Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is the will of God

    in Christ Jesus for you.

          1 Thessalonians 5. 16-18

(We can't do everything,

     but we can do something,

and we can always rejoice,

         pray and give thanks.

Those responses

       are not an end in themselves,

   but the prerequisites

for what to do where God has

       strategically placed us.

They do not comprise

     an attitude, but a mindset,

a direction and response

    that points us to Him.

We do not need to give thanks

          for all circumstances,

   but in all circumstances.

God gives us His strength.)

O LORD,

Help us to realize the basics

      of following You,

      or responding to circumstances:

to rejoice even in the mysteries,

to pray our way through the hard stuff,

to give thanks even in situations

           that we cannot comprehend

                  the fruit or outcome.

You are with us.

    On Your Presence, we can rely.

    In Your Presence, we can respond.

And may our pattern of response,

    point us -- and others-- right to You.