...that it might produce branches

       and bear fruit...

                 Ezekiel 17. 8

(Why has God positioned us

    in this odd, awkward,

    difficult, barren place?

To be faithful to Him

     and bring His flourishing here.

Pray constantly.

Live faithfully.

Love well.

Practice grace in this.

Bring the name of Jesus there.)

O LORD,

You bring opportunities before us

     in every kind of package

to bring glory to you

and to seek the welfare

      of people in this place,

   who have faces and names

        and very real needs.

Please help us to be faithful

  in whatever You have

        placed before us today

and to trust You fully,

even in what

       we cannot understand.

I cannot do everything,

   but I can do something.

I can show You my love

     by responding to You.