The Agonie by George Herbert Philosophers have measur'd mountains, Fathom'd the depths of seas, of states, and kings, Walk'd with a staffe to heaven, and traced fountains: But there are two vast, spacious things, The which to measure it doth more behove: Yet few there are that sound them; Sinne and Love. Who would know Sinne, let him repair Unto mount Olivet; there shall he see A man so wrung with pains, that all his hair, His skinne, his garments bloudie be. Sinne is that presse and vice, which forceth … [Read more...] about Maundy Thursday
George Herbert
Staying Faithful to the Hidden Life (Scholar’s Compass)
Note: All quotations taken from the essay “Staying Faithful†by Howard Louthan, unless otherwise noted. Howard Louthan's chapter in Faithful Is Successful: Notes To The Driven Pilgrim explores what it means to stay faithful to God in an academic calling. It is an honest reflection on the challenges he has encountered as both an academic historian and as a Christian. … [Read more...] about Staying Faithful to the Hidden Life (Scholar’s Compass)
Learning Prayer from George Herbert
The milky way, the bird of Paradise, Church-bells beyond the stars heard, the soul's blood, The land of spices; something understood. – Description of prayer from George Herbert's poem Prayer (I) Reflection I certainly didn't expect it. If someone had told me that a seventeenth-century poem called Prayer would capture the imaginations of my undergraduate British literature class, I'd have chuckled gently. My students that semester were thoughtful and full of goodwill, but they didn't seem extraordinarily … [Read more...] about Learning Prayer from George Herbert
A grateful heart
Thou has given so much to me Give one thing more – a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleases me, As if Thy blessings had spare days; But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise -- George Herbert May it be so for each of us as we celebrate Christ the King and prepare to enter Advent!PS. If you have not already done such, I encourage you to take time to reflect upon: What Are You Thankful For? The Spiritual Discipline of Gratitude (Mike Hickerson. ESN Blog. 11/20/2012). Living the Christian Year … [Read more...] about A grateful heart
Praise and Thanksgiving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V0TpO5M5qA Please join me in "hitting the brakes," receiving/practicing hospitality, sitting, eating, and giving praise/thanksgiving to the Lord our God.* … [Read more...] about Praise and Thanksgiving