Crying in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

Tender Creator who knows us from our beginning

draw near to those who cry out in the wilderness

this world cannot hear how broken we all are

selfishness and greed have covered our land.

You put your spirit on the poor and the outcast

you lift up the lovely and strengthen the weak

make us strong to carry your good news

give us courage to love in the darkest places.

We are fed and still hungry, we want to be full

give us eyes to see the true need around us

give us hands to bring aide to those who fall

give us new hearts that are drawn to the wilderness.

Lord, we would be baptized with your spirit

give us the courage to dive deep into the waters

make us bold in our service and our caring

that your love might break forth today. Amen.