Meditations – The Internet Monk Archives

Lynn Ungar: Pandemic

• What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath— the most sacred of times? Cease from travel. Cease from buying and selling. Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is. Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life. Center down. AndContinue reading “Lynn Ungar: Pandemic”

A Beauty Before Death

I walked through a graveyard on an October morn, and worshipped as I wandered. For the slant light illumined the rainbow of trees, each aflame with the beauty of God. I stood speechless before so many burning bushes. But stones also surrounded me, cold in the morning air. Stones shaped and engraved, each marking andContinue reading “A Beauty Before Death”

Another Look: the cruelest month…

the cruelest month… t. s. eliot was wrong—it is not april, but november. it is november that sucks the color out of the world. it is november that brutally strips the brilliant textured sweater off the tree and leaves it naked, shivering against the gray, cold wind. it is november, when sky becomes steel, earthContinue reading “Another Look: the cruelest month…”

A Lenten Meditation: As Miserable as the Day

A Lenten Meditation As Miserable as the Day Last Sunday, after church I went up to Indianapolis, driving through the snow, to officiate a funeral. All funerals and memorial services are sad, but this one especially so. We were laying to rest a 34 year-old man who had essentially drank himself to death. I’ll callContinue reading “A Lenten Meditation: As Miserable as the Day”

Another Look: A Sudden Burst of Light

So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” • Genesis 32:27 • • • If you’re lucky, there comes a moment, a moment of clarity. At this moment, “the hopes and fears of all the years” find some resolution. It involves an unveiling. Heavy drapes of self-denial, torn in twoContinue reading “Another Look: A Sudden Burst of Light”

Advent IV: Seeing

Note from CM: During Advent, I have asked some of our wonderful iMonk writers to share meditations on seasonal themes each week. Today is Christmas Eve, and I’ve invited Damaris Zehner to wrap up our Advent meditations. I am grateful for each of the friends and gifted people who have helped us prepare our livesContinue reading “Advent IV: Seeing”

Advent III: Presence — The One Necessary Thing

Note from CM: During Advent, I have asked some of our wonderful iMonk writers to share meditations on seasonal themes each week. I have really missed hearing from our friend Lisa Dye, and I’m so grateful she was willing to send us this contribution for the third Sunday in Advent. In fact, I am gratefulContinue reading “Advent III: Presence — The One Necessary Thing”

Advent: A Reminder To Wait for the God Who Takes His Time

Note from CM: During Advent, I have asked some of our wonderful iMonk writers to share meditations on seasonal themes each week. On the second Sunday, we welcome our friend Randy Thompson to contribute his perspectives on Advent. I am grateful for each of these friends and gifted people, and know that what they shareContinue reading “Advent: A Reminder To Wait for the God Who Takes His Time”

What Child is This? (Advent Meditation)

Note from CM: During Advent, I have asked some of our wonderful iMonk writers to share meditations on seasonal themes each Sunday. We begin with Pastor Dan today. I am grateful for each of these friends and gifted people, and know that what they share will help us prepare our lives for celebrating the Incarnation.Continue reading “What Child is This? (Advent Meditation)”

Adam Palmer: Cain, Abel, and a Theology of the Table

Note from CM: I’m always happy when we can post something from our friend Adam Palmer. This is good stuff, folks. • • • CAIN, ABEL, AND A THEOLOGY OF THE TABLE By Adam Palmer Too much grief. I have so much, and have it so consistently, and I almost always have it because ofContinue reading “Adam Palmer: Cain, Abel, and a Theology of the Table”