Righteous God, we have troubles. We have had two quarters of flat performance and we budgeted for double digit growth. We hired for it, we marketed for it and it has not happened yet. I am not the only one losing sleep as we try to dig out. I prefer to hold our investment in people and marketing until it turns; but how long can I wait?
I need help to show that I recognize the problem, that I have ideas to fix it and that we need to have confidence in each other. People get scared when results are poor. They fear layoffs. I do too. Nothing is more unpleasant to me. May we see our work as your work. May our productivity rebound to maintain people’s employment, their lives and security. Please give us the insight to see why we have fallen behind and the ingenuity to take steps to improve. I hear St. Paul to the Philippians 1:6 saying,
Section 2, Scripture: Exodus 17:8-13;Psalm 86-1-17; Philippians 1:6
| Hebrew Scripture | New Testament |
| Tough times for Moses: Then Amalek came and waged war against Israel in Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some men for us, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle while Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they took a rock and put it under him and he sat on it. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset. 13 And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword. Exodus 17:8-13
Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed. 2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 Lord, you are good and forgiving, most merciful to all who call on you. 6 LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help. 7 On the day of my distress I call to you, for you will answer me.
8 None among the gods can equal you, O Lord; nor can their deeds compare to yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come to bow before you, Lord, and give honor to your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous deeds; and you alone are God.
11 Teach me, LORD, your way that I may walk in your truth, single-hearted and revering your name. 12 I will praise you with all my heart, glorify your name forever, Lord my God. 13 Your mercy to me is great; you have rescued me from the depths of Sheol. 14 O God, the arrogant have risen against me; a ruthless band has sought my life; to you they pay no heed. 15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and truth. 16 Turn to me, be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the son of your handmaid. 17 Give me a sign of your favor: make my enemies see, to their confusion, that you, LORD, help and comfort me.
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“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it.”
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May our good work be Your good work.
Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes. Listen and discern.
Section 4
In your own words, in your own silence, speak with God.