Known

God talks clearly and frequently to my friend in another denomination, telling him what to do in his ministry and life. Sometimes God speaks to me with great clarity, but those times are rather too infrequent for my liking. More often for me, God nudges and whispers. Sometimes I wish I could hear God the way my friend does, but then, am I ready for, or do I really want, “authority over snakes”? (verse 19)

In nursing homes, when people talk about not being able to do things, meaning the way they used to, I remind them of the power of prayer. Some congregations form prayer chains to utilize these senior prayer warriors. Jesus says, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Isn’t that more about belonging than doing? God knows me and who I am and that I belong to God. My belonging gives me more reason for joy than any of my accomplishments for God. I tell that to the seniors, too-if they don’t tell me first!

Lord, whether I am as small as a grain of sand or as bright as a star, I know you know me and know my name. Amen. — SJ