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Transformation and manure that hits the fan
I recently visited my church’s sister parish in London. The priest there was kind enough to make a large “Ask me for a blessing” sign so...
Apr 83 min read


There's no going back
This is a first and hopefully a last – someone asked me to unbaptize them. It was a woman who appeared to be in her thirties. She was...
Jun 6, 20243 min read


Jesus Freak
Every once in a while, I get to bless a baby in utero. This includes expectant moms in my congregation and sometimes strangers I meet...
Nov 1, 20233 min read


A chalk cross, a curse, and some holy laughter
The other day I got chalk on someone’s forehead when giving them a blessing. It was left over from writing and rewriting “Ask me for a...
Jul 7, 20233 min read


Indelible alleluias
I recently cried for the first time in this ministry. I’ve gotten misty-eyed before, but this was the first time a tear actually escaped...
May 29, 20233 min read


God bless y'all!
A few days ago I got to offer blessings in downtown Nashville, right outside Christ Church Cathedral. As I set up on the sidewalk in the...
Apr 24, 20232 min read


Patient understanding and persevering love
This week I met a man who asked for a blessing on his first day of sobriety. He was an alcoholic and clearly hungover. Bloodshot eyes,...
Jan 28, 20233 min read


When the demons come out
A clergy colleague once told me, "The demons come out before Christmas and Easter.” His point was that spiritual darkness in the world...
Oct 8, 20222 min read


Let the BS recede
Last week I had two prayer requests related to marriage. The first was from a middle-aged couple who said they wanted their marriage “to...
Aug 23, 20223 min read


Ready to launch
It’s been a minute. And by “a minute,” I mean well over a year. It’s hard to believe I haven’t posted to this blog since January of 2021....
Jul 29, 20221 min read


"Ask me for a blessing" on TV!
New York's WABC-TV covered this ministry on the 5:00 news. Click here for the story!
Jan 13, 20211 min read


Back in the saddle
This week I resumed my ministry of offering blessings outside. Only now I have a special mask to match my stole (green for the season of...
Jul 17, 20203 min read


Blessed are the psychotic
As a minister in an urban setting, I come into contact with my fair share of people with signs of severe mental illness. “Saucy J” told...
Feb 25, 20203 min read


Eat Kneel Bless
Last week I got my first kneeler. Someone kneeled down on the sidewalk in front of me and asked for a blessing. Even more surprising than...
Nov 12, 20192 min read


What wondrous love is this
Three weeks ago today was the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, which always falls on October 4. It feels like forever...
Oct 25, 20193 min read


Church meets world
As I stood in front of my church to offer blessings this week, I kept fixating on its shadow. Our church building casts a large shadow on...
Sep 25, 20192 min read


A fact of love
"My wife's father was murdered a year ago and her emotions still erupt like a volcano." I've heard a lot of surprising things in this...
Aug 23, 20193 min read


Peace be with you.
One of the most common prayer requests I get is for peace. Sometimes this request is tied to a specific situation, such as divisiveness...
Jul 19, 20192 min read


Another take
A reporter for Religion News Service gives her perspective on “Ask Me for a Blessing.” Check it out! https://religionnews.com/2019/06/27/...
Jun 28, 20191 min read


Pray for me, a sinner
Every once in a while, I get someone who wants to pray for me rather than the other way around. They usually approach me with great...
Jun 12, 20193 min read
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