The Inner Priest
Dear Sutton and Savannah,
Finding your own voice seems to be a very important life task. I have spent a lot of energy and time in borrowing a voice from others. I did that through adopting the voice of authors, speakers, teachers, cultural icons, religious leaders, my parents and definitely my friends. I would add in smatterings of my own poorly developed values, insecurities, fears and self righteousness. I am sorry for the many times my parenting was driven by a confusing mixture of that outer and inner mess. I have become familiar with a more cohesive voice within that is connected to grace, peace and love. As a result I think I am better able to see the unique, eternal and incredible voice within each of you. I hope you trust your voice.
-Dad
Inside Out Lectionary Letters
Year A - 7th Sunday of Easter (Texts, Art, Hymns)
Readings for Sunday, May 10, 2026
Acts 1:6-14 / Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 / 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 / John 17:1-11
Summary of John 14:15-21
In John 17:1-11 Jesus begins what is commonly referred to as the high priestly prayer. Here Jesus moves from instruction to intercession. Though the words “high priest” are not found in this passage, generations of Christian’s have found that this chapter exemplifies Jesus in a high priestly role. And the term is used with respect and honor, not in a demeaning or disrespectful way. Have you ever considered the high priestly part of you?
Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul
Everyone has this moral voice within. It can offer insight and wisdom. It can cast a vision for the future, and it can interpret the past. Conversely, it can create fear of change and guilt for the past. The question is, does this voice function from a place of health, or is it out of balance?
When it is overbearing (out of balance) it can be judgmental, critical or self righteous. When it is ignored or underdeveloped, the inner world loses coherence, and can lead to stagnation, indecisiveness or poor decisions.
When that voice speaks from a place of health and balance, it is a mediating presence that holds the inner world together. It becomes an anchoring presence within, and offers a set of values that guides decisions, and nurtures growth. This high priestly voice cares for the community as a result of cultivating an inner intimacy.
Jesus’s prayer expresses the essence of this inner high priest. Those who listen to its voice get in touch with that which is eternal (verse 3). The voice functions as a revelation of the divine (verse 6). And, maybe most importantly, when the spiritual voice within has found its footing, and is working for the good of the inner life, it brings all the other parts into unity (verse 11).
When life feels fragmented, stuck, or confusing, consider listening to the inner spiritual voice that often serves as a mediator or bridge to the divine wisdom. It is compassionate, not just outwardly, but inwardly, filled with grace toward the wounded and hurting parts within. The priestly voice exists to create connection—between the human and the divine, and therefore between all the fractured parts within us.
Admittedly the inner priestly voice can become distorted. Instead of mediation there is inner accusation. Instead of integration there is fragmentation. And the guilt of imperfection can be debilitating. But Jesus models something different. He speaks the words of this prayer knowing the disciples are about to fail him. And still the prayer is filled not with shame, but with gratitude, hope, protection, and belonging. That’s the voice that leads to inner unity and peace.