Blessed

are all who take

refuge in Him.

      Psalm 2. 12

(A refuge is not

a place we deserve

or earn

or build ourselves,

but of His grace

and provision

and protection,

realizing His shield

           over us.

It is not a place of

   avoiding or hiding,

but of His strength,

a place from which

       to go forth

renewed and restored,

abiding in Him.

It is a place where we

lie down our pride

and clothe ourselves

with His love and grace.

A refuge is a shelter

where to flee,

admit our need

and put our trust in God,

a place of hope in God

   in what appears

   impossible.)

O LORD,

We come before You

humble and broken,

undeserving,

and in need of Your grace.

Be our refuge, O LORD.

We need You.

Help us to drag our sin

and pride

and anxieties to the altar.

And leave them there,

covered by Your

     forgiveness.

Strengthen us

  by Your power in us.

And to be faithful to You

  in whatever we do

  and say today,

full of grace

     and kindness,

even in our attitudes.