Psalm 69 from Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

I was talking with a colleague about prayer yesterday and she mentioned Psalm 69 to me. I looked it up in my favorite Psalm version, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill. There is much to ponder in this Psalm. 

It's not a short one. It goes from the bottom of page 127 to almost the bottom of page 131. 

As I read and reflect on the words, there are phrases throughout that speak to me. I have written them as they are in their sections. As there are no verses in this version, I will compare to a different version to get the verses.

--------

O Beloved, create within me a clean heart! Let me live simply, sharing what I have with those in need, that the abundance of your creation might be reflected! Let me speak out of the Silence, that through the words given, others will learn of You!

Let me see with the heart's eye; let me hear through the heart's ear.
Give me the sensitivity to hear your Word, and the courage to speak it. 

Let heaven and earth praise the Creator, the seas and all that dwell therein.
For in the Most High lies our salvation, the healing of the nations; 
And we, the people of the Eternal One, are invited, we are called, 
to co-creation, to co-operation; thus will future generations inherit the planet renewed, 

and those who live the way of Love shall dwell with Love forever. Amen. (verses 34-36)

-----------

It's not always easy to "match" the verses, because there is a difference with this version. I was able to "match" the last section. 

Yet, the Psalm is still a prayer. A deep prayer. A prayer for change, healing, wholeness. The passages that have stood out to me this time are worth reflection and pondering.

Looking at what caught my attention, I see the word "heart" repeated several times, as well as "Love". I think I will ponder Psalm 69 a little while longer.

Peace, 

Rev. Deb

Last minute opportunity to preach last week

Last Friday evening I saw I had missed a call from earlier that afternoon. I listened to the message and called back as soon as I had the opportunity. The result of the conversation was that I would be doing pulpit supply on Sunday at two locations for my colleague. I was glad to be able to fill in for my colleague who needed the help. My schedule happened to be open, so it worked out. I hadn't preached at either of the churches in a long while, but I knew them both, one more than the other as I had been a member of it prior to becoming clergy. 

The sermon was written. Sunday came. I headed to the first church. 

The sign outside the church caught my attention. It said: "Your life is a canvas-- paint it with God's love". The focus of the sermon was God's love. When I got inside the church, there were a few people already there. A few others came later. It was a small turn out, but we had a good time of worship. The small, but hearty choir sang a special song, "God is Calling Us"  by Natalie Sleeth. Some of the lyrics: "If the song's to be sung, we must sing it! If the love's to be shared, we must bring it! For God is calling us now indeed, to go where there is need If the word's to be heard, we must speak it! If the peace is to come, we must seek it!

Other songs came from "The Faith We Sing" ("There's a Song") and "Worship and Song" ("Give Me Jesus"). It was a good blend of music, as there was also a song from the United Methodist Hymnal (UMH). The children's message was partially about grace and hit on some of the things in the sermon. It was neat how things came together, even though it wasn't planned for me to be there. 

At the 2nd church, a handmade bookmark in the Bible that read "God is love" from 1 John 4:8 caught my attention because that was one of the verses I referenced in the sermon. 

I enjoyed the music at the 2nd church too, as the drum, piano, and organ worked together to lead us in worshipful praise. 

Though I prepared one sermon and preached it two times, it was almost two different sermons because it changed. I couldn't really tell you exactly what I changed, but I know I used some different examples in each place. That's how it was when I consistently preached at two different churches every Sunday. It was always interesting to see how the Holy Spirit moved.

Here is the basic sermon. I say "basic" because as I noted above, it changed. It got edited here and there in the giving of it. The foundation is the same. Maybe there is something there for the reader today. Who knows? 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Know the Love of Christ”

Ephesians 3:14-21

July 28, 2024

Grace and Fairview UMC

 
Good morning!
As we continue in our time of worship this morning, will you pray with me?
 
“God of Light, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.” (Prayer for Illumination, UMH, in Upperroom WorshipBook, page 35)
Today’s Scripture passage comes from Ephesians 3:14-21, from the Common English Bible:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
¹⁴ This is why I kneel before the Father. ¹⁵ Every ethnic group in heaven or on earth is recognized by him. ¹⁶ I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. ¹⁷ I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, ¹⁸ I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. ¹⁹ I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.
²⁰ Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; ²¹ glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEADER: THE BREAD OF LIFE.
PEOPLE: THANKS BE TO GOD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I gave this passage a different title than Braxton, taking the title from verse 19 as a focus verse: “Know the Love of Christ”.
Before we get there, let’s look at the passage.  The passage begins with “this is why I kneel before the Father.” What is the “why” here? To understand that, we need to go back a bit. In the preceding verses, there is much talk by the apostle Paul about God’s grace and the strength that offers. In verse 12, we read this from Paul: “In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in him”. It is that bold and confident access that causes Paul to kneel before God and pray for the Ephesians. In this prayer he asks several things in verses 16-19.
 
There are four “I ask that” statements. Two are Paul asking God and Christ on behalf of the Ephesians and two are Paul asking the Ephesians to respond.
 
·      I ask that he (Father) will strengthen you in your inner selves (16)
·      I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith (17)
·      I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth (18)
·      I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge (19)
 
Both verses 18 and 19 put the responsibility onto the hearer of the letters (in those days)…. Or hearer or reader in current times.
 
How do we grasp the love of Christ and know it beyond knowledge?
 
If we are to grasp its width and length, its height and depth, how are we to do that beyond knowledge?
 
It’s similar to having “peace that passes all understanding”, right?! We are somehow able to have these things that are beyond measurement and capability. How does that even work? It goes back to grace. God’s grace, which is ongoing for us, throughout our entire lives and faith journeys. We don’t stop growing or learning.
 
And because of that, we can continue to learn about Christ’s love, how we are to love, and what that all means.
 
We can look to Christ to see his love. Christ modeled love through humility and compassion for others. We know he took on the role of a servant when he washed the disciples’ feet. He cared for those who were sick, had disease. He brought back people from the dead. He defended the poor, the widow, the orphan. Jesus showed love in many situations.
 
Jesus set the example but also left us with words when he shared the greatest commandments…to love the Lord God and to love neighbor as ourself, as found in Matthew 22:37-40: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
1 John 4:8 reminds us that God is love. 1 John 4:9 goes on to say this: ⁹ This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him.
1 John 4:16 says: ¹⁶ We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them.
If we are to “know the love of Christ” as Paul is praying to the Father here in Ephesians, then we will seek to better understand how Christ loved, who Christ loved, and how we can love as Christ loved. We will seek to love God and others as ourselves. We won’t always get it right, because we aren’t Christ. But grace abounds and we can keep trying.
The love and power of Christ is within us and as we continue to allow Christ to work in us and through us, growing us on our spiritual path, we will “know the love of Christ” .
Paul ends this passage with these words, a fitting ending for us today, as we recognize that God is able to do more within us than we can ask or imagine: “²⁰ Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; ²¹ glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.”

Rev. Deb

BOOK REVIEW: Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practices of Social Transformation by Daniel Wolpert

 

I have written about this book before on my blog: Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practice of Social Transformation (July 10)

I finished reading it a few days ago and I started writing a book review. I had promised a friend and colleague a book review for the national newsletter. So, I wrote it. It took two days to complete it, but I sent it off yesterday. It will be shared in an upcoming edition of a Hearts on Fire newsletter, but I thought I'd share it here for those who might be interested in the book.

I invite and encourage you to check it out. If you're interested in discussing the book, let me know. I'm still "chewing on it" in reflection.

Here is my review: 

"I sit in silent reflection as I just closed the back cover of this book. There is so much in these pages that resonates with me, to soak in, to live out. This book is an easy read, yet challenging. Just as the spiritual practices mentioned are simple, yet not easy, as the author admits readily in several places throughout the book.

Wolpert takes us into spiritual practices that lead to social transformation by looking at what Jesus said rather than what we have attempted to say that Jesus said over the years. By not listening deeply to God incarnate, we have perpetuated social injustice, a view of a heavenly only kingdom and other things that aren’t in the teachings of Jesus.

If the reader is willing to read this book with an open mind, there is much to see and learn. How do we start to attend to God’s presence? How can we listen in prayer rather than speak unnecessary words? How can we live in the here and now, in this kin-dom on earth, as we are called to do in the Lord’s Prayer?

These are some of the questions swirling around as I finish the book.

Format of the book: at the beginning of each chapter is a scriptural passage that relates to the practice in that chapter. The twelve practices are: willful attention, boundary creation, fearless humility, self-awareness, powerful presence, compassionate relationship, serving God, radical trust, letting go, discernment, loving your enemy, and prayer.

For me, this is a book that deserves at least a 2^nd read, and likely a 3^rd one. It will take time for the concepts, nuggets of truth, and practices to seep into my thinking and action. It’s a book that I would recommend using as a group study or a book club, as a way to discuss it with others.

If I were to include only one quote from the book, I think it would be this one: “One of the main reasons people find spiritual practices challenging is that it is hard and painful to encounter our own judgmentalism.”  (67)  I encourage anyone who desires to grow, to take the challenge of this book to look inward and to live outward. It will not be an easy process, but it will be transformational, if you allow it to be."

Rev. Deb

LINKS:

PODCAST EPISODE FOR THE BOOK: Liminal Living S3 E20: Daniel Wolpert: Looking Inward, Living Outward

Daniel Wolpert, author bio-- From the Upper Room

BOOK REVIEW: Broken to Belong-- a novel by Charity Muse

I have only written a few book reviews in my life and because it's not something I do very often, it isn't a honed skill for me. However, I felt compelled to write something after reading Charity Muse's first novel Broken to Belong. 

"Though Broken to Belong by Charity Muse is a novel, it drew me in as if it were a real life situation. The novel focuses on a safe house for LGBTQ+ youth in the rural south and the community conflict from those who are hateful toward such a place. Themes of suicide, hate, rejection by family, struggles with faith and God, grief, were covered in the novel, as well as themes of God’s love, families that loved their kids, found family, lesbian relationships, and how everyone seeks to simply belong. This novel offers insight into making a difference in people’s lives—how we can offer hope and healing to those who have been broken and what we can do by offering our unique and authentic selves to standing up against hate. As a parent, a pastor, an ally, and a member of PFLAG, I found this novel to be hard to put down as I read the stories of parents, families, and friends. I could relate with much of it. There are parts of the novel that were difficult for me—how “Christians” sought to destroy human beings and how they attacked not only people, but property, using scare tactics. Yet, there was redemption in the novel as love won, in more ways than one. There is romance and friendship in this book.

The novel is written through the eyes of two main characters, taking the reader through their experiences. It is well written. Music was woven throughout the novel, playing an important role. There’s even a soundtrack with original music and another listening list that offers the other music listed in the book. You can get more information at charitymmuse.com/brokentobelong.

You can read the novel by yourself or use it in a group. There is a downloadable discussion guide to use once you’ve read the book. By using this guide and/or other questions, you will be able to engage in meaningful discussion on important topics.

As the book ended, I found myself hoping for an updated next novel to continue the story. I recommend this book, recognizing that some of the themes (suicide, faith, hate) might be difficult for a reader. Because these are topics that touch our lives in one way or another, it’s worth the read."

You can find the book through Amazon or possibly other online bookstores. It might be sold locally in a bookstore. I am not 100% sure. You might be able to find Charity at a local event (as I did) and buy it from her... and get it autographed. :) 

If you read the book and have some comments, I invite you to share them here.

Charity will also be at Wild Goose if you are headed there. If you see her there, tell her hello for me.

Deb

P.S. Even before I finished the book, I wrote this about it, only having read a few pages into it. :)

I picked up this book I have been wanting to read by a local author at a mini market on Sunday. This is someone I have known for several years, taken three trainings from, heard sing, etc. I have been wanting to read her book. On a breezy morning I started chapter one and I am hooked. It is engaging, well-written, and it made me look back and think-- 'I thought that was the same song . This quote on page 7 is powerful: "I like to think that every smile, every laugh, and every moment of joy a resident feels acts like a fault line, cracking across the pain they carry, reaching down until it's only their true selves that remain, unfettered by the deep loss they've been through." And, my personal note is fitting-- from professor to pastor to chaplain to simple me, I offer a place for people to belong. So does the author. So do many. I invite you to read this book! Read it in a group and discuss it. Local folks might be able to invite the author for a reading.

Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practice of Social Transformation

I purchased this book in advance on May 21, 2024. It arrived on June 4th. I have carried it around with me to Annual Conference and other places, but just cracked it open this morning. I am not disappointed by what I have read so far. I am eager to read more and to see how these words help transform me and my spiritual practices.

I met the author, Daniel Wolpert, last summer at a retreat in Atlanta, GA for Hearts on Fire / The Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders. He is an excellent teacher. I knew I would be interested in his upcoming book.

Here are the nuggets that have caught my attention thus far: 

Wolpert reminds us that transformation is always happening (12). He distinguishes between "unconscious transformation" (13) and "conscious transformation" (14). 

Wolpert writes, "I encourage all who engage in spiritual practice to view it as a journey of self-compassions and curiosity, rather than of guilt or shame." (15) He notes that the point of the book is "to invite you [the reader] into more profound ways of engaging a life with God." (15)  He continues: "Our spiritual life isn't about finding the one right answer. It is a journey of going deeper. Whatever has led you to this book has been part of your path, and now you are entering the next stage of your journey." (15)

I find those words encouraging and exciting. I have seen the spiritual path as a journey for many years. And, the words I have quoted above give me hope as I continue to learn and grow.

Wolpert writes, "We are always growing, always changing, always facing the opportunity to wake up to discern God's call." (16)

That resonates and fits my experience. I have experienced transition after transition, continuing to learn, grow, experience new things. To recognize that new spiritual practices, new tools and resources are part of the journey and are normal is again encouraging and exciting. 

Wolpert exhorts the reader: "let us stay open to the great depth that these deceptively and paradoxically simple practices can bring to our existence as we allow God to enter our collective lives and transform us." (17)

As I begin this adventurous journey of being open to what I will find in this book, I am open. I look forward to the journey of deeper and engaging a life with God.

Daniel will be at the Wild Goose Festival. If you are there, look him up. Tell him I said "hi". 

If you decide to read this book, share the nuggets that resonate with you in the comments.

Let's learn and grow together on the deeper journey.

Deb

Reflecting on a Nickname

I was going through my Facebook memories today and saw a post that caused me to reflect and chuckle.

I chuckled because of the word "pasture". It's a nickname given to me by a special friend. It's his way of relating to me as a clergy person and truthfully, "pasture" fits quite well for me. There has been tons of manure in my life over the years. Manure helps things grow. As the saying goes, manure happens. Well, that's not quite how the saying goes, but you get what I mean. Maybe.

So, seeing the word "pasture" come up brought a smile to my face and a chuckle. I am no longer this person's pastor, but I am still this person's friend. We worship together at an outdoor worship gathering monthly and keep in touch.

This person writes extremely well and is also an artist. He draws, paints, and is a photographer. I am privileged to have one of his paintings I bought a few years back. It reminds me of a special time and place in ministry.

His words here are good for reflection. I am not 100% sure, but they are likely his reflections on a sermon. He often drew and wrote after sermons. I use the past tense because he hasn't drawn in a while. He still takes pictures and writes reflections from time to time.

I am grateful for Thorny Gates.

Here are his words from June 7, 2020.

Parable of the lost sheep.

When one lamb was in trouble, the shepherd left the 99 to find the sheep.

Do you think the 99 left behind were shouting
baa baa ALL SHEEP MATTER? Of course not!

It wasn’t because the other 99 sheep didn’t matter,
it was because the one was in trouble.

Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd?
are we not suppose to follow His example?
It is well past time we stand up for the ones
who are being hurt.

Pasture me,
Pastor me,
Shepherd me
so i can shepherd others. 

May we learn from these words and stand up for those who hurt, who are in trouble. May we shepherd others. May we remember to make time to look around for the one.

Signed, 

"Pasture" Deb

World Labyrinth Day 2024

A few months back I offered to lead and teach a session on prayer labyrinths at the church that sent me into ministry, Burks UMC in Hixson, TN. They began a monthly prayer focus on the first Saturday of each month, so it fit in well. My plan was to talk briefly, allow people to learn by experience, then debrief their experience.

photo taken in 2016 of labyrinth

I used this photo for "advertising"

The labyrinth at Burks UMC is outdoors. In the back of my mind, I did ask myself 'what about rain?'. Well, I intended to check into finding an indoor labyrinth to have on hand, but then there was a death in the family that took priority of brain, time, and energy. I prepared for it to be outdoors by gathering several labyrinth books, printing out some brochures from the church, a history of the Burks UMC labyrinth, and an article about the health benefits of walking a labyrinth.

Then the day came. It rained. Oops. I grabbed my hiking raincoat and some umbrellas and headed over there. I set up things in the back of my car, with the trunk open. Thankfully, the rain was more of a drizzle. People did show up! We had a total of 6 (including myself) for the World Labyrinth Day at Burks UMC.

Here is what I posted on social media and some of the pictures I took:

World Labyrinth Day 2024 at Burks UMC.

5 brave souls (+ me = 6) came out in the sprinkling rain to walk and pray the labyrinth at Burks UMC on this World Labyrinth Day. Some brought their own umbrellas and others used some I brought. The rain slacked off eventually. The smell of honeysuckle filled the air and birds chirped and sang. It was a beautiful time to learn, to experience, to practice, to pray. It was good to hear the reflections of those who attended. The second time I walked I saw a mushroom on the path and a bunny on the outside.

#WorldLabyrinthDay

#WorldLabyrinthDay2024

#labyrinth

#spiritualpractice

#BurksUMC

The Luna bar quote says:

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."

I enjoy teaching others. I enjoy teaching, leading, and sharing the spiritual practices that are meaningful to me with others. I am a shepherd pastor. It is good for me to be able to live into my created being. And to do so on a day that commemorated the anniversary of the passing of the ordination for women in the United Methodist Church.... well, that added meaning. I was living into my leading and being, in spite of ongoing challenges in society that tell me I cannot be a pastor because of my gender. 

If you are interested in learning more about labyrinths, you don't need to wait until the first Saturday in May. 

There are links below to The Labyrinth Society and a labyrinth locator so you can find a labyrinth near you. 

If you are in the Chattanooga/N. Georgia area and you've never walked/prayed a labyrinth, I will be glad to accompany you. There are several in our area.

Peace on the journey, 

Deb

LINKS:

The Labyrinth Society

The Labyrinth Locator

OTHER BLOGPOSTS I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT LABYRINTHS:

(NOTE: I actually have written close to 30 blogposts about labyrinths. I am not going to post them all here. If you are interested in finding them, you can search the term "labyrinth" in my blog. I have written about most every labyrinth that I've walked, except the new one I recently walked in Sarasota, FL. I'll get around to it (a round "tuit") eventually.

World Labyrinth Day 2018

Walking the path... my labyrinth experiences