Here Am I, Send Me
Jane M. Gardner, presiding evangelist
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” -Isaiah 6:8
The second-graders in a circle around their teacher are in various states of energy. “Pick me!” “I know how!” “I want to do it!” They raise hands and bounce up and down in their seats. Others sit quietly, staring at the floor, hoping the teacher won’t choose them. What is a teacher to do?
I have experienced both scenarios-times when I was prepared, full of energy, and ready to volunteer. Other times, responding to the call did not appear to be an option, I felt inadequate, convinced that others were better prepared.
It is a difficult lesson-God calling when we don’t think we are ready. An educated guess about the nature of divine calling is that God never stops calling-we are the ones who stop listening. The dynamic, ever-creating God calls through nature, through music, through other people, through art, through science, through books, and on and on. Every day. Every moment. God calls.
The spiritual practice of Holy Attention is a type of prayer that acknowledges everything in the universe is sacred. In this practice we slow down and use our senses to perceive God’s presence. Notice what we hear, see, smell, feel, and taste. Observe the details and intricacies of whatever is before us. Appreciate what is for what it is. Recognize and encounter God.
When we move into this sacred space and go deeper with God, it always results in transformation. Just like Isaiah in the temple, we immediately become aware of our unclean lives. Like Isaiah, this awareness leads to repentance and forgiveness, which form the basis for what comes next: GOD CALLS.
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Sometimes it’s a loud wake-up call. Sometimes it’s a whisper. Sometimes the timing is perfect. Sometimes it comes at what seems like the worst possible moment. What is God to do? Apparently, ready or not, God continually calls. It’s up to us to be tuned in and aware. It may require surrendering doubts and inertia. It may be energy-filled, bouncing up and down. Whatever the conditions, God is calling, and our faithful response is, “Here we are, Lord, send us!”
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
