...chosen and expressly named

to give thanks to the LORD,

for His steadfast love

            endures forever.

            1 Chronicles 16. 41

(As believers, we are marked,

chosen and named,

   distinguished by how we speak

   and of Whom we speak.

The tone and content of our words

     come with the job description.

We are chosen to bear witness

                     to others

and express our thanks to God

for His steadfast love,

which is not limited

       to favorable circumstances.

Are we known by our grumbling

       or by our hope in God?)

O LORD,

 You have anointed us

      with Your love and grace.

You have appointed us

     to bring Your praise

     and honor and glory

        to unexpected places

    and among unlikely people.

We are right here

            for Your glory.

May our words

    reveal our transformed hearts.

May our transformed hearts

    radically change our words.