Has the LORD as great delight 

in burnt offerings

            and sacrifices,

as in obeying

       the voice of the LORD?

Behold,

   to obey

        is better than sacrifice,

to listen than the fat of rams.

                1 Samuel 15. 22

(God does not want our stuff,

or achievements,

or even "Look what great things

   I have done for You

                   instead."

God desires our hearts.

God pursues relationship.

To obey,

to listen,

to respond,

to follow Him

is how we show

            our love for Him.

To obey is better than sacrifice.

What does that look like today?)

O LORD,

May our hearts be true to You

  in whatever we do today,

walking with You

instead of getting ahead of You,

or lagging behind,

or bushwhacking what we think

    is a better way than Yours.

Please reveal Your day

    and Your way for us,

and grant the courage

    to follow You into it,

what we already see coming,

what we cannot

               even imagine.

You never promised

    a paved easy highway,

but "I am with You."

Help us to choose You today.

Even in what appears

                  impossible

     to bring You glory.