One more item for my don’t-lose-this-you-will-need-it-in-the-future file…
“Lord Jesu! Teach thou me, that I may teach them: Sanctify and enable all my powers; that in their full strength they may deliver thy message reverently , readily, faithfully, and fruitfully. Oh, make thy word a swift word, passing from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the life and conversation: that as the rain returns not empty, so neither may they word, but accomplish that for which it is given. Oh Lord, hear, Oh Lord, forgive! Oh Lord, hearken, and do so for thy blessed Son’s sake, in whose sweet name we pray. — George Herbert, 1593-1633
Getting Started 
Thanks and God Bless
Glad to be of service! 🙂
Sermons and homilies suck. I hate them. I’m 50 now, so I can say I’ve always hated them, now. What are you going to do? Take away my birthday? I have tried to get ex-communicated by the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America. Do your worst!
As I said, I’m 50. My family has been Anglican since Henry VIII created the Church of England.
I grew up Episcopalian in Salt Lake City, Utah. I emerged with my faith and soul intact. No collar, no mitre, has anything to share, teach or illuminate.
The moment the sermon or homily starts, I check my watch, then stare out the window and think about sex.
I suggest that we drop the unwelcome lecture, add a hymn and get on with it.
There are “20 golden minutes” for a sermon/homily and anything beyond that time frame does tend to become tedious.
WRK
Dr. Kenny – Welcome, and I like with your “20 golden minutes” – sounds very reasonable!
At the school chapel requirement is 7 minutes or less. In a way I kind of like it — it forces me to find the main point and get to it! Otherwise I tend to average around 14-15 minutes but will take longer if the material needs it.