Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
It seems that every year, a song of the season captures my imagination. This year, the Grace Choir sings "The Lamb" which interprets and conveys a beautiful poem by William Blake.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A few weeks before my mother's last Christmas in 2002, she attended a worship service I was leading at Morningstar. When I opened the floor for prayer concerns, she announced "Even
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Oh God, as you formed me in your image, I ask that you reform me in your image. I ask not that I can use scripture to search your heart, But that I can allow you to use scripture t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Many of us look forward to having Christmas guests this time of year. My family started early. Last week, we had four very special visitors to start the season off right. A family
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I love this idea and I love this movement. It's something you might want to think about this Advent Season. There's a wonderful video below and there is also information at The Adv
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As Advent begins, I think of one of my favorite Advent quotes from Henri Nouwen. I share it with you in hopes that you have a blessed Advent. The paradox of expectation indeed is t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thanksgiving prayers rarely go below the surface. Have you ever paid attention to them? We thank God for food and for plenty, for family and friends, for our nation, and for freedo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Jesus, thanks for coming to visit. I was in my office reading Isaiah 42 during morning prayer, reflecting on the Messianic hope that you would be a light to the nations. I was cont
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I thought this was both entertaining and fascinating. Why not have fun doing the things that we do? Is not life full of mundane tasks such as stair climbing? Why not make it enjoya
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A friend recently asked if she could use my song "Living Stones" at a retreat and I was honored. It occured to me that I don't have the lyrics anywhere on my blog. I offer them as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Creatively responding to violence is a huge challenge for Christians. Those who were taught "blessed are the peacemakers" are called to pray and work toward reconciliation in the s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Lord, in the first chapter of Jeremiah you spoke a word expressing the brokenness of your heart because the people "worshipped the works of their own hands." You were speaking of t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Remembering My Mother at the Table When we come to the table, we feast with Christians far and near as well as Christians past and future. We find a profound and mystical connectio
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Henri Nouwen is perhaps my favorite spiritual writer and I ran across this excerpt recently. It resonates with my soul, since at times I realize I am so prone to carry the weight o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am continuing to post on my blog some liturgical resources I have published elsewhere. This is a version of the Great Thanksgiving which can be sung to HYMN TO JOY (commonly sung
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am continuing to post on this blog some of my hymns that are published elsewhere. One entitled "People of the Mantle" can be used either for general use or for ordination. I enjo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am continuing to post on my blog some things which I have published elsewhere. I wrote the words to "This is the Table of Welcome" and our music director at Grace UMC, Nylea Butl
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It occured to me that I have never posted in this blog some of the hymns and liturgical resources that I have published elsewhere. Here is my favorite of my own writings, the bapti
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Last Wednesday, my "raccoon devotional" appeared in the Upper Room. Just after the office opened, I got a random phone call from a kind woman in another part of the world (the Uppe
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It's official. One of my hymns is being published in real hymnal for the first time. In the spring, a new hymnal called "Celebrating Grace" is being published in association with M
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Yesterday was GraceFull Players Sunday at Grace UMC and I enjoyed it as always. One prayer was shared that I thought was simply beautiful, a prayer attributed to Mother Theresa. He
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. -- Ancient Chinese Proverb I have been thinking about this phrase ever since I saw it the other
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I was invited to write a week of devotionals for the 2011 edition of the Upper Room Disciplines. They are based on the lectionary scriptures for a week in October. Here is one. Sun
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been invited to write a week of devotionals for the 2011 Upper Room Disciplines. They are based on the lectionary for a week in October. Here is one. Tuesday, October 11 – R
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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