Lord God, we are still looking up, wishing you were right here beside us. Your presence gives us strength, assurance and peace. When the world feels chaotic and the storms of life threaten to overtake our small boats, you are the one who calms the waves and the wind. No wonder we look up and yearn for your earthly return. Help us to heed the divine words that tell us to stop looking up and wishing and start looking out and witnessing.
Living Lord, you promised not to abandon us. You promised us your power. You promised us the Spirit who comes alongside, goes out ahead, blows where it wills, and gives us the words and will to speak. Even now you pray for us. As our eyes adjust to the people and places right in front of us, grant us courage to go to the ends of the earth, as your witnesses, sharing Good News, showing God’s love, making known your presence to those who have not yet met you, those who long have known you, and all who need to be reminded that your return to heaven does not diminish your care for us still on earth. Amen.
