This day are opened, our mouths to give thanks. They who opened the breaches, have opened my sons’ mouths. (St Ephraim the Syrian, The Nisibene Hymns) The night begins our day; we raise our open mouths to praise. The sky falls in orange sleep, but wait expectant of the dawn. The gates are breached; theContinue reading “Damascus Road Prayers: Ramsho (Evening Prayer)”
Category Archives: Poetry
Damascus Road Prayers: Prologue
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one true God. Glory be to Him; and may His grace and mercy be upon us for ever. Amen. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, by whose glory, the heaven and the earth are filled; Hosanna in the highest. BlessedContinue reading “Damascus Road Prayers: Prologue”
Catechism 52
What hope does everlasting life hold for us? It reminds us that this present fallen world is not all there is; soon we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new city, in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be fully and forever freed from all sin and will inhabit renewed, resurrection bodies in a renewed, restored creation.Continue reading “Catechism 52”
Catechism 51
Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension? Christ physically ascended on our behalf, just as he came down to earth physically on our account, and he is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father, preparing a place for us, and also sends us his Spirit. (New City Catechism) Not waiting in vain, menContinue reading “Catechism 51”
Catechism 50
What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us? Christ triumphed over sin and death by being physically resurrected, so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. Just as we will one day be resurrected, so this world will one day be restored. ButContinue reading “Catechism 50”
Catechism 49
Where is Christ now? Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world. (New City Catechism) And where if the body stands is theContinue reading “Catechism 49”
Catechism 48
What is the church? God chooses and preserves for himself a community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together. God sends out this community to proclaim the gospel and prefigure Christ’s kingdom by the quality of their life together and their love for one another. (NewContinue reading “Catechism 48”
Catechism 47
Does the Lord’s Supper add anything to Christ’s atoning work? No, Christ died once for all. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant meal celebrating Christ’s atoning work; as it is also a means of strengthening our faith as we look to him, and a foretaste of the future feast. But those who take part with unrepentantContinue reading “Catechism 47”
No turning
I dreamt a ferryboat dream where, crossing some unknown stretch of deep, we struck another time and you were lost into the depths of There, and, Orpheus, I wandered far where loss and past commingled in faint glimpses of your head – behind only, never quite your face. And when re-united, by those turns thatContinue reading “No turning”
Before we save the daylight
Settle. The city is quietly occupied, the day protected – as though something must be done. Watch a screen by all means, but first gather friends, and walk to the shops to lubricate the day. Or hit the streets, if you choose – to enjoy unexpected sunshine, and the hum, like a ball hissing throughContinue reading “Before we save the daylight”
The Consolations of Writing 