By Bob Kyser of Independence, Missouri USA

We have…stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn’t deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world.

Daniel was sitting by himself in the back of our church sanctuary. I felt it was my duty to sit next to him. I knew he was a wanderer without a permanent home. Sitting in front of us were two other wanderers. At first I felt out of place, but then I felt at home with my new worship companions. As the worship service began, Daniel seemed very engaged. Then we were asked to take each other’s hands, look at each other, and say, “The Lord bless and keep you” (Numbers 6:24). For a moment I wondered if Daniel would participate. Then he looked at me and repeated the scripture. In that moment I was blessed by a stranger.

When it was time for the offerings to be received, I thought for a moment that I should give Daniel some money to contribute, but then I changed my mind. When the offering plate was passed, I saw him give four small coins. I was blessed again by the fact that he seemed to give according to his true capacity. As the service ended, we hugged. I felt at one with him. His journey was my journey.

My congregation has been asked to partner with a community organization to provide a safe place for the “homeless, friendless, powerless” to come each weekday for a meal, laundry, shower, and assistance in obtaining the life support they need. I plan to be there to welcome them, not just as wanderers, but also as part of the cloud of witnesses, who, like Daniel, are blessing the strangers as they go.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

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.