A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for January 15, 2021

During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.

You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.

When was the last time I sat under a tree,
 my back resting on its broad trunk,
 my feet firmly planted on the ground,
 my eyes glimpsing the sky through the swaying wooden canopy above?
 
 When was the last time I sat under a tree
 with you, Searching, Knowing, Still-With-Me God
 to be seen — really seen —
 for the person you have knit me together to become?
 
 When was the last time I sat under a tree
 and lifted my outstretched arms and a prayer of ‘Here I am’ —
 a prayer of listening in the stillness for the holy —
 a prayer of pondering knowledge too wonderful for me?
 
 When was the last time I sat under a tree,
 startling at the sound of the approaching footsteps of the Teacher
 and his voice calling each by name
 to stand up and witness in words that will never fall to the ground?
 
 At this tree, rising like a ladder between earth and heaven —
 At this tree, aching like a cross in the darkening sky —
 At this tree — this is where I praise you, Searching, Knowing, Still-With-Me God,
 For the sake of greater things I cannot even imagine.
 
 Here I am.
 
 Amen.

By Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, Green Mountain District Superintendent
 Inspired by I Samuel, 3.1-10, 11-20; Psalm 139.1-6, 13-18; and John 1.43-51, and referencing Genesis 28.12 in keeping with John 1.51