Author: Adam Lee Benner
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Liturgy of Glory and Dust
:August 4-10
Not in cloud or in fire, but in tracts of village dirt, Not in a gilded temple, but in the hills of rock and wildflowers, Not in shining robes, but in rugged and tattered garments, Not in inlaid jewels, but in twisted thorns, Not in a seat upon a dais, but in the gnarled wood…
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#8: A High-Flying Idol
How could we view our beautiful flag as an idol? Probably because of the striking resemblances of our flag-centered rituals and religious rites of the ancient Near East.
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Liturgy from the Tombs
:July 28-August 3
Jesus, today, when your call is heard, We will emerge from the tombs: The graves of short-sighted greed and self-interest, The tunnels of prejudice, of manipulating others, Of ‘justice’ without mercy, of yearning for power.
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Liturgy for Perception
:July 21-27
Jesus, our Lord, with Mary’s words, we sometimes cry out,’They have taken you to a place we cannot find and do not know.’
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#7: Christian Nationalists vs. The End of the World
‘Left Behind’ theology primes you to buy into conspiracies. It convinces you there are vile secrets out there that only ‘the elect’ will perceive.
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Liturgy of Cups and Paths
:July 14-20
Some lift the cup in joy, in contentment, or in peace; Others lift it in bitterness, or sorrow, or pain. May each one sense you near, within reach, close as the cup in the hands.
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#6: A Rush of Blood to the Head
Fortunately, I had someone willing to shepherd me through the valley of darkness of the Clinton presidency. Someone conveniently located on both the radio and television dials!
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Liturgy from Solitude
:July 7-13
As you journey through these days, May you be aware of the God who journeys with you, The God who journeys with all, In all times and all seasons.
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Liturgy of Nearness
:June 30-July 6
Eternal glory to the Father, the Son and the Spirit of God. So it was at the dawning of the world. So it is in the moments we live. So it will be to the ages of ages. Eternal glory to the Three who are One.
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#5: Blessed but Stressed
The ongoing favor of God wasn’t guaranteed, though. Apparently, God was a ‘What have you done for me lately?’ kind of deity. Just like that, He could turn the tables on us.