The prayer quoted above was prayed every Sunday in the Lutheran church I grew up in. I found deep beauty in these words, especially as I imagined God’s intimate knowledge of each person. God knows me. I don’t have to hide anything from God. In fact, I really can’t hide anything from God.

Lately, I have felt my heart being hardened towards some other people. I confess I have fallen victim to “us vs. them” mentality as much as the next person. It can be so hard to hold deep convictions with an open heart. James Baldwin said, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist”. Some convictions are simply too important.

I confess that I am still seeking to understand my role and the work that God is calling me to. I wonder what it means to perfectly love God (How could this even be possible if we do not love our neighbor?) I wonder what it means to worthily magnify God’s holy name (Wouldn’t this be empty if with the same breath we refute the image of God in our neighbor?)

Wherever you are today, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, God has your heart. Even when we are closed off to one another, we cannot close ourselves off to God. May our hearts be touched and renewed and inspired by the Holy Spirit today. Amen.