For I desire steadfast love

            and not sacrifice,

the knowledge of God

      rather than burnt offerings.

                  Hosea 6. 6

(The most important thing to God

      is our relationship to Him.

He is not trying to "teach us" anything.

He wants to be with us.

He does not require success,

      nor perfect kids,

      nor our stuff,

but desires our hearts.

What is most significant to God

        in this situation

        or on this path?

To love Him in it,

         love others through it,

     and to know Him more.

Where is my heart in this?

    What am I sowing

       --harshness or grace?)

O LORD,

Our hearts are revealed

       in how we respond

    in all good endeavors,

    in unexpected difficulties,

    in the joys

             and on the rocky path.

We cannot carry this load

                       ourselves

    but we can direct it to You.

Reorder our loves.

Help us to point others to You

       by showing grace

       as You have shown grace

                       to us,

unexpected and undeserved.

Reveal Yourself to us

      in whatever we do today

and with whomever

          You appoint us

to love them

      with Your steadfast love.