Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 645 pieces, gathered in one home.
by Henri J.M. Nouwen Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Sandy and I are making the intentional effort of spending a bit less this Christmas. Honestly, I think we are going to enjoy it a lot more. I saw this video that has gotten me real
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Passionate Advent spirituality is all about longing with a stubborn and persistent hope. There is nothing bland or boring about it. God has done something in this world through the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I just found a wonderful daily online Advent devotional guide that might be helpful for your spirit as you connect with God's Spirit during this Advent season. I find it to be a be
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thoughts on Advent Spirituality When I think of what Advent could mean if we let the words and images of the season sink in, I remember the holidays of 1989. Sandy and I were visit
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have returned from a week of refreshing renewal at the Academy for Spiritual Formation. Dick Eslinger taught writing the berakah (Hebrew "blessing"), the traditional form for pra
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently saw this fascinating article on the spirituality of gratitude. It is written by Father Kevin Goodrich, an Anglican Dominican priest. May it help prepare our hearts for T
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This week, we witnessed with awe an extremely significant moment in history as the first African American was elected to the presidency of the United States. I don’t wish to discus
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a wonderful prayer by Ken Carter for the United States Presidential Election. May this be our prayer as the people of God. I pray that whatever the outcome, we unite around
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Of course. However, many contemporary Christians are concerned about Halloween. Given the rise in the practice of witchcraft, the occult, and satanic worship, coupled with the fact
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Methodists are a diverse people. Wesley is well known for saying “we may not all think alike, but can we not all love alike?” Even though we see things in different ways, as a whol
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a Franciscan Blessing I recently shared in worship. I found it to be powerful. What do you think? May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superf
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
On Sunday, I shared about Randy Pausch's inspiring "last lecture" while considering our theme "Journey to a Grateful Heart." Facing death from pancreatic cancer (which transpired 3
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently heard a brief and fascinating interview given by Carl McColman. He finds a way to clarify what mysticism is in his interview on mysticism. Check it out! Here is what I w
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Have you ever pondered each decade of your life as you look back? I suppose this would only work for those who have lived a few! Someone once defined spirituality as "poring over t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My old high school friend, Greg, is the youth minister at a Catholic church near me. In this week's GregCast, he encourages people to "vote your faith" through a humorous, absurd j
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Many summers of my adult life, I have been a part of the leadership team of Music and Arts Week at Sumatanga. It is one of the "thin places" in my life where I have found a deeper
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I wouldn't dream of suggesting how our nation should address this economic crisis. I try to be a thoughtful voter as a part of my Christian spirituality and I seek responsible citi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I've had a lot of wonderful conversations since this past Sunday about "marshmallow moments." I told a story in my sermon of a vivid memory with my younger brother, sorting out mar
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Let nothing disturb you nothing distress you; while all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart nothing is lacking, God is enough. As I reflect
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw this quote today and wanted to share it, since my sermon last week generated several good discussions about forgiveness around the church. The quote is "The weak can never fo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I read a fascinating column on spirituality and elections that we might want to keep in mind as we sort through all the mudslinging this year. My favorite quote is "Yes, we rightly
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I found an article on the The Pastor's Spiritual Life I encourage you to link to. I really appreciated the article and couldn't agree more! I have been a pastor for 19 years. About
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I went to a funeral recently that was one of the most wonderful resurrection experiences I've ever had. It was for an outstanding Methodist laywoman and friend, held at a Missionar
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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