O Lord, here I am again
pressing play on yet another virtual gathering;
Here I am again,
experiencing a taste of community
and yet lacking the true savoring of deep fellowship;
Here I am again
fighting the urge to consume this gathering passively,
while searching for togetherness on a screen.
How often Lord,
you must feel the hurt of my divided attention and wandering desires;
How often Lord,
you must long for me to be fully present to you in body, mind and spirit;
How often Lord,
do I stare at a screen and quickly forget your presence;
Even now, O Father,
you are building a table in the wilderness for this gathering;
Even now, O Christ,
you are preparing the feast of yourself for this gathering;
Even now, O Spirit,
you are leading me to your goodness at this gathering.
Grow in me, Lord,
a deeper awareness of your desire to be fully with me;
Grow in me, Lord,
a deeper desire to be fully with you;
Grow in me, Lord,
a deeper gratitude for your steadfast presence.
By your grace, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be present to me in this gathering.
And by your constant communal presence,
make me ever present,
present to to your gardening hand and mysterious win,
present to your people amidst their joys and sorrows,
present to myself in my body, mind, and soul.
Presence, Lord, is what I long for,
And presence Lord, is what you give me now.