"You Have Come Down To the Lakeshore" ELW 817
1 You have come down to the lakeshore seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy, but only asking for me to follow.
Refrain
Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you've called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; now with you, I will seek other seas.
2 You know full well what I have, Lord: neither treasure nor weapons for conquest, just these my fish nets and will for working.
Refrain
3 You need my hands, my exhaustion, working love for the rest of the weary a love that's willing to go on loving.
Refrain
4 You who have fished other waters; you, the longing of souls that are yearning; O loving
Friend, you have come to call me.
Refrain
Devotion
I'm no fisherperson, but I understand the concept of net-casting. In my everyday life, I move in several different spheres of activity and influence. I am a spouse, mother, daughter, sister, citizen, and alumna. I live in a neighborhood, shop in certain stores, work in a congregation that is part of a synod of the ELCA as a rostered leader, hold memberships in a few community organizations, and belong to a female clergy professional friendship group. I speak Spanish and have lived in India, Illinois, and Indiana.
I'm just one person still working on my networking skills, but I'm amazed at my reach. When I think of the multiple nets many of the people in my congregation cast in the community every day, the possibilities of impact for God's kingdom explode exponentially. Drawing down that capacity together, we could make a world of difference. But we need to abandon our small boats, climb into Jesus' ship, and seek other seas.
Prayer
I hear you calling, Jesus. Bless the nets I cast on the waters of my life. Amen.