My Pastoral Ponderings

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Tag: Thomas Merton

Posted on January 21, 2022January 20, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 16 Comments

My Favorite Books for Spiritual Reading (Apart from the Bible)

What is spiritual reading, and what are some good books to be read in this way? Here is my reflection on that, and some suggested books.

Posted on September 4, 2021September 5, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Ephphatha, Be Opened: My Sermon on Mark 7:24-37

Jesus came to open our eyes and open our ears, but also to open our hearts. Here is my sermon on Mark 7:24-37.

Posted on July 27, 2021February 9, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Silence and Prayer

A few of my favorite quotes on silence, particularly as it relates to prayer.

Posted on July 15, 2021July 14, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

There Is No Going Back (Take Two)

There is no going back, Wendell Berry reminds us. I reflected on this truth after going back to my former congregation, and share my ponderings here.

Posted on July 1, 2021June 30, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

What Is Our Highest Freedom?

Thomas Merton once said that "the highest freedom is found in obedience to God." What did he mean? I reflect on that here as we get ready to celebrate Independence Day.

Posted on June 14, 2021August 2, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

Stranger by Thomas Merton

Reflections on "Stranger," a poem by Thomas Merton.

Posted on January 25, 2021March 3, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

My Favorite Quotes – Thomas Merton

"The only unhappiness is not to love God." - Thomas Merton

Posted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 11 Comments

Giving Thanks for Thomas Merton

Today, I am thinking with gratitude of one of my spiritual mentors and heroes in the faith, Thomas Merton, who died this day, December 10th. My life of faith has been deeply influenced by this remarkable man, so here are a few thoughts that I feel led to share.

Posted on October 5, 2020May 4, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

Sonnet for Psalm 8

How can we tell people they are walking around shining like the sun? Here is a sonnet I wrote inspired by Psalm 8, Thomas Merton, and by a recent experience at our local soup kitchen.

Posted on June 20, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

Talk about Things Good for Our Souls

The desert fathers and mothers from the 3rd and 4th centuries remind us that when we spend our time criticizing everything, "we drag one another down into the abyss." So let's talk about things that are good for our souls.

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Top Posts & Pages

  • What Does It Mean to Pray “Forgive Us Our Trespasses”?
  • Rejoice in the Lord: My Sermon on Philippians 4:4-7
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  • No More Sour Grapes: My Sermon on Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
  • Ephphatha, Be Opened: My Sermon on Mark 7:24-37
  • My Top 52 Scripture Passages to Memorize
  • Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten
  • How Does God Speak to Us? A Reflection on Hebrews 1:1-4
  • Who Do You Say that I Am?: My Sermon on Matthew 16:13-20
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