Hebrews 11:12  “Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”

How long have we looked up to the stars, Lord

They are spread over the sky, farther than the keenest sight can tell

They are more in number than the mind can take in

Their beauty is compelling, as we look up to them night after night

Yet their message is inescapable:

He who made the Pleiades and the Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning

And darkens the day into night

Who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth

The Lord is his name

Who makes destruction flash forth against the strong, so that destruction comes upon the fortress.

For You know how many are our transgressions and how great are our sins

Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time

For You alone, Your righteous Son, has sought good and not evil

You alone have hated evil and loved good

And established justice in the gate

You alone have been gracious to the remnant of Joseph

You have let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream

And it shall be as You promised Your servant Abraham:

“Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be.”

Amen