A new part of my “Living in Babylon” series is out. I talk with Kimberly Deckel about spiritual rhythms found in the Anglican liturgy. We also pick up the subject of racial justice in our current context. LISTEN HERE.
You can also watch here: https://youtu.be/2DIrKIQCm9Y
Being new to the Anglican Church, I try to seek out some great conversations and opportunities for learning. I have learned about Esau McCaulley along the way. He has a new podcast called The Disrupters: Change What Is that is a collaboration with IVP and Christianity Today.
This episode with Tish Harrison Warren is a great conversation because it discusses liturgy and how liturgy shouldn’t be the “hip new things” evangelicals try and somehow work to “make better.” The ancient forms themselves are disrupters. They call us to step away from the consumer culture and change up time and space. This is a great podcast to pick up, since it’s brand new. And this particular episode with well worth your time.
I am working my way through Simon Chan’s great book, Liturgical Theology: The Church as a Worshiping Community again. This was a key book years ago when I was in the Assemblies of God. I’ve picked it up now as someone who has joined the Anglican Communion, so I’m reading it with a renewed passion.
Read moreJames led the Council at Jerusalem in Acts 15. He helped forge the decision concerning Gentile believers being allowed into the Church as equals to Jewish believers.
A prayer:
Grant, O God, that, following the example of your apostle James the Just, kinsman of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and forever. Amen.
On this Sunday, our church spent time reflecting with joy on a good story in our congregation and also mourning over the tragic events in El Paso and Dayton. The good news was a young man who had left home about 2 weeks ago had been located and was rejoining his family. What JOY.
Read moreO God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
One of the things that may confound some folks who wonder about me leaving the Pentecostal denomination I grew up in is how I go to a place that has liturgy. I mean, it “repeats” every Sunday! Where is the moving of the Spirit?
(Of course, no one actually asks me these things. Silence is the code these days.)
Read moreSince I’ve moved to the Anglican tradition I’m learning far more about the seasons of the Church year. The past Sundays of Lent I definitely felt something was “missing”.
Prayers for the day:
O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us find true rest in you, O Lord.
This song was sung in our worship service yesterday. It’s words soak into my spirit and lift me up!
