Here's how today's prayer began:

"From the very first You intended a marvelous destiny for every people group. When Your ancient purpose is fulfilled there will be tangible blessing in every language and lineage of humankind. Your blessing means that the story of every people will culminate with the righteousness, peace and joy of Your kingdom (p. 51)."

The reason this seemed to especially resonate with me this morning is because of people I continue to meet (including church leaders) who choose not to believe in or commit themselves to communities of faith which are multiethnic. This grieves me deeply -- especially here in Southern California which is SO ethnically diverse), and so I pray this morning's prayer with extra fervor.