Epicurious Lutheran

Beginning a New Year is often accompanied by resolutions, prayers for ourselves and others around us, and some kind of reflection.

We look back on the previous year with pride in our accomplishments, and likely a bit of sadness or regret.

We look forward to the coming year with its opportunities, and maybe concern or apprehension as we wonder what unknown things will happen this year.

I had a wonderful conversation with a friend earlier today about God, prayer, and God’s response. One part of our conversation focused on the ways various cultures understand God’s interaction with humanity and even our expectations of God’s response. Are God’s responses immediate or over time? Are they direct or through other people? Are they for individuals or the community?

While the answers to these may be “all of the above,” isn’t it fun to explore the possibilities of the whole spectrum?

How does our curiosity help us see God and God’s love for all humanity differently as we enter the New Year?

Some of my favorite writing is from the last paragraph of Albert Schweitzer’s book, “The Quest of the Historical Jesus.” Schweitzer offers his book as an analysis, but then there is this beautiful recognition of the mystery and vision of God — that God comes to us and calls us to follow.

What if we were to include his last paragraph as a prayer as we enter the New Year? What if this New Year was our response to Jesus’ call to “follow thou me!” as we focus our lives “[set] … to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time” both for our individual selves and for our community (emphasis added)?

What might be God’s priorities, hopes, and desires for humanity through this New Year?

How might God be revealed “in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings”?

He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lake-side, He came to those men who knew Him not. He speaks to us the same word: “Follow thou me!” and sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time. He commands. And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is.

Albert Schweitzer – The Quest of the Historical Jesus

Amen! So be it, Lord.