After coming into contact with a religious man I always feel I must wash my hands. — Friedrich Nietzsche
Sister Anna. Last-named prophet in Holy Writ, more
likely listed among household property and livestock.
When did your Temple-dwelling vocation begin?
What sustained your twenty-four-seven vigil
for all those years?
Anna, school us in the habits
of vigilant perseverance.
by Ken Sehested
Sisters and brothers, lend your ears to this teaching, for it is true and lasting. Do not say with your lips, “The Spirit of the Lord! The Spirit of the Lord!” when your hearts are shackled in fear, enslaved to security.
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
In seasons of dark desire eyes strain for Eden’s refrain and flickered light ’mid the fright of earth’s travail. Oh, Beloved. . . .
Unleash your Voice of Pardon from wrath’s consuming reign. Speak peace to the hungered of heart.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
Let tender resolve loose the bonds of revenge. All flesh is destined for Heaven’s Delight!
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
What is it you wish to know, oh mortal one?
Do you think you must ascend to the highest heaven or descend to the deepest pit?
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Listen, all you who stagger in desert waste,
disgraced by gloom’s unremitting groan, dragged
daily to death’s gate and the sea’s drowning flood.
The Blessed One stands at the gate of plenty.
The Beloved waits by the well of refreshment.
by Ken Sehested
We enter this house of meeting with lips pursed in praise, voicing rejoicing, hearts heaving to the rhythm of mercy and the beat of beatitude.
’Cause we woke up this morning with our minds stayed on freedom. And stayed on Jesus.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Merciful One, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you hear my thoughts from far away.
Encompass me with your Presence, and lay your hand on my heart.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Following the dramatic response to Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost, the text reports that the newly-formed People of the Way devoted themselves to listening and learning, to lingering in each other’s presence, to potluck dinners, and to prayer—with praise and pintos, songs and salads, received and given ’round the Bountiful Table.
Hands and hearts, bound together, loosed for life and Love’s consent.
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