“Here I am Lord, send me.”
(Isaiah 6:8)
God makes himself known in so many ways. For me, it is feeling that restlessness and nudge which I try to ignore at three in the morning, however, there comes a point where I just cannot fall back to sleep as I lie there fully awake. I call these early wake-ups “God Appointments” which generally leave me feeling inspired and deeply connected to God.
Characters throughout the Bible receive calls. In theological-speak, the term given to a call of an individual by God is a Call Narrative. It comprises of five parts.
1. Divine Summons: The narrative begins with God or a divine messenger calling the individual.
2. Commission: God gives the individual a specific task, message, or mission to carry out.
3. Objection/Unworthiness: The person often expresses reluctance, fear, or a sense of unworthiness for the task.
4. Reassurance: God provides reassurance, comfort, or signs to confirm the call and overcome objections.
5. Purpose: The call serves a greater divine purpose, often for the good of the community or the nations.
The story of Moses and the burning bush is probably the most well-known example of a call narrative—but he’s not the only one. Prophets, kings, disciples, and yes, even folks like us, all get called in different ways.
In Isaiah 6:8, the Prophet Isaiah responds to God’s Messager who asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" with “Here I am Lord, send me.”
What is God nudging you to do? Volunteering in the community or participating in a Holy Cross ministry? Would you want to support the Loupads team? Assist with stirring the yummy sauce for the spaghetti supper? Did you know that you do not need to be a member of Daughter of the King to pray with the Daughters for others during communion? Do you feel called to assist with the administration of the wine at communion or bringing Holy Communion to those who cannot attend services? Would you want to attend the Eucharistic Minister and/or Eucharistic Visitor Training on September 20th, 10am-3pm?
What is God calling you to do?
Blessings,
Rev. Anne