Dear God -

we remember so well our congregations

(and even our lives maybe) in their former glory,

and now in our sight, they seem as nothing.

Is it just that hindsight can make things

seem better than they really were,

or is the splendor we experience today

truly less than in former times?

(We know and affirm that “the good old days”

were not all that good for some.)

We find courage and take heart at your words -

“My Spirit abides among you;

The latter splendor of this house

shall be greater than the former,

says the LORD of hosts.”

As Moses only saw the Promised Land

without actually crossing over into it;

perhaps we will only see (by faith) those latter days

without actually making it to them.

We believe in your words and it is enough.

Praise and Glory to you Lord. Yes.