We pray for the sick, the desperate, those who mourn, those in treatment for addiction or disease, and the dying. Listen to the names we hold before you…

Hear us, O God.

And the congregation answers: Your mercy is great.

That word, mercy, from the Hebrew (in this instance), is Hesed (2617).

We could also pray: Your loyalty is great.

Isn’t it strange how much the meaning changes?

I can feel it, too, in my gut, when I pray: Your loyalty is great.

Differences are subtle and they are also powerful. We can’t underestimate that power. The power in words and how they can create our reality.

The differences can be life changing.