Monday, November 3, 2014

Dear God,

As I daily read the psalms, I hear the psalmist ask how long it will be before you move to change the situation for your people; however, when I pray the psalms it seems to me the real call is to the people to change, not you.  Do you ever weary of our nearly useless prayers?

It seems our prayers are always asking you to do all the work of faith.  God, do this; God, do that.  Is that what you want us to do?  Or do you ask us to partner with you in the work of transformation?  When I listen to my own prayers, my own askings, I realize I am a poor partner when I expect you to do my work.  I confess my expectations are often ones I have for you and not for myself. 

As I consider the work of faith, I realize faith is a verb not a noun.  If it is true you give us every resource we need to live a faith-filled life, then as partners we will hold up our part of the transformation equation.  We will give joy rather than always ask for it.  We will give peace as well as live like peace-loving people.  We will give hope and live hopeful lives.  We will return praise and thanksgiving daily recognizing the value of faith to change us.

Good and gracious God,
thank you
for the gift
of faith.
Thank you
for opportunities
to do
faith's work.
Thank you
for the joy
and gladness
that comes
when we partner
with you
in faith
not only
to change
the world
but to make
the world
a more
beautiful place
for all people.

Love, Andrea