But we are not of those

who shrink back

    and are destroyed,

but of those

    who have faith

and preserve their souls.

            Hebrews 10. 39

(Be one of the faithful ones

in the breaches,

and gaps,

behind the scenes

   to keep things going,

in the desolate places

  and among the dismayed,

holding out God's grace

               and healing

               and hope.

Not the wishful thinking

        kind of hope,

but hope in God's Word,

  that on which

  we can stake our lives.

Hope in Christ

is not the glorious end

            of the story,

but His glory

        seamlessly woven

    even in the journey.

This life is not all

                 there is.)

O LORD,

May we bear Your Name

    into this situation,

bringing Your love and grace

   and forgiveness.

Help us to seek the welfare

        of all those around us

     that they may see You.

Help us to approach

   with healing and joy

          the difficulties,

          the hard places,

          the difficult people

    of whom we are one.

Help us to see need,

    visible and invisible,

  and know how to respond,

and through the journey,

  come to know You more.