Embodied Prayers of the People

american bald eagle in flight over alaska coastal mountains

This embodied prayer is something I wrote to use in worship at White Memorial Presbyterian Church during my month as their Theologian in Residence.  I also used this prayer at the General Assembly breakfast at the 220th General Assembly in Pittsburgh, PA.  Prior to writing this prayer I had experienced several different versions of a prayer in four directions–some from Native American traditions, some from Celtic origins, others with a particularly Christian character from Native American worship resources.  My friends and colleagues Valerie Tutson and The Rev. Irvin Porter have modeled versions of prayer in the four directions in several… Read the full post

Open Door Living

iStock red open door

“If then God gave them the same gift that was given to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder, God?” -Acts 11: 17  God’s door is open.  Who are we to stand in the way?  Anyone who participated in last week’s National Multicultural Conference in Charlotte, NC still has those words ringing in our ears. From the theme song written by Bruce Harding especially for the event, to our preachers, our tracks, and our celebrations, this open door is more than a slogan to us.  It is a place we crossed… Read the full post

Lessons from the Multicultural Movement

Members of PMN Board at Big Tent 2011

“Multicultural,” like lots of words that have to do with different races and ethnicities coming together, has contested meanings and must be handled with intentionality and care. When I use the word “multicultural” here I am pointing toward an intentional way of being in relationship, an intentional way of forming communities that sees differences and power-sharing as requirements..  I am sensitive to the fact that for some people of color this term is suspicious and requires unpacking.  I am aware, too, that for many white people the way I am using this term does not provide an attractive invitation, but instead… Read the full post