And everyone

   who was in distress,

and everyone

   who was in debt,

and everyone

   who was bitter in soul,

gathered to him. 

And he became

        captain over them.

         1 Samuel 22. 2

(God chooses

      the most unlikely,

the broken,

the marginalized,

the downtrodden,

those who know

   that it is not in them,

but the strength

of the LORD at work.

God redeemed their lives.

God redeems our own.

Even in this.

Even through this.)

O LORD,

May we be known

not by our achievements,

abilities,

favorable or

   unfavorable circumstances,

but by our faithfulness to You.

There is not one of us

who has not seen despair

   or been downtrodden

   in one season or another.

When we trust You,

our situation does not change,

      but our hearts.

We see differently.

We choose differently.

We live differently

   to bless You

and give You glory,

    O Almighty One.

Be captain over us

that we may

          know You more.