The Hour is Coming

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:19-29

Dear Creator, you balance the day and night

you bring us all into relationship with you

bending to be close to each and every one

turning our hearts to hear your loving voice.

We know we are dependent on one another

yet we act as if we can go it by ourselves

we know we are connected to mother earth

yet we treat her as a commodity not a friend.

You know our hearts and all our fears

yet you do not condemn us or refuse us

you draw near with every new light of day

breathing hope into every new sunrise.

Help us to be woven together with you

make us be knitted together with one another

let us care for every gift you have given

and make us one clan, one family in you. Amen.