The Bishop's Blog

Thoughts and reflections from Bishop John Harvey Taylor

Daily prayer: John, Apostle and Evangelist

Daily prayer: John, Apostle and Evangelist

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we...

Daily prayer: Stephen the martyr

Daily prayer: Stephen the martyr

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand;...

Daily prayer: Boxing Day

Daily prayer: Boxing Day

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and...

Daily prayer: Christmas Day

Daily prayer: Christmas Day

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes...

Christmas Eve sermon at St. John’s Cathedral

Christmas Eve sermon at St. John’s Cathedral

We return to Bethlehem at Christmastime to hear the story again and to let it boggle our minds. The first miracle is how God uses hapless imperial factotums for God’s purposes. Some official sitting...

My two-year-old Christmas Eve ode to gift wrapping

My two-year-old Christmas Eve ode to gift wrapping

When I wrap family Christmas presents, I think of my mother, Jean, who taught me when I was about ten. Now there are YouTube videos. On the long side, fold over the edge of the top flap a half-inch...

Daily prayer: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Daily prayer: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity...

Daily prayer: For clergy

Daily prayer: For clergy

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, deacons, and priests, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful...

A 50th wedding anniversary celebration

A 50th wedding anniversary celebration

Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and St John Chrysostom Church stalwarts Loreen and Andy Guilford celebrated their 50th anniversary Thursday evening with family and friends, including daughters...

Daily prayer: For those who travel

Daily prayer: For those who travel

Heavenly God, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel during this Christmas season; surround them with your loving care; protect...

Daily prayer: Thomas the Apostle

Daily prayer: Thomas the Apostle

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God,...