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

  • Asking the Questions: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaAugust 1, 2021Year B, 10 Pentecost, Proper 13 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13aPsalm 51:1-13Ephesians 4:1-16John 6:24-35 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. “I am the bread of life,” says Jesus. … Continue reading

  • Risky Business: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaJuly 11, 2021Year B, 7 Pentecost, Proper 10 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19Psalm 24Ephesians 1:3-14Mark 6:14-29 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. “David danced before the Lord with all… Continue reading

  • In Unity of Spirit: A Sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaJune 27, 2021Year B, 5 Pentecost, Proper 8 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27Psalm 1302 Corinthians 8:7-15Mark 5:21-43 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. The texts from Scripture that we… Continue reading

  • Magic Eye Gospel: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial Episcopal ChurchJune 13, 2021Year B, 3 Pentecost, Proper 6 1 Samuel 15:24-16:13Psalm 202 Corinthians 5:6-17Mark 4:26-34 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. “With many such parables he spoke… Continue reading

  • Monarchy Envy: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaJune 8, 2021Year B, 2 Pentecost, Proper 5 1 Samuel 8:44-20Psalm 1382 Corinthians 4:13-5:1Mark 3:20-35 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. Next year Queen Elizabeth II will have… Continue reading

  • Thankful Together and Sent: a sermon

    Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaMay 30, 2021Year B, Trinity Sunday Isaiah 6:1-8Psalm 29Romans 8:12-17John 3:1-17 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. “In the year King Uzziah died…” So begins the sixth chapter… Continue reading

  • I Stand with Palestine

    Below is the text of the speech delivered at the Solidarity for Palestine Rally in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 23, 2021. In April of 1948, my grandparents were told that if they didn’t flee their home in Haifa, Palestine, they would… Continue reading

  • Not Of This World

    A Lectionary Reflection for the people of Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church for worship from home, May 16, 2021 Year B, 7 Easter Acts 1:15-17, 21-26Psalm 11 John 5:9-13John 17:6-19 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and… Continue reading

  • Friends of Jesus

    A Lectionary Reflection for the people of Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church for worship from home, May 9, 2021 Year B, 6 Easter Acts 10:44-48Psalm 981 John 5:1-6John 15:9-17 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of… Continue reading

  • When God Loves First

    A Lectionary Reflection for the people of Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church for worship from home, May 2, 2021 Year B, 5 Easter Acts 8:26-40Psalm 22:24-301 John 4:7-21John 14:1-8 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of… Continue reading