In Isaiah, the Suffering Servant extends a most generous invitation. An invitation into the abundance of God’s welcome. An invitation that requires nothing of the recipient except an openness to acceptance. Unfortunately, as history has proven, rather than openness, the invitation is met with reluctance.
Sometimes the reluctance stems from not feeling worthy of such an invitation, but more often, if honest, the closer comes from preference or pride. Preference for something something else, whatever that else might be. Pride in wanting to pay our own way, not willing to admit that we are in need of the generosity of another.
So, this month, rather than praying a different prayer each week we will pray the same prayer. Praying it for ourselves, that we would be open to the invitation of God’s welcome. And praying for our neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers, that they too would be open, as we open our lives to them.
Let’s pray this invitation from the One who gave his life so we and our neighbors might receive it. Before praying, name a neighbor for whom you are praying this prayer from Isaiah 55:1-2. Who are you praying this prayer for today and this week? Name that person and pray…
Come, ____ who thirsts (Father, may ____ thirst), come to the waters;
and ___ who has no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Why ____ do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me (Father, give me opportunity and courage to speak your invitation to ____), and eat what is good,
and delight _____, in rich food.