You give... and we receive.

"We are Your people... like Mother Hannah,
            we come with our several eating disorders,
                                                      trembling lips,
                                                      needy hands,
                                                      fallen faces,
                                                      quiet in despair.
            Because we do not have what we need, by ourselves-
            to make a future. And so we ask.

And You give! Generously, abundantly, inexplicably.
            You give more than we ask or think or need,
                        enough for all our futures,
                        enough for joy,
                        enough for well-being beyond our trembling neediness.

You give... and we receive.

            We receive and sometimes we own and covet and possess.

            We receive and imagine it is our purchase.

            We receive Your good gifts like property.

            We receive and want more.

You give... and we receive...

            Sometimes we only thank in amazement.

            Sometimes we yield in gratitude.

            Sometimes we turn our joy into sacrifice and give back.

            Sometimes we become more fully Yours

                        in obedience and gladness...

We pray in thanks.

Amen."

-walter brueggemann,

on reading 1 Samuel 1