And the LORD

gave victory to David

wherever he went.

                 2 Samuel 8. 14

(Victory is not dependent

on trophies,

the highest score,

the most applause,

but most often,

   in ways we will never see.

Faithfulness and fruitfulness

   is not limited by time,

place,

my own inadequacies,

       or by visible signposts.

The biggest triumph may be

God changing my heart

                    towards Him,

    even in this.)

O LORD,

You know our battles,

You know our hearts,

You know our fears

and worries

and anxieties,

      those ancient foes.

Give us a heart

           to follow You,

    Your banner before us,

    Your strength sustaining us,

    Your Spirit within.

Help us to seek You alone.

And above all things,

   for You to be glorified in this,

                O Father.