Commit your destiny to God, and be confident.
Make God your joy, and receive your heart's desire.
Stay quiet before God, and wait patiently for the Spirit's presence.
(Adapted from Psalm 37)
O, Father and Mother of all mercies,
we find it ever humbling
that those who are called upon to set aside
their youth, their health, or their fortunes
for the care of their neighbors
do so willingly and fearlessly.
Only You can know the full measure
of what was lost and what was gained
and whether the barter was fairly made.
Our task is to carry on,
to fondly hope and fervently pray
that it be your will that the
mighty scourge of war should pass away
as well as that of suffering, hate, and injustice.
(Partly paraphrased from Abraham Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address)