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Dear Father, king of the ages,
Would that your people were already filled! Would that they were
already rich! Would that they were already kings and sharing the
reign with each other! For then I would be sharing in it too.
We know all this grandeur awaits us in the kingdom that is to
come, but for now, give us the endurance to follow your apostles in
a parade that is a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
Many are strong, but we may have to put up with weakness. Many are
held in honor, but we may be held in disrepute. We may have to be
hungry and thirsty, ill-clad, buffeted and homeless, and we may
have to do toilsome labor with our hands.
When I am reviled, help me to bless in return. When I am
persecuted, help me endure. When I am slandered, help me be
conciliatory. To follow your apostles in this parade, I am willing
to become the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things!
In the name of Jesus, give me a willing heart! Amen.
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