Tuesday  |  January 24, 2012  |  00:00 AM

I’m setting you up as a light for the nations, so that my salvation becomes global!

-Isaiah 49:6 (The Message)

Oh God

We as your people long to be a light to the nations. 

We desire to live Your words

     that nobody would be hungry, nobody thirsty,

     shade from the sun, shelter from the storm. 

Help us not just to speak these words

     but to live them. 

Use us to reconnect people with You,

     to put the land back in order

     and resettle families on the ruined properties. 

We see those around us coming from far countries

     and we remember how that is our history too,

     just as the Israelites were a refugee people. 

We know it to be true that the Compassionate One guides us

     and takes us to the best places,

     because You have faithfully kept Your word. 

Help this to be the good news we proclaim with our lives. 

Take us by the hand, Oh God, and lead us into freedom. 

Remind us that there is nothing to fear,

     that we are safe now

     because the Holy One of Israel has chosen us. 

We believe you answer us and help us when the time is ripe. 

Oh God, that you should be our strength

     and honor us in your eyes. 

That you would use us not just to round up the strays

     but to be a light to all! 

Thank you that your salvation is global and includes us! 

You are our Redeemer God. 

 Amen.