(based on Psalm 84)

 

Holy One,

Our spirits long for You,

long to see and rest in Your dwelling place.

Our hearts and bodies cry out

in joyous song as we consider the wonder of who You are.

 

Your graciousness and loving care

extend to even the smallest of creatures and creations:

the sparrows of the air

the flowers of the field…

And we marvel that Your love

also extends to each of us –

knowing us so intimately

that You know every hair on our head,

counting them beloved.

 

The Psalmist proclaims that

a single day in Your courts, in Your dwelling place,

is better than a thousand days elsewhere –

that he would rather be a doorkeeper in Your house

than live and thrive in worldly wickedness.

 

We read these words, and sing these words,

proclaiming our desire to serve You,

yet fancy ourselves masters of our own destiny,

responding to Your hand of guidance with

the three-year-old’s refrain:

“No! I do it.”

 

Help us, O God.

Help humility sprout up

in the cracks of our lives

like dandelions in the sidewalk.

Help us to trust in You

to the point of full reliance,

that we might lean on You

look to You

serve You

long for You

 

As that humility grows in us,

help us to hear Your call

and shape our service within the mold

of the prophets and the Gospels –

that we might care for the sick

the poor

the widow

the orphan

the stranger

the prisoner

and the oppressed

with such fierce compassion and tender justice

that those who witness our work

cannot help but wonder:

“Who is this marvelous God that they serve?”

 

This we pray in the name of Your son Jesus,

who shows us the Way

today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

 

Amen.