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News, views, notes, and quotes

22 October 2015  •  No. 43

Invocation.  “When hope is aroused—or even the possibility of that hope’s approach—the body, of it’s own accord, fills with a reservoir of bated breath, as though preparing for the shouts of joy and happiness, victory and triumph, that are sure to come, no longer checked by the dams of possibility and doubt shored with the black mortar of cynicism.” —continue reading “When hope is aroused” by “Ghost,” a maximum security prisoner

Photo by Peggy Coleman. See more of her award-winning photography.

Call to worship. “No greater love hath any than to yield / Privilege and pow’r to welcome and to shield / The least, the lost, the whole creation healed / Alleluia! Alleluia!” —continue reading Ken Sehested’s new hymn lyrics to “For All the Saints”

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Good news report from Gerald

First prayer&politiks annual report

A note from Gerald, prayer&politiks’ guardian angel and synod convener

GOOD NEWS!  The advisory synod overseeing the vision and mission of prayer&politiks has heartily recommended another year of work.

When prayer&politiks began in November 2014, the commitment was for one year, to assess whether the need and the support was evident. In September we employed a communications consultant to help with evaluation. Her conclusions: both the quantity and the quality of the survey returns were “exceptional.”

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When hope is aroused

by "Ghost," a maximum security prisoner

When hope is aroused—or even the possibility of that hope’s approach—the body, of it’s own accord, fills with a reservoir of bated breath, as though preparing for the shouts of joy and happiness, victory and triumph, that are sure to come, no longer checked by the dams of possibility and doubt shored with the black mortar of cynicism.

Unfortunately, this air, this breath, this Spirit, must go somewhere. No man, no woman, can live long with held breath! But where? Where, if disappointment is strapped to the back of the dawn, yet again, like a plow whose dull blade knifes through hearts swollen with hope?

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Thomas Merton

A special edition of "Signs of the Times" featured quotes from that most unusual monk

Selected and edited by Ken Sehested

Introduction: A special issue of “Signs of the Times” devoted to Thomas Merton (31 January 1915 – 10 December 1968) quotes was already in the works, to mark the centennial of his birth. But when Pope Francis, in his historic address to a joint session of Congress, lifted Merton's name for special recognition (along with three other Americans), it seemed timely to move up the schedule. (Continue reading Ken Sehested’s "Introduction: The Quotable Thomas Merton.")

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Thomas Merton

A special edition of "Signs of the Times" featured quotes from that most unusual monk

Selected and edited by Ken Sehested

Introduction: A special issue of “Signs of the Times” devoted to Thomas Merton (31 January 1915 – 10 December 1968) quotes was already in the works, to mark the centennial of his birth. But when Pope Francis, in his historic address to a joint session of Congress, lifted Merton's name for special recognition (along with three other Americans), it seemed timely to move up the schedule. (Continue reading Ken Sehested’s "Introduction: The Quotable Thomas Merton.")

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For All the Saints

New lyrics for an old hymn

by Ken Sehested

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast*
We praise the Name alone in which we boast
Seal our unity around Thy Host
Alleluia! Alleluia!

We stand amid the wonderment and woe
Caressing each other, as You our hearts console
Break forth in song, all creatures here below!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

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Beatitudes

A litany for worship inspired by Matthew 5:1-12

by Ken Sehested

Blessed are the poor, they shall all be raised
Blessed, you mournful, sorrow turning to praise
Blessed are the meek, all the earth be yours
Blessed: all the hungry-hearted shall endure.

Chorus:  Rock on, you beatitudes, teach me to pray.
               Rock on, you beatitudes, help me obey.
               Jesus, lead me on along the Pilgrim Way.
               Rock on, ‘til the coming of the Bright New Day.

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News, views, notes, and quotes

15 October 2015  •  No. 42

Invocation. “I could not move against this wind if I did not pray. / And all that is said of me that is untrue / would make lame my gait if I / could not free myself from / the weight of other's / malice. —Rabia of Basri (c. 717-801), among the most influential female Islamic saints and a central figure in the Sufi tradition

Left: Calligraphy by a.levant (deviant art)

Call to worship—salsified Beethoven. Beethovan’s 5th Symphony, Sinfonia Cinco Salsa arranged by Sverre Indris Joner.

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Bombs and balm

Remembering Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffit

by Ken Sehested

        Recently declassified documents confirmed what many had long suspected, that former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet ordered the 1976 assassination of former diplomat Orlando Letelier, along with his colleague, Ronni Karpen Moffit, in Washington, DC. This news is of especially personal significance.

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