Today we thank you, O God, for the persistence and strength of people who want to serve You. Particularly I think of some Lutheran pastors in this country, who must undergo two seminary degrees and two long interim pastorates before their ordination. I think most Americans wouldn’t tolerate twelve years of pastoral formation before the institutional church allowed them to approach the sacrament. Their patient, hardworking faith knocks me over. Thank you for their witness to the value of your ministry. Amen.