The LORD upholds

   all who are falling

and raises up

   all who are bowed down.

               Psalm 145. 14

(And sometimes

       He uses us to do that.

"O God, do something!"

And God replies,

    "That's why I put you there."

It may not be in our skillset

                    or our place

          to fix the situation,

   (although sometimes it is,

       in surprising ways.)

    But we can

             always be present.

Never underestimate

   the power of coming alongside.

Step into the need,

       reach out a hand,

be there,

and God completes it.)

O LORD,

How often we are inches away ourselves

     to be the ones

       falling and bowed down.

Engrave into us

       the strength and compassion

to see the hidden needs around us,

          and have the courage to respond.

Even just in being there for them.

And may we appreciate those

          who are present with us,

   in words and deeds

               and ongoing prayer,

not just helping us up

    but lifting us up to You.