Litanies & Prayers

by Ken Sehested

John.

Such a tame name for a man born to inhabit
           the wild side of heaven’s incursion into
           earth’s contempt.

by Ken Sehested

THE SCRIPTURES DECLARE: After the flood, God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you, for all future generations: I will set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you and every living creature. I will never again curse the ground of humankind; neither will I ever again destroy every living creature.” (Genesis 9:12-13; 8:21)

In response to this word, we resolve to honor God’s covenant of peace with all creation by finding ways to make peace and to restore justice in my our personal lives, in our familes, in our communities and our workplaces.

by Ken Sehested

Take my life and let it be / consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
    In all seasons, in every shape and condition of our lives,
      transform our minds and hearts in ways that magnify the rule of Mercy:

In ways that conform to Your extravagant and redemptive purposes;
    in our hopes and promises, in our joys and our sorrows,
      whether rising or resting, at home or away,
            at work and at play, with those near and dear but also with strangers,
              in our longing and our learning to love enemies.

by Ken Sehested

Join with me—if you dare—in making these resolutions for the coming year:

In all seasons and conditions, transform lives to magnify the rule of Mercy,

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.

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.

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!

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?