Today’s prayer prompt from Rachel Hackenberg encourages us to play with metaphor and begins with Jesus’ lament in Luke 13:34 (NRSV): “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Dear God,

You seek to gather me under your wings. And I am thankful for your sheltering safety.

But more often, I feel you gently shoving me out from under your downy shelter, encouraging me to explore the yard, to investigate the smells of the flowers and the bugs, to dig for worms.

I tend to stay close to safety and home, afraid of foxes and other dangers, but you keep pushing me out into the open places, where the view of the horizon is worth the risk.

On the days when fear causes me to dig my little chick feet into the dirt, refusing to venture out from under your wing, I hear your voice, your gentle clucking, telling me to risk it, to enjoy beauty, to trust my giftedness, and to go have fun.

And with your encouragement, I try.  Receiving the gifts each day offers. Learning to trust myself. Testing my wings. Learning to fly. Thank you for warm shelter and for gentle shoving. Amen.