Now, I rejoice
in (the midst of) (my) sufferings
on your behalf
and I complete (in my turn)
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
in my flesh
on behalf of his body
which is the church,
for which I have become a servant
according to the stewardship of God
which was given to me for you
– that is to bring to completion the message of God,
– the secret,
hidden from ages and generations past
but now revealed to his holy ones
that God willed to make known
(to them)
what is the glorious riches of this secret
among the nations.
which is Christ in you all
the hope of glory

whom we proclaimed to you,
warning everyone
and teaching everyone
with all wisdom,
so that we might present everyone
mature in Christ
to this I work,
struggling
because of his power
powerfully
working in me.

Lord, you have given me so much,
I ask for one more thing –
a grateful heart.

George Herbert