My speech — may it praise you without flaw: May my heart love you, King of heaven and earth.
My speech — may it praise you without flaw: Make it easy for me for me, pure Lord, to do you all service and to adore you.
My speech — may it praise you without flaw: Father of all affection, hear my poems and my speech.
— This prayer from Ireland [Twelfth Century] calls our attention to speech that is worthy of God. In our age of careless or hurtful speech, this prayer reminds us that all speech is in God’s hearing. Our voices are intended for praise, poetry, and song. The prayer encourages us to be mindful of our speech, and to offer praise to the God who has made us.
Over the past several months Hannah and I both have experienced stirrings regarding the importance of continually offering our labors to the Lord in prayer. Some may point to transitions and insecurities, but I sense that it is the Lord calling us to place our confidence regarding the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN)’s next steps at the feet of Christ alone.
As part of a practicum on Spiritual Direction, I am reading Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings — Annotated & Explained (Annotation by Mary C. Earle). Although I am disappointed with the inclusion of Pelagius, as a whole I have appreciated the annotated format and many of the prayers. Three items for this post:
- A prayer for followers of Christ in higher education, drawn from Celtic Christian Spirituality (58 – 59), as we engage another week of sharing the light of Christ through head, heart, and hands (above).
- A next step for ESN includes short quotes / prayers with short annotation as an encouragement to readers (as above). I have done such at various times through the years, especially on ESN’s Facebook Wall, but I desire to include this in the regular rhythm of the blog. As you have recommendations of material for consideration, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank-you!
- When time permits this week, pray for the Emerging Scholars Network as we take next steps . . .
To God be the glory!
About the author:
Tom enjoys daily conversations regarding living out the Biblical Story with his wife Theresa and their four girls, around the block, at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (where he teaches adult electives and co-leads a small group), among healthcare professionals as the Northeast Regional Director for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), and in higher ed as a volunteer with the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). For a number of years, the Christian Medical Society / CMDA at Penn State College of Medicine was the hub of his ministry with CMDA. Note: Tom served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA for 20+ years, including 6+ years as the Associate Director of ESN. He has written for the ESN blog from its launch in August 2008. He has studied Biology (B.S.), Higher Education (M.A.), Spiritual Direction (Certificate), Spiritual Formation (M.A.R.), Ministry to Emerging Generations (D.Min.). To God be the glory!
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