Scripture: Ephesians 2.1, 4-6
You were dead in your transgressions and sins… But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ…

Reflection: Easter Wings :: Throwback Thursday
By George Herbert – (1633)

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poore:
With thee
O let me rise
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.
My tender age in sorrow did begin:
And still with sicknesses and shame
Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.
With thee
Let me combine
And feel this day thy victory:
For, if I imp my wing on thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

Editor’s Note:
That our fall and affliction may further our flight is a part of the miracle of Easter. Not only Christ rose from the grave. We, with him, arose to newness and life.

George Herbert’s beautiful poem explores both the rhythmic shape of these thoughts in meter and their physical shape on the printed page.

May we become “thinne” that Christ’s fullness may shine more fully through us. We must decrease and he must increase. — John

Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for my hope has been in you. — Psalm 25.20

– Prayer from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Full prayer available online and in print.

Today’s Readings
Proverbs 9 (Listen – 1:50)
Ephesians 2 (Listen – 3:04)