In 2011 political columnist David Brooks asked readers over 70 to write and send him “‘Life Reports'—essays about their own lives and what they done poorly and well.” Maybe the most revealing… — anonymous
by Ken Sehested
Composed after fumbling for worthy words, over several hours and much soul-shaking.
Invocation. “When You’re Broken Open.” —from Dance: 1, Anna Clyne, cello soloist, with Inbal Segev & London Philharmonic Orchestra & Marin Alsop
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
“He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
—Luke 24:35, story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus following Jesus’ execution
Read more ›
by Ken Sehested
The time has come to flee Pharaoh’s national security state for the insecurity of the wilderness.
Led by the Spirit and sustained by angels, we head to the desert for a throw-down with the Devil.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
The time has come to flee Pharaoh’s national security state for the insecurity of the wilderness.
Led by the Spirit and sustained by angels, we head to the desert for a throw-down with the Devil.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
The saints of old don’t wear golden crowns, or sit on lofty perch, mouthing caustic comments on how poorly we yet-mortal souls measure up to the glory of days past.
They, too, knew about keeping hope alive while getting dinner on the table, faucets fixed, carpools covered, and budgets balanced.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Note: On Reformation Sunday, 1981, my wife Nancy and I were jointly ordained to the ministry. The choice of Reformation Sunday was intentional.
Beloved, Who beckons us with the aroma of baking bread, Whose breast offers milk and sweet honey, Who showers manna in the wilderness, with fresh water from sheer rock, and instruction from the mountain.
We give thanks for our baptismal trek through the sea, on the road from slavery to freedom.
Read more ›Sisters and brothers: Before we get down to business, wrestling with what the Spirit has to say today, let’s do some stretching exercises. Don’t want any muscle strains in the house of the Beloved. Easy does it—bend and stretch and tip-toe fetch.
Love from your devotion, not from your ambition.
Be quick to praise, slow to blame.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
The disciples of John came to Jesus saying, “Dude, what’s up with this? John’s in prison, and you’re out here lollygagging in the boondocks! John wants to know when the revolution is getting underway. Are you the Man-in-
Charge or not?!”
Jesus said to them, “Go tell John what you see and hear.”
Read more ›by Walker Knight
Peace plans its strategy and encircles the enemy.
Peace, like war, is waged.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Sometimes knees grow weak and hearts grow faint.
Sometimes vision grows dim and resolve wavers.
Read more ›Subscribers receive full access to the entire prayer&politiks site. It’s free. Each week you will receive an automated email with a link to the new edition of the Signs of the Times column. All you provide is you name, email address and city, state or province, and country. This information is never shared with any other party. The only other agreement you make is to receive two solicitation letters per year, one in the spring, the other in the fall. (Which you are free to ignore. Your subscription is still free, and you may “unsubscribe” at any time.) This is our modern begging-bowl. Contributions are our sole source of support.