Weekly Outlook - A prayer for Inauguration (and MLK) Day

Dear readers, Here are some of the quotes from the articles the Outlook published this week that I'm still thinking about. I wanted to share them with you as well! "The genius of this pairing (of theology and worship) was the conviction that how we pray shapes what we believe and what we think shapes how we pray." Charles Aden Wiley, III and Martha Moore-Keish on "Celebrating the work of the Office of Theology and Worship" "If the Christian Left wishes to chart an alternative path forward, it will need to abandon the language of heresy."  David W. Congdon on "Orthodoxy, not heresy, is the root problem of Christian nationalism" "Be tender toward those who suffer and bring hope to the broken."  Haley Ballast in "A prayer for Los Angeles" As King advised, let us not “drink from the cup of bitterness” but “work together, pray together, struggle together, go to jail together, stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” Teri McDowell Ott in "Inauguration Day prayer" "If Hunter Biden, Donald Trump, and the insurrectionists all attended First Presbyterian Salisbury next Sunday, I would be compelled to offer them the assurance that 'nothing can separate us from God.'"  Joshua Gritter in "Pardon me, Jesus" "Words, crafted and shaped into artforms, can spark transformation."   Jack Miller in "The holy trinity of public theology" Today, I pray that you are able to see the Spirit at work all around you — in community, in creation, in the work of the church. Know that God goes with you into all of the unknowns of this time and Christ's grace covers you. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

A prayer for Los Angeles by Haley Ballast Inauguration Day prayer by Teri McDowell Ott Orthodoxy, not heresy, is the root problem of Christian nationalism by David W. Congdon Grief and gratitude: Celebrating the work of the Office of Theology and Worship by Charles Aden Wiley, III and Martha Moore-Keish MRTI adds 10 fossil fuel companies, four countries to divestment list by Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting Presidential pardons, justice and mercy by Joshua Gritter In case you missed it... The holy trinity of public theology What if there's also a rhythmic circle, giving a never-ending space for the dance of proclamation, advocacy and creativity? Jack Miller writes. Presbyterian leaders from California share impact of devastating wildfires and look to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for support ‘The stronger we're connected, the stronger our response will be.’ — By Darla Carter Three Earth Care Award winners honored at Presbyterians for Earth Care annual gathering Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) recognized two individuals and one congregation for their exceptional environmental achievements at their virtual Annual Gathering. Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent "Draw Close" by Stephanie B. Dunn is an engaging Lenten guide blending prayer, reflection, and creative practices for spiritual renewal, writes Amy Pagliarella. Fires rage out of control in Southern California, affecting churches and presbyteries At least one PC(USA) church is destroyed and five people have been killed in the wind-whipped blazes. — Darla Carter Crossing the liminal together: The art of public theology By the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are joined in one holy unity. — Jennifer Frayer Griggs Devotional recommendations for Lent 2025 Whether you value biblical interpretation, social justice, or bodily movement, Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella has a Lent devotional recommendation for you. Presbyterian speaker series enrich communities Discover how guest speakers like Kate Bowler and Bryan Stevenson are inspiring faith and fostering dialogue in Presbyterian churches. Fresh Outlook Bible Studies: “Friendship” Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel.

Pre-order today! How do we hold space for grief while clinging to hope? Grieving Change and Loss, a daily Lenten devotional from Presbyterian Outlook, embraces the complexity of loss in its many forms — from lost health to fractured friendships — and invites you to encounter the resurrection promise anew. Explore grief’s six stages each week with reflections, Scripture, and prayer.