From Our Pastors – October 20

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
October 20, 2023


Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

Many of you are familiar with this prayer, though perhaps not its source in the Psalms. I and many other pastors offer it at the start of each sermon, praying that what we share might not be for our own glory but pleasing to our God whom we serve, and useful for those gathered.

But the Psalms were written as corporate hymns, to be sung by the whole congregation. This prayer isn’t a particular one for pastors or religious leaders. Set in the context of the entire Psalm, it’s a prayer that whoever speaks it might reveal the glory of God in the world, just as the heavens and earth, night and day, all that is and all that will be all testify to God’s power and goodness. God’s word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, the Psalmist writes, and then asks God to help them follow more closely.

I wonder what it might be like to offer this prayer at the start of the day each day, to set an intention to be humble in thought and speech. I wonder whether such a practice might make it easier to think before speaking, to be curious and compassionate, to speak and act in solidarity with others. I wonder whether it might help us to reveal God’s goodness in a world that needs it.

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts


  • From Our Pastors
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    April 18, 2025
    Throughout Lent, we have been Making Space: for compassion, humility, discernment, generosity, and prayer. As we move from yesterday evening’s Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service, sharing around the table and recognizing the coming darkness, to Sunday morning’s joyful worship, we are given one last, sacred opportunity to reflect in this year’s Lenten season. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: April 11, 2025
    Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
    April 11, 2025
    This coming Sunday begins our walk through Holy Week.  The story of this week is at the very core of our faith.  We’ll travel with Jesus to confront the powers of this world that still cause so much suffering –  injustice, hubris, abuse of power, scarcity, violence, and fear.  Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: April 4, 2025
    Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
    April 4, 2025
    This Sunday is our final Sunday before Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  There is one week left before Jesus, with boldness and intention, arrives in Jerusalem to take a stand against forces of corruption, oppression, violence, fear, and hate.  Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 28, 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 28, 2025
    We’re drawing to the close of our Stewardship season for this year, and we’ll mark Stewardship Sunday in worship this week with a testimony and a focus in scripture and sermon on generosity. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 21 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 21, 2025
    I gave up social media for Lent this year. I’ve tried it in past years, and it never quite stuck. I always found reasons to log back in: an urgent question for a group of colleagues, a video of Rosey that was too good not to share, or even just an accidental slip. It’s sticking this year, though. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 14, 2025
    Amy Clark Feldman
    March 14, 2025
    We are almost beginning the second week of our Lenten journey, walking in the wilderness together.  It is always amazing to me how the liturgical seasons map onto the events and seasons in our world and lives.  What wisdom and support we have in these deep traditions of our faith!  This year it does indeed feel like Lenten wilderness times – each day with new revelations, challenges, news, and worries. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 7, 2025
    Megan Berkowitz
    March 7, 2025
    It was a gift to pray with so many of you throughout the day on Ash Wednesday and at our ecumenical evening service. I appreciated how thoughtful and open everyone I spoke with was about the intentions they were setting for Lent. Learn More