A Concord Pastor Comments

Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 11/14

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 14 Nov 2026 01:03:04 +0000

This morning's Pause for Prayer is a poem by Mary Oliver...

Song for Autumn

Don’t you imagine the leaves dream now
how comfortable it will be to touch
the earth instead of the
nothingness of the air and the endless
freshets of wind? And don’t you think
the trees, especially those with
mossy hollows, are beginning to look for

the birds that will come—six, a dozen—to sleep
inside their bodies? And don’t you hear
the goldenrod whispering goodbye,
the everlasting being crowned with the first
tuffets of snow? The pond
stiffens and the white field over which
the fox runs so quickly brings out
its long blue shadows. The wind wags
its many tails. And in the evening
the piled firewood shifts a little
longing to be on its way.

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Night Prayer: FRIDAY 11/13

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 13 Nov 2026 22:54:48 +0000

Where I live, Lord,

the temperature is dropping

day by day - and night by night!

I've begun searching my bureau, my closet

and the trunk of my car

for wool hats, gloves and scarves

to wrap me up and keep me warm

in the chill of shivering weather

waiting just around the corner...

But it's prayer, Lord, only prayer

that melts the chill settling in my soul

when hope, in frosted darkness

fades at this lonely time of year...

Hold me close and swaddle me -

warm me in your strong embrace

until my soul’s aglow with the fire

from the furnace of your heart...

Bundle me in grace, Lord,

and warm me for the work

of keeping warm your own,

the homeless poor who need

the comfort of my blankets,

my hats and glove and scarves,

some protection from the elements

and from the long cold winter

that endangers the forgotten...

Clothe us in your love

that we might warm each other, Lord,

from the bounty that is ours

in the warmth and grace you share...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake,

watch over us while we sleep,
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Draw Me Close by Michael Smith

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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 11/13

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 13 Nov 2026 05:30:38 +0000

Photo by Elizabeth G Brooke

Some of my seasonal posts are among my personal favorites - I enjoy reworking them and sharing them with you year after year. Here's my latest version of a prayer I first posted 16 years ago...

The chill, the rain, the wind
have claimed all leaves
save those whose stubborn hold
will not let go 'til you, Lord,
say the word

and then they'll fall

spiraling in

autumn's annual letting go
when holding on

to what's now past
might seem survival's only path
but you know, more than I, Lord,
you know how my letting go

may be my only way to hold

all I keep dear

and all I dearly try to

keep as mine...

Help my letting go, Lord,
my letting go my hold on all

my stored up fears and tears,

my grip on all I won't let go

and all that won't let go of me...

I offer you

my fear of falling,
fear of letting go my heart
into your saving hands,

into your promise to be there
to catch me safely in your arms

and hold me close

in your embrace...

Help me make my own

the prayer of falling autumn leaves,

trusting that you'll keep me, Lord,

through winter's biting wind and cold

as I let go my grip, my hold

on all I've lost

- save my hope of spring...

Gather up your falling leaves

and catch the pleas

that spiral from my heart
in my letting go

my autumn soul

into your gentle hands, Lord,

on a crisp November breeze...

Amen.

Letting Go by New Creation Worship

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Instrumental

In the tempest's roar
Still, your peace endures forever
Certain as the dawn
Perfect love has won my heart

Casting all my cares
To the One who holds tomorrow
Resting in your love
Grace now overflows in me

Fall into the everlasting arms
Walk upon the waves, you are my calm
Jesus, I will trust in all you've done
Letting go, letting God take over

Casting all my cares
To the One who holds tomorrow
Resting in your love
Grace now overflows in me

Fall into the everlasting arms
Walk upon the waves, you are my calm
Jesus, I will trust in all you've done
Letting go, letting God
I fall into the everlasting arms
Walk upon the waves, you are my calm
Jesus, I will trust in all you've done
Letting go, letting God take over

Instrumental

Be still and know O my soul
All is well, all is well
Be still and know O my soul
All is well, all is well

There is a peace that calms every storm
There is a peace
His name is Jesus
His name is Jesus

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Night Prayer: THURSDAY 11/12

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 21:29:52 +0000

In November, we keep the worthy custom of remembering and praying for those who have died. I especially favor this prayer which I first found in the 1969 Rite of Funerals - and then discovered in a musical setting by Carol Browning. You might pause for a moment and remember, perhaps even write down, the names of those who have died for whom you want to pray this night, this month...

Peace be with those who have left us,

with those who have gone to God.
May they be at peace.
May they be with God.

May they be with the living God.
May they be with the immortal God.
May they be in God's strong arms

and gentle hands.

May they sleep in peace.

May they live in peace.

May they be where the name of God is great.

May they be with the living God

now and on the day of judgment.

May they live with God.
May they live in eternal light.

May they live in the peace of the Lord.
May they live forever in peace

With God in peace.

...................................................................

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Two songs this evening: the first is Carol Browning's setting of the prayer above and the second another, John Rutter's setting of a blessing written by William Sharp.

Peace Be With Those by Carol Browning

Peace be with those who have gone to God.
May they be at peace.
May they be with God.

May they be with the living God.
May they see the immortal God.

May they find their delight in the Lord.

May they rest secure in God.

May they know the peace of the Lord.

May they rest forever in peace.

Deep Peace by John Rutter, performed by Libera

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Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 11/12

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:41:08 +0000

Will I ever learn, Lord?

Will I ever learn not to panic
   when times are tough,
   when I'm overwhelmed,
   when things fall apart,
      and nothing feels right?

Will I ever learn, Lord?

Will I ever learn to trust and hope
   that things will get better,
   that peace will be mine,
   that tomorrow will come
      and that all’s not lost?

Will I ever learn?

Will I ever learn to trust, Lord,
   that you're on my side,
   that you have my back,
   that you are my strength
      - and that all shall be well?

Will I ever learn, Lord?

Well, at least I hope I'm learning, Lord

learning day by day

that you are ever with me,

your love for me abiding

that I have every reason to trust and believe:

all shall be well,

all manner of things shall be well...

Amen.

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NIght Prayer: WEDNESDAY 11/11

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:30:00 +0000

This was a day for remembering, Lord:

and for honoring and praying for

all of our veterans...

We remember and pray for the men and women

who, for years, interrupted their lives to serve us

and we honor their generosity...

We remember their willingness

to stand in harm's way

and we honor their courage...

We remember their love

of liberty and freedom

and we honor their loyal devotion...

We remember their leaving behind,

their separation from, their family and friends

and we honor their personal sacrifice...

We remember the memories they carry,

the horror and price of war

and we honor their strength of spirit...

We remember all they lost,

their emotional and physical pain

and we honor their commitment to duty...

We tell these veterans,

"Thanks for your service!"

but that's too little, Lord:

these words pale

in the face of their dedication and sacrifice:

given freely, that we might be free,

offered selflessly on our behalf,

r endered humbly for our nation's pride...

So tonight we remember and pray

for those who've served so well,

who've kept our country safe to be

the land of the free and the home of the brave...

Give them the reward of their service, Lord,

and heal with your gentle touch

any pain or memories they may still bear

in mind and heart and soul...

Protect us, Lord while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

On Veterans Day by Karl Hitzemann

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Pause for Prayer: Veterans Day

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 02:09:12 +0000

This post includes my Veterans Day Prayer followed by two more from Alden Solovy at To Bend Light. You might want to share these prayers with veterans you know...

A Prayer for Veterans Day

God of peace,

we pray for all who have served our nation,
protecting and defending our freedom...

We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,

whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful to face in the light of day...

We pray for those who serve us now,
especially those in harm's way:

       keep them healthy and strong,
       shield them from danger
       and bring them home, soon and safe,
   to their waiting families and friends...

Turn the plans and the hearts and the minds
of our leaders and enemies, too,
to the work of justice which always yields

a bountiful harvest of peace...

Lord of all power and people:

we long for the peace that you left us,
help us work for the peace that sustains us,

the peace that our veterans guarded

by putting their lives on the line for us,

for our nation and world...

Amen.

Image source

To the Soldier, To the Veteran

These things I do not know:

The sound of a bullet.
The power of a blast.
The blood of a comrade.
The depth of your wound.
The terror at midnight.
The dread at dawn.
Your fear or your pain.

These things I know:

The sound of your honor.
The power of your courage.
The blood of your wound.
The depth of your strength.
The terror that binds you.
The dread that remains.
Your dignity and your valor.

For these things I pray:

The sound of your laughter.
The power of your voice.
The blood of your yearning.
The depth of your healing.
The joy that frees you.
The hope that remains.
Your wholeness and your love.

Image source

Veterans Day Prayer

God of compassion,
God of dignity and strength,
Watch over the veterans of the United States
In recognition of their loyal service to our nation.
Bless them with wholeness and love.
Shelter them.
Heal their wounds,
Comfort their hearts.
Grant them peace.

God of justice and truth,
Rock of our lives,
Bless our veterans,
These men and women of courage and valor,
With a deep and abiding understanding
Of our profound gratitude.
Protect them and their families from loneliness and want.
Grant them lives of joy and bounty.
May their dedication and honor
Be remembered as a blessing
From generation to generation.

Blessed are You,
Protector and Redeemer,
Our Shield and our Stronghold.

© 2011 Alden Solovy and To Bend Light.

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Night Prayer: TUESDAY 11/10

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Veterans Day is tomorrow, but there's no day in the year when we're not in debt to these men and women who have served us...

The 15-foot-high, bronze sculpture pictured below is at the center of a small park, a memorial to military chaplains, in Des Moines, Iowa. It's titled A Veteran’s Prayer for Eternal Peace, which became the inspiration for my prayer below...

A Veteran's Prayer for Peace

The hands of a veteran, Lord...

Hands that once gripped a rifle,

now empty, free to lift to you in prayer...

Hands that once held off the enemy,

now raised up to welcome and receive...

Hands that once embraced

a wounded, fallen body,

now raised in prayer to you

to whom we lift the ones we lost...

Hands that trembled once in danger's face,

now steady, calm and grateful

for survival, life and hope...

Hands that ached with loneliness,

away from home and loved ones,

now hold the hands of family and dear friends...

Hands that reached to you in prayer,

once in time of war,

open still, this very day,

in prayer that all wars end...

Hands that served a nation's call

to guard, to fight and shield,

I pray now rest at ease, in peace,

their work and service done...

Protect them, Lord, our veterans,

watch over them with care

that awake, they stand the watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Many will be familiar with the Navy Hymn (Eternal Father, Strong to Save) where each verse ends in prayer for "those in peril on the sea." Here is a later version which prays more broadly for all who serve in the armed forces: on the sea, on the land and in the air...

Almighty Father, Strong to Save

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Almighty Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain
O'er which our traffic runs amain
By mountain pass or valley low;
Wherever, Lord, thy people go,
Protect them by thy guiding hand
From every peril on the land.

O Spirit, whom the Father sent
To spread abroad the firmament;
O Wind of heaven, by thy might
Save all who dare the eagle's flight,
And keep them by thy watchful care
From every peril in the air.

O Trinity of love and power,
Our people shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go,
Thus evermore shall rise to thee
Glad praise from space and land and sea.

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Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 11/10

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 04:34:59 +0000

For weeks now
I've watched the trees along my way:
their green leaves turning,
draping the highway's shoulders
in a last gasp of color and beauty
- they take my breath away!

And then one night
(under cover of darkness)
the trees did quietly conspire
to shake off their faded frocks

and take a bow,
a copper-shaded fond farewell...

Soon they'll all stand bare
'gainst a chilled November sky,
stilled with scarce a shiver,
their branched arms stretching long
and bracing for the coming snow

December’s sparkling winter coat,

their shining wintry armor…

Would that I were bold enough
to stand so naked,

there before my God:
my bare arms straining, reaching
for the warmth of winter's love...

But I'm not so brave

and so I pray to trust,

as do the trees,
that spring will come again
and make of frost a morning dew
to turn the leaves all green again

on branches now gone bare...

Amen.

I don't usually include music in Pause for Prayer posts but this instrumental seems just perfect for this prayer and this time of year... Do yourself a spiritual favor and just sit back and listen... and pray...

Autumn by Herman Beeftink

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Night Prayer: MONDAY 11/9

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 03:45:59 +0000

It's November, the month of All Souls, a season in which Christians pray for the salvation of those who have died. Our thoughts might turn to what are called the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven, hell - and perhaps another: purgatory. An item in today's news - Ross Douthat's interview of Donald Trump - includes all five! While this post was written after I had read the the transcript, this prayer is not about Donald Trump - it's about each and all of us. Here's a link to the whole interview and at the bottom of this post, you'll find the portion of the interview relevant to this post.

I guess I can't predict, Lord,

just who or what might prompt me

to reflect on my mortality,

on the finite shelf-life

of this frame I call my body,

on the import and the impact

of my thoughts, words and deeds

on my eternal future,

on the intimate connection

between the person I am

and who I will forever be...

Do I think, do I believe,

do I hope, do I presume

that my next home will be heaven?

Is that something I ponder?

something I pray for?

something I work towards?

or is it something

I take for granted?

(Note to self:

resist taking eternal realities for granted!)

And with what heart, Lord,

do I approach these questions?

Is my heart burdened

by grudges and resentments?

bitterness and animosity?

malice and spite?

bigotry and prejudice?

by loathing and disdain?

Is my heart soiled by any of these, Lord?

even in small ways?

in ways I dismiss as negligible?

in ways I defend and justify

in my self-righteousness?

I often pray, Lord,

that you'll forgive my trespasses

as I forgive those

who trespass against me...

Will my own prayer

render a judgment against me?

What hostility, Lord,

keeps me from loving my neighbor

from seeing and loving in my enemy

what you see and love in the same person?

Which are the relationships, Lord,

where I withhold the mercy

I pray you'll offer me,

where I refuse to love

and choose instead to hate?

What feelings in my life, Lord,

do I so stubbornly hold on to

and so tenaciously embrace

that I'm blinded to your word

and deaf to your command

that I love, not hate, my neighbor

even as I love myself?

What ill-will do I so doggedly cling to, Lord,

that I would jeopardize, that I'd risk losing

your forgiveness of my sins

and the heaven that awaits

those who humbly do your will?

It's November, Lord,

and I'm praying for those who have died...

Make me mindful of my own mortality,

of my weaknesses and flaws,

of my failings and my sins

and my ever-present, overwhelming need

for your grace to set me free

of all that keeps my heart

from loving you, my God

- and my neighbor as myself...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

Tonight's song is a simple and beautiful musical setting of an old prayer of uncertain authorship..

Litany of Humility by Thomas Muglia

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From the interview...

ROSS DOUTHAT: Death. Let's talk about death.
DONALD TRUMP: Okay.
DOUTHAT: What do you think happens when you die?

TRUMP: Well, I hope I'm missed. (LAUGH) I hope--
DOUTHAT: No, I mean-- I mean to you-- I mean to-- What do you think happens to Donald Trump when you die?
TRUMP: Okay. You mean where I go?

DOUTHAT: Exactly.

TRUMP: Well, I'm a religious person, so in theory I go to heaven.

DOUTHAT: Do you think you're going to heaven?

TRUMP: I hope so. I don't want to go to hell.
DOUTHAT: So I watched you at Charlie Kirk's memorial service– Erica Kirk, his widow got up - and gave some very moving remarks about Christian forgiveness, how you have to forgive your enemies and your opponents--

TRUMP: That's right.

DOUTHAT: And you followed her, and you said, and I know this was a little bit of a joke but I think facts come through jokes. You said, quote, "I hate my opponents and I don't want the best for them." Let's say you pass away, you're entering the next life, and all you have to do to enter paradise is feel love and forgiveness for James Comey, Nancy Pelosi, anyone who you have expressed hate for over the years. Do you think you can do it?

TRUMP: Well, then I wouldn't be real, would I? I mean, if I said to you, sure, the easy answer to that is "Oh, yes, I could forgive."

DOUTHAT: No, I don't think it's an easy question at all.

TRUMP: I found them to be extremely dishonest people, very bad people, very bad for our country. I love our country far more than I can love people and people like that.

DOUTHAT: Is the answer no then?

TRUMP: The answer is no. I want to be honest, no. I think it would--

DOUTHAT: Before the judgment throne of God?

TRUMP: Before the judgment. No, I think they were very bad people and-- I dislike, I can use the word hate, I do hate some of my enemies. I think they're-- they've been terrible. Look what they've put me through, the weaponization. I got indicted - I got impeached.

DOUTHAT: Mr. President. You have had the most charmed and remarkable life of any American in my entire lifetime, and you are telling me that before the judgment throne of God you couldn't find it in your heart to forgive some of your enemies? After all that's been given to you? Come on. Help me out here.

TRUMP: I mean, it's such an easy answer. All I have to do is say, "Yes, I can."

DOUTHAT: I-- I, again, I don't think it's an easy answer--

TRUMP: Honestly, , can I-- can I be honest--

DOUTHAT: --that's why I asked it. Yes.
TRUMP: I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies and I always will.

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Monday Morning Offering: 11/9

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 05:16:54 +0000

Image source

Good morning, good God!

So I'm wondering, Lord,
what will I offer you today
for my Monday morning prayer...

Shall I offer you my heart
with all its ragged imperfections
and pray you do some healing
of its rough and tumble edges?

Shall I offer you my mind
and its idle, wasteful musings
and pray your light of wisdom

will illumine all my thoughts?

Shall I offer you my dreams
and all my fantasies and schemes,
and pray you bring sharp focus
to my vision and my plans?

Shall I offer you my grudges,
my resentments and my anger
and pray you mend and heal
the hurt and pain to which I cling?

Shall I offer you my envy,
my jealousy of others,
and pray you show me clearly
all the gifts I truly have?

Shall I offer you my lust
and my cravings and my greed
and pray you cleanse and purify
my longings and desires?

Shall I offer you my apathy,
my lethargy and dullness
and pray your Spirit's fire
burn afresh deep in my soul?

Shall I offer you my joy,
my sweet contentment, all my peace
and pray I come to understand:
without you I have none...

Shall I offer you my faith
with my uncertainty and doubt
and pray for greater, deeper trust
in all that I believe?

Shall I offer you my hope

although I haven't much to spare
and pray you give me confidence
in all you've pledged and promised?

Shall I offer you my lethargy,

my post-election fatigue?

And ask you for some wisdom,

some unity and healing?

Shall I offer you this prayer then

as another week begins
and ask that in my stumbling words
you hear what my heart speaks?

Yes, I'll offer you this litany, Lord,
my Monday morning prayer:
my needs and pleas and trust you'll walk
this day, this week with me...

Amen.

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A foolish man preaches on wisdom...

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 04:39:54 +0000

Above you'll find the audio of my homily for November 8, based on the first reading and the gospel from today's mass, both of which treat of wisdom. (If a widget doesn't appear above, click here.) The text of my homily follows below.

Let me pose a simple question: would you prefer to be known for your wisdom - or for your foolishness? Which reputation would you prefer to have? Might seem an unfair option: either/or, wise or foolish. But really, there isn't a lot of middle ground here.

If I'm wise, then I'll more readily spot my foolish tendencies and work to correct them. Whereas, if I'm foolish, I might not recognize what's wise - even if it scares me right in my face.

Whether I'm wise or foolish, I need to learn to desire, to desire wisdom. If I'm wise, then it's the continuing desire for wisdom that will keep me away from my own foolishness. And if I'm foolish, then the desire for wisdom will at least help me see my foolishness for what it is - and help me see that there's always another way for me to live my life, a wiser way.

Wisdom is by no means theoretical, ethereal, or esoteric. Wisdom is very practical. In the scriptures, wisdom is that very practical knowledge I need to know how to love God and others, as I live in the world. Wisdom is knowing how to love God and others. Sounds like Jesus’ two great commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind – and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Wisdom is the knowledge we need to follow to obey those two commandments.

Foolishness is what happens when I love God with less than all my heart and mind and soul… when I love myself more than I love my neighbor…

I'm most inclined to be foolish when wisdom asks more of me than I'm naturally or readily willing to give - to God or my neighbor. The greatest foolishness of all is for me to imagine, to think, to believe, to pretend that I am wiser than God. (You might be sitting there saying, “I wouldn't ever think that I was wiser than God.” Every time we sin - we think we're wiser than God. We think,“Well, you know what? I think God doesn't have this right. I'm gonna do it my way…” We all do that at least once in a while. And when I think and act as if I know better than God, then it's easy to convince myself that my foolishness is, in fact, some kind of wisdom.

I so easily and often forget how today's folly becomes tomorrow's regret. I fail to see how easily my foolish indiscretions quickly become foolish habits. I foolishly ignore the ageless wisdom that a life of foolish choices has never made anybody truly happy.

On the other hand, even just the desire for wisdom can open me up to so much more than I can see with my own eyes, or know with my own thoughts, or discern with my own mind, or feel in my own heart.

Just the desire for wisdom can begin to draw me out of myself, out of my own foolishness, to see that there is a way, there is a truth, there is a life for me that leads to: contentment, even in hard times… That brings me joy, even in sorrow… That offers me hope, especially when all seems lost…

Foolishness is life on my turns. Wisdom is life on God's terms.

We live in an age when foolishness is often mistaken for and valued as virtue; a time when belief in God is often mocked as simple and naive. One need only look to what our culture celebrates and how faith is marginalized and mocked to see how often and easily the wisdom of the ages is tossed aside, dismissed, forgotten. We live at an age when foolishness often triumphs as excellence.

Wisdom is the gift I need when, in such an age, I'm making choices; choices between what's right and what's wrong… between what's true and false… between what's loving and selfish… between what's life giving and death dealing… between what's just and what's oppressive… between what's foolish and what's wise.

Foolishness is life on my turns. Wisdom is life on God's terms.

So on whose terms, then, do you and I live our lives? Or better yet, on whose terms do you and I desire to live our lives? Most of us will likely answer that we'd prefer to be known for our wisdom - not be mistaken for fools. That's a choice we make over and over and over again. I'll be more likely inclined to choose wisdom if wisdom is what I try to desire. I'll choose wisdom if I'm willing to forego the ease, the comfort of foolishness and accede to the demands of wisdom. I'll choose wisdom if I choose to live my life on God's terms - not on my own.

There’s a beautiful passage in the Book of Proverbs speaking of wisdom again, in the feminine. Proverbs says, Wisdom has built herself a house. She has spread her table, and she says, Come, eat of my food, and drink of my wine. Forsake foolishness, so that you may live and advance in the way of understanding.

Tonight, Wisdom spreads her table here at the altar - and she invites us to share in the banquet that Christ has prepared for us. Let's pray, then, that we will - all of us - desire wisdom, so that we might choose wisdom, and come to know the peace that wisdom brings.

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Night Prayer: SUNDAY 11/8

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:00:00 +0000

On Sundays, Night Prayer takes its lead from some element from the day's liturgy. The first reading and gospel for today's mass draw us to the gift of wisdom. Keep in mind that in the scriptures, Wisdom is often described in the feminine!

Wisdom!

Dare I invite Wisdom into my heart, Lord?

Or - dare I not welcome her advances?

Do I not desire her - and deeply so -

in my thoughts, in my words, in all I do?

Wisdom!

She comes at no small cost, Lord.

To welcome her is to kiss goodbye

to self-indulgent folly,

playing with the truth,

and selfish pride and ego...

Wisdom!

A demanding friend is she

who asks for all I have

but in return gives back much more

than ever I might dream to call my own...

Wisdom!

A jealous lover she

who seduces me with truth

down a simple path to peace,

to serenity and joy...

Wisdom!

She shimmers and she shines

in the corners of my mind

with a mesmerizing light

undimmed by my confusion...

Wisdom!

She trains my eyes to seek what's true,

what's just, what's pure, what's whole,

what's worthy of my will, my love,

in all I say and do...

Wisdom!

Dare I invite her, Lord,

to settle in my soul,

to dwell deep in my thoughts

and take hold of my desires?

Or dare I not welcome her advances?

Dare I chance a wasted, foolish life,

spent in vain pursuit

of passing, empty pleasures?

Lord, I choose Lady Wisdom!

Send her to my arms

to renew me from the inside out,

to govern all things in my soul,

to abide with me

in spite of all my foolish ways,

to fill me with your mercy

and the grace and peace she brings...

Give me courage, Lord,

to court the one who seeks me out,

who never tires in her quest

to take my mind, my heart,

my soul, my all...

Wisdom!

May she lead me to a quiet place

where I might rest with her

while she holds me close

and shares with me

from all her many treasures,

your word of truth and peace...

In the stillness of my prayer, Lord,

send Wisdom to my soul,

to take me as her own,

to make my heart her home...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

Two songs for prayer tonight: the first,reflective and the second, uptempo... If you don't find two videos below, click here!

Wisdom Gives by Good Branch's Sound

Wisdom, Wisdom! by Lori True

Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
   in our conflicts and chaos
   in our struggles and strong will
   in our pride and our passion
   O Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts

Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
   in all of our doubting
   in all of our choosing
   in all of our searching
   O Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts

Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
   when we're tired and closed minded
   when we think we're the wiser
   when we can't hear you calling
   O Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts

Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
   let your Word dwell within us
   let your Good News inspire us
   let your Gospel Truth shape us
   O Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts

Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, be attentive
Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts
O, Wisdom, Wisdom, open our hearts

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Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 11/8

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 03:30:00 +0000

Lord,

your Spirit is with me 24/7/365,
   pushing and pulling me,
   prompting and prodding me,
   nudging me always
   to love what's good,
   to do what's just,
   to speak the truth,
   to do the next right thing,
   to help my neighbor,
   to choose wisely,
   to lift my heart to you in prayer
   and to walk humbly

by your side...

But so often, too often, Lord,
I'm deaf to your voice,
blind to your presence,

   too busy, too lazy,
   too foolish, too self-absorbed
   to see, to hear, to notice
   all the ways your Spirit moves
       in me, around me and through me...

Today, Lord,
   open my ears and my eyes,
   my mind and my imagination,
   and my heart's and my soul's desires
       - all to your Spirit -
   living and breathing within me
       and through the whole of creation...

Amen.

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Night Prayer: SATURDAY 11/7

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Both the first reading and the gospel for mass tomorrow focus on wisdom - so wisdom's on my mind...

Lord, I'm working on my homily

and trusting you won't laugh too loudly

when you hear me preach about wisdom!

Just thinking about wisdom

reminds me of how foolish,

how unwise, I often am

and of just how much I need

to cling to your wisdom

every day of my life...

I need to cling to your wisdom

as I make decisions:

big ones, small ones and everyday choices

that make a difference in my own life

and in the lives of those around me...

I need to cling to your wisdom

when foolishness seeks to seduce me

from your will to mine,

from your ways to my ways,

from living by your word

to living by mine…

I need to cling to your wisdom, Lord,

when I shape my ideas,

form my opinions

and pledge my allegiance

to party, power and privilege...

I need to cling to your wisdom

when I'm lost, confused or discouraged,

lest I take the wrong path,

succumb to my doubts

or abandon my hope in you...

I need to cling to your wisdom, Lord,

because you are my way

you are my truth

and you are my very life:

without you I'm lost

and truly have nothing...

I need to cling to your wisdom, Lord:

she’s the light in my shadows,

the strength in my weakness

my hope in hard times

and joy in my sorrow...

I need to cling to your wisdom:

to save me from playing the fool,

to help me discern the truth

and to lead me, wisely, day by day

to your mercy, your grace and your peace…

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Christ Our Wisdom

by Sovereign Grace Music

If a widget doesn't appear below, click here!

Christ our wisdom, we are humbled

When You hide Your ways from us

You have purposes unnumbered

Each one good and glorious

Help us trust when we grow weary

Free us from our anxious thoughts

Give us grace to see more clearly

You are God and we are not

Christ our wisdom, be our gladness

When we fail to understand

You ordain all joy and sadness

To fulfill Your perfect plan

Help us know You rule with power

Over every raging flood

In our most uncertain hour

You are God and we are loved

Christ our wisdom, we will follow

Though the way ahead is veiled

As we journey through the shadows

Grant us faith where sight has failed

Help us cling to Your commandments

Strengthened by Your faithful Word

We will never be abandoned

You are God and we are Yours

Christ our wisdom we adore You

For the beauty of the cross

Once in foolishness we scorned You

But Your blood has ransomed us

Help us sing the endless mercies

Of Your humble heart to save

Christ our wisdom, Christ our glory

You are God forever praised

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Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 11/7

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:58:31 +0000

Image source

Lord, you will not fail today:

   to show me your face,
   speak to my heart,
   and touch my soul with your mercy...

You will not fail:
   to walk by my side
   and show me the way
   to where your peace awaits me...

You will not fail:
to help me carry the burdens I bear,

to pierce my deepest grief with joy

and to be the light in my darkest hour...

You will not fail:
to give me all that I truly need
to come at last to this day's end,
my soul at peace with you...

Then help me, Lord, not fail today:
   to look for you
       in all I meet;
   to open my heart
       to your healing touch;

   and to find you ever at my side,
      guiding, helping and lifting me up
           each time I trip and I fall...

Help me, Lord, to seek your presence

in life as it meets me today

with all of its many ups and downs,

its twists and turns, laughter and tears,

and all of my sorrows and joys...

Today's the day that you've made, Lord,

and I trust in faith that you will not fail:

to guide each step that I take

'til evening falls and finds me safe,

asleep and at peace with you...

Amen.

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Night Prayer: FRIDAY 11/6

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 03:00:10 +0000

As you know, this week I moved from Good Shepherd Parish in Wayland to Regina Cleri, the archdiocesan residence for senior priests in downtown Boston. The differences are many, sometimes stark and startling, filled with grace - and welcome...

No rain where you're praying tonight? Here's something to put you in the mood:

This Friday night I'm learning,

or more accurately -I'm remembering -

the difference between a rainy night in the city

and a rain night in the suburbs...

Back in Wayland, Lord,

the rain falls unassumingly,

modestly, subtly

- perhaps, even humbly

but here in the city

the rain comes down straightforwardly,

rather matter-of-factly, intentionally

- even bluntly...

Even in a storm,

suburban rain falls with a certain grace,

veiling nature with a glistening sheen,

moistening her tender skin with grace...

While urban rains pour down

drenching high-rises, sidewalks and pedestrians,

pelting everything in sight with mercy

come to cleanse a city's soul...

I've lived out in the country, Lord,

and now, back in the city

so I've known the different ways you rain

your mercy and your grace

on your people and the land...

Rain on me, O Lord!

Drench and all but drown me

in the waters of redemption

and bathe me in your kindness,

deep down in my soul...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

"Rain Down" is one of my favorites - and the images on this video make it a perfect companion for tonight's prayer!

Rain Down by Jaime Cortez

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 11/6

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 06:19:16 +0000

Whether the day ahead is busy and full
- or a day when I haven't very much to do,
I know that you, Lord, have your eye on me
and plans for how I might best spend today...

If my day looks overbooked, Lord:

point out the tasks that might be useless
and let me see what foolishness

I may have even scheduled,

- and all the precious time I waste

when I make no time for you...

If my calendar is free, wide open,

then show me ways that I might fill it:
reaching out to those in need,

making peace as I am able,

or spending time with someone

who's alone and needs a friend...

And if today's an in-betweener,
- busy now but later free -
then help me balance work and play

   and spend this day for what it is:
       24 hours, your gift to me,
       to grow in faith and hope and joy,
       to grow in love of you, Lord

and in service of my neighbor...

Amen.

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Night Prayer: THURSDAY 11/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 23:18:40 +0000

Lord, there's something about the end of day,

perhaps especially in the fall,

yes, something about the end of day

that opens my mind and heart in prayer

and draws my prayerful attention:

to those I dearly love

and those I struggle to love...

to the needs of those I know

and the needs of others I've never met...

to memories in need of healing

and hope in need of being refreshed...

to regret for things I regret I've done

and remorse for things I've failed to do...

to those who long to have a friend

and to those in need of solitude...

to homeless folks in autumn's chill

and those who shelter and care for them...

to those deprived of a just, fare share

and those who have more than they'll ever need...

to a world whose soul is starved for peace

and to those who seek to make it...

Lord, there's something about the end of day,

perhaps especially in the fall,

yes, something about the end of day

that moves my mind and heart to pray

for your mercy, healing and grace...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

and watch over us as we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Watch, O Lord by Marty Haugen

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Watch, O Lord, with all those awake this night.
Watch, O Lord, with all those who weep.
Give your angels and saints
Charge over all who sleep

Tend your ailing ones In your love, Lord.
Rest your weary ones In your love, Lord.
Bless your dying ones In your love, Oh, Lord of all.

Chorus

Soothe your suffering ones In your love, Lord.
Heal afflicted ones In your love, Lord.
Shield Your joyous ones In your love, Oh, Lord of all.

Chorus

Hold your grieving ones In your love, Lord.
Help your fallen ones In your love, Lord.
Mend your broken ones In your love, Oh, Lord of all.

Chorus

Guard your little ones In your love, Lord.
Guide your searching ones In your love, Lord.
Grant us all your peace In your love, Oh, Lord of all.

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Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 11/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:16:04 +0000

Did I remember

to pack my faith when I moved?

I'm in a new place, Lord:

I have a new address,

a new place I call home...

I live in a new neighborhood:

no longer in the suburbs,

I'm in the heart of the city...

I have new housemates - 5 dozen!

And despite our common history

we're as different as our finger prints...

So many different sights and sounds

right outside my door

- I'm not in Wayland anymore!

New opportunities, new choices:

new paths to walk, new sights to see,

- new ways for me to be with thee!

(Couldn't pass up the rhyme!)

But the thing is, Lord:

regardless of all that's new,

I'm still the same old me

and regardless of all that's changing

you're ever and always

my Lord and God,

ever and always the same...

So, will my new environment

open my heart anew, afresh

to your mercy, grace and peace?

Will my change of zip code

draw my eye, my mind, my soul

closer to you and your word?

Lord, this I know:

you're always there

wherever I may be;

here, there or anywhere

you're by my side,

folding me into your arms...

So in any way and in every way

you draw me to your side,

give me the grace to follow you

with new and deeper faith...

Amen.

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noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 05:34:11 +0000

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Night Prayer: ALL SOULS DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 23:00:00 +0000

As the sun sets on All Souls Day, Lord,

I lift up to you my family members,

loved ones and friends who have died...

(Take time to remember, even to write down,
the names of those for whom you pray tonight.

If you make a list you can refer to it through

November, the Month of All Souls

and add to it as other names come to mind.)

You know each of them by name, Lord:
your love for them far exceeds my own,
even those I've loved the most...

I entrust them to your mercy
and pray that with all who've gone before them
you'll welcome them to heaven's joy...

Make safe their journey, Lord,

from my arms into yours:

embrace them with the lasting peace

that only you can give...

And grant me, Lord, the grace I need
to live my life believing
that one day I'll be one with you
and all of those for whom I pray this night...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me as I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

(Tonight's song is a beautiful blend of the human experience of loss and grief and the promise of faith in the risen Lord...

No More Goodbyes by Tom Dermody

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

One day in the love of Christ
we'll meet once again
we'll laugh as we celebrate
a life with no end
where death has been overcome
by our risen Lord

And there are no more goodbyes
no more tears
no more loneliness
and no more fear
Our pain turns to joy
darkness to light
in God's heaven
there are no more goodbyes

No words tell the gratitude
we have for the gift
your life was to each of us
we'll never forget
May angels now lead you home
to our risen Lord

Where there are no more goodbyes
no more tears
no more loneliness
and no more fear
Our pain turns to joy
darkness to light
in God's heaven
there are no more goodbyes

Though now with our heavy hearts
we go our separate ways
we trust in the certain hope
there will come a day
we'll join you in paradise
with our risen Lord.

There will be no more goodbyes
no more tears
no more loneliness
and no more fear
Our pain turns to joy
darkness to light
in God's heaven
there are no more goodbyes
In God's heaven
there are no more goodbyes

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Moving Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Today, Monday, November 2 is moving day and I'm very excited!

I've scheduled an All Souls Night Prayer which will appear later today - and then I'll be taking a quick break. Once I've unpacked and set up my rooms to reasonable degree of livability - I'll resume posting - and I hope that's no later than Thursday. In the meanwhile - pray for me as I will for you!

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Monday Morning Offering: ALL SOULS DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 03:30:00 +0000

Morning Coffee by George Mendoza

November wraps its dampened shroud

‘round nature’s shrugged shoulders:
our souls know well the chill, Lord,
of summer gone and winter oh-so-near...

Bare limbs scratch against gray skies,
and snatch the mourner’s veil
from hearts laid bare in shivering loss,
alone, exposed in grief…

November, Lord: no other month
could better claim the name All Souls
or set the scene for praying, weeping,
grieving those before us gone,

marked with faith's signed Cross…

So this November morning, Lord,

I offer you my loved ones:

created by your hand,

claimed by saving grace

now held, I pray, in your embrace…

I offer you from my heart's depths
   the ones I can't let go…

I offer from my hands to yours
   the ones whose hands held mine...

I offer you a prayer of tears
   for those whose absence haunts my days…

I offer from my selfish heart
the ones I hurt and bruised:
I pray you heal the wounds I caused
and with your gentle mercy, Lord,

forgive and pardon me...

I offer you a prayer, O Lord,
for those with none to pray for them:
   brothers, sisters never met,
   yet sisters, brothers nonetheless
   for all are one in you...

I offer you all souls who wait

   your final purging touch
to ready them for heaven,
   for life with you forever,
       for peace that has no end...

I offer you my grief, O Lord,
refresh me in your tender care:
   help me trust I'll see again
       the ones I've lost to death, when
   gathered in your kingdom's joy,
       your mercy brings us home...

Beneath November’s canopy

walk others, Lord, who know as well as I

the depths of this month’s memories

and All the Souls for whom we pray:

make us gentle with each other,

mindful of the loss and grief

that binds us in your love…

Accept my mourning offering
on this dark November day

until it dies and wakes again,

a new day born,

a promise

of what's yet to come:
the day that has no end...

(Take a few moments now to remember,
to write down or speak aloud,
the names of those who've died,
for whom you pray this All Souls Day...)

May these and all souls of the faithful departed,
through your mercy, O God,
rest in peace...

Amen.

For your prayer this day: Pie Jesu from Requiem by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Below are the words in both Latin and English.

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Pie Jesu,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona eis requiem.
Agnus Dei,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona eis requiem,
sempiternam, sempiternam requiem.

Sweet Jesus,
you take away the sins of the world,
give them rest.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world,
give them rest,
eternal rest.

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Night Prayer: SUNDAY 11/1

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 23:52:41 +0000

It's the night before I move to Boston and last-minute details have my attention - so here's a prayer from my archives which matches just precisely

the scene just outside my back door...

The leaves fall fast and furious!

They lay a rusty earth-toned carpet

stretching from my backdoor

to the church across the yard...

I cannot simply walk here, Lord:

some muscle memory, deep within,

sets my gait to shuffling

as I scuffle through the crisp and crunch

of leaves beneath my step...

As when I was younger, Lord:

a child on my way to school

or out in my backyard,

looking for a heap of leaves,

raked in rounded piles,

inviting me to jump, to dive

and softly land with glee and and pure delight

on pillows left each autumn

- fall's leafy parting gift...

I love that lovely swooshing sound:

- a soft shoe -

tapped on your dance floor

and whispering of your presence

underfoot and all around...

I'm too old now for diving

into heaps and piles of leaves

but grateful just to shuffle, Lord,

and softly dance and make my way

'cross autumn's backyard carpet

from my backdoor to the church...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Tonight, just the natural music of a walk through fallen leaves...

Walking on Fallen Leaves

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