John
I remember walking into the auditorium at the Together for the Gospel conference, surrounded by thousands of voices singing “We’re Almost Home.” The sheer sound of it—deep, unwavering, full of hope—hit me like a wave. I stood there, overwhelmed, unable to sing. The words carried more than melody; they carried eternity: “Take courage, for this darkness shall break into dawn.” In that moment, the weight of every struggle, every sorrow, was eclipsed by the unshakable truth: we are not home yet, but we are close. And that hope is enough to keep going.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
Years ago, while working at a sports apparel store, a customer noticed the tattoo on my arm: Jehovah Tsidkenu (which means “The Lord our Righteousness”). It opened the door to share my story. How I had spent years chasing after anything to make myself right, only to find emptiness at every turn. But then I saw it—Christ had done for me what I could never do for myself. In that moment, sharing the truth of Scripture, I knew my purpose: to love God and love my neighbor so deeply that I couldn’t help but share the gospel.
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I was 21, driving from Oregon to Michigan, chasing a plan I thought was solid. On the third day, in the middle of nowhere Minnesota, it unraveled. Pouring rain. A truck stop with nothing for miles. My car refused to start. My money barely covered a tow. No answer from home. I had never felt so alone. So abandoned. But looking back, I see it clearly—God was with me. Stripping away every false security, He was teaching me dependence. Not on my car. Not on my money. Not even on my parents. On Him alone.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
While I was an enemy of God, He died for me. The greatest evil in this world isn’t just out there—it’s in me. I’m the guilty one. I’m the worm. The hymnwriter said it best: “Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand.” I have nothing to say in protest against God. I have nothing to say, period. Nothing except—thank You. Thank You to the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”