Then I said,

"Ah, Lord GOD!

Behold, I do not know

               how to speak,

for I am only a youth."

But the LORD said to me,

"Do not say,

      'I am only a youth,'

for to all to who I send you,

           you shall go,

and whatever I command you,

           you shall speak.

Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you

     to deliver you,

               declares the LORD.

                      Jeremiah 1. 6-8

("Ahhhhh!  I can't do this."

And God replies,

      "Good, because I can."

God always chooses

   the most unlikely candidates,

because they are the ones

      who know their strength

      is not their own.

Even in mystery,

even into unknown territory,

even in the really really hard stuff,

         "I am with you."

God's glory

          and not our own.)

 

O LORD,

You have placed each of us

among those who don't yet know You.

We would be surprised

        by those who are seeking You,

who at this very moment

        yearn for hope in You.

Please help us to speak of You

            in both words and actions,

      in attitudes and tangible ways,

even when it's hard,

even when we think no one

                       is listening.

You, O God,

         complete our sentences

  and bring power to Your Word.

For Your glory.

For Your Kingdom.

In Your holy Name.