Psalm 27:7; Luke 13:34 (NRSV)
Devotion
Older translations put this more delicately: “Hearken to my cry!” Today’s speech is blunter: “Listen up!” When people feel God is away, they call out sharply. God does the same, calling for people’s attention when they seem distracted. In Luke 13, Jesus tries to get the attention of an entire city: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” he calls out. He laments that no one noticed how he protected the city as a hen gathers chicks under her wing. Jerusalem was too busy looking for a different kind of leader, one who would root out the occupying army with might and weaponry. Jerusalem missed the Messiah in its midst. Prayer is the process of mutual attention. We call out for God’s attention; God calls out for ours.
Prayer
Listening God, you heard Jesus’ cry of abandonment from the cross. We know you hear ours. We promise to listen for you, for we know that after the wind, after the fire, you will speak. Help us hear. Amen.