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Month: February 2021

Posted on February 27, 2021February 28, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 7 Comments

The Only Life that Matters: My Sermon on Mark 8:31-38

Jesus teaches us through his life and ministry that the only life that truly matters is found by losing our life for his sake. Here is my sermon on Mark 8:31-38.

Posted on February 26, 2021August 2, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Gethsemane by Mary Oliver

Here is a powerful poem by Mary Oliver about this moment in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus found his disciples sleeping.

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Considering Purim during Lent: Seeking and Finding, Darkness and Light, Sorrow and Joy

Here is a very interesting reflection on the festival of Purim, which begins this evening at sunset, and its connection to our Christian lives. I found it very thought-provoking, and I think you will, too.

Posted on February 24, 2021September 21, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 14 Comments

What Does It Mean to Pray “Thy Will Be Done”?

What does it mean to pray, "Thy will be done"? Here is my reflection on this question.

Posted on February 23, 2021February 18, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Book Review: Dakota: A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris

Here is my review of Dakota by Kathleen Norris.

Posted on February 22, 2021May 4, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

Sonnet for Psalm 101

Psalm 101 offers us a pledge to God of integrity and justice. Here is a sonnet that I wrote based on this psalm.

Posted on February 20, 2021February 24, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence

Facing Our Wilderness with Jesus: My Sermon on the First Sunday in Lent

Facing Our Wilderness with Jesus: My Sermon on the First Sunday in Lent

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Lent’s Bright Sadness

"Bright sadness is the true message and gift of Lent." - Alexander Schmemann

Posted on February 18, 2021February 17, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther

As part of my ongoing series of "Poems, Prayers, Psalms, and Promises," here is a hymn written by Martin Luther which is a wonderful poem to reflect on for Ash Wednesday.

Posted on February 17, 2021February 19, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

Pray in Secret: My Sermon on Ash Wednesday

"Shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret," Jesus teaches us. This year, because of this pandemic, many of us are forced not only to pray in secret, but to worship behind our closed door, too. Here is my sermon for this most unusual of Ash Wednesdays.

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