If I adore You out of fear of hell, burn me in hell. If I adore You out of desire for paradise, lock me out of paradise. But if I adore You alone, do not deny to me Your eternal beauty. — Rabia al-Adawiyya, 8th century Sufi mystic
by Ken Sehested
Call to Confession
The Word of Strong Deliverance is whispered in the ears of all who long for the relief of pardon. “Listen,” says the Assuring One, “all of you who thirst for righteousness, who hunger for justice, come to the waters. All of you who know you are broke, who have no way of buying your freedom, no way of bargaining for joy—come, buy, eat and rejoice!”
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Admiring Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream is not the same as being captured by it. Too many find it possible to respect the man but relinquish the mission.
It has become too easy to revere the dreamer but renege on the dream.
Read more ›Selected and arranged by Rev. Missy Harris
Circle of Mercy Congregation
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
O God of justice, ignite the hearts of our legislators with your commitment to truth and your demand for justice.
Give them wisdom to match their passion, intelligence to match their zeal.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Prior to his lynching at the hand of Roman rage, and to the cheers of Caiaphas’ temple tyranny, Pilate asks Jesus, “So, are you to be king?”
“So say you, Brother Pontius,” Jesus replies. (Which is to say, I am but not as you think.) “My reign is not planted in the world you imagine. If it were, all who claim me as lord would bloody the sword.”
Read more ›
by Ken Sehested
Worthy, worthy the One who conceived the earth and gave birth to bears and basil and beatitudes alike.
The earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work!
Read more ›The earth and all its environs were marked from the beginning as the Dwelling Place of abundance. In this once-and-future land the arrogant are humbled by the countenance of Truth.
Holy the Name, whose might is manifest in mercy. Prosper the work of every generous hand.
Turn back, O merchants of misery. Your market rule shall wither in the Light of Heaven’s approach.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Listen, O people of the Way, and take note. Your ancestors were once illegal aliens in the land of Southern Appalachia.* Boat people, all of you, undocumented immigrants. Scots-Irish trash; crackers and kaffirs, wetbacks and wops; gooks, goyim, gringos and gypsies.
Strangers we were, with no stake in the Promise; hopeless, helpless, beggarly-born.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Rouse yourselves, O creatures of clay, for it is I, the Potter of Heaven, who commands your attention!
We tremble, but trust that your grace is sufficient.
Read more ›The Blessed One is a stronghold of safety for those crushed by the world.
In every season of trouble, cling to this promise.
May this Name be upon your lips in every waking hour.
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