My Pastoral Ponderings

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Category: Devotions

Posted on January 13, 2021January 12, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

The Meaning in the Waiting

Sometimes, the poet R.S. Thomas reminds us, the meaning is in the waiting. Here is a poem, prayer, psalm, and promise featuring the poem, "Kneeling," by R.S. Thomas.

Posted on January 11, 2021January 6, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

God’s Beloved

A sonnet inspired by the celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord.

Posted on January 6, 2021January 6, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

A Poem, Prayer, Psalm, and Promise Celebrating the Epiphany of Our Lord

As part of my ongoing series of "Poems, Prayers, Psalms, and Promises," here is a wonderful poem celebrating the Epiphany by Malcolm Guite, alongside some of the scripture readings appointed for the Epiphany of Our Lord.

Posted on January 4, 2021December 28, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 11 Comments

A Nonet Reflecting God’s Love

Here is a nonet poem celebrating God's love for us and the ways in which we can reflect that love into our world.

Posted on January 1, 2021January 4, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

Quote for a New Year – Dag Hammarskjöld

A few quotes from Dag Hammarskjöld and a few reflections on this new year.

Posted on December 31, 2020December 30, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman

The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry,…

Posted on December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

So Wondrously Protected

A "Poem, Prayer, Psalm, and Promise" as we prepare to enter a new year together, featuring Dietrich Bonhoeffer's poem, "By Powers of Good."

Posted on December 28, 2020December 27, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 13 Comments

Sonnet for Psalm 131

Psalm 131 offers us a beautiful but challenging image for prayer - our souls resting in God's presence like a weaned child with its mother. Here is my sonnet for this psalm, reflecting on this wonderful image.

Posted on December 26, 2020December 28, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Martin Luther on the Meaning of Christmas

"Do not make Mary of stone," Martin Luther said to his congregation in a famous Christmas sermon. Here is a portion of that inspiring sermon.

Posted on December 24, 2020December 24, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Christmas, Then and Always

Christmas, Then and Always Past and future come together this night, Forgotten, forgiven, by Love's pure light, Bowing before this loved, unknown stranger, Wrapped now in cloth, asleep in the manger. A promise fulfilled, for all who feel lost, Sin’s firm grip to be unbound by the cross. God's beloved Son, begotten before time, Now…

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