Authors /
Martha Spong
Martha Spong is a United Church of Christ minister, a clergy coach, and editor of The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle. Find her online at marthaspong.com.
The prayer in the pause (Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20)
Sometimes I find myself stuck in the Selah.
June 29, Ordinary 13C (Luke 9:51-62)
Following Jesus is not something to do later.
Hostile territory (Luke 8:26-39)
Jesus disrupts the narrative in multiple ways.
June 22, Ordinary 12C (1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a; Psalm 42 and 43)
Psalms 42 and 43 remind us of the ways a spiritual practice can prepare us for whatever trials we meet in life.
The responsibility of care (Psalm 8)
Made in the image of God, we stand in as God’s representatives in creation.
June 15, Trinity C (Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31)
Wisdom is frisky and frolicking. She reminds us that God created our impulse to learn and to grow.
The end of the world (Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44)
In the midst of anxiety, it can sound like an attractive option for a swift end to come.
November 27, Advent 1A (Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:36–44)
We can recognize ourselves in the messy people around Jesus.
Imagining Christ (Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43)
We may see him as fully human. Scripture resounds with his cosmic nature.
November 20, Reign of Christ C (Luke 23:33–43)
In a blockbuster movie, this is when our hero would leap from the cross.
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Varieties of unexpected gifts (Pentecost A; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13)
We might add to Paul's list gifts for offering comfort, or explaining new guidelines, or displaying ease with technology.
May 24, Easter 7A (John 17:1–11)
We can’t all be one until we believe that all people matter equally to God.
May 21, Ascension (Luke 24:44–53)
The disciples did not understand what was happening. What chance do we have?
Talking with our families about school shootings is painful, but necessary
Our son told me his strategy for getting to safety. I hate that worst-case scenario planning is his reality.
Candles in the balcony (Isaiah 9:2-7)
I understand the people who only show up once a year, just to hold a candle of their own.