And this was their reply to us:

"We are the servants of the God

        of heaven and earth..."

                       Ezra 5. 11

(Is that how I see myself?

Is that how I see God?

Our response says everything about us.

Live in such a way

that unbelievers are compelled

                to ask why.

What is different about us?

    And that would be

    Jesus showing through.)

O LORD,

We are surrounded by those

who don't know You.

Help us to be continually aware

   of opportunities to love them

   and live out the gospel,

            even in this place.

How do we approach,

respond, act, think, speak,

and navigate difficulties

or volatile situations

or blatant or hidden need

     differently and graciously

     because we know You?

Be glorified in this, O LORD.

You are enthroned

         as King forever.