If no one is beaten, is it still a victory?

A mental nagging that required research and writing in order to think it through.

Ἀποκάλυψις in need of a resolution

Paper or Paperless, what's your preference?

Scientific American reported on a study on e-readers and comprehension, which I read last week.  Today I learned that the Kindle version of my book is out.  I'll be interested to hear how my book "reads" over a device, especially on a smartphone.

United Nations Sunday Litany

I found it difficult to access this litany on the web, so in case others are experiencing similar frustrations, I've copied the litany below. Thanks to the General Board of Church and Society for publicizing the availability of this resource from the Detroit Renaissance District Peace Center!

 

a prayer upon waking

"the deepest joy this universe knows"

A Kingdom without a King is just -dom

My 100th post!

An Urbanizing Planet

Clip about the Spiky World and the need for sustainable urban development.

“It is in that divine space that God’s Spirit prays in us.”

“It is in that divine space that God’s Spirit prays in us.”  (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Making all things new, page 90.)

The Holy Spirit praying in us.  Thank you, Father Nouwen, for this image.

Nouwen did not cite scripture or tradition as proof for this image.  He stated it as a truth.

God’s Spirit is praying in you in that divine space, and is praying for . . . what?  Nouwen wanted us to learn to listen, as individuals and as communities, and discern what God wants.

I’ve been thinking about the prayer experience I blogged about on Sept. 23 as “coming to attention.”  Yes I know, a military image so maybe not a positive association for some of you.  A divine drill sergeant barks, “A-ten-tion!” and the ranks of the enlisted go rigid in response.

Not the image of yourself or of God that you favor?  How about this-- a dog closely watches a trainer waiting for the next command.  The dog trusts the trainer, enjoys the tasks it is given to do, and loves the rewards it earns.  Anticipation of the joy to come is evident in the way the animal cocks its head, looks on with intelligent, eager eyes, and tenses its muscles preparing to obey.

Attend.  Anticipate.  Obey.  Repeat.

I think Attention and Anticipation are the best terms for what I experience at times in prayer. Now to move on to the next phase Nouwen mentioned-- Discern and Obey. That would be tremendous. I'm not there yet (other than to know that Love of God and Neighbor is what God always wants).

Help for when your zest for preaching fades