Westminster Divines
Dancing with Divines
December 6, 2021 (Monday)
Ninth Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s entry features a group of Divines known as the Westminster Assembley, who gathered in London from 1643 to 1653. They came from across England, Scotland, and Ireland, and they represented different strands of the English Reformed tradition. Together they worked to make the Church of England look more Protestant, and drafted the Westminster Catechisms and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Entry
Prayer
To You, O Giving God, I offer praise with wonder; the wonder from the Gospel which inspires righteous merriment. May the News of Christ Your Son not lose its festive goodness, or become a message stale and dim that only speaks of losing. May it show what I have gained through bright and cheerful tidings, and lead me like St. Nicholas to display Your gift with gladness. The gift of redemption which You gave the world through Jesus, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit as one God, both now and forever. Amen.
Brilliana Harley
Dancing with Divines
December 5, 2021 (Sunday)
Eighth Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Brilliana Harley, who was a noblewoman of Brampton Bryan in Herefordshire, England. In addition to being educated and speaking several languages, she took part in the English Civil War by gathering intelligence. Her thoughts on God and faith are found within her letters, and especially those to her son Ned as he made his way into the world.
Entry
Prayer
O Creator of all things, I thank You that I have a Mother in You, and a gentle hand with more than just correction for my failures. In You there is a comfort that gives hope for all despair, and a care that gives assurance that my sin is not the final word. Help me to take these things and trust Your tender promises; Your Word which nourishes the body and soul and brings rejoicing and gladness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Thomas Brooks
Dancing with Divines
December 4, 2021 (Saturday)
Seventh Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Thomas Brooks who was pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle’s parish in London. Following the Act of Uniformity from King Charles II in 1622, Brooks remained in his parish while other Puritan pastors were expelled.
Entry
Prayer
O King of Peace, Who fashioned humanity from the dust and gave it the breath of life, forgive me for the ways in which I squander my potential. In addition to enjoying You and seeking to bring You glory, I was made to live by Your law of love which leads to peace and wholeness. Help me to treat all people as they were meant to be treated, and help me to treat creation as it was meant to be treated. May I be a glimpse of what You truly had intended, and may this glimpse be healing for the wounds that are around me. To you be all blessing and honor forever. Amen.
Roger Williams
Dancing with Divines
December 3, 2021 (Friday)
Sixth Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Roger Williams who was a Puritan pastor that was exiled for demanding religious freedom and defending Indigenous people. He later became a Baptist and established the colony of Rhode Island where Church and State were separated and there was full religious freedom.
Entry
Prayer
My Lord Jesus it is such a blessing to know that You are truth, and that You will never change as our opinions shift and falter. Guard me from putting correctness over Your call to community, and may I stand for what it right in times where it is needed. Keep my hand from taking up the carnal weapons that are of this world, and empty them of vainglory that they might take the open hands of others. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Thomas Manton
Dancing with Divines
December 2, 2021 (Thursday)
Fifth Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Thomas Manton, who was a pastor that took part in the Westminster Assembly. Despite facing many great sufferings he always preached a message of joy and found comfort in the friendship of God.
Entry
Prayer
My Lord Jesus, as I seek to be Your servant may I never forget Your friendship which nothing can break. Thank You for this precious bond and all the joys within it, and may these joys bring me delight in God as I delight in You. The God, Who like a parent, claims me as His child. To Him, to You, and to the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Mary Dyer
Dancing with Divines
December 1, 2021 (Wednesday)
Fourth Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Mary Dyer, who was a former Puritan that became a Quaker. After defying an order of banishment for publicly preaching and sharing her faith, she was executed by hanging in the city of Boston.
Entry
Prayer
O Light of the world, that shines within all darkness, help me to see the light of God shining in every person. Forgive me for the sin of loving those that I deem worthy, and failing to keep Your command of loving those who are against me. Bless my enemies as You bless the people I cherish, and help me to be a blessing like You Who walked upon earth with love. I ask all this in Your great name. Amen.
Solomon Stoddard
Dancing with Divines
November 30, 2021 (Wednesday)
Third Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Solomon Stoddard, who was the grandfather of the great theologian Jonathan Edwards. Unlike his fellow pastors in New England, Stoddard believed that a more liberal approach to Church would help younger generations to embrace the Puritan faith.
Entry
Prayer
Almighty God, Whose perfect love cast out all fear, may I, like Solomon Stoddard, not lose that greater vision. The vision of Who you are which goes beyond Your anger, and radiates with endless grace for all who seek it. And may my life reflect Your glory to others that they might come to see Your face and walk with You in holiness. To You be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Lemuel Haynes
Dancing with Divines
November 29, 2021 (Tuesday)
Second Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Lemuel Haynes, who was the first Black person to be ordained in the United States. He was also a soldier in the American War of Independence, and preached against slavery while pastoring all White congregations.
Entry
Prayer
O Merciful Father, Who cares for the well-being of all, thank You for sending Your Son to set me free from sin and death. Help me to never forget the things that it took to have this treasure, and help me to use it rightly like Lemuel Haynes did for the sake of others. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Anne Bradstreet
Dancing with Divines
November 28, 2021 (Monday)
First Day of Advent
Divine
Today’s Divine is Anne Bradstreet, who was the most prominent poet of early New England. She was also the first author to be published in North America, and was known for her great intellect and knowledge of many subjects.
Entry
Prayer
My Lord Jesus, the Righteous Branch, I thank You for this new Advent Season and the comforts You have given to me through the witness of Anne Bradstreet. I empty out my heart weighed down from the troubles I have carried, and I ask that You would fill it with Your goodness and love that never end. In Your gracious name I pray. Amen.
Advent 2021. Dancing with Divines: A Devotional Calendar
Dancing With Divines
A devotional Advent calendar.
This year I will not be leading any service in December, and I am blessed to enjoy the holidays without the stress that they bring to pastors. I am also blessed to release a project that I have worked on for quite some time, and that is a daily devotional calendar for the season of Advent. It is called Dancing with Divines, and to access it, click on the button below.