides of your body and between the front and back of your feet. Allow your neck to […]
New Year’s Prayer
God of new beginnings, We give you thanks for the gift of life. Help us to welcome the new year with renewal and hopeful anticipation. Forgive us for the hurts we have done to others and to ourselves, For the love, forgiveness and help we have failed to offer, For opportunities wasted. Renew our faith and trust […]
Morning Prayer
Spending some time in prayer or meditation is a wonderful way to start the day. Here’s a morning prayer to get you started. Have a great day! Gracious God, Thank you for being with me today.Open my eyes to see you at work in me and around me as I go about my day. Help […]