...let us draw near

...let us hold fast

...And let us consider

how to stir up one another

to love and good works,

not neglecting to

             meet together,

as is the habit of some,

but encouraging one another,

and all the more

as you see the Day drawing near.

              Hebrews 10. 22-25

(Community is not just

   the habit of meeting together

but of meeting needs

by stirring up one another

   to love God,

   love others,

   and love each other.

And let us consider

what we are bringing

        to the table

to encourage others.

Not should we help,

           but how?

We learn how to respond

  by mimicking

      the contagious grace

               in our midst.

Love for others and each other

gets all over everything

      like an indelible marker.

And points to Jesus.)

O LORD,

Help us to know

that You have placed us

in awkward situations

and volatile places

and the shadowlands

to bring Your name there.

Show us how to love others

          and make You known.

May You even today

   strengthen us

   even in difficulty,

to seek You in it,

and encourage others

       right into Your Kingdom.