Disciples not yet apostles, followers not yet the Church sit expecting, waiting, and praying.
What silent requests, what mumbled musings might they utter? Every shift or breeze raises hairs and quiets lips. (Acts 1:12-14)
Some slept, others prayed, some recalled Jesus’ words or dwelt on prophets promises.
“Here am I.”  …  “Here am I” is a good prayer.  A good prayer for waiting.

“Here am I” was Mary’s prayer as God’s Angel announced her nine-month anticipation. “May it happen as you said,” a shaky confidence awaiting the anointed one’s birth. (Lk 1:38)
“Here am I,” Isaiah’s prayer as God’s glory filled the temple and his holiness rang from heaven. “Send me” he screamed and a long deafness eclipsed ears as hardness shriveled hearts. (Is 6:8-10)
“Here am I” was Samuel’s prayer as God’s whisper awoke his slumber. “Speak. I am listening” stammered a boy, holding God’s secrets, aging to become final judge to anoint a great king.
“Here am I,” Moses’ prayer at a flaming bush. “Here am I,” Abraham’s prayer before Moriah’s sacrifice. “Here am I” is a good prayer. A prayer of waiting. A prayer of faith. (1Sm 3:4-11, Ex 3:4, Gen 22:1)

But “I am hiding” was Adam’s prayer when God called. It feels a more natural prayer for me. It’s my first prayer when God seeks me out.  I am hiding. I am hiding and I am ashamed. Waiting for God, leaves rustling, steps approaching, I am exposed. I am exposed and ashamed. (Gen 3:8-11)

“I am here!” Jesus’ thundering words knocked back the soldiers demanding his arrest. (Jn 18:4-6)
“Here I am” echoed David’s psalm,
“Here I am, I have come. It is written about me in the scroll.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness.” (Ps 40:6-10)
“Here am I, I have come to do your will” an early apostle remarked. “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb 10:9,10)

Suddenly God’s closeness is sensed, but I am clothed with Jesus’ robe
and I pray “Here am I.” (Rom 13:14)
Quietly his Spirit rises, I am not ashamed of Christ. I think more on him,
less about myself. (Gal 2:20)
“Here am I” we pray as prepared patience becomes the roux of obedience. (Jas 1:2-4,22-25)
“Here am I” we whisper cusping our ears until the lover of our souls speaks. (Ps 103)
“Here am I” we tremble. God’s presence, God’s direction, God’s mission.  (Acts 2:1-4, Jn 14:25-27, 20:21,22)

Waiting for Pentecost – A Reflection By Pastor Chris
(Bulletin – First Free Brooklyn, 4/10/2016)
On the morning I wrote this, I had read: all worship is a preparation for being in God’s presence. Is that true? I wonder what it felt like to wait with the disciples for the Holy Spirit (aka Pentecost)? Did it feel like preparation? Did they know what they were waiting for… really? (Acts 2)
The above is my short reflection on this idea…