Jesus, especially through his parables, awakes us to a reality far richer and more certain than what we observe with only our five senses. A reality in which God is with us, God is for us, God is saving, sustaining, staving-off evil, overcoming ill, and bringing forth new and abundant life. It is this reality, God’s kingdom as we call it, which we wake into and go about our daily living each day. Yet it is a reality often overshadowed by, well, shadows, reflections of life as it is and should be, but not life itself. So today, we pray together for open eyes so that we might experience life as it really is and should be.
Let’s join together through these words adapted from Ernest Campbell,
We find your name upon our lips, O Father, for you have placed it in our hearts. However much we twist and turn and run to flee from your great love, we sense in the depth of our being that we have no future save the future that we know in you.
For minds that can think;
For hearts that can feel;
For hands and feet that can do;
We thank you.
For large purposes that call us;
For associations and causes that unite us;
For grace that restores and forgives;
We thank you.
In a day when the problems that confront us seem more than we can handle, open our eyes to the reality of your kingdom come, your will being done, on earth as it is in heaven. Open our eyes to the reality and resources of life as Your children, sisters and brothers of the King.
May we be grateful, courageous, and kind. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.