God-

A chosen people.

That’s what Peter calls your people. That’s what Peter calls us.

A chosen people. A royal priesthood. A holy nation.
God’s special possession.
The people of God.

As we come to you, that’s who we are.

But here’s the thing.

As we come to you, we feel adrift. Inadequate. Neglected.
If you see us any other way, we think, you must be confused.
Because your people are constantly telling us that we are adrift, inadequate.
Or we’re neglected.

I ask, for each of us, for all of us today,

please let us know that you see us in your wonderful light.

Please let us live as if you have actually had mercy on us.

Please let us feel your choosing.

Please let us, today, let us know that you notice us. And call out across a crowded hallway or whisper in our room,

“I love you. I always will.”

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.