The Hands That Can Receive

Openhanded God,

Your generosity is pictured through an open hand.

A hand that provides.A hand that gives without grasping.A hand from which creation receives what sustains life.

Your Word speaks of פָּתַח (patach).

To open.To loosen what has been closed.To make space for something to enter or leave.

Teach me to open my hands.

I hold tightly because holding gives me the feeling of control.

If I keep the plan, the position, the relationship, or the familiar version of my life within reach, perhaps I can prevent unwanted change.

But a closed hand cannot release.

It also cannot receive.

Show me what my grip is costing me.

Perhaps I am so occupied with preserving what was that I cannot recognize what You are offering now.

Perhaps I am asking for provision while refusing the form in which it comes.

Perhaps my hands are full of responsibilities, expectations, and identities that leave no room for grace.

Gently loosen my grip.

I do not want to release carelessly.

I want to place what I hold into Your hands with intention.

If it should remain, return it to me with greater freedom.

If its season is complete, help me bless what was and let it go.

If something new is being offered, give me courage to receive it without comparing it to what left.

Let my hands reflect trust.

Open enough to give.

Open enough to receive.

Open enough to rest when nothing has yet been placed within them.

Amen.