Loving God, by your grace teach us patience – and renewed hope when we face such disappointments as:
- the failure to date to address human rights abuses in Syria;
- the failure of any sub-Saharan African country to meet Millennial Development Goals of cutting in half the number of people not having access to clean water and sanitation;
- the failure to realize the lofty economic goals of USAID and other would-be helpers;
- the continuation of terrorist attacks in Pakistan and elsewhere.
Give us the patience not to expect an easy path. Guard us from disappointment.
Encouraging God, by your guidance help us avoid unreasonable expectations and repudiate arrogant pride in successes:
- like the determination of Sweden to improve the quality of life and the environment by providing major support for the development of clean cook stoves in Bangladesh, China, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda;
- like the possibilities that inhere in the upcoming meeting of Russia, the European Union, and the United States on the standoff in Ukraine.
These possibilities may be realized and they may not. When they are realized, keep our rejoicing modest.
Leading God, by your kindness keep us mindful of where we can be of use. Give us the realization that we can make progress by whatever means, through financial or personal support, even though we cannot make situations perfect. Inspire us to support the work of people who give direct aid:
- to health workers in Western Africa where over 100 of 157 people infected with the Ebola virus have died;
- to the work mitigating the effects of global warming;
- to the first responders who serve to restore and preserve life.
We need a large measure of appreciation coupled with a large willingness to act.
These things we ask in our conviction that you will aid us, love us, and put us on your path. Amen
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