“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.”  (John 15:18-21)

The world hates us, Lord Jesus.
It hates us through and through.
Because we don’t belong to it,
It mocks what we say and do.

We are persecuted.
Struck down but not defeated.
At times we are rejected,
At times we are mistreated.

At times we can feel stoned to death,
As if pummeled by boulders.
Help us to go forth with You,
As good and faithful soldiers.

We don’t belong to this world.
We belong to You.
Instruct us in Your holy laws.
Give to us life anew.

And show our loved ones too, Lord,
How to find the way,
To Your love and glory—
In this world so gone astray.

Go to them all, Lord Jesus,
Take each loved one by the hand.
Lead them to authentic love—
And to the promised land.