Archives by: Gary Hoag

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 15:22-24

“It was Cuthbert’s custom to travel and preach, particularly in those remote districts and villages which were situated in high and rugged hills, which others shrank from visiting. Many miracles followed Cuthbert’s preaching, and he was given grace to see into people’s hearts. As a result, many were converted from a life of foolish custom to the love of the joys of of heaven…

After many years in the monastery he finally entered with great joy, and with the goodwill of the abbot and monks, into remoter solitude that he had so long sought, thirsted after, and prayed for. To learn the first steps of the solitude, he retired to a place in the outer precincts of the monastery. Not until he had first gained victory over our invisible enemy by solitary prayer and fasting, did he seek a more remote place on the island of Inner Farne.”

This prayer is referred to as his “prayer of commitment.”

In the true faith may we remain;
in Jesus may we find hope;
against exploitation of the poor may we help;
against our faults may we fight;
our bad habits abandon;
the name of our neighbor may we defend;
in the work of mercy may we advance;
those in misery may we help;
every danger of sin may we avoid;
in holy charity may we grow strong;
in the well of grace in confession may we wash;
may we deserve the help of the saints,
the friendship of our brother Cuthbert win.
Amen.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.”

Cuthbert of Northumbria (635-687) in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 171-177.

Saints like Cuthbert remind me of Barnabas in the Acts of the Apostles. The driving power behind the ministry of Barnabas, according to Luke, was grace. The grace of God was at work in him. It inspired some to persevere in hard times and drew many others to faith.

Similarly, centuries later in the most remote parts of Northumbria, Cuthbert also traveled and ministered thanks to the grace of God at work in Him. In his prayer of commitment we discern further that in solitude he found the well of grace. Have you located this well?

For us to grow in Christian generosity, we must visit the well of grace. In solitude we must be filled with the unmerited kindness and love of God, which flows at the well of grace in abundance. It blesses those around us and leads many to faith.

Father, fill us from your well of grace.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

“Hild founded the great double monestary at Whitby (where men and women lived side by side under her rule), and there she was sought out for her wise counsel by ordinary folk and rulers alike.”

This excerpt comes from her prayer entitled “Wrestling with the call of God”

“Take me often from the tumult of things into thy presence.
There show me what I am and what thou has purposed for me to be.
Then hide me from Thy tears.

O King and Savior, what is thy gift to me?
And do I use it to thy pleasing?

Now we must praise the guardian of heaven, the might of the Lord and His purpose of mind.
The glorious all Father, for He, God eternal, is kind.

The will of God be done by us,
the law of God be kept by us.
Our evil be controlled by us,
our sharp tongue checked by us.
Quick forgiveness offered by us,
speedy repentence made by us.
Temptation sternly shunned by us,
blessed death welcomed by us,
angel’s music heard by us.
God’s highest praises sung by us.

Christ, You are the Truth;
You are the Light.

You are the Keeper of the treasure
we seek so blindly.

My soul’s desire is to see the face of God
and to rest in His house.
My soul’s desire is to study the Scriptures
and to learn the ways of God.
My soul’s desire is to be freed from all fear and sadness
and to share Christ’s risen life.
My soul’s desire is to imitate my King,
and to sing His purposes always.
My soul’s desire is to enter the gates of heaven
and to gaze opon the light that shines forever.

Dear Lord, You along know what my soul truly desires,
and You alone can satisfy those desires.

I have prepared a place for you.
Says the Lord, a place that is for you,
And only you to fill.
Approach My table, asking first that you might serve.
Look even for the lowest tasks.
Then, the work of service done,
you may look for your own place at the table.
But do not seek the most important seat
which may be reserved for someone else.
In the place of My appointing will be your joy.

Lord, show me the right seat;
find me the fitting task;
Give me the willing heart.

May I be equal to Your hope of me.
If I am weak,
I ask you to send only what I can bear.
If I am strong,
may I shrink from no testing
that shall yield increase of strength
or win security for my spirit.

I trust in Thee, O Lord.
I say, ‘Thou art my God.
My times are in Thy hand,
my times are in Thy hand.”

Hild of Whitby (614-680) in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 167-170.

Today is our 29th anniversary. This post seemed fitting as Jenni is much like Hild. People seek spiritual counsel from her. She, like Hild, points people to journey with God in a beautiful way.

Only when we receive everything from God, including our calling, as a gift, can we live generously year after year. Someday we will all assume the place prepared for us and take our seat at the table.

In the meantime, the journey requires a willing heart to serve. When we do what God desires and when we entrust our times in God’s hands we impact the community God gives us like Hild (or Jenni) for His glory.

Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4

“Chad and his brothers were early pupils in Aiden’s school of Lindisfarne. Chad continued his studies by journeying to Ireland; but when his brother Cedd died, he returned to take his place as abbot of Lastingham. Then for a time he was bishop at York, but was soon removed over a technicality. This he accepted with no reproach, and was sent instead as bishop to the people of Mercia. At that time, Chad spoke warily of the honor of being recognized as a bishop: ‘I never thought myself worthy of it,’ he said, ‘but, though unworthy, I consented to undertake it for obedience’s sake.’ Even as a bishop he lived in a small cell and travelled barefoot. His obvious simplicity embarrassed Bishop Theodore of Canterbury, who often urged Chad to ride, not walk. Once he was so frustrated that he bodily lifted Chad onto a horse and sent him on his journey! For just three years Chad lived among the Mercians as their bishop, and then he died. Addressing his community, he urged them always to be prepared for death, ‘for death may call for us any time.'”

Chad of Litchfield (c. 634-672) in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 162.

Only when we embrace how short and fleeting life is, do we grasp how to live each day to the fullest. Chad of Litchfield models the way for us. He lived with obvious simplicity, and he also urged those around him to always be prepared to meet the Lord.

When Chad ascended to the post of bishop, he rejected special treatment, but served in obedience. And when sent to serve among the mighty pagan people of the Midlands, known as the Mercians, we learn that he won them not by power by with simplicity and humility.

May our generous service follow Chad’s example. God help us appear with humble simplicity and always be prepared to meet you face to face. Each of us will have to give an account for our lives before God. Now is the time to prepare for that day.

I am thinking of the brevity and fragility of life today. I am battling back pain. Think: ice, stretch, walk, repeat. On top of that, our daughter Sophie just tested positive for COVID. At present she has a headache, fatigue, and fever. Hopefully she will recover soon. Lord have mercy.

In her honor I must quote J.R.R. Tolkien from The Lord of the Rings. “Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

God, help us choose wisely how to use the time given us. Let us be people whose generous service exhibits obvious simplicity and always live ready to meet You. May we embrace good gifts as well as cups of suffering knowing that nothing happens to us outside your love and care. Amen.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51

“Many legends and few facts survive about this Irish woman who founded a community of Kildare, primarily for women. She was famed for her generosity and hospitality, and her influence was widespread; but she remained eminently practical.

As a young woman, Brigid was in the habit of giving freely of her father’s possessions and food to the poor and needy. Her father became so frustrated that he decided to sell her to the king and bundled her into his chariot. He left her at the castle gate while he consulted with the king, and Brigid was approached by a beggar asking for alms. She gave him her father’s sword. Brigid’s father and the king were so amazed, and the king said he could not buy her from her father: ‘She’s too good for me — I could never win her obedience.’

Once Brigid was teh guest at a house where lepers came begging for food. Brigid could find no one about but a young dumb boy. She asked him for the key to the kitchen. He turned to her and was able to say, ‘I know where it is kept,’ and together they fetched food and attended to the guests.

Brigid led a group of women who had decided to become holy nuns, and she asked Bishop Mel to bless their taking of the veil. Brigid held back out of humility, but the bishop saw the Spirit of God desceneded upon her, he said, ‘I have no power in this matter. God has ordained Brigid.’ And so it came to pass that by the intervention of the Holy Spirit the form of ordaining a bishop was read over Brigid.

A poor leper came to Brigid one day and asked her for a cow. Brigid looked at him and asked, ‘Which would you rather — to take a copw or to be healed of your leprosy? The man chose ‘I would rather be healed than own all the cows in the world.’ So Brigid prayed, stretched out her hand, and the leper was made whole.”

Brigid of Kildare (c. 450-523) in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 144-145.

I love reading these historical accounts. This one celebrates Brigid and her reckless and radical faith. It struck me that in giving away her Father’s things for those in need she was embodying the childlike and generous faith Jesus calls us to exhibit. The post about her in this wonderful little book, ends with this prayer.

May God our Father, our strength and light, bless you with what you most need, beyond even all you would ask. For the weather is always right for the sowing of good seed.

So rich to be able to ask our Father for what we most need, which is beyond what we often ask for. What do you need today? Like the leper, I pray we will ask big. And do you have the courage to give away your Father’s possessions to those in need? I pray like Brigid we will be reckless and radical in our generosity.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12

Blessed are You, Lord
High King above all kings,
for through Your goodness we have this bread.
You have given us Your peace,
and set a hunger in our hearts.
Restore our strength.
Give new energy to tired limbs,
new thoughts to weary minds

Share the bread

Blessed are You, Lord
High King above all kings,
for through Your goodness we have this wine.
We thank You for Your loving kingness
which has filled our days
And brought us to this time and place.
May the wine restore our souls
giving new vision to dry spirits,
new warmth to cold hearts.

Share the wine.

“Family Shabbat” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 90-91.

Isaiah looks forward to the restorative work of the people of God, only possible through communion with Christ. We are restored in Christ and become agents of restoration.

As I have been resting this week, I have engaged forms of recreation that have left me with severe back pain. It’s both unfortuate and unexpected. But when do we expect suffering? 

This tired body gives thanks, at least for the gift of pain which slows me down to be renewed and restored in ways that can only be attributed to the grace of God (and the love of friends).

That’s what communion with Christ is all about.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

“But in addition to these conversations and discussions, something else was happening. People were finding it hard to shake off what they were living through. They were there while while we were praying for things they later found had been given… They were being given (not by us, but by God’s answers to prayers) a demonstration that God exists…

It was a combination which could never be ‘planned’ or ‘put on’ as an exhibit…it had to be real…a completely new work…would never have been possible if we had not been uprooted completely in every way, and if in that uprooting we had not decided to pray for God’s solution and leading every step of the path as it wound through unknown territory.

We also prayed that if it grew, God would send us the workers of His choice, rather than our trying to advertise or get people to help us…So not to advertise, but simply to pray that God will send those of His choice, and keep other away, is a different way of doing things.

We don’t say everyone ought to work this way, we simply say we feel we were led by God to do this as a demonstration that He is able to bring the people to a place — even a tiny out-of-the-way place…and only to bring the ones He wants to have there for His purposes.”

Edith Schaeffer in “L’Abri” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 73.

God is able to make grace abound to us.

When we demonstrate God’s ability, we bring Him glory. Imagine if every church or ministry had this focus. Edith Schaeffer, the wife of famous author and speaker, Francis Schaeffer, here reports a snippit of the backstory of the retreat center, L’Abri.

What does this testimony stir in you? Do you pray for God’s solution every step of the way at whatever church or ministry you serve?

What struck me was the fact that God’s people will often be led to do things in a countercultural manner and not even realize when or how He has supplied. “Unknown territory” is just that to us, but not to God. He not only knows the territory through which He is guiding us, He invites us to the adventure of depending on grace to navigate it.

So what about you? What purpose has God called you to pursue and how might He be calling you to trust Him to accomplish it in a manner that demonstrates that He is able?

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21

“If I am truly poor, then I am dependent on others for everything, and I feel useless and worthless, and I realize deep within that everything is a gift from the Father. Then in this attitude of complete dependence I become useful again for then I am empty of selfishness and I am free to be God’s instrument instead of my own. In poverty I begin to value everything rightly again. I see how little really matters, and I see that only that which glorifies God is of value.”

Murray Bodo in “Lady Poverty in the Eyes of Juniper, Friend of Francis, Fool of God” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 70-71.

Letting go of earthly wealth is the pathway to perfection. It marks the way to maturity and becoming useful again in the hands of the Father. But this is the opposite of what the world would say as the way to usefulness. So what should we think and do in this regard?

It’s not an easy or insignificant question to ponder. Letting go and obeying Jesus, in the thinking of Bodo, positions us to be God’s instrument instead of our own, for the power behind us is God and not ourselves. There we become useful again.

The paradox is that the alternative to being useful again is to be useless and selfish. Father, help us see that obeying the teachings of Jesus really is for our good and Your glory. Spirit, help us move beyond our fear to faith so that our lives bring You glory. Amen.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126

“Every curse becomes a blessing
to the people of God’s choosing
He who spoke it shall perform it
He shall bring on us the blessing
though the enemy may fight.
My Jesus has done all things right.

In the dry and desert places
Jesus is our souls’ oasis.
He will give us of His plenty,
fill the vessels once so empty,
pour His waters on the ground,
living waters gushing round.

See the land so black and barren;
God will make a watered garden;
fruitfulness where once was parchedness,
light to break into the darkness,
upper springs and nether springs
in the field the Father’s given.

Satan tries, but cannot block it,
Powers of Hell could never stop it.
Darkness flees as light is given.
God establishes His heaven
in our hearts and in this place
shows the radiance of His face.”

“The Field” of The Northumbrian Community in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 59-60.

What do you need from God today? Are you cursed or parched, empty or barren? Those who seek restoration and refreshment find it in the springs the Father gives.

That’s what Spofford (pictured above) does for me. It takes me back to the springs where darkness flees, the powers of Hell are vanquished and and the radiance of Christ shines.

If you are weary, go to such a place today by sitting in Psalm 126. There, you will be restored with living water for refreshment for enjoyment and generous sharing.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Ita, who died in about 570, was abbess of a women’s community at Killeedy, County of Limerick in Ireland. She ran a school for boys where she taught:

Faith in God
with purity of heart;
simplicity of life
with religion;
generosity
with love

Among those schooled by Ita was Brendan, who honored her as a foster-mother and advisor. The Ita Compline that follows is named after her because of its emphasis on examination of the heart, and the prayers of care and protection for each soul who crosses our path.

“The Sacred Three
to save
to shield
to surround
the hearth
the home
this night
and every night

Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Test me and know my thoughts.

See if there is any wicked way in me
and lead me in the way everlasting.

O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit,
Forgive me my sins,
O only-begotten Son of the heavenly Father
Forgive.
O God who is one,
O God who is true,
O God who is first,
O God who is one substance,
O God only mighty,
in three Persons, truly merciful,
Forgive.

O God of life, this night,
O darken not to me Thy light.

O God of life, this night,
close not Thy gladness to my sight.

Keep Your people, Lord.
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.

Be their light in darkness.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.

Be strength in their weakness.
Be their comfort in pain.
Be their song in the night.

In peace will I lie down for it is You, O Lord, You alone who makes me to rest secure.

Be it on Your own beloved arm,
O God of grace, that I in peace shall awake.

Be the peace of the Spirit mine this night.
Be the peace of the Son mine this night.
Be the peace of the Father mine this night.
The peace of all peace be mine this night
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Ita in “The Ita Compline” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 27-29.

This compline (which is a daily office spiritual exercise designed to be practiced at the end of a day), points the way to exhibit, as Ita put it “generosity with love.” This blessed Brendan and touches us today.

How do we have “faith in God with purity of heart?” Where can we locate “simplicity of life with religion?” What paves the way for “generosity with love?” It requires the soul to surrender to the Sacred Three who is the only one who can save, shield, surround, and forgive. There is the only place of light, hope, calm, and peace.

At GTP we have started a new fiscal year. I’ve encouraged the staff to start the year with rest and reflection, to ask God to restore our souls. A way to do this is to say a compline at the end of each day.

As I reflect I see that “faith in God with purity of heart” is, in a word “confession.” It is seeking forgiveness and asking God to bring light. I discern that “simplicity of life with religion” is fasting, which is setting aside my desires and wanting only what God desires. Then, “generosity with love” comes into view as my prayer. Only after receiving richly from God can I give, and give with love.

Make it so, Sacred Three.

In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. Psalm 31:1-5

“Father, I abandon myself into Your hands. Do with me what You will, whatever You do, I will thank You. I am ready for all. I accept all. Let only Your will be done in me, as in all Your creatures, and I will ask nothing else, my Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit; I give it to You with all the love of my heart, for I love You, Lord, and so need to give myself to surrender myself into your hands with a trust beyond all measure, because You are my Father.”

Charles de Foucauld in “Prayer of Abandonment to God” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 49.

This will be the first of many posts this new book referred to me by long time friend, Gary Oakley, from my Tuesday morning Pinehurst Bible Study group. This prayer seemed fitting to start a week of leave. Spending the week at Camp Spofford outside of Keene, NH.

The giving that comes into view is commending my spirit and giving myself to the Lord because He is trustworthy. As life never seems to go how we expect, rather than straining for control, there is peace in surrender. The rest and restoration I seek this week starts with surrender. Join me.

Father, in Your mercy, hear this prayer of abandonment from me and from my brothers and sisters around the world. Do what You will in and through us we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.