Mark Pratt-Russum spoke about it being a simultaneously confusing and clarifying time for many of us. How can we have more compassion for ourselves when it feels like time to yell or wail in the direction of God? When our hearts are ablaze, what is it telling us about what we care about?

Mark Pratt-Russum speaks about aromas, the limbic system, and how we might find connection with the Spirit of Love, Light, and Creativity this coming week. As you sit in the silence and pay attention to the thoughts and feelings that visit you, what are they revealing about your heart, mind, and spirit? How does reconnecting with God in the silence help you view those visiting thoughts and feelings?

Mark Pratt-Russum speaks about expressing your fears and longings in prayer. What opportunities do you have for expressing your fears, longings, concerns, gratitudes and complaints ? How does being intentional about expression help clear the way for your heart and mind to be more fully present during times of turmoil? How does trusting that God is already present in the future you are fearing help you navigate the fear now?

Mark Pratt-Russum spoke about who we give our attention too, and the biblical story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. How are you paying attention to the cultural pressure for more attention and availability as it relates to your ability to be centered and ready for compassionate action? How have you ordered your social systems so that you can be more loving to yourself and others?

Mark Pratt-Russum gives a message about climate despair. Queries: When experiencing tumultuous times, what does it sound/feel like inside you? How have you experienced connection with an inner-guide during such times? Do you find yourself preparing your heart, mind, soul, and body for upcoming storms? What does that look like for you?

Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message about temple obsession and read a passage from a book by James Allison. Do you carry a hope for a more just, liberated, and joyful future that is sustained beyond the soul-sucking influence of institutions of power? How do you do this? How can communities become places of mutual inspiration, rest and joy in the face of political/cultural/social realties that make us uninspired, bred, and hopeless?

Mark Pratt-Russum shares about a photo taken in 2006 with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, recalling the profound sense of liberation he experienced in that moment.

Mark Pratt-Russum reads the story in Exodus about Moses approaching the burning bush. Mark offered a different perspective about Moses removing his sandals. Perhaps it was recognizing the need to shed something for this transformative moment. When you consider the growing moments of your life, how did shedding play a part in becoming who you are now? Do you remember what it was like to be in that process, how did it feel in the moment? How do you look back on those times now? Have you experienced "shedding your sandals" as you approached the Divine, not necessarily as a sign of honor or respect, but as an acknowledgement of stepping into the Holy ground of creativity and change?

Mark Pratt-Russum offers a message about what areas in your life could benefit from being grounded in play (the playground). A query from one of our youth, "do you just pick one of the voices in your head and call it God?" How do you recognize and interact with the various voices within you? How might they be interplaying with one another to become the voice of your inner guide?

Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message about Covid and the Eucharist. Here are the queries Mark offered:

- Is assessing who/what has your attention a part of your spiritual practice? 

- How is your internal narrative shaped by the things that have your attention?

- How has tending a God/Kingdom/Spirit-led perspective of time and energy changed the way you’ve thought about yourself and others?