We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Andrew Franklin enjoys thinking about how to express philosophy and spiritual journeys using algebra and calculus metaphors. Happily despite that, friends still like to sit around and talk with him and this is actually his favorite thing. He’s new to the Pacific Northwest having spent the previous 22 years in Kentucky so he understandably enjoys the tearful beauty of everything. Also has a terrific girlfriend.

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

Queries:

What does inclusion mean, to me?

What are the signs of inclusion?

How am I helping create inclusive spaces?

What does it mean to be inclusive but also have healthy boundaries?

What does it mean to include the whole Earth in the scope of God’s inclusive Love?

Mark Russ is a queer Jesus-centred theologian from Birmingham, England. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Nottingham, researching how liberal Quaker theology in Britain is shaped by whiteness. From 2015 to 2022, Mark was a programmes coordinator at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre. Mark blogs at jollyquaker.com and is the author of Quaker Shaped Christianity: How the Jesus story and the Quaker way fit together (Christian Alternative, 2022) and the forthcoming The Spirit of Freedom: Quaker-shaped Christian theology (Christian Alternative, 2024).

Queries:

How does this Psalm give words to my own experience?

In what areas of my life do I seek peace? What do I need so that peace can emerge?

How have I experienced God answering my call, showing up for me?

How might I be an answer to the calls of others? How might I show up for them?

How could momentarily letting go serve me well?