Show yourself in all respects

to be a model of good works,

and in your teaching show integrity,

dignity, and sound speech

that cannot be condemned,

so that an opponent

          may be put to shame,

having nothing evil

      to say about us.

                 Titus 2. 7-8

(People are always watching us,

not to see if our lives are perfect,

but to see if God is real,

   if we are really changed by Him

and to see how life

      can be radically different

     because we abide in Him

                      and He in us.

His Presence distinctly flavors

     how we live our lives,

what we intentionally pursue,

how we approach every opportunity

    --struggle, need, or victory--

to love and serve God and others,

              including them.

Does anyone see

        anything different in us?

       Do they see Jesus there?

How do others see us

                   --and Jesus--

      in all we say and do

      and even in our attitudes?)

O LORD,

Help us to bear the marks of Jesus

       with love and unexpected grace,

   fervent in all that we do.

May Your Presence cover us

       and infect us

that others would be blessed by You

       and drawn to Your embrace.

May we with all creation

   be a witness and evidence

                of Your hand upon us.

Even in what we face today.

All is sacred.

All is ministry in Your sight.

May it be in ours.