Psalm 30 Exaltabo te, Domine BCP p. 621 I will exalt you, O Lord,because you have lifted me up * and have not let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried out to you, * and you restored me to health. You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; * you restored…
Category: #Bible Study
Teach Me to Pray: A Collection of Prayers and Prayer-Like Words
Many years ago, I was impressed by the passage in Matthew where Jesus denounced hypocrisy in religion, and as I begin training to join the Order of the Daughters of the Queen, which is largely a formal prayer group, I have committed to learn how to pray honest, humble prayers and to avoid repeating shallow,…
Forward Reading & Reflection: Friday May 9, 2025 — The Need for Truth & Community – Pope Leo XIV on Truth
A Plea for Community & Genuine Connection 12 Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead, I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 2 John 12: 1 My Effort to Find My Own Chuch…
What Is A Religious Order? My Personal Religious Order — While Welcoming America’s First-Elected Pope
By coincidence, the Papal Conclave began its work toward electing a new pope on the same day that I began my journey toward joining the Order of the Daughters of the King. Within hours–not days or weeks–a dark horse came riding out of the suburbs of Chicago to be named America’s First Pope. Moments later, …
Forward Reading & Reflection: Wednesday May 8, 2025 — Working on Being More Humble
Part of Today’s Bible Reading Takes Place in Babylon Where Is Babylon? Babylon is in Mesopotamia–Above the Euphrates River Babylon Is Near Ur–The Birthplace of Father Abraham. What Was the Religion of Ancient Babylon? The Ancient Babylonians Worshipped Pagan Idols Today’s Reading Is about the Jewish Daniel and about His Being Held Captive in Pagan…
Forward Reading & Reflection: Wednesday May 7, 2025 — Take Time to Be Holy
Take Time to Be Holy “Be Still and Know that I Am God.” As I read the Forward Day by Day Reading for Today, the following words registered with me, “He Keeps Going Out to Deserted Places to Rest” The Passage in Luke makes the point that even Jesus needed time to rest, He needed…
What Do Episcopalians Believe? Episcopalians Believe in Inclusion – Bishop Budde Spoke about Inclusion at the National Prayer Service in 2025
I have been an Episcopalian most of my life, but as a child, I was a Southern Baptist. Before I became an Episcopalian, I participated in an Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class, but that was many years ago. This past week, I have joined another Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class. It has been about 40 years since I became…
Consider the Lilies of the Field – Do Not Worry – The Twelve Days of Christmas – Day 9
Consider the Lily – Jacki Kellum Watercolor Painted February 10, 2018 Almost 7 years ago, I created the above watercolor painting while I was listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing: On that day, I had been worrying about my need to move from New Jersey. I loved living there, but I could not afford…
His Eye Is On the Sparrow – Twelve Days of Christmas Day 7
I have told the story of my relationship with my backyard birds several times. but until this time last year, I did not do much to take care of the birds that lived in my area. I suppose that I took the scripture literally that God takes care of the birds. But last year, a…
Jesus Teaches Us the Way to and Not to Pray – The Lord’s Prayer – The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 6
Prayer is important for people who hope to establish a connection to Jesus and God. In the Bible, we are told to pray without ceasing: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18. I chuckle and say that I pray without…