Living Water

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

A river baptism in the South, depicted in a postcard that was mailed in 1912. Source: Black Postcards

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”” Luke‬ ‭3:21-22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let Us Pray

Lord we thank you for the opportunity to bathe in the beauty of your holiness. We thank you for Mother Earth, her rich fragrance, her cleansing and soothing waters that refreshes and renews us.

We thank you Almighty God for washing our stains and pouring out blessings we hope to receive. Yet, we hardly conceive and believe that we will achieve these gifts. For we are blessed by your presence and blessed because of your loving grace.

Thank you Father for sheltering us from the storms that threaten to drown us and overtake our hope. Thank Merciful God for carrying us through murky waters when our fear is high and our confidence is low.

O Lord baptize us in the spiritual waters that are present and part our life journey. Fresh water, still water that sits on the waste and rubble that weighs us down.

Holy One, restore our faith and trust in the unseen Divine Spirit that parts the seas, hems the high tides and guides us above the turbulent waves in our lives. Gracious God we pray for all who are grieving, all who are fearful and all who need assurances that we are not drowning. Just as we are lowered into unknown waters, we rise drenched, we rise with fresh eyes and we rise as if out of the womb.

We open our mouths and cry out ABBA! MaMa! ABBA! We cry Alleluia!

Through our tears we awaken as drenched souls ready to live for your glory. With our wet bodies we claim our purpose and connect with Your will. We are determined to live as your servants. Servants of the Most High God!

Glory to God! Glory to God! To God Be the Glory! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

From Mess to Message

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

imageIn 2005, I was a mess, bedridden by excruciating back pain, I published my first book. From Mess to Message is a poetic understanding of the hidden healing messages of pain and suffering. Now, many years post failed back surgeries I found peace in my book’s messages in the midst of chronic back pain complicated by bilateral sciatica. I accept pain as a part of my healing. It is a circumstance and not what defines me. I’ve learned to live through the journey while thanking God for the pain and the promise to heal me in a deeper and wholesome way.

Pray No More

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Pray No More
Imagine our children are safe in school,
Imagine disturbed people receive the help they need,
Imagine guns are limited and used sensibly,
Imagine no more tragedies, no more violence,
Believe it is possible! Park and Pray at 1:11 pm.

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Cross My Heart!

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

IMG_3848.jpgFebruary 14, a day when hearts bloom faster than flowers. Forget the cold-hearted ruggedness of winter blues.

Resist the desire to over-indulge in chocolate hearts, champagne, teddy bears, fake diamonds and prickly roses.

Avoid those red-hot tempers that play hide and seek as Lent, a Holy Season emerges with fresh ashes and renewed hope.

Lent, a time when many of the faithful will give up something (alcohol, bread, candy, etc.,) or make a pledge to do something (serve, feed, follow, pray).

Lent, a time marked by anxiety and serenity as many wrestle with the desire and need to make spiritual changes in their lives.

“Cross my heart!” We declare the truth that puts flesh on bones.

“Cross my heart!” We make promises that are often too hard to keep for forty days.

“Cross my heart!” We accept ashes on the forehead or hands thus, acknowledging our mortality.

“Cross my heart!” We proclaim a commitment that shakes and awakens us.

“Cross my heart!” We acknowledge Jesus’ truth, promises, and love that never dies.

Let us Park and Pray 

God of Love and Light, as we enter this first of forty days of Lent, hold and carry us, as our senses are shaken and awaken.

Reconciling God, settle our disputes. Revive and renew us.

Almighty God, you call us to remember the burning palm branches, the blessed ashes, smudged hands and foreheads, and to seek forgiveness for our sins.

Forgiving God, have mercy on us.  Give us a clean heart and a renewed spirit. We need humility and strength to go without, do without and live without, all, which binds our heart, mind, and spirit.

Loving God, as we travel along life’s journey, help us to celebrate self-love, agape love, and Divine love. Help us remember God’s love for us,  Jesus, the Christ, the Divine, the Lamb of God in whose name, we pray. Amen.