Nevertheless, I have heard your prayers when you have cried out to me, and I have been with you in the places where you occupy. I am aware of your desires to serve me and my assurance is that as you go forth, your offerings of faith and service are acceptable to me.

[Adapted from Worship Resources Year B: Advent 2014 to Advent 2015, Herald Publishing House, 2014, p. 114]

We need to confess we can be impatient. Our impatience usually results in bad decisions or missed opportunities for ministry. The Israelites of Moses’ time were impatient too.

The people following Moses were tired of the journey. They did not like wandering in the wilderness. They didn’t like the food they found. They were uncomfortable and thirsty. And at times, they didn’t like their leader, Moses. Not much was right in their world.

Their story takes an interesting turn when venomous snakes quickly stop the complaining and rebellion. Their complaining was separating them from God. It took a drastic measure to remind them God desired to heal them and restore their faith and trust.

Sometimes our discussion about things like the color of new paint or the design of a building sounds like Moses and his people—impatient and grumbling. Our resemblance to Moses’ people can be humbling.

When we are disconnected from God, we are reminded by the touch of the Holy Spirit that God loves us. Moses’ people needed a loud reminder before they could confess their faithlessness, sins, and impatience. So, let us confess our impatience and turn toward a waiting God.

Prayer Phrase

“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).

Healing and Reconciliation

Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.

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.