Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering. — Leonard Cohen
by Ken Sehested
"Why are you cast down,
O my soul,
and why are you
disquieted within me?" (Psalm 42:5a)
We are a people acquainted with grief.
In the bonds of this Body none need be embarrassed
at the sound of sobbing, of the soul’s aching groan.
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
¶ 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”
Read more ›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.”
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?
Read more ›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.")
§ § §
Read more ›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.")
§ § §
Read more ›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!
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.
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
¶ Call to worship—salsified Beethoven. Beethovan’s 5th Symphony, Sinfonia Cinco Salsa arranged by Sverre Indris Joner.
Read more ›by Nancy Hastings Sehested
Mercy is not mercy if it is offered to those who deserve it.
It is not ignoring cruelties or violence.
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