As I discern my own vocation, George Herbert’s poem, The Priesthood, has helped me to understand the sacrament of ordination. Sacraments of the Church The catechism of the ACNA describes five different rites and institutions as “sacraments of the church” (see To Be A Christian, #124). These differ from the sacraments of Baptism and Holy…
How to Read the Psalms for All They’re Worth
The Psalms are the single best guide to the spiritual life currently in print. Ellen Davis, Getting Involved with God The Psalms are inexhaustible, and deserve to be read, said, sung, chanted, whispered, learned by heart, and even shouted from the rooftops. They express all the emotions we are ever likely to feel (including some…
Ten Poets Every Pastor Should Read
I made you a mixtape. Let me explain. When I get to know someone in church ministry and it comes out at some point that I have a background in poetry, there are usually just two responses. For some, it’s a polite pivot into safer conversational territory—so how about this weather we’ve been having, huh?…
Denise Levertov’s ‘On A Theme By Thomas Merton’
Lent with the Poets #4. Series Introduction is here. Why are some writers of faith celebrated in American Christianity while others are not? That is my question about today’s poet, Denise Levertov. Among Christians devoted to the arts, Levertov is profoundly appreciated. Yet she hasn’t received the wider acclaim and affection that many afford to Frederick…
‘Possible Answers to Prayer’ by Scott Cairns
by Jack King. Lent with the Poets Series #3. Series Introduction is here. In the first two posts of this series, I featured a few 19th-century poets whose verse addresses Lenten themes. For the third feature, I’ve chosen a current American poet, Scott Cairns, who continues to publish poetry. Cairns is an Orthodox Christian who incorporates the richness…
