God-

We need you.

Sometimes when we say that we mean that we need you to do something.

Sometimes when we say that we mean that we need you to say something, to fix something, to change everything.

But today, this week, this year, we’re not sure what exactly we want you to do, how we want you to fix things.

We are aware of the fear of what could happen with spreading disease. We are aware of the fear for people feeling the earth shake. We are aware of the courage of people knowing the threats against their lives because they speak of knowing you. We are aware of random violence in our city. And when we know it’s not random, that doesn’t make us feel safer.

So what’s clear to us is that in our lack of clarity we simply need you.

You are the one who understands what is going on. You are the one who understands how things turn out. You are the one who understands our fears and our frustration and our anger. You understand from the inside and the outside why people do what they do. And you are with us in our fear to give us your peace that passes understanding, to give us your forgiveness that restores relationship, to give us your your words that are so often stunningly perfect when they come through your word and through your people.

Help us to open our hearts and eyes and minds to your presence. Help us to move our hands and our feet in obedience and welcome.

Help us be with you as you are with us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.