I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

“Perhaps the goal
Is not to spend this day
Power skiing atop an ocean of multitasking.
Maybe the idea is to swim slower
Surer
Dive deeper
And really look around.
There is a difference between
A life of width
And a life of depth.”

Excerpt From: Because There Is Not Enough Time, “A Permeable Life: Poems and Essays” – Carrie Newcomer

“May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.” —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

For three nights last week, I left my curtains open and watched as the moon crossed the dark sky. Each month you can find me in the evening with my eyes to the sky, watching closely as the moon reveals its different stages.

But in July, I watched for the full moon. It was the color that caught my attention. It appeared orange to me. Some months the Moon is more yellow or more gold, but this orange stood out as unique and beautiful.

This orange Moon is known as the “Buck Moon”. Named by the Algonquians as a reminder that it is the time when new antlers are growing rapidly on male deer (Bucks). Mid-summer is when these antlers reach full size.

The quote from J.R.R. Tolkien describes our relationship with nature as active and interactive. If we pay attention, we can see rhythms that give and take. Whether it's understanding the cycle of an animal's life or feeling the lift we are given to soar through nature’s way, we interact with one another.

Take time to notice. What draws your attention when you are in nature? Is it the color, the smell, or is it a spark that feels like an interaction?

Take time to notice.

Prayer - Mary Oliver

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just 
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate; this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

Quiet –seems to be my word for the week.

The world is filled with noise. Especially heightened at the moment, the noise in our lives pushes us one way or pulls us another.

So what can we do to settle the noise? What can we do to help calm the anxious energy that surrounds us? Prayer can be something one does to begin the day, to end the day, or it can be woven throughout all daily activities.

For over 10 years, I have posted an invitation for “Saturday Prayers” on Facebook. Bishop Steven Charleston began this tradition, and through it, I learned how far we can reach and support one another through a simple invitation.

It was and still is an open invitation. No requirements. Welcoming all.

I began to offer “Saturday Prayers” while Bishop Charleston needed to take a leave in 2015. He was encouraging and reinforced the importance of this offering.

When I moved my blog to Substack, I decided to offer the practice here as well. No pressure, just an open invitation. Same as before, a place to gather and share concerns and celebrations.

Join us.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

Heading out for a weekend trip. Stopped by Sheetz to pick up all the things that you get at Sheetz before a trip😊. Only to discover that if I had been by myself, we would’ve had to move a trashcan for me to reach the auto door button. A teaching moment that wasn’t wasted!

I appreciate all of the encouragement and reality checks offered during this July in recognition of disability pride. They will all be needed as we continue to roll up our sleeves and make good trouble.

And make good trouble, I will.

Onward and upward!

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

Correct with kindness and love
but also with zeal and holy freedom.
If you do not speak out,
if you do not sound the alarm
when it is needed,
you will be justly convicted
by your silence.

St. Mary Euphrasia

Each year on this date, July 22, the Episcopal Church celebrates the life and faith of Mary Magdalene. At least the life and work we think we know about.

Over the past 2000 years, her name and story have been an integral part of the Christian faith, sparking curiosity and attention. Her presence has been strengthening to some and threatening to others, depending on Christianity’s perspective on women at the time.

I have always been intrigued. She played a significant role in spreading the good news while Jesus was alive. She certainly was prominent in the discovery of his resurrection - the first disciple to spread the good news. Writings tell us that the disciples relied on her wisdom and advice.

People are drawn to understand more about Mary Magdalene. Studies of ancient texts continue to reveal new and intriguing possibilities. (Reference this sermon by Diana Butler Bass, preached recently at the annual Wild Goose Festival. “All the Marys” – Diana Butler Bass)

As a woman with a disability and an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, I have always looked to Mary for encouragement. Determined and confident, her voice would be heard - her witness would be shared.

An invitation and encouragement for those of us who know how easy it is for voices to be silenced.

I look forward to this day every year. It is my tradition to take time and search for new images and re-read the gospel written in her name, the only early text attributed to a woman. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

But when the day is done, I am grateful for St. Mary Euphrasia’s words. These words stir me to remember that speaking out is my charge.

Never to be accused of silence when sounding an alarm is needed.

TO COME HOME TO YOURSELF

May all that is unforgiven in you,

Be released.

May your fears yield

Their deepest tranquilities.

May all that is unlived in you,

Blossom into a future,

Graced with love.

John O’Donohue - From his books: To Bless the Space Between Us (US) / Benedictus (Europe)

Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland - May 2026 Photo: © Ann Cahill

May all that is unlived in you,

Blossom into a future graced with love.

What a beautiful prayer! The last two lines can plant hope and encouragement.

“May all that is unlived in you…” Imagine what that could be? Can you reach the place deep inside that holds what you have unlived? I guess that when asked like this, it feels as if it could reside so deeply that it would be too difficult to retrieve.

But what if it is a whisper in you - just below the surface - waiting to be heard? If it rises high enough to be recognized in a dream, it could catch your attention.

The life unlived in each of us is not a possibility far from our reach. It rides on the edge of our consciousness, waiting for us to relax into a moment of hope.

Tomorrow could begin that future. As the sun rises, may you be surrounded by grace and catch a glimpse of all that is unlived in you.

Then go – explore!

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

There are days when this reminder is important. The thought that all of the Earth is praying stirs an awareness of how much humanity needs compassionate care.

We are all connected to one another and to this fragile earth.

May we continue to find ways to let this connection support and encourage us.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

The peace of the morning stillness,

peace of new beginnings,

the peace of heaven’s kiss,

to welcome us to this day.

John Philip Newell

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

For the last 18/20 months, I have stayed aware of the changing tides in our government. The waves have felt high and dangerous. I have kept wanting to say, “I don't believe this!” Yet everything in me knows that these changes are believable.

This week, the lid blew off. The Department of Justice released a memo questioning whether states are required to provide home and community-based services. (https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization)These services have kept disabled Americans out of institutions for over 30 years.

I am a disabled American. I was born in the late 50s, when most disabled children were sent to institutions. My parents made the decision to keep me at home for most of my childhood, but even I faced boarding school (a special boarding school for disabled children) when my family began to grow, and they were unable to pay for the assistance that could have helped keep me at home.

Many of us are very concerned as we begin to see history repeat itself. I will probably have more to say about this, but I want to share this video by Gaelynn Lea.

I am privileged to serve as Gaelynn’s assistant. Having worked with her for 4 years, I know her to be a passionate advocate and a committed community builder.

Please take the time to watch this video and share it within your circles. As she says… disabled people are in need of allies… will you be one?

Thank you,

Now the summer will bring more hours and more opportunities for creative activities as the roads lie before you.

Many of us have memories of singing as we rode with our families on our story-filled summer vacations. I share with you a great example of the fun that can be had as these memories are created… Happy Summer!!

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.