The Thankful Priest – Leyla King

Hi, I’m Leyla.

I’m an Episcopal priest, author, Palestinian American, and small church advocate – all of which are part of my identity as the Thankful Priest. Click here to learn more.

Daughters of Palestine

Daughters of Palestine is now available for pre-order wherever you get your books. Release-date of the paperback is July 8 but you can get an early digital copy by joining the Launch Team

Small Churches, Big Impact Collective

As one of the founders of the Small Churches Big Impact Collective, I’m passionate about the dynamic nature of small churches. The average Episcopal church has an average Sunday attendance of 40. Yet these small churches, all around the nation, are having a big impact on their members and communities. Click here to learn more.

Palestinian Anglicans and Clergy Allies

Palestinian Anglicans and Clergy Allies (PACA) is a grassroots organization of Palestinians – both living in the land of Palestine and in the diaspora – who are members of the Anglican Communion worldwide, and the ecumenical alliance of clergy and seminarians who support them. Our goal is to educate and equip the clergy of the Church in the global West to understand, teach and preach from sound theological and pastoral foundations about the realities faced by Palestinians. Click here to learn more.

The Thankful Priest
Blog

While I am an author and speaker, my blog is where I pen my most personal reflections.

Check out the Thankful Priest Blog by clicking here or scrolling down below.

Latest Blog Posts

  • Changes for the Thankful Priest

    Last week, my family announced publicly our plans for some big transitions. Ben has accepted a new position at a seminary in Austin, Texas and we’ll be moving away from our home for the past 13+ years this coming summer… Continue reading

  • I’m a loser: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaSeptember 11, 2022: Thankful Celebrates! SundayYear C, Proper 19 Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28Psalm 141 Timothy 1:12-17Luke 15:1-10 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.     I’m a loser. That’s the… Continue reading

  • Worthy: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaAugust 28, 2022Year C, 12 Pentecost, Proper 17 Jeremiah 2:4-13Psalm 81:1, 10-16Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16Luke 14:1, 7-14 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.     As many of you know,… Continue reading

  • An Ancient Promise for Modern Times: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial Church, ChattanoogaJuly 24, 2022Year C, 7 Pentecost Hosea 1:2-10Psalm 85Colossians 2:6-15Luke 11:1-13 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.     These days it feels as if every time I… Continue reading

  • On Covid-Shots and the End of Roe

    Toby finally got his first covid shot today! And Fred and Bea got their boosters. These vaccines have been a loooooooooooong time coming and we’re finally on our way to being able to join the world of “normal.”  Over the… Continue reading

    On Covid-Shots and the End of Roe

  • Faith in the Face of Fear: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial Church, ChattanoogaJune 19, 2022Year C, 2 Pentecost: Dedication of Ed Johnson Capstone Memorial 1 Kings 19:1-15aPsalm 42Galatians 3:23-29Luke 8:26-39 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. “[The people] found… Continue reading

  • Interpreters: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial Church, ChattanoogaJune 5, 2022Year C, Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-21Psalm 104:25-35, 37Romans 8:14-17John 14:8-17, 25-27 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. My seminary required that all students take… Continue reading

  • Eavesdropping on God: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaMay 29, 2022Year C, Easter 7: The Sunday after the Ascension Acts 16:16-34Psalm 97Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21John 17:20-26 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  There is a rather peculiar… Continue reading

  • The Choice to Belong: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaMay 8, 2022Year C, Easter 4: Good Shepherd Sunday Acts 9:36-43Psalm 23Revelation 7:9-17John 10:22-30 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. In addition to being Mother’s Day, today is… Continue reading

  • An Idle Tale?: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, Chattanooga, April 17, 2022 Year C, Easter Day Isaiah 65:17-25Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24Acts 10:34-43Luke 24:1-12 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. Have you ever noticed that in many of… Continue reading