Isaiah 43: 1-7 - Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine...

Isaiah 43:1-7

¹But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,he who formed you, O Israel:Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by name, you are mine.²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.³For I am the LORD your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.I give Egypt as your ransom,Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.⁴Because you are precious in my sight,and honored, and I love you,I give people in return for you,nations in exchange for your life.⁵Do not fear, for I am with you;I will bring your offspring from the east,and from the west I will gather you;⁶I will say to the north, "Give them up,"and to the south, "Do not withhold;bring my sons from far awayand my daughters from the end of the earth —⁷everyone who is called by my name,whom I created for my glory,whom I formed and made."

• Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
• As you settle into your breath, open to your Creator.
• Breathe in the glory of Creator God.
• Breathe out any negative thoughts.
• Breathe in the creation of Creator God.
• Breathe out any destructive thoughts.
• Breathe in the touch of Creator God.
• Breathe out anything else keeping you from being touched and formed by God.
• Remain in this open place, a beloved, created one of God.
• Remain in the arms of God, a precious one in God's sight.
• Notice how God is gathering God's people together.
• How does God call you by name?
• How does God call your neighbor by name?
• How does God call the world by name?
• Who needs to hear Creator God call them by name?
• How is God calling you by name today?
• What is God's message for you?
• Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, January 13, 2013, the Baptism of the Lord  (Year C)Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD