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What does God want from us? Part of the answer is here in this psalm. God wants us to have "clean hands" and a "pure heart." He expects that we will be honest and tell the truth. But clean hands and a pure heart go beyond honesty; they imply a desire to do the right thing and a lack of meanness. They suggest a person who is compassionate and kind. One question, are we part of the generation that seek the face of God? Sometimes as I watch the news, I don’t think many people recognize the face of God. We seem to be more concerned about whether or not someone looks like us rather than someone who looks like God. We tend to forget that all of humankind is made in the image and likeness of God. If we are truly seeking the face of God, all we have to do is look at our neighbor, the stranger we meet in the store or who is passing by us on the street, or sitting next to us on the bus. Others should also see the face of God in us. They should see a person who is kind, accepting and compassionate; who reaches out in friendship to those they meet. We have a responsibility as Christians to be the face of God in the world as well as the helping hands of Jesus. After all, how else can Jesus act in the world if he can’t depend on us? If we have that pure heart, then we will be happy to be the hands and heart of Jesus, and then receive the promised blessing from God.Prayer: Oh Lord, we want to ascend the mountain and stand in your holy place for all eternity Be with us as we seek your face in all we meet and reach out to others in love. Amen.