Readings: Isaiah 11:1-9; Numbers 16:1-19; Hebrews 13:7-17

The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear;

but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth…

Isaiah 11: 2-4a NRSV

Gentle Savior,

My eyes only see what is around me, and my ears hear only what is close by. I cannot judge with righteousness, and my decisions are skewed by my own limitations. In my selfishness, I value my unnecessary wants over the true needs of others.

I will never see as you see, or understand as you understand. I ask your forgiveness, and for a heart so full of love that I will be a blessing for the poor and meek, lightening their load rather than adding to their burdens. Please. Amen.