Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Dear God,

"Forgive us, Lord"... we sang tonight at choir rehearsal..."restore us, we pray".  A choral plea for forgiveness and restoration, aren't those two things what you do best?

Anyone who has been forgiven knows the priceless nature of the gift.  Anyone who has been restored knows the power of your grace-filled love.  There is nothing better.

I would be nothing more than a puddle, a muddy one at that without your forgiveness and restorative power. I would be huddled in a corner, sucking my thumb, afraid, broken, crushed, and paralyzed.  I would be mired in my sin and wasting my life.  I would be of no value to anyone.

Yet, every time you have refashioned me, I have risen up rejoicing and praising you.  My bones down to my soul know the joy of a life made new.  I have felt your hand upon my life.  I remember the transformation, how I was plunged into your life-giving waters, how I drank as if completely dry.  I remember how your breath replaced the stale air I was breathing.  I recall you speaking a new language into me, one with words like hope, joy, courage, strength, wisdom, compassion, mercy, and gratitude.  I bring to mind the days, weeks, and months following your touching inspiration.  I moved forward taking steps into the future, allowing you to lead me down unfamiliar paths.  And always, I smiled knowing well whose hand was upon my back.

Indeed, my God, forgive us and restore us once again as a whole people.

All Powerful and All Loving God,
thank you
for divine power
that remakes us.
Teach us
to walk
like a
forgiven people,
we pray.

Love, Andrea