I sat at the coffee shop for two hours last night. They closed at 9. Still in need of space, I walked Loring Park, loitered on the walking bridge, and sat for a time on a concrete slab near the Walker Art Center – praying over Minneapolis and our part in this big city.

Having grown up in the corn fields of Indiana, I don’t know that I ever imagined living in the urban space. I suppose I don’t often imagine much of what lies years down the road, so maybe that means little. I think Youth Encounter had a part in prepping me for this time (six years now) in The Cities. During my time with them, I walked the streets of many heavily populated cities around the world — Lagos, Mumbai, Delhi, Manila, Hong Kong, to name a few. As much as I tense and ache for the open, I know there is great need for the work of God to be done in this place. Tim Keller often gives great perspective on mission to the city.

I must admit, I have not engaged our community as I ought. I have not fellowshipped with our neighbor to any great degree. I’ve failed to be faithful to the calling in numerous ways, I am sure. God forgive me. And move. Move in us that we might sense your every gentle nudge to move for you. Calm our heart. Keep our minds clear, our motives pure, and our strength from waning. Let us give ourselves over to Your will and the work of Your kingdom. For the glory of Your Holy Name. Amen.