A few years back I had the privilege of co-authoring a paper with my friend Robbie Walker. Robbie is a queer Pentecostal theologian (PhD candidate Trinity College, Toronto). I am not sure how I first encountered Robbie, I think it was through Generous Spaciousness way back, but however it happened I’ve been blessed by Robbie’s keen mind and authentic Christian faith. And I especially enjoyed the way that Robbie shaped our work together trying to understand some of the ways that our evangelical kin approach or avoid issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

When this Lenten season began I was mulling over what kind of a fast/practice I would take up. Serendipitously Robbie posted about the refresh of his book of Lenten prayers, O Beautiful Dust: Walking the Wilderness Toward Common Prayer. I grabbed an e-copy of the book and invited Robbie (from the text) to inform my prayer life throughout the Lenten season. What a wonderful experience.

My partner, Sharon, also joined me and we prayed with Robbie in the evenings. The prayers had a delightful range of expressions, from the traditional common prayer format to honest raw expressions of the lived experience of a world full of injustice. These prayers encouraged us to reflect on and to face our own challenges as people of privilege living in a world where so many are pushed to the margins. These honest prayers reminded me of the Psalms where the Psalmist begins with their complaints and struggles, pushing onward to God as best they can. I would highly recommend this collection of prayers for your own Lenten devotion. Let it surprise you, shake you, and deepen your reflection on how you too can be the hands and feet of Jesus.


Thank you Robbie for praying with us this Lenten season, I appreciated your voice and your leading in our devotion.