A prayer for Advent: Because Christ has come
Teri McDowell Ott invites us to rest in Christ’s tender and healing presence in a weary world. Through Jesus, nothing lies beyond redemption.
More Stories from this Author
Good news for all the people
As social media amplifies anger, Advent invites us to practice faithful communication — words that add value, meaning and peace, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — November 30, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
First Sunday of Advent — November 30, 2025
Advent isn’t just waiting for what’s coming — it’s seeing what’s already holy now. Teri McDowell Ott invites readers to slow down, notice, and stay awake to God’s presence.
Music that meets us where we are
From gym anthems to humming hymns in a new church pew — music grounds us, lifts us, and reminds us we never sing alone, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
From captivity to hope: A prayer for Israelis, Palestinians and lasting peace
Teri McDowell Ott offers a prayer of gratitude for released Israeli and Palestinian hostages that pleads for ceasefire, healing and lasting peace.
Order of worship — October 26, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost — October 26, 2025
True worship requires more than showing up — it asks for humility, honesty and openness to God’s transforming grace, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Why theological education matters
As seminaries and religious studies programs shrink, the responsibility to nurture theological imagination is shifting to our congregations. Are our churches ready, asks Teri McDowell Ott?
A prayer for all who suffer in the wake of October 7
For October 7’s anniversary, Teri McDowell Ott offers a collect to grieve, remember, and pray for peace, justice, and healing in the ongoing conflict.
A prayer against violence
"Teach us a better way, a holy imagination of justice, mercy and reconciliation," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 21, 2025
Luke 16:1–13 is one of Scripture’s toughest parables. Why would Jesus praise a dishonest manager—and what does it mean for our faith? Teri McDowell Ott reflects.
Order of worship — September 21, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The seeds we scatter
Ministry isn’t about perfection but planting small seeds of care, faith, and presence, writes Teri McDowell Ott. God will bring unexpected growth over time.
Litany and prayer after the Minneapolis shooting
Teri McDowell Ott offers a litany of lament and intercession after the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The Outlook staff will be off August 4-8 for sabbath
Outlook Editor Teri McDowell Ott shares why the Outlook plans to close for a week — and where you can find the worship resources you still need.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost — August 10, 2025
When the future feels uncertain, God invites us to look up, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Beneath a sky full of promises, faith finds its next step.
Order of worship — August 10, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
O God, be near: A Lament after the flood
A heartfelt prayer for communities devastated by sudden floods, asking God to comfort the grieving, strengthen first responders, and sustain all who rebuild.
For such a time as this
Oftentimes, we read but do not act. How can we leverage our positions to thoughtfully expose injustice and protect the vulnerable, asks Teri McDowell Ott?
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost — July 13, 2025
What melts your heart shapes your faith, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — July 13, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Making neighbors
Let's reclaim community—because loving God means loving each other, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Pentecost Sunday — June 8, 2025
Acts 2 offers a Spirit-filled vision of diverse community, holy imagination, and prophetic action to transform the world for good and for God, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — June 8, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.