In the weekend I went for a walk with a friend in Titirangi. Titirangi translates to mean the fringe of heaven and the walk certainly did reflect God’s gorgeous creation. As we walked my friend talked about putting things out to the universe as a way of letting things go and not being too concerned about certain things in her life.
I know many people relate to this kind of sentiment but later I thought about how vague it is and how it ultimately relies on self. Self belief, self knowing, self reliance… I can put it out to the universe because I don’t care and don’t want to care.
How different this is to what we experience from God. Through Jesus we are told that God cares about every hair on our head, that we are more valuable to him than sparrows or creation, beautiful though it is (Matt 10:30). When we pray, we are not just offloading random thoughts into the ether of “will it happen or won’t it happen.” Instead in prayer we submit our thoughts, our desires, our trials and difficulties to God, the creator of the universe who has revealed himself as flesh and blood in Jesus Christ.
In this week leading up to our national election we are assured that God, who sees and cares for each of us more than sparrows or flowers, desires heartfelt connection with us. May we be convinced that he does not stand far off and uninterested but delights to hear our prayers and walk with us through every season.
Two prayers from the book of Common prayer, firstly for our nation and then for those who are candidates and for those who will win in this election.
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.