Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 645 pieces, gathered in one home.
A Spirituality of Prayer A man named Peter Annet once wrote that praying people are like sailors who cast their anchor on a rock and pull. They imagine they are pulling the rock to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
What is God's design for the Church? With mainline denominations in a long, slow numerical decline, there has been a lot of buzz about how to turn it around. What has emerged in th
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Mystery. What a word. 1 Corinthians 2 reminds me that Paul "proclaimed the mystery of God" not in big words but in simple Christ-focused terms. Yet, he said, "among the mature we s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am posting this on the day of my Uncle Warren's Memorial Service. The brother of my mother, Rev. Warren Hamby was a very special part of my life and an inspiration to many as pas
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Some of you may like to see a complete update on all the things that happened at Annual Conference this year. Here is a good synopsis on the conference web page (note that it start
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
On a recent Academy, I experienced more about Orthodox spirituality. In the process, I fell in love with this particular icon from Easter tradition. It depicts the "Old Testament T
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have a new iPod Touch application that shares quotes from Thomas a'Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ." From what I understand, this ancient work of spiritual depth is the most wid
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Having a hard time? Psalm 107 reminds me of the deep sense in which only those who have gone through great life struggles can truly "say so," claiming God's steadfast love endures
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my brainstorm about the next United Methodist hymnal that is a “bridge hymnal” into a new kind of hymnal resource. It would be a hybrid. 1) We would honor historic traditio
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I just heard the Hymnal Committee threw in the towel (due to UM Publishing House financial constraints) and will not work any more this quardennium. Maybe it's good I didn't make i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Deliver me, O Jesus, from the desire of being loved, from the desire of being extolled, from the desire of being honored, from the desire of being praised, from the desire of being
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This Mother's Day, I recalled a precious story from the informal annuls of family lore and I would like to share it with you. When my mother was six years old, she stepped on a Cop
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Sorry to bore those of you not interested, but I thought it best to post position papers I wrote concerning the proposed Constitutional Amendments we will be voting on at Annual Co
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Facebook is quite a craze and I'm afraid I'm hooked. I recently posted "Twenty-Five Random Things About Me" so here they are for you! 1) In 7th grade, I won 1st place in the Jeffer
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Wow! This is an intriguing article on a farmer who has spent an enormous amount of time building a replica of the temple in Jerusalem. What wonderful meditation he must have experi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There are times when I'm feeling down or cowering in fear. Times when I'm so challenged by the complexities and mysteries of human relationships that I don't know how I can keep go
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Don't you wish that spontaneous bursts of joy truly happened in public places? After all, we are Easter people! I love this amazing video and it is strangely inspiring. Be sure and
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
“So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.” Mark 1:8 Our nation is having a huge debate over w
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This poem by Joyce Rupp has touched me. It is entitled, “In Praise of the heart of Jesus.” The heart of Jesus Nearest to the Father’s heart A wellspring full of love Wholeness for
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Years ago, when I was leading an Easter Sunrise Service, a guest from the community dropped in. After the service I went up to greet her. She shared that she didn’t have a regular
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This weekend, we begin the "triduum," a traditional term for the movement of three events: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. The fullness of the resurrection can only be ex
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a new liturgy I have adapted for use on Easter for the lighting of the Paschal Candle during the opening Easter Hymn. I share it with others in case it may be helpful for y
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw a phenomenal post on the website "United Methodeviations." It concerns a study done on clery burnout and its direct correlation with the lack of attending to one's own spirit
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the liturgy I adapted for the consecration of our new Grace Ministry Center. I share it with you because it expresses my prayers and hopes for this holy space! Invitation (
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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