Listen

But now, Lord, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. All of us are the work of your hand. Don’t rage so fiercely, Lord; don’t hold our sins against us forever, but gaze now on your people, all of us.

Isaiah 64:8-9

Think

Making pottery is a tender, intimate process. The potter takes an ordinary, shapeless lump of clay and forms it into a beautiful piece of pottery. Potters use many tools like a potter’s wheel, brushes, wires, and cutting tools. Beyond these, most of the shaping of the pottery comes from the potter’s hands.

In prayer, Isaiah envisions himself and all of the people as clay in the hands of God. In his vision God is the potter, and Isaiah wants God to shape them in a loving, tender way.

In our own lives we may be able to see where God is reshaping us. Sometimes, we are not able to see it but others can. Have you noticed the places in your life where God is forming you? How about in others? Make time today to acknowledge the beauty of God working in yourself and others.

Remember, we are all a work of God’s hands.

Emmitt Drumgoole

Pray

Lord, I am like clay in your hands. Shape me into a beautiful vessel of your love. Amen.

Go

It is Advent. The Lord is coming.

Go! Make ready for the Lord!