As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the LORD surrounds His people,

from this time forth

                and forever more.

                  Psalm 125. 2

(This psalm is one of the

        songs of ascent

--what the faithful sang

         on the difficult ascent

         up to worship in Jerusalem,.

And what they are singing

   when the path is really hard,

   steep, and getting steeper.

Grumbling and complaining

         don't make our way easier.

The mountains are a visible image

    of God's steadfast love

                and immense beauty.

God does not promise an easy path,

but "Do not fear.  I am with you.

             Trust Me in this,

             even in this.

The response of the faithful

     is not to complain,

but to burst into song.)

O LORD,

Guide us on our way.

Guide even our hearts

   that we would seek You

       on the upward slopes.

Place a new song in our hearts.

You are building in us

    not toughness,

       but stronger hearts.

Help us to see this path

   with new eyes

and to sing our way to You.

And to reach out a hand

    to help those

          who You have placed

    on our path today.