Under the Tree

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:43-51 

Under the Tree

Dear Creator of hot summers and cool shade
the heat and storms make us run for cover
we lie down in the grass and study the stars
all of your gifts and good and feed us well.

In this long year of illness, panic and fear
we pretend to weather each challenge
yet you know our frustrated broken hearts
you see our tears and hear our night prayers.

We pray for those who are sheltered alone
for the children who cannot hug their friends
for the teachers who try to master everything
and the parents who are terribly overwhelmed.

Help us to be like Nathanael with no pretense
trusting you know us when we don't know ourselves
opening ourselves to your love and compassion
so the world might know your living presence now. Amen