8 July 2022

His shoots shall spread out;
his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.
They shall again live beneath my shadow,
they shall flourish as a garden;
they shall blossom like the vine,
their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

From Hosea 14:2-10, NRSV

The Book of Hosea ends with an uplifting passage in which God calls Israel to convert and promises them future safety and fruitfulness. God’s desire for the people is so great that they are even given the words they need to say to begin the process of reconciliation. If they are prepared to take the first step and then put into words their sorrow for their sin and their desire to return, then they will receive a reward that is infinitely more than they could expect or imagine. They will be healed, forgiven and restored.

• • Why do you think God provides the words the people need to say?
  • Is it important to use words when we pray?

Do you have a favourite prayer that you can pray today?