But I am among you

   as one who serves.

          Luke 22. 27

(Is that what we seek?

Not to achieve,

or be the best

or lead

or be esteemed

or even liked,

but to love God

by loving and

    serving others.

Nothing too small,

nothing beneath us,

being aware of need

   in all dimensions

and not just responding

      to it,

      but to the Lord.)

O LORD,

We are surrounded

by the needs of others,

some more visible,

some the quiet struggles.

Show us how to respond

in ways that do good

and point others to You.

Help us to help others

in meaningful ways.

And to remember that

acts of grace and love

             and kindness

are never insignificant

in Your eyes,

nor for Your glory

      in the lives of others.