collect for Trinity 18
Lord God, heavenly Father: We are poor, miserable sinners; we know Thy will, but cannot fulfill it because of the weakness of our flesh and blood, and because our enemy, the devil, will not leave us in peace. Therefore we beseech Thee, shed Thy Holy Spirit in our hearts, that, in steadfast faith, we may cling to Thy Son Jesus Christ, . . .
Army cultural cowardice
the tragic discharge of Sgt. First Class Charles Martland
De oppresso liber
The motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces (aka. the "Green Berets") is legendary. Historically, this has been understood as meaning "to free from oppression." Unfortunately, the DoD and Army have decided that freeing the oppressed and doing what is right is not as important as tolerating . . .
Posted in: afghanistanethics
on worry and faith
For two of the last three Sundays, I have spent time on the subjects of worry and faith--once in the lectionary readings for chapel services and once by request to our youth Sunday School class. The text from the lectionary is Jesus' very familiar teaching from St. Matthew:
“No one can be a slave of two masters, since either . . .
Posted in: theology
collect for peace
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, . . .
RADical adoption
loving children who don't love back
Adoption is one of the biggest blessings you will ever encounter in your life. Three of our four children are adopted. It has been a joy and a treasure to watch them become part of a family where they are loved--to grow and flourish like no one thought possible. It warms my heart, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Adoption . . .
Posted in: adoption
collect for Trinity 17
Lord God, heavenly Father: We beseech Thee so to guide and direct us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may not exalt ourselves, but humbly fear Thee, with our whole hearts hear and keep Thy word, and hallow the Lord's day, that we also may be hallowed by Thy word; help us, first, to place our hope and confidence in Thy Son, Jesus Christ, . . .
collect for Trinity 15
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all Thy benefits: that Thou hast given us life and graciously sustained us unto this day: We beseech Thee, take not Thy blessing from us; preserve us from covetousness, that we may serve Thee only, love and abide in Thee, and not defile ourselves by idolatrous love of mammon, but hope and . . .
