Lord, over the past fifteen years,

I have recruited a number of outstanding young people.

They came as raw new graduates,

And it has given me great joy to see them grow

Into mature and poised business people with strong interpersonal skills.

We chose them carefully, selecting them for potential growth,

Conscious of the need for balance, ability to work in a team,

Yet able to work unsupervised, and manage a variety of tasks,

With customer focus.

They have done well.

You seem to have a different set of criteria, Lord.

"Whosoever will may come", says your word.

And we came - a rabble of unskilled, often broken people,

Trailing guilt and shabby past performance.

And you welcomed us. You welcomed me.

You reached out and touched me with your grace

Enabling me to respond, and then said: -

You have been chosen before the creation of the world, [1]

And according to the foreknowledge of God. [2]

Now you're training me, knocking off the bumps.

Supporting, guiding, and empowering by your Spirit.

This world is a kindergarten for eternity, and

You are starting me off on simple projects for your kingdom,

Like writing this prayer.

What else do you have in mind for me to do?

These mysteries are too great for me, Lord.

I'm just a raw recruit, but I love you very much,

And reach out to you in worship.

May I be a worthy recruit in your kingdom.

1.. Ephesians 1 v 4. 2.. 1 Peter 1 v 2. Copyright Howard Smith 2002.

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