My Pastoral Ponderings

Posted on April 3, 2021April 2, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 12 Comments

Hell Trembles with Fear

God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear. - From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday

Posted on April 2, 2021August 2, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Good Friday by Christina Rossetti

Good Friday's Poem, Prayer, Psalm, and Promise.

Posted on April 1, 2021March 31, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Jesus Loved Us to the End: My Sermon on Maundy Thursday

Jesus "loved them to the end," John tells us. Here is my sermon on John 13:1-17, 31b-35.

Posted on March 31, 2021September 21, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 16 Comments

Why Pray “For Thine Is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory”?

Why do we end the Lord's Prayer with these words, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen"?

Posted on March 30, 2021March 29, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

The Seven Last Words Spoken by Jesus on the Cross

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Holy Week by Ann Weems

Holy Week's Poem, Prayer, Psalm, and Promise

Posted on March 28, 2021March 27, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Kenosis

A poem inspired by Philippians 2:5-11, which is read every year on the Sunday commemorating the Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.

Posted on March 27, 2021March 25, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

Hearts Made Full: My Sermon on Philippians 2:5-11

Hearts Made Full: My Sermon on Philippians 2:5-11, preached on Palm Sunday.

Posted on March 26, 2021March 25, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

Favorite Quotes – Martin Luther

"Pray, and let God worry." - Martin Luther

Posted on March 25, 2021March 26, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence

The Donkey by G.K. Chesterton

Palm Sunday's Poem, Prayer, Psalm, and Promise