In my morning devotions on May 22, I read in the book of I Kings 8:56-61. Verse 58, "May He incline our hearts toward him to walk in all his ways and to keep his commands, ordinances and judgments, which he commanded our ancestors," which is a revival prayer offered by King Solomon as he dedicated the temple in Jerusalem to the Lord.

While vacationing in Maine, before we were assigned to a coastal city, we spent most days at Old Orchard Beach. Our son loves the water, particularly the ocean. It didn't matter how cold the water was, what he was wearing or how big the waves were.

On one occasion just before we were going home to New York, he was the only one who really wanted to brave the cold water. We watched on the beach, having given our 7-year-old the warning not to go any farther than his lower chest. For a split second, I turned to talk with my husband and daughter. When we looked back, we did not see our son. I began to run into the water, clothes and all, and saw his head bobbing between the waves. I frantically yelled to him. Thankfully, another swimmer got him and brought him to us. He didn't even know why we were upset. He didn't realize he was being carried down the coastline. After hugs and kisses, we scolded him for not obeying.

The same kind of pulling away is happening today — to children, adults and churches. "The currents of our culture are carrying many of us far from our moorings, and it's so subtle we don't even realize it" ("My All in All" by Robert J. Morgan, May 22). There is much in our world that would have us believe that it is OK to compromise ourselves, our beliefs, our morals, our ethics. Just a little bit at a time. A little more, a little more, until we are far away from our mooring, our anchor, Jesus Christ. We must "incline" our hearts, thoughts, actions, prayers, hearts, lives toward him, to his word. We must continue, even through all the pulling, to walk in his ways and keep his commands. We must continue to seek him.

The Salvation Army has for 144 years reached those who are being pulled away by poverty, homelessness, addictions, abuse. God is the motivation behind all that we do, for by helping others, we serve him. Many think of The Salvation Army as a charitable organization, and that we are. But we are more. We are a church. The Salvation Army is the anchor to thousands of people in the 118 countries where we serve. We provide food, shelter, clothing, but we also preach God's love and forgiveness to those who feel unloved by anyone else. To many who are drifting in the waters of despair, The Salvation Army is the lifeline to bring them in. Here in Newburyport, we have made it our prayer to incline our community toward God, that those we serve, know and minister to would walk in his ways and keep his commands.

As you read this today, Saturday, may you prepare your heart to worship God tomorrow. Don't let yourself be pulled away by the culture of our world today. Incline is a powerful verb to use before God's throne. Incline your heart toward God's word and turn your heart to him. Stay close to the mooring.

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Major Kathryn Purvis leads The Salvation Army in Newburyport.