Writers pay attention; they notice things. This was one of my takeaways from Calvin College’s Festival of Faith and Writing. I want to be someone who pays attention and helps other people notice the pain and beauty intermingled in this world. So this weekend, this is my prayer.
Creative God,
Help me to pay attention,
to notice,
to behold
the big picture
and the details.
May I have eyes to see:
the receding snow bank
and sprouting tulips,
glistening raindrops
and a blazing sunrise.
May I behold—really see–
the people around me,
anxious and rejoicing,
angry and content,
jealous and loving.
May I attend to your work,
noticing the ways you are working,
in people,
in relationships,
in congregations,
in neighborhoods,
in countries.
May I listen to the whisper of your Spirit,
coming through stories. Stories of an
enthusiastic welcome,
bittersweet meal,
sham trial,
betrayal,
torture,
death.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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