Below is an excerpt from my book Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent. When I began seminary, I bought a pine forest-scented candle for my apartment. That summer I had discovered how watching a burning flame had the power to quiet my soul and help center my attention on my own thoughts. Candles have aided thousandsContinue reading “Four Weeks Book Excerpt: Scent”
Tag Archives: spirituality
Assembling a Squad
A few weeks ago, I helped facilitate a gathering of people in various stages of preparation to enter authorized ministry. (This was the same gathering during which I wondered if my hotel might be haunted.) One of my responsibilities was to moderate conversation among participants who were closer to the finish line. This was aContinue reading “Assembling a Squad”
A Prayer in the Vineyard
based on Matthew 21:33-46 Faithful God, we confess that we don’t always do right by what you entrust us with. We’re always at risk of neglecting, abusing, hoarding, or weaponizing that which you intended for love, joy, peace, or justice. We’re experts in getting in our own way, and in the way of your purposesContinue reading “A Prayer in the Vineyard”
Jeffrey A. Nelson 