Invocation
A few years ago, I spent the summer praying through the Jawshan Kabir, a remarkable Islamic text that lists more than a thousand names for God. I was merely a…
Elaborating the Shape of Prayer
Faiths tend to build expectations for prayer, which can almost be thought of as a form of manners. Breaking the prayer form is impolite. God, of course, can handle impolite…
Episcopalians at Pride
Pride Mass Thursday June 16 – 7 pm Trinity on Capital Square The Episcopal Churches across central Ohio are excited to announce this year’s Pride Mass. We’re gathering at Trinity…
The Peace of God
There are many ways of praying and thinking about prayer. A common one is to consider prayer a kind of conversation with God. This conversation can take any shape and…
Entering the Divine Reality Through Prayer, Part One
In a previous post, I talked about ways to open a door into the divine reality that Christians call the Kingdom of God. I mentioned prayer in passing before going…
Background Checks for Gun Safety Now! Interfaith Action and Vigil on Sunday
I write with a heavy heart and deep sadness as we consider the news from Texas. Yesterday an 18 year old gunman killed nineteen children and two teachers at Robb…
Columbus Pride on June 18
This June, St. Stephen's will join Episcopal parishes from across Central Ohio to take part in the 2022 Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade and Festival. All are invited to participate by…
A Necessary Corrective
I've been writing about worship as a way of entering an alternate reality, which Christians might call the Courts of Heaven, The Heavenly City, The Heavenly Banquet, The Resurrection Life,…
Entering the Courts of Heaven, Part Three
This is part three of a series that explores the way in which we covenant with God through worship. Goodman discerns a basic pattern in all cultures that create ritual…
Entering the Courts of Heaven, Part Two
This post is the second in a series that explores how we covenant with God through worship. Everybody worships, and worship involves attention, awareness and discipline. But it also involves…