I’ve been looking at what people said to Jesus before his miracles, and then I put some of those alongside the cares of my own days and the news and happenings of the world. So here is a psalm for today.

Is it bunnies or squirrels eating up my veg?
Will Ukraine send missiles beyond borders edge?
“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught a thing.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Is that noise in the car new or the old one’s last breath?
What do we make of Iran’s presidential death?
“If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

How loud will these cicadas get?
What happened on that Singapore jet?
“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Will the booklet maker work today?
What sly-fox things will politicians say?
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Why does this herb tea taste like soap?
Amid the mudslide PNG loses hope.
“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

What’s with this cough? When will it be gone?
China holds military drills near Taiwan.
“Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Palestinian flags fly with the White House near.
Summer Kick Off is almost here.
“Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Will people come to book group this week?
North Korea Christians in secret still seek.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Air raid. Cities bombed across Ukraine.
Thinking of today's events, what about the rain?
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

I’d forgotten how much I like this Celtic song.
Human rights on trial in Hong Kong
“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.

Claire is gone. We have no words to speak.
The pastors in Irpin, what are they doing this week?
“This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
Before the wonder stands the question, the fear,
The Lovingkind is ever near.