God.

I think we really need you.

We are, we admit, weary of all the noise and fear and confusion.

We are weary of our friends yelling at our friends.

We are afraid of what will happen if someone thinks we said the wrong thing.

We are confused by all the opinions and ultimatums and statements which claim to be facts.

We read about Moses who lived 12 decades, knowing you, talking with you, facing noise and fear and confusion.

We read about Paul, who walked into a city and spent time talking about you. And being attacked and criticized and driven out of town.

Following you is hard and unpopular work, apparently.

What comes to mind as we talk, God, is that Moses and Paul spent their time calling the people who know you to obey you rather than trying to change Egypt or Rome.

They spoke of relationship with you, of pouring their lives into conversations with and care for people.

God, if we quietly, persistently, love our friends, is that what you want?

If we courageously, persistently, speak of your love, is that what you want?

If we consistently, persistently, look into your face and into the faces of our friends rather than trying to respond to and repeat every rumor and opinion and theory, is that what you want?

If we shared our lives like a nursing mother, rather than sharing our opinions like a parrot, is that what you want?

Since that is what you did, Jesus, perhaps it’s what you want from us, too.

Give us that awareness of your ways, Jesus,

We ask through your name,

Amen

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Reflecting the texts for today from Deuteronomy 34:1-12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8.