m )rayers and Thanksgivings FOR A CHRISTIAN YEAR ISAAC OGDEN RANKIN ililililli llUiil ImHH Class JB^^5 Book ' f\ 3 Copyright^ CDBfRIGHT DEPOSTT. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS for a Christian Year BY ISAAC OGDEN RANKIN VI Author of " Closet and Altar " THE PILGRIM PRESS BOSTON CHICAGO "P. Copyright 1918 By FRANK M. SHELDON NOV i6i918 THE PILGRIM PRESS BOSTON >CI.A508152 ^710 J, TO THE MEMORY OF FOREWORD Most of the Prayers and Thanksgivings contained in this book were written from time to time as need arose for the Devotional Column which, under the title Closet and Altar, has for many years been one of the departments of The Congregationalist and Christian World. With this column the author has been connected for more than twenty years as contributor or editor-in-charge. Some of these prayers have gone around the world and come back in British, South African, Indian and Australian publications. Some have been widely used in public worship. About fifty were included in " Closet and Altar," a book published by The Congregationalist in 1899, and long out of print. A selection for a single month appeared under the same title and is still on sale by The Pilgrim Press. From all these books and papers it seems time to call these wandering children home. From the two books just mentioned a majority of the prayers have been taken for republication, with such revision as a maturer taste demanded. The author's thanks are due to The Pilgrim Press for the use of copyrighted material. The book offers a prayer or thanksgiving for each day of the year, with additional prayers for morning and evening, for the Lord's Day, for special experi- ences of the Christian soul, for the movable feasts of the Church and other days of observance and remembrance, and for patriotic occasions and experi- viii FOREWORD ences. The author ventures to hope that it may prove suggestive and inspiring both for the life of the individual disciple and for pastors and church leaders in their work — a hope that is encouraged by much testimony accumulated in the course of periodical publication A selection of brief Scripture passages has been added for the enrichment of the book as a manual of private or family devotion. In using these selec- tions the reader is asked to remember the devotional purpose and not to expect a critical or historical study or order of choice. It would be well, if time permits to turn to the passage quoted and read, it in its context. The compiler has used the King James and the English Revisers' texts with substi- tution of preferred translations or modernizations, such as good tidings for gospel, lovingkindness, for mercy } steadfastness, for patience, who for which in speaking of persons and the like. Most condensa- tions are indicated. Thanks are due to the holders of the copyright of the American Revision for the use of some renderings, more especially from its margin. CONTENTS PAGE At the Day's Beginning, 1 At Eventide, 3 Prayers and Thanksgivings for a Chris- tian Year, 5 Observances, Occasions and Experiences Observances, 281 The Lord's Day, 1 and 2, 281 The Lord's Table, 282 The League of Intercession, 283 The Dedication of a Church, 284 For a Wedding, 284 The Dedication of a House, 285 The Home, 1 and 2, 286 Table Prayers, 287 National Prayer for the New Year, 289 The Beginning of Lent, 289 Little Prayers for Holy Week, 290 Good Friday, 292 Easter, 1 and 2, 292 Children's Sunday, 294 Pentecost, 294 Independence Day, 295 Thanksgiving, 1, 2 and 3, 296 Forefathers' Day, 297 Christmas, 1 and 2, 298 In Illness, 299 For Grace in Old Age, 300 Public Meetings and Conventions, 1 and 2, 300 For the President, 302 In Time of War, 1 and 2, 302 In Time of Change, 304 Soldiers' Prayers, 305 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS When the Day Begins It is of the Lord's lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. — Lam. 3 : 22-2 %. God, whose mercy makes each morn a new beginning of opportunity and strength, so uphold and strengthen us in thine infinite compassion that we may serve thee this day in childlike love and glad obedience. If we have sinned and wake to consciousness with shame and contrition of heart, bring to our thought the sense of thy longsuffering pity and the promise of thy aid. Out of the wreck of larger hopes and forfeited occasions enable us to build our lives as a temple to thine honor. In the hour of temptation be thou our shield. In the uplifting of our joy be thou our deepest satisfaction. Teach us the lesson of self-forgetfulness that we may lose our gloomy fears in thoughts of thee and in happy service to others. So may our day be spent in quiet work and restful faith, to thine eternal glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning. For thou hast been my high tower, and a refuge in the day of my distress. Unto thee, my strength, will I sing praises. — Psalm 59 : 16. We thank thee, Lord, for the new adventure of this dawning hour and the promise of thy favor until eventide. Help us to go forth with courage and rejoicing hearts to meet what thou this day shalt send or suffer to come upon us. Let the passing moment become the opportunity of thy Holy Spirit. And may we never fear to undergo what thou shalt choose for our enduring, or refuse what thou hast planned for our enjoyment. When we are overwhelmed, hold thou our hand and draw our souls out of the deep. When we are weary, bring us to thyself in refreshing love and give us thy gifts in sleep. So this and every day let new experiences deepen assurance of thy love and let our courage be renewed, that we may go with happy and courageous hearts to life's adventures and never lose our hold on thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. Lord, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. — Is. 83 : 2. God, our heavenly Father, who hast taken thought for us in the night watches, bless us also in the opportunities of this new day. Help us with willing hearts to spend its moments in thy service. In coming and in going, in labor and in rest, in care PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 3 and pleasure grant us thy companionship for sympathy and aid. If thou hast sorrows for us to bear, pain to endure, losses to undergo, uphold us and enrich us even in these appointed trials. If thou hast joys to give us, if the end of labor in at- tainment is appointed for this day's crown, if cherished hopes are in thy mercy to be fulfilled, if pleasures come, let none of these things turn our hearts away from thee. If the day in its unvarying course brings no changes, through the still hours may the sunlight of thy presence glow. Help us to bear true witness in simplicity of heart, to find our joy in little things, to help men toward the Christ like life in kindly service and to cherish high ambitions of obedience to our Lord. So crown our days with strength and peace, God, through Jesus Christ, thy Son. Amen. At Eventide But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening and the day is far spent, And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed it, and brake and gave to them. And their eyes were opened and they knew him. — Luke 24 : 29. Father in heaven, who in thy mercy hast provided rest for weary hearts, we thank thee for the ended day with its gracious opportunities and turn to thee for thoughts of love and peace as we go down into the shadowed vale of sleep. We bless thee for the repose of the spirit, free from worldly care, the memory of friends, and happy thoughts of those 4 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS who are absent from the body but present to thy care and love. Keep us in peace through the hours of darkness, making a Sabbath-quiet in our hearts. Wake us to a new day of thy presence and thy help in living the true life of those whom thou hast called to be thy children. And may we see thy face in everlasting light through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. He shall cover thee with his pinions, and under his wings shalt thou take refuge. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day. — Psalm 91 : 4> I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. — Psalm 4:8. , With the night shadows, Lord, our hearts return to thee. We have walked through unseen dangers, and thou hast preserved us. We have been tempted, and thou has shown us the way of escape. Pardon us, in thy lovingkindness, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, that we have sinned against thee both by transgression and neglect, and help us with sincere repentance to forsake our sin. We bring our fears and perplexities, our doubts and cares, to leave them at thy mercy seat. Grant us to rest this night with quiet hearts through faith in thine abiding care. Remember all who are in need. Quicken thy church with life divine. Have all our dear ones in thy holy keeping, and grant them gifts according to thy love. And may the quiet of the evening and the sleep of night bring strength, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 5 Return unto thy rest, my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears and my feet from falling. — Psalm 116 : 7. Grant us thy peace, God, at eventide. As the night shadows grow about the earth let shadows of our loss and fear depart and leave our spirits face to face with thee in the sunlit rest of faith and calm repose. We would have no secrets from thy love, that reads all our desires and all our sins and griefs. Pardon and save and guide us evermore, and make our friends thy charge for Jesus' sake. Thou know- est us altogether and we rest content in thy just love and faithful care. Grant us with quiet hearts to sleep; with quickened trust, with joy that wakens with the dawn to praise, to work with thee, to share thy widening plan and make each day a foretaste of the grace heaven brings thy children. Hear us, through thy Son, and keep and bless us all our days. Amen. January 1 — For the New Year By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance: and he went out, not knowing whither he went. — Heb. 11 : 8. Eternal God, in whom is the hope of all our years, remember us in thy mercy also in this new year of our Lord. Reveal thy glory in the experience of its joys and sorrows. Forestall its tears with the abiding comfort of thy presence. Make us strong rightly to measure all our gains and to endure with 6 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS patience every loss thy love allows. Show us thy meaning in the gifts and opportunities of each new day. Assure us of thy help in labor, thy delight in our joys. Quicken our minds to clear vision and our hearts to cheerful content. Provide for our bodies such vigor as shall be needful for our allotted service on the earth. Come thou, as sharer of our home delights, companion of our friendships, the crown of all rejoicing, the hope of endurance, the pledge of overcoming. We leave to thee the mystery of the year's events, assured that thou wilt guide our way. Withhold from us all gifts which would prevent thy purpose for our growth in wisdom and in service. Only deny us not thyself — thy Spirit to instruct our hearts, thy work to share, thy peace to still our restlessness, thy presence to resolve our doubts. In the sifting of temptation grant that our faith fail not, and when our years are ended bring us to thyself, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. January 2 — The Manly Heart Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted , neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. — Josh. 1 : 9. Thou who hast made me a man, help me to offer for thy service the stronger and higher qualities of my soul. Let me not think that the wise God desires to be served by foolishness or that thou, who hast made the world and all things in it, and dost inform and sustain them by thy Spirit, lovest any darkness of ignorance or fearest to have thy children learn thy ways. Teach me how to bring PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 7 to the affairs of thy kingdom the same good sense and study of proportion which I desire to use in other tasks and social relations. Let me be pure in heart, high-minded, just and generous. Keep me from every false, unkind and selfish way. Let my thoughts be without the mean dislikes of envy and my affection pure and constant. Set me free from all anxiety, but help me to be careful that thy name have no dishonor from my word or deed. So use my life for the glory of Christ and the upbuilding of his kingdom. Amen. January 3 — Venturing with God Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come ajter me, let him take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and who- soever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. — Matt. 16 : 2!±. Thou who ever goest before thy flock like a wise shepherd, leading them in ways of peace and strength, help us with ready hearts to listen for thy voice and gladly follow thee. Let there be no linger, ing for love of sin, no doubt for lack of perfect vision- no resting in the happy places of the past, as if thy love had done its best and had no larger gift to offer. Teach us a wise forgetting of the things that are behind, that we may press on toward the goal. For we believe that in the way thou leadest light and truth and immortality are found. Forgive the folly of our oft-recurring fears, and quicken us to an un- faltering courage by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 8 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS January 4 — Helping Others Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able' to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.— 2 Cor. 1:3. Blessed be Thou, God, who hast comforted us in all our tribulation that we might comfort others. We praise thee that when we have been cast down thou hast lifted us up. May this experience of thy lovingkindness make us tender-hearted, quick to bring an understanding help to those in need, always hopeful and unselfish in our trials and disap- pointments. Help us to be patient with all weak- ness, not forgetting thy forbearance with our infirmities. So may thy light shine in our hearts and, shining through our lives, bear witness to thy thoughts of love toward men. Uphold us when we are in peril from the temptations of the world and the anger that rises so swiftly in our hearts and may we draw back from no experience that shall be needful for thy purpose in our lives. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 5 — A Restful Faith Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. . . . Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? — Matt. 6 : 25. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 9 Give me, my Father, all that becometh a child of thine and especially the restful faith which lives without anxiety, the child's simplicity of love and willing obedience, quick readiness to learn the ways of my Father's house and a mind open to receive the wisdom of my Father's heart. Bring back my thoughts from the perplexities of living to the full assurance of thy love in Christ. Lead me from weakness on to strength. Teach me to overcome and how to grow by overcoming. Comfort me in grief and pain as one whom his mother comforteth. Provide all needful gifts for body and for soul. Let no sin have dominion over me, that I may never lose the joy and freedom of thy house. Help me to love as thou hast loved and to serve as Jesus served. And let thy presence be my joy and strength for evermore. Amen. January 6 — For the Nation And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus hath the Lord of Hosts spoken, saying, Execute true judgment, and show kindness and com- passion every man to his brother; and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the sojourner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart. — Zech. 7 : 8. Lord Jesus Christ, Pattern and Teacher of all mutual love and human brotherhood, so fill thy Church with the pure spirit of thy grace that it may show to men the pattern of thy thought in common life. In all social relations let pride and covetousness be cast out and selfishness restrained. May our judges decide in righteousness, our legisla- 10 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS tors deliberate in thy fear, our rulers execute the laws without respect of persons. Quicken the conscience of our citizens, that they may think and choose aright. In all business may honesty pre- vail. In all social meetings may the spirit of brotherhood control the thoughts of men. So purify our national life that more and more thy love may shine through it for the help of the world, and the problems of our dwelling together be solved by the guidance of thy Good Spirit. And to thee be praise for all progress and pure attainment, ever more! Amen. January 7 — Against Anger Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor and railing, be put away from you, with all malice : and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. — Eph. 4:31. Let not anger rule my heart, Thou Most- Merciful, lest in hate and barren strife I lose thought of thy presence and forget my call to fellow-service with my Lord and Helper, Jesus Christ. Let thy peace rule my spirit because I both forgive and am forgiven. Yet keep me, Lord, from weakness and indifference to cruelty and wrong and from all blind and selfish ease amid the sufferings of my brothers. Let me be patient because thou rulest, leaving all judgment to the Son of Man. Keep me especially from hoarded grudges, cherished anger or carefully remembered grounds of hate. Let me be stronger than my passion, more hopeful than my fear, more loving than my dislikes, that I may be conformed to PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 11 Christ's image and help the coming of thy king- dom. So let me be numbered among the men of good will to whom thou sendest peace. Amen. January 8 — Heirs of God The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. — Rom. 8 : 16. Lord, most merciful, our Heavenly Father, we praise thee for thy good gifts and gracious promises, which are as lights upon the way of our immortal life. Assure our hearts in faith and love, that we may live as heirs of hopes and expectations founded on thy Word. We thank thee that thou hast re- served for us a share in the inheritance of thine own Son, our Lord and Brother. What thou dost yet keep in store, let us await in patience, knowing that thy promise cannot fail. Teach us, in times of want, to seek our comfort in the comforting of thy children and the fellowship of faith. Reveal thy presence in us, according to thy word, that we may be transformed through thy companionship into thine image. And may our unfailing, joyful confidence and expectation bear witness to thy power and love. Amen. January 9 — Expectant Faith Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also. In that day ye shall know that I am in my 12 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. — John H : 19. Thou Dayspring of all faithful and expectant hearts, Light of all hope and Home of faith and love, to thee we look for dawn amid the darkness of our fears and griefs. In thee would we find our joy and hope grow clear. Forbid it, Lord, that we, the children of the day, should rest content in dark- ness of transgression or lose in the experience of our present life the forward-looking faith which ever seeks for signs of thine appearing. Give us the faith that leads to faithfulness; the faithfulness which strengthens faith. Open our eyes to behold thy presence in common things and give us a peace of heart which shall make us more alert and ready to become thy witnesses and to carry on thy work. Blessed be Thou! our Expectation and our Strength! Thine are our gifts and of thy bounty we bring thee our thanksgiving in the name of Christ. Amen. January 10 — Strength for the Way In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. — Phil. 4:6. Thou who hast sent* us on our pilgrimage, well knowing that we must encounter trials and tempta- tions, abide with us that in the midst of our changes PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 13 we may have stability and peace of heart. We thank thee that the weakness and unfaith are all in us and that thou changest not in love and power. When we are vexed and troubled, be thou our serenity of spirit and the rock of our safety and repose. We thank thee for guidance hitherto and for the assurance of thy promise for the remaining days. Thou Father of all loving hearts, who hast joy in the great brotherhood of earth and heaven which thou hast brought to pass, teach us to glory in that wide communion and to wait with patience for the revelation of thy purpose. And may we always live before thee in truth and righteousness, as becometh good followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. January 11 — Brotherly Living Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; bid contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. — 1 Pet. 3 : 8. Father of Lights, in whom there is no darkness, let the glory of thy presence shine in all our human meetings and relations till the brotherhood of men in thee becomes the ruling motive of our thought. Let us not despise the lowliest opportunity of service or neglect the humblest duty. Make us studious of courtesy, consideration and kindness in the com- mon business of our days. Purify our family life and make it joyful. Teach us to be honest, seeking in all sincerity to love our neighbor as ourself, fulfilling the duties of our citizenship in all faithful- 14 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS ness, knowing that thou hast ordained the nation as a type and instrument of thine eternal kingdom. Keep us from scorn of others, from bigotry of in- herited opinions, from private and unreasonable prejudice, from idleness and despair. And let our hopes and our desires run forward to the fulfilment of thy purpose. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 12 — The Obedient Heart Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For what- soever is begotten of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. — 1 John 5:2/ Lord, let thy purposes include, I beseech thee, my life and work, my joy and service. And to this end give me a loving and obedient heart that I may de- sire to know thy will and do it. Give me high thoughts of thee, Lord my Helper, wide thoughts of the purposes for which thou hast redeemed me and joyful thoughts of all experiences to which thy work may lead. For in thy companionship are peace and strength forevermore. Direct my steps aright, God, that I may do thy work in thine own way. And may even rebuffs and refusals become tokens of thy care, to be explained when I look back upon thy leading. When I need courage to endure, help me to think of thee. And in assurance of thine aid, help me to have confidence to go up against strongholds, even though giants dwell there. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 15 January 13 — The Forward Look of Faith Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. — Rom. 8 : 35. We thank thee, Father, for that forward-looking faith which we have learned of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Because thou hast loved us with an exceeding love revealed in him by life and death, make confi- dent our hearts that all things work together for our good. Help us to keep this faith when we are threatened with discouragement. Let it fix our thoughts upon the lasting peace and glory of com- panionship in work with thee. May sorrow yield to its assurance of things hoped for, its delight in love made known. Let all our days henceforth be good days, because thy love has wakened answer- ing love in us, deeper than all disappointments, higher than all gifts, purer than all hopes of gain and pleasure. Keep thou our feet from snares. Enrich our hearts through new experiences of Christ- like living. And bring us to the end of years on earth in loving service and in joyful gratitude. Amen. January 14 — Joy in God Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. So will I bless thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. — Psalm 68 : 3, 16 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thou Source and Way and Goal of all perfection, Giver of life and its true joy and hope, be ever with me to crown my work in thine own time with thine own thought of good. I thank thee that thou art my aid in all perplexity, my ever-present help in trouble. From the unyielding powers of the seen ' world, let me take refuge with thee in the world that is unseen and eternal. Enlighten my ignorance, complete my work when I have failed. Be my reserve and confidence when the enemy comes in like a flood. Thou spring of all my joys, I would drink deep of thy refreshing fulness, that I may live in cheerful days amid earth's discontents. Give me a child's joy in thy Fatherhood, an heir's glad expectations of my inheritance in Christ. And teach me by thy Spirit all I need to know for faith- ful days and songs of joy. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 15 — The Guardian of Our Way He will surely he gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear, he will answer thee, . . . And thine eyes shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. — Is. SO : 19. Remember, Lord our God, thy lovingkindness toward us and guide us ever in thy way of love and truth. When our hearts are perplexed within us, lighten thou our darkness by the teaching of thy Spirit. When the next step of our journey is not clear, may we hear thy voice behind us saying, " This is the way." Let neither allurements from without, nor the rising of vainglorious pride within, PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 17 cause us to leave the path of thine appointment- And where thou goest not with us as our Guide and Helper, suffer us not to go. For the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. January 16 — In Troubles Unforeseen Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the storm of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord will be thy confidence, and will keep thy foot from being taken. — Prov. 3 : 25. What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee. In God (I will praise his word) , in God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; what can flesh do unto mef — Psalm 56 : 3. Lord, thou knowest with what trials my heart is to be assailed this day. Thou understandest my folly and my weakness and art acquainted with my easily besetting sins. It is to thee alone I look for upholding and deliverance. Open my eyes that I may see the folly of sin, but show me more of thy- self and of the beauty of thy holiness that I may desire thy presence and the light of thy favor with earnest seeking. For thy love's sake make me patient and loving with my friends and neighbors. Teach me to forgive that I may come to thee and ask to be forgiven. And may I grow like Christ this day, for his sake and to his glory. Amen. January 17 — The God of Busy Days But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness ; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. — Psalm 13 : 5. 18 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thanks be unto thee, my Lord, that thou art ever near! I bless thee that when I am alone with thee thou art not more loving or more careful of my need than when my mind is fully occupied, or when I come and go with heavy cares in crowded ways. I thank thee for the momentary thoughts that run home to thee amid the interruptions of my busiest day, for every quick appeal and for the confidence and quietness of heart that come as thy response to my petition. Give me, my Father, a deeper experience of thy love, a calmer assurance among perplexities and trials, a more eager desire to keep in close and joyful touch with thee. And perfect thou my incomplete and fragmentary prayers, building in me the communion and likeness of thy Son and giving me to become a helper in his kingdom and a sharer of his work and joy. Amen. January 18 — The Unchanging Friend Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they walk, Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name do they rejoice all the day; and in thy righteousness are they exalted. — Psalm 89 : 15. God our Father, we thank thee that thou changest not amid our changes and art not weary in our weariness. In trials that come suddenly, we would take refuge under the shadow of thy wings. In dull and weary hours, be thou our joy, that we may do our work as in thy sight. Let darkness bring assurance that thou art still our light of life. Make our enjoyments higher and dearer with a sense of thy continual presence. Teach us to use thy gifts of lovingkindness for aid and sympathy PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 19 to others. So let our quiet be a reflection of thy peace, and drudgeries seem but as stones and briars of the path in which we w^alk with thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 19 — The Heart's Affections I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you) always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, for your fellowship in furtherance of the good tidings from the first day until now. — Phil. 1 : 8. dearest Friend and Lover of our souls, we ask thy blessing and thy care for friends, who are thy dearest gifts on earth. We bless thee that the love thou hast for us, and the love we owe and fain would offer thee, can neither contradict nor lessen love of kindred and the pure communion of our souls with earthly friends. So cleanse and ennoble all our affections that, with joy and singleness of heart, we may entreat thee to be sharers of our happiness. Guard these whom thou hast given us from all overmastering temptations and all weakness of their own heart's faith. Teach us to understand and to be helpful without intruding on that inner life which each must live alone with thee. And quicken us to holier life that we may be found worthy of the love thou hast so freely given us. Amen. January 20 — The New Song The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my solvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father's God, and I will exalt him. — Ex. 15 : 2. 20 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Teach us, God, to remember always that we are thy children and to go with singing hearts along our way of pilgrimage. Put the new song in our mouth, that its melody of praise may cheer our hearts when trials come, and speak to others of thy presence and thy joy. Give us the childlike faith that rests upon thy fatherly provision for the life on earth and thy large promise for the life that is to come, and in simplicity of trust and purity of love enable us to grow out of all stain of sin and de- formity of character into thine image. For Jesus' sake. Amen. January 21 — Putting Away Falsehood These are the things that ye shall do: speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; judge truth and the judgment of peace in your gates; and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord. — Zech. 8 : 16. We come to thee, God, in the name of Christ who is the truth, to ask that thou wilt cleanse our hearts from falsehood. From all love of deception, from all vain imaginations, from careless insincerity and trust in refuges of lies, deliver us now and ever- more. send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead us! Enlighten our mind, instruct our conscience, fortify our will, that we may be true followers of our Lord in all sincerity of heart and uprightness of life. May our speech be in charity without guile, loving the truth and peace. Thou knowest how we walk in ignorance and prejudice, the familiar words of falsehood which we hear and PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 21 speak. Pardon us that we have been content in this false witness. Give us a growing and abiding love for all things that are pure and honest and of good report with thee. So teach us to follow in the steps of Jesus who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, that through us also some may rise to the knowledge of the truth which is revealed of thee. And thine shall be the glory evermore. Amen. January 22 — In Quiet Days A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called ten servants of his and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come. — Luke 19 : 12. Abide with me, Lord, in quiet days, when nothing stirs within me or without to move my heart to gratitude or fear. Let me be gathering strength for times of sorrow and temptation. Keep my heart from all anxiety. Deliver me from that fierce craving for excitement which undermines content. Make me a just and careful steward of the gifts thou hast committed to my care. Build thou thy likeness as thou wilt, through storm and trial, or in silent years. Let gain and loss, the quiet or dis- tracted hours of life, according to thy promise, work together for my good. And let thy name be honored and thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth. Amen. 22 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS January 23 — Those Who Have Gone Before But we would not have you ignorant, brethren' concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not 1 even as the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him. — 1 Thess. 4 : 13. Heavenly Father, from our hearts we thank thee for gracious memories of our beloved whom thou in loving wisdom hast taken to thyself. We thank thee that against the darkness of that mystery thy promise burns. In silence which may never more be broken upon earth, help us to remember lovingly their words of faith and cheer. Thou, God, hast strengthened and comforted our hearts through faith and labor, lest we should sink in idle, hopeless grief to an ignoble weakness. Let us not think so meanly of thy care or of their generous love as to believe we honor them by aimless sorrow more than by a cheerful hope and service. Let thy strength abide in us that we may overcome and be found worthy of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. So prepare our hearts for the unclouded vision and communion of thy saints in light. Amen. January 24 — In Ordinary Days And being ashed by the Pharisees, when the king- dom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not by observation; neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. — Luke 17 : 20. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 23 Lord, I would be ready when thou callest, in the great day of my life. Help me, therefore, to be diligent and faithful in my work this day, that I may make it by thy help a joyful time of service in confession of thine authority and in answer to thy love. Teach me to recognize my present op- portunity rather than to dream of greater things to come. But, in little or in great, be with me that I may grow more worthy to be called thy child. So in present diligence make my life fit for great adven- ture and let my work move in the direction of thy thought. Let thy kingdom come and thy w^ork be perfected, whether by me or by another, and clear my heart for evermore of envy, jealousy and pride. For thou hast trusted me and I would fain do my work well for simple love of thee. Amen. January 25 — The Refuge God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth change, and though the mountains be moved in the heart of the seas. — Psalm 46 : 1: God, our satisfaction and our home, to thee we run for strength when the powers of the ever-present world are upon us and our hearts weary and grow faint. Teach us so to live in the remembrance of thy presence that all the troubled world shall be overshadowed by the beauty of thy holiness. Give us hours of dear and intimate communion, when we may rest our souls on thee and be at peace. From the tumult of the street and the legioned hosts of crowding thoughts and fears we turn to thy 24 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS place of quietude in our own hearts to find ourselves at home. Fulfil our hopes in thine own time, according to thy word. Let thoughts of thy merci- ful kindness begin our day. Remember us when in the multitude of our occupations we are tempted to forget thee. Grant us thy peace at eventide. Show us deeper meanings in thy word. Give broader vision and make us more helpful for thy work with men. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 26 — Happy Living For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; and in quiet- ness and in confidence shall be your strength. — 7s. 30 : 15. Thou that bringest cheer amid the trials of our mortal life, so turn our hearts from fear to praise that we may live for thee in all conditions without any lingering trace of dread or gloom. Let not our hearts be troubled by losses, sorrows or perplexities of this passing world, but may we accept all the dis- posings of thy will with quiet hearts and cheerful countenances, speaking only kindly and courageous words, and thinking only pure and joyful thoughts. Incline our hearts rather to gratitude than com- plaint, and our lips to songs of praise. And may the happiness of thy presence rid us at once of selfish- ness and gloom. For the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who gladly gave himself for our redemption. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 25 January 27 — The Indwelling Spirit It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the Advocate will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. — John 16 : 7. Spirit of the Living God, by whom we are en- dowed with life from above, so quicken in our hearts all pure affections, right desires and holy thoughts, that we may fulfil thy work and grow in the like- ness of our Lord. Show us our sin, but open to our hearts a vision of the beauty of Christ # s holiness. Warn us of peril and keep us in the hour of our temptation. Increase our patience and our courage, our humility and our self-respect as children of God. Give wisdom and zeal, justice and fervent charity. Teach us to forgive, to conquer anger and to love our enemies. Take of the things of Christ and show them unto us. Purify our hearts that thou mayest enter in and dwell with us for peace and service. And this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. January 28 — Waiting God's Time For by hope were we saved : but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seethf But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. — Rom. 8 : 2Jf.. Thou art my confidence, Lord, when I am troubled and perplexed at the slow progress of thy kingdom in the earth. Help me to share thy pa- tience, as thou hast given me to share thy love and 26 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS work. Thou who knowest the end from the be- ginning, pity and sustain me when my ignorance of even what the morrow may bring forth hangs like a cloud upon my heart. Let me find thy presence joy enough for song and thy love a motive for en- durance and for toil. To all who need thee in their sorrow and their sin, come, Lord, to cheer and save. Send by whom thou wilt send to the dark places of the earth and let thy light in me bear witness some- where to thy love. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 29 — In the Day of Our Temptation And I will bring the third part through the fire, and I will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them; I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, the Lord is my God. — Zech. 13 : 9. In the day of our temptation, grant us aid, Christ. As thou overcamest in the wilderness, help us to overcome. Keep us when we are tried and nothing holds us back from sin but love of thee. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine own name's sake. For thou hast called and redeemed us and thy love is the portion of our hope. Let us not lose thy presence or the joy of hours we spend with thee. When we are tested, may our true life appear. When we are sifted, let the chaff be driven away but none of the wheat. And may thy joy and ours meet in the day when we shall have overcome and thou givest us to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God. And to thy name be praise. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 27 January 30 — Building God's Kingdom For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did like- wise. — Matt 20 : 1. Father in heaven, unto thee we bring in faith and confidence all the desires and efforts through which we seek to build thy kingdom. Make us in love with the simplicities of holiness, that we may serve our generation by what we are as well as by what we do and say. By the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit form in us more and more from day to day the image of Christ, that he may speak through us, and that men may know that we have been with him. Go before and guide our thoughts lest we miss the way or bear false witness to our Lord and Friend. Clear our perplexities, sustain us in our weakness. Let the joy of thy presence in our hearts become a light for others. And in the building of thy king- dom, give us such part as thou shalt choose and bless, keeping us alike from vanity and fear. In the name of Christ. Amen. January 31 — From the Noise of Strife how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee, before the sons of men! In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. — Psalm 31 : 19. 28 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS From trouble and the noise of strife we turn, Lord, to thee, our refuge and our hope. Let peace rule in our hearts amid confusion, while we wait for the triumph of thy kingdom. Bring thine own will to pass in the changes that must come. Make us active and undaunted in thy work. Remember those who are called to patience and listen to their prayers. Be with the sorrowing, to sustain them in their anguished and lonely hours. Let hate and envy die out of men's hearts, and peace and kindness reign. Go with us through the darkness of our suspense and perplexity. Make us lovers of justice between man and man. Give us courage to go on in thy companionship with full assurance that thy patience fails not nor is ignorant of the means and of the end. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 1 — God's Confidence in Us As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word, that they may all be one. — John 17 : 18. Giver of all good, who hast trusted those whom thou hast loved, help me henceforth to think and speak as one w T hom thou hast sent to do thy work on earth. Let me have a child's care for the honor of his father, a friend's thought for the reputation of his friend. By thy love and trust my work is honored and made joyful, and I would fain so live and die that thou mayest have the joy of meeting my return to thee with thy " Well done! " Thou PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 29 hast called me to thy service and loved me before I knew of thee; strengthen me, I beseech thee, to do my part with courage and delight, to bear the bur- dens which must needs be borne, whether they come of my old sins and follies or of the necessary cares of work on earth. Nor ever suffer me to be a rock of stumbling before others in my word or deed. Amen. February 2 — The Fire Within For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if any man buildeth on that foundation . . . each man's work shall be made manifest: . . . because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. — 1 Cor. 3 : 11. Where thou dwellest, my God, I thank thee that clear light and warmth of love forever glow. Come and abide in my cold heart and fill it with thy genial fire. Though winter rules without and earth lies barren under frosty skies, let there be fruitful life and joy within. Come as a fire to burn the evil in my soul, searching out every wicked thought and selfish hope and vain affection. Come as a light to make the way of duty plain. Come with new hope and joy to glorify the life of faith and work. And let this warmth and light, this cleansing and im- pelling fire I ask for my own heart be given to others whom I see distressed and hindered by the trials of the way. So let the love of Christ abide and rule and make thy people one in joyful work and hope. Amen. 30 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS February 3 — Disappointments And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham . . . saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. — Deut. 34 : 4- Lord, in thy merciful kindness, remember the hidden desires of our hearts for good which have failed of ripening into fruit-bearing. Thou knowest how feeble our desire, how slight our strength, how brief our day! Our hearts are bowed before thee in remembering how often we have done the things we would not do and left undone the things of our higher purpose. Thou who dost not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax, leave us not to discouragement or to disheartened hours, but encourage us with a breath of thy Spirit's blowing, that we may with true repentance turn from failure and endeavor to fulfil thy purpose of holiness. Lift our aspirations out of the lower and turn them to the higher joys. Enter not into judg- ment for our failures but remember our better wishes, bringing them to pass by the power thou givest. And to thy name be praise. Amen. February 4 — Against Idolatry For ye died and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also be with him manifested in glory. Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. — Col. 3 : 3. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 31 Keep us, God, from all folly of idolatry, whether of the gifts of earth or of the desires and imagina- tions of our own hearts. Let not the lust of the flesh, or the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life have dominion over us. Preserve us from that love of money which is a snare to the soul. May we be diligent in business as faithful stewards, seeking justice before gain and loving mercy rather than covetousness. In the midst of business may our hearts be quick to hear and eager to obey thy will. If riches increase, help us not to set our hearts upon them. If they take wings, help us not to lament as those who have been stripped of all their treasure. Give us fixed and equal minds in joy and woe, in gain or loss; forgiving and upholding, enlightening and making joyful, for Jesus' sake. Amen. February 5 — A Consecrated Day Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eatf or What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you, — Matt. 6 : 31. Lord, since thou hast loaned me today, for thine own uses and for mine, help me to use it both gratefully and well: and keep me in thy loving- kindness from taking anxious thought for the re- sponsibilities of tomorrow. Teach me that I may safely leave all these anxieties to thee, assured of thy fatherly love and care and remembering how often 32 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS thou hast helped and healed me in the ended days. Remember in thy mercy all troubled and anxious souls, and bring them to the faith of Christ that takes away forebodings. Help all thy children to face the evil of this day with faithful and courageous hearts ever at rest in thee. And give us according to the measure of thy love strength and confidence that all the days are in thy keeping. Amen. February 6 — Confidence of Faith Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out? And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith- — Matt. 17 : 19. God our Heavenly Father, in thee our changing hearts have hope, because thou changest not. Have mercy on our varying moods and keep us ever in thy steadfast peace. Remove our faith from quick- sands of our own heart's feeling that it may build with confidence on thee. Come in thy love, Lord, to cleanse our hearts and dwell therein; and never leave us to our weak forebodings or the trial of our doubts. In our uncertainties we would rest upon thy perfect knowledge of our life and need. Ac- cording to thy grace and our capacity make us like Christ in all humility and service. Upon thee we cast our care, for thou hast called and quickened us, and we thank thee that though our tides of feeling ebb and flow, the purpose of thy love can never change. So grant us rest of quiet and unswerving faith through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 33 February 7 — Brotherly Love And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him: Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Matt. 22 : 85. Lord, grant us so to love thee with all our heart, with all our mind, and all our soul, and our neighbor for thy sake; that the grace of charity and brotherly love may dwell in us, and all envy, harsh- ness and ill will may die in us. Fill our hearts with love, kindness and compassion, so that, by con- stantly rejoicing in the happiness and good success of others, by sympathizing with them in their sorrows and putting away all harsh judgments and envious thoughts, we may follow thee, who art thyself the true and perfect Love. Amen. February 8 — In Times of Change My days are like a shadow that declineth. . . . But thou, Lord, shalt abide for ever. . . . Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion: for it is time to have pity upon her, yea, the set time is come. — Psalm 102 : 11. Save us, Lord, from all disheartenment in the changes of the earth, being well assured that, though we perish, thy purpose shall be accomplished in thine own right time. Enable us unfeignedly to believe, when some whom we would lean upon de- part, that thou failest never and there is neither 34 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS faltering nor discouragement with thee. Thy will be done in all the changes of our time; and ever- more thy will be done! Forgive the frequent selfish- ness of our petitions and grant us ever that which is best for our spirit's life. We thank thee, that thou hast made us welcome to thine own heart, though thou hast not made our continuance needful for the world's going on. Thou who dost raise up men and remove them according to thy just and loving will, let thy kingdom come! Let our eyes see it, and our hands have part! In the name of Christ. Amen. February 9 — Good Days with God Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within vie, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; . . . Who crowneth thee with loving- kindness and tender mercies. — Psalm 103 : 1. Thou Light and Joy of all who live, my Father and my Friend, I thank thee for good days spent with thee and for cherished hopes of years to come. Keep me all day and every day in this good mind of thankfulness and add as thou wilt, joy upon joy. Let there be thy continual peace in my heart and may the reflection of thy face make my face shine in the sight of men. Let me not forget thy mercy, or darken any day with the shadow of my peevishness. I thank thee for the companion- ship of illuminated lives in which I have discovered the reflection of thy light. Let me have part in that Christlike companionship, not thinking I am PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 35 worthy, but that thou art great in love and givest thyself to those who long for thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 10 — The Forward Look For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the expectation of the poor perish forever. Arise, Lord; let not man prevail; let the nations be judged in thy sight. — Psalm 9 : 18. We thank thee, Lord, for all the mercies of the past; for love and teaching, home and friends and lovingkindness. We thank thee for our confidence of the forward look, our hope that grows to expecta- tion in daily experience of thy care. Give us the assurance of faith which belongs to those who have been made partakers of the life of Christ and sharers of his work with men. Lord, let thy Kingdom come! Make an end of sin and cruelty, of w T ar and hate and give the kingdom to thy Son. In his name. Amen. February 11 — Bringing Gifts Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. — 1 Cor. 16 : 1. Accept, Lord, from that which thou thyself hast given us, all thou desirest for the upbuilding of thy kingdom. Let us not say, " Tomorrow we will begin to offer, when we have received more 36 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS largely from thy hand." Though we are children, and can do little, we desire to be thy helpers; and though we cannot understand thy great affairs, we seek thy help that we may busy ourselves joyfully in the work which thou hast given us to do. Keep us from thoughts of self that shut away the claims of other men, and from the idle dreams that hinder care for those at hand. Let the brotherhood of thy house be dear to us, interpreting the deep thoughts of thy fatherhood. Use in thy work the little we can bring and feed our souls with good in helping others. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 12 — Lincoln's Birthday. For the Nation I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godli- ness and gravity. — 1 Tim. 2:1. We thank thee, Lord, that thou hast raised up leaders for us in our times of need, men of faith and courage through whom we have been enabled to go forward into brighter days. Thou who hast given us Washington and Lincoln, choose for us men like- minded for our places of authority. Give to our people true discernment and good will to follow where they lead, that we may not fail in any time of perplexity or fear. Purify the life of the nation. Make us faithful in loyalty, resolute in action, just and true in word and deed, good neighbors, both one with another and in the family of the peoples PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 37 of the earth. Give wisdom to our executives, our legislators and our judges. Make our homes pure and joyful, enabling us to live in the assurance of thy presence, working together as thy children. Make us both just and considerate in all our per- sonal and business relations. May all who teach and all who study in our schools be taught of thee. So let thy kingdom come and thy will be done among us. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 13 — He Who Hath Led, Will Lead And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light: that they might go by day and by night — Ex. 13 : 21. Heavenly Father, who hast taken thought for us this day, we bring our heart's gratitude and our heart's desire to thee in perfect confidence and childlike faith. Thou who hast led us hitherto, lead us to the end! Give strength to the weak; care for the needs of all and for the special need of each; pardon our iniquities and give us help for service. Make us like thyself in holiness as thou hast made us free in Jesus Christ our Lord. Let thy work appear unto thy servants and thy glory unto our children. And may we walk erect, as becometh sons and daughters of the Most High God, meeting earth's cares with cheerful hearts because thou carest for us with unfailing love. Amen. 38 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS February 14 — Loyalty to Christ Only let your manner of life be worthy of the good tidings of Christ; that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, thai ye stand fast in one spirit, with one sold striving for the faith of the good tidings. — Phil. 1 : 27. Lord Jesus Christ, who hast given thyself to our humanity and committed thy witness to our hands, let us not betray thee by unrighteous living in the sight of men. Nor let us be content with idle days or slight achievements in the way of faith and love. We thank thee for thy patience and thy trust; that when we are in despair about ourselves, thy hopes are high for our abundant victory; that when experi- ence of failure brings discouragement, thou dost still offer aid and opportunity. Let the thought of thy great faith in us lead on to new endeavor. In the genial atmosphere of the Father's house, where thou hast invited us to dwell, build up in us the confidence of children who have their Father's blessing upon his appointed work. And to thy name be praise. Amen. February 15 — Withheld Completions For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called: but . . . God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong: that no flesh should glory before God. — 1 Cor. 1 : 26. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 39 Have mercy upon us, God, in the temptation of our unsatisfied desires and the perplexity of our disappointments. Teach us that childlike faith in the simplicity of which is perfect rest. We thank thee that thy purposes are larger than our thought or hope; and that thy love denies as well as gives. So help us to set our hearts upon the doing of thy will and to rest upon thy care, that each present withholding may bring us assurance of a wider good. Hear our petitions for the gifts of earth according to thy wisdom, and not our ignorant desire. Let not the fulfillments of this present time become the disappointments of the eternal life, nor the plea- sures of today sources of weakness for tomorrow. Forgive us our weak striving, our impatient yieldings to self-will, our unresisted doubts and fears. Con- firm in us thy strength, that when our time of bless- ing comes and thy love provides according to our heart's desire, we may be ready to make the noblest use of every opportunity. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 16 — The Word of God These are my words which I spake unto yon, while I ivas yet with you, that all things must needs be ful- filled which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their mind, that they might understand the scriptures. — Luke 24 : 44- Lord, who hast revealed thyself in Jesus Christ and hast caused him to be spoken of by prophets, apostles and evangelists, help us to read the books which they have written with a lively faith and glad 40 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS appropriation of thy message to our hearts. Spirit of God, whose indwelling is our hope, take thou of the things of Christ and show them unto us. Make thy Word a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Help us to fill our minds with songs of praise and gracious words of promise, and from these stores of memory give us a fitting word for every trial and temptation. May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only, to the help of others and the glory of thy grace which hath redeemed us and made us kings and priests to God through Christ. Amen. February 17 — For the Homeless And he said to him also that had bidden him. . . . But when thou makest a feast, bid the 'poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed: because they have not wherewith to recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just. — Luke 14 •* 12. Remember, our Father in heaven, who didst send thy Son into a home of loving care, those who for w^ork or study are away from the restraints and ideals of their own homes. Guard their thoughts, that they forget not thee. Keep them from the failures and distresses of sin and from the charm of the alluring face of evil, giving them power to choose and keeping them from the bitter penalties of neglect. Help us, to whom thou hast given the joy of home, to be very thoughtful for the homeless and ready to be friends with them, not in pride or patronage, but as brothers and sisters of all thy children. And this we ask in the name of him who PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 41 had the most loving heart, and yet for the love of man was homeless and knew not where to lay his head. Amen. February 18 — Walking with God And the king . . . made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his command- ments, and his testimonies, and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul. — 2 Kings 23 : 3. We crave thy presence, Father, in all experience of life: to bring us light in darkness, to clear our hearts of evil affections, to enable us to learn the true proportion of what the world offers. All the day long we would walk with thee, assured that when our hearts are taken up with the work to which thou sendest us, thou art never forgetful of our needs or jealous of our interests. Let there be windows in our souls, that looking out we may see thy glory. Give us also, we beseech thee, happy hours when we may draw near with free delight and find thy rest lifting us out of weariness. Amen. February 19 — True Liberty Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word. . . . So shall I observe thy law continually for ever and veer. And I will walk at liberty; for I have sought thy precepts. — Psalm 119 : 4.1. Thou Friend of sinners and Lover of the poor, help us to look with thy clear eyes upon the world, that we may love what thou lovest and turn from that which thou canst not approve. Keep us from 42 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS hidden sins which work within to spoil the spirit's strength. While we remember the sacrifice of Christ in life and death, let us count no life worthy which is not approved of thee, and no death fearful except the yielding of the soul to sin. Thou Lord of Life and Giver of Freedom, break all chains of evil which have held us fast and enable us to come forth into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Open our eyes to see the beauty of thy holiness and give us hearts to love thy law and to obey it. For- give and strengthen; rejoice our hearts in thy com- panionship; and fulfil in us thy purposes of good. Amen. February 20 — The Intercessor A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you . . . and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. — Ezek. 36 : 26. Spirit of the Living God who makest intercession for the flock of Christ, plead thou for me when I am weary and know not how to ask or what I need. Then speak for me and give me restful quiet in my soul. And when in blindness of my heart I ask amiss, take thou of the things of Christ and show them unto me that I may cease to cherish any wish more than the coming of his kingdom and the doing of his will. Make my petitions fruitful, guiding wish and thought. Make them joyful with assur- ance of thy love. Help me to be thankful in re- membrance of thy mercy and to commit my way to thee in cheerful faith. In Jesus' name. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 43 February 21 — Unnoticed Saints Jesus saio Nathanael coming to him and saith of him , Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou met Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. — John 1 : 47. We thank thee, Lord, for quiet and unnoticed saints by whom the leaven of thy grace is kept at work in human life. For their simplicity of faith and joy of hope and still activities of love, we who are often troubled and perplexed, forsaking service and forgetting cheer, bring thee our praise. As thou hast helped them in their overcoming, Lord help us! As thou hast given them peace and joy, give also unto us. Help us to look with open eyes and sympathizing hearts, that we may recognize the presence of these silent lives of helpful stewardship. Make us faithful in our place and work, that out of the experience of thy companionship we may come to full assurance of faith. Yea, Lord, though our lives must needs be troubled, grant us this quietness of heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. February 22 — Washington's Birthday. The Pathmakers Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, and equity, yea, every good path. . . . That thou may est walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. — Prov. 2 : 9, 20. Thou who art more ready to lead than we to follow, Guide and Helper of our days, arm us against the misleading voices that allure us into evil paths 44 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS and against the weakness of our own hearts. Help us to take considerate thought for thee in all we do. Teach us to direct our way toward the light which thou hast set for us. We remember with gratitude and thanksgiving those who have gone before, the pathmakers who have shown the road through many a difficult place. We thank thee for their lives and efforts, the remembrance of their struggle and their victory. For pioneers and patriots, for all who have risked or laid down their lives that we might live in peace and safety, we give thee thanks. As we move forward, seeking the right path through the darkness of the world amid the perplexities of our own ignorance, teach us to give thought also to those who shall come after, making straight paths for our feet, lest the lame should be hurt in the way as they follow after us. So let thy way be ours and let no man suffer for our wanderings. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 23 — The Glory of Opportunity The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in the field; which a man found and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. — Matt. 13 : U- Creator and Lover of man, who for our redemp- tion gavest thy Son to be our brother of the mortal and immortal life, we thank thee for the glory of opportunity thou givest us to share. Perfect us toward thine own thought of an ideal humanity. We praise thee for our bodies — eye and ear re- sponsive to the waves of light and sound, joy of health, power to labor and endure. Help us to PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 45 train these powers in glad obedience and service. We thank thee for the triumphs of the mind- — invention and discovery, grasp of knowledge, won- ders of art. We rejoice in thy gift of the dream and endeavor toward the perfect brotherhood of man. Thou art the true glory of humanity. In thee we live and move and have our being. We thank thee for the communion of our spirits with thy Spirit, for thy confidence in us, thy good provi- sion and our enduring life with thee. Amen. February 24 — The Presence of God / have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. . . . Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence is fulness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. — Psalm 16 : 8. Giver of all joy, our loving Heavenly Father, let our quiet times and hours of rest be filled with a delightful sense of thy presence and grant us help in times of pleasure that we may not offend against thy law of love. Give us to see more of thy thought in the beauty of the earth and of thy purpose in the lives of men. Increase our sympathy with our brothers in their pleasure and their pain. Renew our strength, quicken our faculties, that we may be better fitted for the work which thou hast given us to do. We thank thee for thy fatherly love and care in days gone by, for wayside mercies and the satisfactions and compensations of our work. To thee be praise for thy continual goodness and for our hope of^the eternal life with thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. 46 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS February 25 — The Needs of Others But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? . . . Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robber sf And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. — Luke 10 : 29. Father in heaven, forgive us that in hours of trial we forget the needs of others in asking thee to meet our own necessities with good. We thank thee that thou hast taught us to love our neighbor as ourself and founded our best joys on the true brotherhood of man. Remember all whom thou hast loved and whom Christ came to save — the sick, the sorrowing, those who are cast down in thought of their own sin and failure, or who are greatly tempted. Help us all to overcome by the indwelling of thy power. Remember those whom thou hast given us in special love. Though we are often helpless in their time of need, help us with an unfaltering faith to trust them to thy unforgetting care. Cure us of selfish will, that we may enter into the communion of thy fellow workers, where all are brethren of Christ and where thy love provides. In the name of the interceding Christ. Amen. February 26 — The School of Christ Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation. — Heb. 5:8. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 47 Since thou hast brought me to the school of Christ, my Father, help me to be always of a teachable and willing mind, leading me on from class to class until thou countest me prepared to go out into some wider world of work and joy. Search my heart and clear it of every evil thing. Purify my thoughts, that I may see thee and the way of life where thou givest thyself to thy children. Let me become a friend to all my comrades of the school, gaining from each what each has learned of thee and growing con- tinually stronger in happy and helpful companion- ships. I thank thee that thou hast thought me fit for training, and for thy aid that never fails in my hard places. Fashion my heart to thine own vision and desire, that thou and I may both be satisfied. In the name of Christ, who studied with us in the school. Amen. February 27 — Gracious Living Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, buying up the opportunity, because the days are evil. . . . Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. — Eph. 5 : 15. Forgive me, my Father, that I go about my needful but disagreeable work ungraciously, and that, even though I suppress complaint, my heart is often angry and dissatisfied. Show me the neces- sity of the work and the shame of my querulous lamenting. Finish thy work in my heart, I beseech thee, and give me ever a cheerful and joyful spirit, wholly proof against the temptation of complaining. 48 PRAYERS AND THANKGSIVINGS Increase my strength and make it sufficient for all thou givest me to do. Make even drudgery a school of holiness. And when the burden of this seeming thankless task is heavy, let me remember all the easy and delightful hours which thou hast given me — the rest of night, the refreshment of love and above all the constant sustaining of thy presence. Take not my opportunities from me, my God, but help me to use them to the uttermost for love of thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. February 28 — In His Image But we all, with unveiled face, reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit — 2 Cor. 3 : 18. Thou who art the life of the world, reveal thyself in our hearts that we may bear continual witness to thy presence in all we do and say. Thou who hast given thy Son for light and beauty in our dark- ness, let some tokens of his power be shown in us, whom thou in infinite love hast made thy children. Oh, let thy church be like its Lord! its living stones shaped after the pattern of him who is the corner- stone, its joy to do his commandments and draw men unto him. Let there be in us, Lord, that spirit of love and self-giving which becomes the followers of him who gave his life for the world. Deliver us from our devouring selfishness and keep us from the power of all temptation. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 49 February 29 — The Open Vision Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth. . . . He shall glorify me; for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you. — John 16 : 13. Give me, my God, the ready mind and willing heart to which thy Holy Spirit can reveal high thoughts and happy visions of thy kingdom. Open the eyes of my soul, that I may understand thy law of love within me and without, and know the power of Christ as Head and Saviour of the world of men. Show me more of thyself, God, in the glory of thy power — Lord of all light, Wonder of all love, nearer than all, yet far above my thought in purity and justice. Purge my vision and control my thoughts that I may come to be among the pure in heart to whom it is given to see thee. And as I look and love may thy likeness grow in me, that I may serve my neighbor as thou dost bless and help all peoples and generations on the earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. March 1 — Proving Our Ways Bear ye one another 1 s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. . . . But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. For each man shall bear his own burden. — Gal. 6 : 2. Almighty and all-seeing God, assist me by thy Holy Spirit that I may prove and try my way and turn from every evil thought and word. Teach 50 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS me to discern the evil from the good and neither to excuse what thou condemnest nor to cherish bitter remembrance or angry self-reproach where thou, for Christ's sake, hast forgiven and blotted my transgressions out of thy book. May I learn alike from thy lovingkindness and from the recollected follies of my way, true charity for others and a forgiving spirit in all the vexations and injuries of life. Help me not to be discouraged with myself, not to make light of sin, but to turn away from self to thee in true repentance and eager desire, for purity and service. And quicken thou in me thy life, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. For Jesus' sake. Amen. March 2 — Active Humility But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me, a sinner. I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. — Luke 18 : IS. Our Father, who art good to all and hast need of all, we thank thee that thou rememberest the lowly and dost use our weak lives for thy wise designs. Write our names among the faithful that we may live with thee and be partakers of thy thought and have our share in thy eternal joy. We bless thee for those who have given their all, for love that seeks another's good, forgetful of its own, for home minis- tries and neighborly devotion. Cure us also of the desire to be first, of parade in worship, of covetous PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 51 eyes and selfish hearts, of that anxiety for the needs of today that robs us of joyful confidence in thee. Amen. March 3 — The Golden Law of Love How precious is thy lovingkindness, God! And the children of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings. . . . For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. Oh, continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. — Psalm 36 : 7. Thou who hast loved us and hast made our lives a witness of thy care, we thank thee for the joy of our affection toward thee and toward our brothers of this laboring and overcoming life. Oh, lift our thought from lesser things to live with thee in that clear atmosphere of love! Rid us of idle hopes, of sensual and selfish wishes, that we may walk with thee in ever growing satisfaction, finding the work thou givest us a continual delight, and upheld in patient waiting for the fulfilment of thy plans. Let this love and joy be living in our hearts, that we may grow into thy likeness. When in folly we forget thee, our just and loving Father, let thy thoughts summon us and thy love come forth to meet us on the way. Fountain inexhaustible of grace and truth, satisfy thou our hearts and they shall be content in thee. Amen. 52 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS March 4 — Conflict and Confidence But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. — 1 Cor. 15 :57. We thank thee, Lord, that thou hast chosen us for strength instead of sheltered innocence and weakness. We bless thee that thou hast summoned us to conflict and put the victory of faith within our grasp. Give us a strength above our own and feed the flame of our enthusiasm with continual renewal of thy gifts of faith and love. Shape all events and experiences of our lives for overcoming. Endue us with wisdom by the power of thy Holy Spirit and make us helpful in our generation, showing thy love in lives which thou hast renewed and sustained. Give us the victory over even our besetting sins, to thine own glory in our own eternal peace. Forgive the transgressions of our careless hours and all the follies of our lives. Teach us to watch for opportun- ity, never content to sit at ease when there are victories to be won for thee, nor easily cast down when evil seems to triumph in the earth. And make us sharers, according to thy promise, of Christ's joy of overcoming in the risen life. Amen. March 5 — The Friends of Christ No longer do I call you bondservants; for the bond- servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 53 my Father I have made known unto you. — John 15 : 15. Thou who hast called thy disciples friends, accept us also in that happy circle of thy thought and care. Sustain us in trouble, enhearten us in loneliness, lift us above discouragement. In thy name and work we glory, let thy cross be the symbol of our hope and immortality. Since thou hast won for us so rich a life, let our own years with thee be dedicated to thy purpose. Help us to follow thee in ministry of kindness and good will. Provide new opportuni- ties of service as thou increasest strength, and let our hearts and voices overflow in grateful song. Companion of all friendships, inspirer and uplifter of all affections! by faith in thy good purpose toward us we commit ourselves to the sleep of night and to the unimaginable experience of death. We thank thee that thou hast gone before to prepare us a place, and we would ever live with thee. Amen. March 6 — A Fruit-Bearing Day I am the true vine, and my Father is the husband- man. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. — John 16:1. Glorify thy holy name, God, through us in a fruit-bearing day. Help us to abide in Christ that we may share his life and do his work. If the chan- nels of our thought and our desire are choked with sin, purge us that we may bring forth more fruit. In morning hours of toil, in noontide rest, in the 54 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS work that draws to an end with the sunsetting, and in our evening thoughts or cares, abide thou with us and make our hearts glad in thee. Thine is the night's rest and the new strength of the morn- ing hour; and thine shall be our praise in every gain and effort, in every joy and grief, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. March 7 — Against Impatience For ye have need of steadfastness, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. For yet a very little while, he that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry. But my righteous one shall live by faith: and if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him. — Heb. 10 : 36. God of all patience, by whose long-suffering love alone we are permitted to continue in the opportuni- ties of life, keep us in the quiet of thy presence all day long that we sin not in hasty word or deed. Be swifter than our provocations, stronger than our easily besetting sins and kinder than our own thought of others. In our impatient hours, when anger burns within us and cries out for utterance, give us courage in the memory of thy love for self-restraint. In the reflection of thy mercy may our faces shine. In cheerful hours may we await the ripening of thy purpose. So teach us to weigh the hopes and fears, the joys and disap- pointments of this mortal life that we may know the worth of the enduring treasure of thy grace. Guard us from the folly of heart-rest in earthly things. Enlarge our souls in the good hope of eternal life through Christ and make us willing instruments of PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 55 service. Enable us to think in charity, to speak in kindness, to deal lovingly as well as justly in all relations and responsibilities of life. And glorify thyself in us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. March 8 — Eternal Life Today Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who delivered us out of the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. — Col 1 : 12. Thou Lord and Giver of the earthly and the eternal life, we bless thee that both are one for us in faith, as both shall be one in the experience of thy children. We thank thee that thou hast enriched our lives with friendship and with household ties. We bless thee for all true-hearted fellowship of faith and love, and, with loyal and confident hearts, for all whom thou hast taken from us, who live to thee although we see them not. We thank thee for their ministries of faithful affection and self- sacrifice. Make us, like them, a blessing to the world. And may their memory bring us strength to lead the joyful life of faith. Grant to us also help to overcome and bring us in thine own good time into the dear companionship of love and joy where they have gone before. In the name of Christ. Amen. March 9 — A Thanksgiving give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he redeemed out of the hand of the 56 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS enemy. ... that men would praise the Lord for his lovinghindness and for his wonderful works to the children of men. — Psalm 107 : 1. We lift up our hearts to thee, God, in grateful remembrance of the gifts and blessings which have crowned our days. When our hearts have forgotten thanksgiving, we thank thee that thou hast not ceased from help, and that although we have sinned, thou hast still maintained thy lovingkindness. We acknowledge that our trials have been less than our desert, our joys the witness ever of thy merciful compassion. We bless thee for the gift of life, the love of friends, the ties of kindred, the joys of home. We praise thee for opportunities of knowledge, for innocent enjoyment and helpful service. Thou hast comforted us in sorrow and upheld us in the time of doubt and fear. Food and raiment and shelter are from thee, and thou givest us power to overcome temptation. Love is thy gift, and faith and hope of better days to come; and thy presence is our continual delight. Blessed be thou, God, with honor and thanksgiving, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen. March 10 — The Cure and Care of Anger For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow in his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth right- eously.— 1 Pet. 2 : 21. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 57 God of peace, who ever desirest peace among thy children, so restrain anger in our hearts by the power of thy Holy Spirit that we may not provoke others to wrath, or speak irreparable words. Help us to bear ourselves as followers of him who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, and by thy goodness teach us to think in love even of our enemies and detrac- tors. Give us the grace of silence when speech would provoke to contention, but courage to speak when it is for thine honor or the help of other men. Let there be no quarrelsome spirit in us, but may we seek amity with all men and hinder none by our impatience. And in thy mercy keep us from all strife of tongues. And this we ask of thee in the name of Christ our peaceable and helpful Lord and brother. Amen. March 11 —The Stalwart Life with Christ Finally j be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. . . . Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. — Eph. 6 : 10. Thou our Life! True Light of all who come into the world, help us to live to thee. From death of sin; from all forgetfulness of God and love; from heart ambitions which do not rise above the world; from folly of uncharitableness and idle listlessness that suffers opportunity to slip away unused — Lord deliver us! Help us to live strong, useful, happy lives by the indwelling and outworking of thy Spirit. Fulfil in us thine own thought of what man may be and use us to the uttermost in service, over- 58 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS coming sin and working righteousness and preparing us for the unhindered vision of thy face in ever- lasting life with thee. Amen. March 12 — God Seeking Us For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. — Ezek. 84 : 11 . Thou who hast loved and sought us, our Father and our Friend, with answering affection we return to thee as to our home and rest. We thank thee that thou hast given us life, and that from thy love our love is kindled. We bless thee that when we had gone far from thee into the waste places of our selfishness, thy Spirit brought remembrance. Thou hast desired us, unworthy children that we are; teach us the ways of thy house and the peace of its pure and helpful life. By the lives and words of thy children, witnessing of thee, thou hast beckoned and appealed. Oh, make us helpers in thy search for the wandering and the lost, and sharers of the joy of heaven over one sinner that repenteth. So let thy fatherhood be fruitful in our lives for patience, faith and brotherly kindness. And may we grow toward the perfection of the life of Christ our Lord and through thy love revealed in him be perfected. Amen, PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 59 March 13 — The Tongue // any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also, . . . so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how much wood is kindled by how small a fire. — James 3 : 2. Keep us, God, from every evil word; from all unkindness, idle levity, hasty temper and useless complaint, from flattery and falsehood. Make our hearts pure and our lips clean. Give us to share thy joy and let all our looks and words be full of cheer, lest we should bear false witness to thy perfect grace of forgiveness and thy loving care. Keep us from insincerity, from impatient speaking and querulous tones in petty trials and misun- derstandings. So tame thou that tongue which no man can tame and make it harmless in this world of strife and ever ready in thy service. And to thee will we give praise and glory evermore. Amen. March 14 — Helpers of Grief For he will deliver the needy when he crieth, and the poor that hath no helper. He will have pity on the poor and needy, and the souls of the needy he will save. — Psalm 72 : 12. Have mercy, Lord, upon all sorrowful wanderers in loneliness of grief who have forgotten or are unaware of thee. In thine own way come near to them with guidance , help and comfort, rebuilding their lives upon the sure foundations of confidence in thy love and power. And help us whom thou hast 60 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS made their neighbors so to live in faith and courage which thou givest us through Christ our Lord, that these lonely sufferers may see in us something of his divine purity and strength and will to aid. In the name of Christ. Amen. March 15 — Following on with God For he established a testimony in Jacob, and ap- pointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known unto their children. . . . That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God. — Psalm 78 : 5. Through unknown places and the unimagined years, Lord, we have walked with thee and by thy love we have been kept from peril and evil has had no full power over us. Through the days that are before us, hidden in the darkness from our eyes and keeping new experiences, we would have the dear companionship of thy presence. Give us courage that when thou biddest us go forward we may take our journey with serene and joyful confidence. We remember before thee those who are our com- panions of earth's wonderful way, our brothers and sisters of the life that Jesus chose and shared. Thou art our Father and our leader, help us to walk together in kindliness. Especially, Lord, remem- ber those whom thou thyself hast bound up with us in the cords of affection and bring them into the kingdom of thy love. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 61 March 16 — Endurance Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endured; ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity and merciful. — James 5 : 10. Father of all grace and patience, who hast known our hearts from the beginning, keep them to the end that we fail not through lack of endurance in the quiet hours of life. When action ceases and we can only wait, when decision gives place to doubt, when weakness or ignorance leave room only for submission, when we have spoken our last word, made our final effort, and in our own strength can do no more; then, for the sake of Jesus who was tempted with our temptations and straitened in lingering days until his work might be accomplished, come to our aid! Assure us of thy presence when we sit in loneliness, that our vexed hearts may find their rest in thee. Speak the words in our per- plexity which of old upon the lips of Christ brought calm to the troubled sea. Turn even our impa- tience to profit in the deepening of a purpose that is not dependent upon immediate attainment, and a faith that lays hold upon the eternal purposes of God. And when, by thine assistance, we have been enabled to keep the word of thy patience, suffer us not to fall away in the hour of death, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 62 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS March 17 — Care of the Body For of him, and through him, and unto him are all things. ... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. — Rom. 11 : 36. Lord, who hast given us these treasures of earth's strength and opportunity in earthen vessels that we might learn the need of trust in thee, help us so to use and cherish our frail bodies that they may be most effective for the work which thou hast given us to do. Pardon our transgressions and shortcomings. Make us strong to labor, patient for endurance, filled — as becometh temples of thy Spirit — with all purity, girded and ready for all service. Help us to keep the nightly and weekly rest which thou hast appointed with willing and obedient hearts. May sleep refresh us, food nourish us and pleasure bring us no regret. Preserve us from the shame and folly of idleness and from the temptation to presumptuous overwork for merely earthly gains; but when the hour of need appears, and for thy love or for the service of thy children we are called to work beyond our strength, restore us, if it please thee, or accept our sacrifice for the sake of Christ, who denied not his body for our need. And when these earthen vessels of our sense and strength are broken, receive our spirits for the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 63 March 18 — The Comradeship of Christ All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the 7iations: . . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the world. — Matt. 28 : 18. We thank thee, Father, for thy Son, our Lord, who for our sake experienced sorrow, loneliness and death, that we might have an inward and abiding joy, a true companionship, and be set free from the old slavish fear of death. Thou, from whom all thy disciples fled in the hour of trial, who knewest lonely vigils in the desert places, remember us in the hour of our betrayal and distress. Help us to seek our strength from the divine and loving Father; to keep true to the best purposes of our own hearts; to live upon the highest levels of our thought; to love and not to hate; to be long-suffering, kind and slow to take offense. So may we have place in the great brotherhood where Christ is the clear dawn of the promised glorious day. So in self- giving may we lose all sense of loneliness. Amen. March 19 — A Thanksgiving How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth! — Is. 52 : 7. With my whole heart I give thee thanks, my God, for thou hast dealt bountifully with me. Thy 64 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS promises are like dawn upon the darkness of the earth. Blessed be thou, who hast given thy Son to be Saviour and Friend of men. I bring thee praise for joys that make earth bright; for needed gifts of every day; for home delights and meetings; for ideals of lovingkindness, justice, truth; friendship and its affluence of joy and strength; wisdom born of experience; peace that is deeper than grief. Most of all I give thanks that thou art thou — my Father, in whom life's dearest hopes are eternally secure. Lover of men, teach me how gratitude may overflow in thoughtful service to my brothers of the common life. And ever keep me from the sin which hangs a veil between my heart and thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. March 20 — Meditative Hours Oh } how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation. — Psalm 119 : 97. Thou that callest to remembrance and biddest us consider and try our ways, so guide and control our times of meditation that we may obtain new courage for endeavor from our communion with thee. Help us to draw near in true repentance and full assurance of thy fatherly love. Disengage our thoughts from the cares, ambitions and desires of the world, that our hearts may be open and pre- pared for the teaching of thy Holy Spirit. For thou alone art our strength, the true good of our PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 65 souls, the bread of life which satisfies, the joy which enables us to serve and overcome. In the name of Christ. Amen. March 21 — The Gentleness of God praise the Lord, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples. For his lovingkindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. — Psalm 117:1. We thank thee, Heavenly Father, for thy gentle- ness which is both our example and delight. Let thy long-suffering pity deepen assurance that thou lookest upon us with a Father's heart of love. Forgive us that we have impatient thoughts of life which thou hast appointed for our teaching and that we find it so hard to forgive when thou hast freely pardoned our transgressions. Give us power to labor and to overcome. Help us to use our strength in gentleness Teach us how to understand and sympa hize. May we speak kindly, think charita- bly and look hopefully, seeking in all simplicity of obedience to love our neighbor as our self. So make us like our Lord in truth and gentleness and use us in thy sendee evermore. Amen. March 22 — The Fear of Death But when this corruptible shall have put on incor- ruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. . . . But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Cor. 15 : 5 If.. 66 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS In my folly, Lord, I am troubled for my friends, or for myself, by thoughts of the body's death; and I confess before thee that I am often more afraid to die than concerned to live as thy disciple ought. Yet thou art ever with me and I thank thee that Christ has gone where we must go and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Take away this fear of death and all forebodings either for myself or those I love; and be thou my life and the true life of my affections, and assure my heart that none that lives in thee can ever die. Teach me to work in cheerful expectation and to leave the place of work to thee. Let me not mar thine instrument by thankless fear or weak repining. For thou art my life and what thou choosest I would choose. In the n ame of Christ . Amen . March 23 — Wayside Mercies Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and loving- kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. — Psalm 23 : 5. We thank thee, Lord, for thy great gifts by which we live and live with thee; for thy Fatherhood and our approach to thee through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for the teaching and upholding Spirit; the fellowship of saints and the good hope of immortal- ity. We bless thee for the wayside mercies which make all our homeward journey glad. Let not the dust of the road choke the outpouring of thy springs of joy within our hearts or any passing troubles dim PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 67 our vision of thy light. Sustain our courage in the appointed trials and temptations of our pilgrimage. Open our eyes to see thy mercies and give us hearts to delight in every gift and beauty of the shifting days. So lead us onward, ever fulfiling in us thy desire of good and happy life and making us thy helpers. And to thy name be praise! Amen. March 24 — Heart Purity Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him. And he marvelled that (Jesus) had not first bathed himself before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now ye Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup; . . . but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. Ye foolish ones, did not he that made the outside make the inside also? — Luke 11 : 37. Lord of all life, who in thy holiness revealest thy- self to those who are pure in heart, so cleanse and strengthen us that we may be free from every evil desire and unclean imagination, serving thee as loving and obedient children day and night, and ever finding gladness in thy presence. Thou art our Father; make the brotherhood of man in thee so real and joyful to us that we shall feel the least offense of thought or word or act toward any of thy chil- dren like a stain upon our souls. Give us the child- like spirit of love and faith in a world too full of cruelties and hates. And may thy wisdom be our guide, lest we fall into any snare of the tempter. Let Christ's own thought of brotherly kindness ever rule our spirits, to thy glory in our fruit-bearing lives. Amen, 68 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS March 25 — Brotherly Kindness Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to show love unto strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are ill- treated, as being yourselves also in the body. — Heb. 13 :1. My God, who rememberest the burdens of men, having given us life, and meaning to win us for thy willing and obedient children, help me, I entreat thee, not to live so selfishly as only to receive and not to give compassion. Let me be sharer of thy thought and work. Let my patience and endeavor for the need of others be offered for true love's sake. Confirm in me all motions and desires of brother- hood, all thoughts of kindness. Teach me to be just and merciful, remembering thine uprightness, Thou that delightest in mercy! When my own burdens weigh heavily, come thou to my relief, leaving me free and strong for help of others. So let the fellowship I most desire grow between thee and me, Thou compassionate! And help me to be thy true and helpful child in all the days ap- pointed me on earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. March 26 — Cross-Bearing Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it? — Luke 14 : 27. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 69 Let the way of the cross be our way, crucified and risen Lord, if thou art with us as we go. Let death lay hold upon us, if we may but live in thee. Arm us for great afflictions wherewith thou dost sometimes try the brothers of thy love, but prepare our hearts also against the petty annoyances of ordinary days. And suffer us not to deny our call- ing and thy love by weak complainings and resentful thoughts. We thank thee that the way of the cross is the way of life and that our joy is independent of what hands can hold. Accept our renunciations, pardon our withholdings of due love and childlike trust. Let the cross become our glory because we bear it gladly for thy sake. And to thee be praise, for thou hast redeemed us from the death of sin and opened to us the gates of life. Amen. March 27 — Confidence in God Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? Shall God that justifieth? Who is he that condemnethf Is it Christ Jesus that died, yea, rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us? — Rom. 8 : 83. Lord, in the overturaings of thy judgment, when many who are first shall be last, let not my hope be found mere folly of presumptuous self-conceit. Thou knowest me altogether and I cannot know myself but I thank thee that in thy word is confi- dence and in thy love is joy. I bless thee that thou hast encouraged me to hope and given me strength for labor and taken pleasure in my over comings. Let me not measure great and small according to the 70 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS proportion of my weak vision, or of the world's de- sire, lest I waste in folly strength thou seekest for the building of thy kindgom. Let me not think too much of self, but ever meditate upon thy purpose. Make Christ's yoke my assurance of efficiency and of companionship with him. Teach me to do thy will, God. Thy Spirit is good, lead me into the land of uprightness! In the name of Christ. Amen. March 28 — For Enemies Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. — Matt. 5 : 43. Lord, our God, who lovest those whom we find it so hard not to hate, help us to love them also, because of thy love and our love to thee. Lift our hearts above all petty jealousies and irascibilities. Let the dignity of our souls forbid that we should be swift to take offense or cherish in remembrance past slights or small neglects. Make us thy loving and obedient children, joined with thee in the endeavor to make life pure and genial with the sunlight of brotherly kindness. We thank thee for the good which even our poor sight can see in the life of those whom we call enemies. We ask good for them, not as those who look down from a height, but as for our own brothers with whom we earnestly desire that we may be heartily and continually reconciled. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 71 March 29 — A Planting of God For I will set mine eyes upon them for good. . . and I will build them up and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. — Jer. 24 : 6. Thou Love and Purity Divine, Sun of my day, warning and consuming, scorch thou and burn away my sin. Quicken to growth the seeds which thou hast planted in my soul and let them blossom and bear fruit. Thou who hast called me to holiness, hold ever before my eyes the goal of thy divine perfection, that I may reverence and aspire. Keep me from discouragement. Yea, though I stumble and fall through heart's weakness and the lure of earth's desire, nevertheless, make me to arise and stand before thee with new purpose of amendment and joyful remembrance of thy love in Jesus Christ my Lord. Lead me by thy Holy Spirit into the true way, give me the joy of use and the reward of helpfulness. And to thy name be praise. Amen. March 30 — The Risen Life If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable. But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the first fruits of them that are asleep. . . . For . . . in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits; then they that are Christ 1 s at his presence. — 1 Cor. 15 :1\ 72 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS We bless thee, Father in heaven, for the eternal hope that springs to life through the resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us through him to have a steady faith to look upon the things that endure and not to set our hearts upon the gifts that perish. Let darkness pass from our believing hearts and thy true light grow toward the fullness of the perfect day. Help us to live this day the risen and enduring life to which thou callest, fearless of all that earth can take away and confident that thou wilt help in every hour of need. Be thou forevermore our light and our salvation, the eternal hope and confidence of men, the giver and renewer of all gifts and promises. Let our patience keep a sense of thy companionship till the time of vision comes. So hold us ever in the joy of faith and let the love of Christ enrich our hearts. Amen. March 31 — In the Doubtful Places And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundred fold, and shall inherit eternal life. But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last. — Matt. 19 : 29. Open thou our eyes, God, that we may see and choose aright in all the doubtful places of our life. May we not be of those who seeking their own life shall lose it. Help us to dedicate ourselves to thy service, giving up the life of self that our true life may be hid with Christ in thee. And may this new- implanted life grow stronger day by day until it takes complete possession of our soul and drives PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 73 forth every evil passion and folly of self-seeking. Be thou our true life, lest when we part from thee our hopes depart, our peace be broken and our sins revive. Teach us earth's hard lesson of renuncia- tion and let us not draw back until it is wholly learned; but fill our spirits with the comfort of thy presence evermore according to thy loving w T ord. Amen. April 1 — The Door of Life / am the door of the sheep . . . by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and shall find pasture. ... I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. — John 10 : 7. Thou Guide of all our ways, thyself the Door by whom we have entrance upon the eternal life, so strengthen our hearts by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that we may be ready for all changes, swift to forsake all will toward evil, earnest in renewed endeavor for the good that is thy gift. thou who callest to repentance and dost ever accept the return of contrite hearts! give us light to see and courage to undertake all new adventures in thy service and make thy love manifest in all our way. Let our beginnings be of thy devising and may they bring us into new companionship of love with thee. In trial and perplexity comfort our hearts with the assurance of thy will to heal and bless. Let us advance from strength to strength and crown thou our work with blessing, to the glory of our Father's name and for the coming of his kingdom among men. Amen. 74 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS April 2 — Light in Darkness Nay, in all these things we are more than con- quer ers through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor 'principali- ties, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Rom. 8 : 87. Lord, our Lord, who hast called us to the way of suffering which was the way of power and glory for our Lord Jesus Christ, so uplift and sustain our hearts that we may endure to the end, finding joy amid distress and bringing faith and courage to the burdened and heavy-hearted. We thank thee for thy unfailing confidence in us as loyal children of thy house. We praise thee that thou hast kept us hitherto from defeat and despair, given us happy hours, true comradeships of heart, glad foretastes of that joy of overcoming which is to be fulfilled in thy presence. Let not thy guiding and correcting hand depart from us in any valley of the shadow, nor in the perils of our unclouded hours. For thou art the source of courage and delight, and to thee we would continually return with grateful hearts for thy overflowing bounty and thy considerate and unwearying care. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 3 — Assurance of God's Care Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. — 1 Pet. 5 : 6. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 75 We thank thee, God, that thou hast opened a way before us and encouraged our hearts with the assurance of thy loving care. By thy strength alone we would stand fast amid the troubles of our days. Still let thy goodness lead us and uphold us, God, that we may with cheerful hearts be made sharers of the joyful expectations that become thy children. Forbid it, Lord, that we, to whom thou hast given so much and with such patient love, should by our ingratitude and little faith bring discouragement to others, or make thy work and kingdom seem less joyful than thou hast planned them for the needs of men. So may we lift and help, nor ever be a drag and weight upon the lives of men. But let thy life overflow through our lives for the strength and courage of those about us. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 4 — Communion with God Finally, brethren, rejoice: be perfected; be com- forted; be of the same mind; live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. . . . The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. — 2 Cor. 13 :11. Between thee and me, my Father, let no veil come but the needful veil of mystery between thy majesty and my humanity. For, lo > I would turn to thee as thine own child, assured that in my most troubled hours I am neither forgotten nor forsaken. Let me go on the way of my pilgrimage with the same obedient trust wherewith Christ lived on earth and walked with thee. Come to my heart and make it a 76 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS dwelling place for thy rest. Purify my thoughts and desires, enrich my soul with gracious experi- ences, give me the peace of Christ and make all things work together for my good according to thy word. And may the joy of thy presence en- lighten my days and the communion of thy children be my delight. Be thou my help and deliverer, my friend and hope forevermore. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 5 — God Who Provides And Jesus looked round about and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God ! And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again and saith unto them, Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! — Mark 10 : 23. Search me, my God, and see if love of money holds a place of worship in my soul, or if I prefer the riches of the world to thee! Help me to seek thy kingdom first and add thou for my life on earth such gifts as thou shalt choose. Thou knowest that I have need of food and raiment, of shelter for myself and those whom thou hast given me, of work and love, of health and hope. Thou seest I crave the blessings of earth's life — rest after toil, the joy of social greetings and opportunities of help for those I love. Let not gifts conceal the Giver, and when I lack teach me a deeper heart's content in thee. So choose and share my lot and crown my hopes, through Jesus Christ, thy perfect Gift. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 77 April 6 — Steadfast Faith And Peter . . . said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters. And Jesus said, Come. . . .But when he saw the wind, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and took hold of him, and^saith unto him, thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubtf — Matt. 14 : 28. Lord, our confidence, unto thee we look in every doubt or fear, for thou hast ever enlightened our darkness. Increase our faith that we may be more useful laborers in thy vineyard, less distracted by our own heart's questionings and less disturbed by voices from without. Give us the steadfast purpose of the strong and willing followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, who turned not back from the tempta- tions, trials and sufferings of his life — yea, not from death itself — because he came to do thy will and loved thee with a whole heart perfectly. So teach us to overcome our doubts and our self-love in true obedience to thy fatherly commands and to know thee better as we love thee more. For thou only art our light and joy and the satisfaction of our heart's cravings ; and by thy life we live. Amen. April 7 — The New Life with Christ That I may know him, and the power of his resur- rection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. — Phil. 3 : 10. 78 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Almighty God, the Father of all the living, we thank thee for the revelation of thy glory in the life of Jesus Christ our Lord. For his incarnation, which makes the brotherhood of man divine; for his submission to the power of death, wherein he bore our sins in his own body on the tree} for his glorious resurrection in which we are made partakers ; and for the enduring life in which he continues with his church, we bring thee thanks. Help us to put away the death of sin, and to live henceforth with him in the new life of his resurrection. Pity us in sorrow, that the remembrance of his love may bring us joy. Enlighten us in darkness by the ministra- tion of thy Spirit, and when we fall asleep on earth awaken us in thy presence with the resurrection joy of those who are raised with Christ in glory. For thine is the power and majesty and the eternal kingdom of our hope and faith forevermore. Amen. April 8 — Our Friend and Helper Work not for the meat that perisheth, but for the meat that abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. . . . I 1 hey said therefore unto him, What must we do that we may work the works of God? And Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. — John 6 : 27. True Friend and Helper of the souls of men, we look to thee for strength and peace. We thank thee that thou hast redeemed us and made us sharers of thy life, and that with our growing love and faith has come a deeper vision of thine eternal love. As thou hast given thy Son a ransom for PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 79 our souls, help us to give our lives to thee in all sincerity of heart, in all humility of service, in all delight of friendship, in zeal and wise endeavor for the work which is both thine and ours. Remove all clouds of ignorance and sin that the clear shining of thy presence may be manifest in us from day to day. Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts and sustain our weakness with thy strength. And in thy lovingkindness keep us ever near to thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 9 — Laboring in Hope In diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfast in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints, pursuing hospitality. — Rom. 12:11. Father in Heaven, from whom hope and expecta- tion come, help us to wait with confidence, while we labor in good hope, working with thee for the up- building of thy kingdom in the earth. Let not impatience mar our obedience, or anxiety rob us of peace in thy service. While we expect the finished victory we ask companionship with thee in the day's work and the quiet heart with which we lay us down to sleep at night. Thy kingdom come! Lord; but in thine own good time and way. Thy will be done in our own hearts! that we may be thy witnesses. Give us the confidence that grows through deep experience, and love that rests upon thy love that found and holds us. And this we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd that giveth his life for the sheep. Amen. 80 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS April 10 — A Thanksgiving It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, Most High. To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. . . . For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work; I will triumph in the works of thy hands. — Psalm 92 : 1 . We bless thee, our Father, for merciful kindness, unfailing as the dawns that light us on our way. Thou hast given food sufficient for us, sheltering peace of home, strength for labor, love which still interprets thine own love for men, pure light of friendship, the beauty of the earth, the singing heart of youth, the spirit's vision, delight of achievement and repose of sleep. Thou hast made us a nation, upheld us in our years of growth, delivered us from sore troubles and made us one in loyalty and hope. Thou hast sustained our fathers, be with us also in our work. Make thy church glorious in Christ- like ministry to men and joyful faith. Bring in the kingdom of thy love and the holy brotherhood of thy faithful and rejoicing children. And for the faith and hope which are from thee through Christ our Lord be heartfelt praise. Amen. April 11 — The Risen Lord And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath heen crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, even as he^said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. — Matt. 28: 5. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 81 Unto thee, Christ, who hast conquered death and risen again, be glory evermore! Light of the World, Splendor of the Father's presence, Son of Man in humility of self-devotion, Son of God in power — thy risen life is the assurance of our victory. From our low estate, compassed with weakness, made subject to the death of the body, we look up with grateful and exultant hearts to thee. We thank thee that thou hast tasted death for every man, and risen again from thy humiliation into glory. As thou hast called us to be one with thee in suffering, so lead us through experience of thy help in trial to the triumph of thy risen and eternal life. Rid us of all absorbing love of earth and of all bondage to the fear of death. Purify our hearts by the indwelling of thy spirit, that we may wait thy coming with expectant joy. And to God most high, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, be glory evermore! Amen. April 12 — " I Have Prayed for Thee " By so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant. But he, because he abideth for ever, hath a priesthood that doth not pass to another. Where- fore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. — Heb. 7 : 22. Thou who didst intercede for thy disciples, grant thy mercy unto all men. Thou who didst pray for Peter that his faith might stand, give aid to the tempted and teach them how to overcome. Thou whose friends left thee to endure and work alone, have mercy on betrayed and lonely hearts. Helper 82 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS in trouble, give healing and comfort to the bodies and the souls of men. Man of Sorrows, by whose grief we are brought into the risen life of joy, uplift and guide the brotherhood in which thou hast chosen part. Open the eyes of men to good. Turn back the selfish and the cruel from their evil way. Come and show thyself the brother of all men and the judge before whom only love may feel itself secure. Remember those who wait and work for thee in faith and in love. And let thy kingdom come. Amen. April 13 — The School of Life But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued but not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. — 2 Cor. 4 : 7. God, Our Father, make us apt and diligent students in this school of life's experiences, and crown our efforts with the wisdom which thou alone canst teach. We thank thee that our Lord Jesus Christ also learned obedience by the things which he suffered. We bless thee that thou dost not willingly afflict the children of men and that thou hast taught us that our trials work out for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. We thank thee for the joys and companionships of thy school, for all from whom we have learned wisdom or whose example has been a light upon the PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 83 way, for all whom thou hast given us to help and teach, for tasks accomplished and new opportunities of knowledge which stretch on before. Forgive our idle hours, our inattention, our misread lessons and our faltering hopes, and overrule even our failures to the accomplishment of thy will. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 14 — The Unhurried God And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you: and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all they that wait for him. — Is. 30 : 18. Too often, my Father, have I forgotten with what patience Thou hast ever worked: too much have I despised my little duties while I longed for great occasions. Show me, my Father, the deeper meaning of life's commonplace and by the needful discipline of quiet work prepare my heart for the great opportunities, the heavy trials of my life. So fit me, more and more, by the good teaching of thy Holy Spirit, for larger work with thee, and let not failure hinder those I love or fall upon thy work through my presumptuous undertakings. Yet pros- per, Lord, if it please thee, my better ambitions, teaching me to be strong. And give me courage to make ventures in thy sendee, to thine own glory and my growth in love and power. Through Jesus Christ , my Lord . Amen . 84 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS April 15 — Life's Opportunity And working together with him, we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. . . . {Behold now is the acceptable time ..-..) giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministra- tion be not blamed; but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God. — 2 Cor. 6:1. Teach us to walk with thee in the true and holy life, God, and to make the most of earth because it is our opportunity of service and of growth into thy likeness. So teach us to use each day's strength that we may have continual assurance of thy pres- ence and growing power to share thy thoughts and do thy work. Help us to rest our hearts in thee, Thou our sure defense, content with thine upholding when earth's waves of trial overflow. Help us to seek no life but thine, to ask no better gift than the companionship with Christ. And may the experi- ence of his presence make us constant witnesses for thee. Let love and patience, learned of him, com- mend our life to others, leading them to faith and glad obedience to the teaching of thy Spirit. So enrich our souls with good, for thou art our true life, our perfect and enduring joy. And to thy name be praise for evermore . Am en . April 16 — Exultant Faith I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of righteousness. . . . For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 85 things that are soivn in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. — Is. 61 : 10. Thy marvelous gifts, Lord, are our continual satisfaction and delight. We thank thee that thou hast called us to be thy children, sent thy Son, our Saviour and our Elder Brother, and given thy Holy Spirit as our guide. Teach us to prove our gratitude in joyful obedience and the cheerful quiet of our faith. We thank thee for homes where thy presence is the crown of work and joy, for love and kindly ministries, for our place in the work of the world, true friendship, delights along the common way, courage to venture and endure, treasures of thought, stored wealth in memories of the living and the dead. Praise be unto thee, Lord, for the progress of thy kingdom which our eyes have seen and for the open doors thou hast set before us! Send us thy peace even in trial and may our love and gratitude abound, to the glory of thy name. Amen. April 17 — The Coming in of the Lord When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you! — John 20 : 19. Out of glad hearts we bring thee praise, Christ, that thou hast died and risen again to be our life and hope. Help us to die to sin, that we may live to thee and have thy likeness as our heart's desire. We thank thee for the promise of thy reign in every 86 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS willing heart, the certain glory of thy kingdom and the final triumph of God's love for men. Forgive our many sins against thy patient love and grant us power for service that we may be one with thee in work and hope. May our lives show forth the glory of the risen life in an abounding and victorious joy, over which death and the fear of death can have no more dominion. Because we are risen with thee, help us to cease from sin and to live to thee in faith and love for evermore . Amen . April 18 — Rest of Heart Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. — Matt. 11 : 28. Our Lord of rest, go with us where we go and re- main with us where we are called to remain, for rest of heart, in work and quietness, for love of the brotherhood, for incentive to helpfulness, in solitude and in new experience alike our comprehending and sympathizing friend. Be thou the encourager of the discouraged and the cheer of the sad. And let us learn in all experience, at home or abroad, to draw near to thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 19 — The Seed of the Kingdom And the disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field. And he answered and said, He that soweth the good, seed is PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 87 the Son of man; and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom. — Matt. IS : 36. Thou, our source, our satisfaction and the goal of our endeavor, Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, our Saviour and our Friend, so let thy kingdom come in us that we may be thy witnesses and the heralds of thy love to men. Let us not bear the cross in vain, or fail to reach thy joy of helpfulness. Speak through us, Lord, with something of thy power of revealing the love of God to men. By the trials of thine earthly life, help us in trial that we too may be strong to overcome. Let thy joy in the presence of the Father, in the work of his hands and in the brotherhood of his children be the sources of our joy. As thou hast died, let death have no dominion over us. And may all love which thou hast given us on earth be ever in thy keeping, with all our lesser gifts and hopes. Amen. April 20 — God in His World I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith. He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set the world in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end. — Eccl. 3 : 10. Thou life and joy of all that is, we thank thee that thou rejoicest with us in the various beauty which we find on earth. May the illimitable spaces of the sky speak to our hearts of thee. Let the dawn tell of thy care in the night watches, when thou givest to us 88 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS in sleep. When night returns and the stars look down, open our hearts to their revelation of thy glory. Thou who hast ordained the changing year, seed- time and harvest, growth and rest; Oh, bring to ripening the harvest of thy planting in our lives! Open our eyes to behold yet deeper wonders in the earth about us. Attune our hearts to sympathy with the needs and joys of all creatures thou hast made. So prepare us for the richer experience and wider vision which thou hast promised and prepared. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 21— Taking Heed So teach us to number our days that we may get us a heart of wisdom. ... satisfy us in the morning with thy lovingkindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. — Psalm 90 : 12. Father in heaven, the Giver of earth's opportun- ity, the Hope and Reward of our continually-chang- ing lives, so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Help us to be diligent, knowing the worth of time and scattering good seed with cheerful courage, leaving to thee the fruitage of the years. In our sowing let us not be envious that the harvest comes to others. In reaping may we not forget that we gather where other men have sown. Let the coming of the night, wherein earth's work must cease, be our incentive to timely labor and our promise of the rest which Christ prepares. Because we are little and the work is great, sustain and encourage our hearts to faithful endeavor by the power of thy Holy Spirit dwelling in us, and keep us from all idleness and procrastina- PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 89 tion, as well as from the folly of misdirected energy and overwork. For the sake of Christ, the Master and Companion of our lives. Amen. April 22 — The Coming of the Kingdom Then Simeon received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, according to thy word in peace; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. — Luke 2 : 28. God, the assurance of our eternal life, grant us light and strength to be good followers of our Brother, Jesus Christ, in these trial days of our mortality. Uphold and comfort all who suffer. Let thy king- dom come in the hearts of men, that we may rebuild our world in justice and good will. We bless thee for thy presence and for every lovingkindness we have known. Make us and all Christians one in faithful witness to thy purposes of love. And let thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Christ . Amen . April 23 — With God at Home Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands; happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee. . . . Yea, see thou thy children's children, and peace upon Israel. — Psalm 128 : 1. Father of our spirits, who hast given us the joys of home, make one with us, we pray thee, in our life 90 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS from day to day. Let reverence and love abide and childlike faith keep our hearts at rest in thee. May we show honor and kindness, looking each one on the needs of others as well as on our own desires. Where we touch the world without, may the light of our home peace and joy be seen. When we go forth, help us to remember that all the earth is thy house and all men our brothers of the glorious life. When we return, enable us to leave cares and perplexities behind us. Quicken our affections that they may grow like thy infinite, patient and unfailing love. Deepen our experience that we may bring richer treasures to the commonwealth of home. Lighten all burdens of our work by remembrance of thy sympathy. Sustain us in weakness, and com- fort our hearts in the inevitable griefs of earth. So make us true and loving followers of our Lord Jesus and heirs with him of the eternal home. Amen. April 24 — Using God's Gifts For it is as when a man going into another country, called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability. . . . Now after a long time the Lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them. — Matt. 25 : 14. Giver of all good gifts, my Father and my Joy, so rule my life by the guidance of thy Holy Spirit that I may use thy bounty in love of thee. Let not thy mercies become occasions of forgetting, nor the treasures which thy love bestows lead me to covet PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 91 or to rest my heart in what I own. Let my enjoy- ments know thy presence and find their deepest springs in thee. Let not my goods divide me from the Source of good. Arm me against the powers of selfishness, lest I become like the unjust and cruel of the earth and my love wither in contempt of brotherhood. Let me be thine and live to thee, though all else perishes, and teach me to seek and find thee in all experience. So let Christ be honored and his kingdom come, and all my trial, of adversity or of prosperity, serve his purposes. Amen. April 25 — God's Work With Man Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries and the same Lord. And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all. — 1 Cor. 12 : 4. Thou that hidest thyself in light, God of all power, the indwelling Spirit of the universal frame, we thank Thee for thy Fatherhood which Christ has shown to men. Open thou our eyes that we may see thee as Light in all our thoughts of mystery, as Love in all our loves, as the Worker in our souls, ever desirous to perfect thine image in us by the teaching of thy Holy Spirit. Assure our hearts that Thou art ever ready to give thyself to us according to our need and that in seeking we shall find and in experience come to know thee. Let the heights and depths of thine infinitude assure us that there will be joy unceasing in our life with thee — the joy of ever-new discovery, of continual advance in knowl- 92 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS edge and delight. So, in the wealth of thy great love, may our hearts be lifted up, that we may know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. Amen. April 26 — For Laborers in God's Harvest Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come. And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth laborers into his harvest. — Luke 10 : 1. God, who hast so loved the world as to give thine only begotten Son for its redemption, send forth, we beseech thee, laborers into fields that are white for harvest. Raise up men full of thy Spirit, rich in knowledge of thy Word, strong in faith, loving the truth and peace. Make every Chris- tian a witnessing disciple. Send thou us, we pray; making us sharers of the harvest joy of Christ; giving us eyes to see and hearts to improve our daily opportunities. Let thy glory shine through faith- ful and contented lives and may we never be ashamed to confess the name of our Redeemer. Direct and sustain us in loving service, and help us by deeper consecration to overcome our selfishness in the use of holy things. So make our lives and words effectual for thy harvest work with souls, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 93 April 27 — The Beauty of the World Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness; and the hills are girded with joy. The pastures are clothed with flocks: the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. — Psalm 65 : 11. God who hast made our world so beautiful and given us eyes to see and ears to hear ; let thy love teach our hearts to praise. As the leaves grow, which thou hast made for but a season's use, and the flowers spring up and give forth fragrance, though they are but for a day, let not the brief season and the passing of our lives rob them of their joy. We thank thee that thou art ever mind- ful of us and wilt not leave us to the power of death or let us pass into forgetfulness. So may we feel that we both live for thee and share thy pleasure in the beauty of the earth, and thy desire and purpose in our immortality. Teach us to lead such lives as shall be worthy of our place of pilgrimage, and of the great hopes of the life which we shall spend with thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. April 28 — When Tides Are Out For though the fig tree shall not flourish, neither shall fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat. ... Yet 1 will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. — Hab.p : 17. Thou hast sustained us hitherto ; uphold us still, Lord, in all the troubles of our lives and in joys 94 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS that tempt us to forget thy presence. When troubles come and the tides run out and to our fainting hearts the ocean of thy merciful kindness seems out of reach, teach us the prophetic patience which looks in quiet faith for the return of joy and strength. Be thou in our deepest heart's experience, our Father, in discouraged days as well as when our desires are satisfied, in our labor as in our rest. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for thy manifold gifts and blessings and thy continual guardian care and love. Help us not to fail thee in thy purpose for our life on earth, nor to miss our opportunity of helping others, in the name and for the sake of Christ. Amen. April 29 — The Water of Life Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory upon their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it. — Psalm 90 : 16. Out of thy fulness, Lord, content our longing souls with good. Thou art the fountain whence all our satisfaction flows. Give us delights that shall not fail — streams of thy bounty and refresh- ing waters of thy love. Mingle thy blessing with every cup. Keep from our lips all poisonous draughts of sin; satisfy us early with thy mercy, and make thy joy our portion day and night. Transform our pleasures by thy presence. Scatter fear in confidence of love. Give strength in grief and uphold us in all needful cares of earth that our spirits may be unperturbed and our faith grow PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 95 strong in experience of thy grace. Hast thou not called us to come and take of the water of life freely? In the name of Christ we come. Amen. April 30 — Postponements But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise . . . but is long suffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. — 2 Pet. 3 : 8. Thou who art ever granting us gifts and de- lights and enriching life by thy presence and thy love, help us in all postponements and disappoint- ments which thy care decrees neither to judge wrongly of thy will to bless nor to be impatient because we cannot have desire fulfilled in present joy. Fix our hearts on thee and turn our wishes toward true and willing obedience to thy fatherly pleasure. Be thou to us, our Father, better than our thoughts of good and show us depths and heights yet undiscovered in thy mercy. Forget not our weakness and the tenderness of our hearts which thou thyself hast implanted. Be the steward rather than destroyer of our desires and in thine own good time fulfil them, according to the abun- dance of thy mercies and the wisdom of thy love. So may we learn to wait without impatience and to work in restfulness of heart. And may all our deepest wishes be summed up in the desire for the coming of God's kingdom and the honor of his name. Amen. 96 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS May 1 — The Coming of the Spring For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be. ... — Is. 55 : 10. Thine are these gifts of joy and beauty in the opening year, Father of Life, in whom we live and love! Let the sunlight and the showers speak of thy bounty as the promise of thy care heartens the sower in his toil. We thank thee that thou hast laid up in store through wintry days the hidden strength which brought these leaves and early blossoms forth, that thou hast remembered and art ever with us, our life and our interpreter for all the life of earth. We bless thee that thou hast given us eyes for vision, ears for music, hearts to take delight in all the wonder of the passing days, faith to trust thee even in thy mysteries of sin and sorrow, war and suffering, fire and storm, earthquake and de- stroying wind. We give thee thanks for life with thee and for our joy of faith and love. Perfect thy thought concerning us and make us like thyself. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 2 — The Considerate Heart For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he re- moved our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fvar PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 97 him. For he knoweth our frame; he remember eth that we are dust. — Psalm 103 : 11. Lord, of thy merciful kindness, teach us to be regardful and sympathetic toward our fellowmen. Let our courtesy be that of brothers who find some- thing of their father's character in all who belong to their father's house. Enable us to seek with pa- tience the reality of good behind each mask of haste or carelessness. Forgive us our sins of un- kindness, Thou long-suffering Lord, and hear us when we cry to thee to be delivered from the self- regarding impatience of our own hearts. By the example of our Lord Jesus, who when he was reviled, reviled not again, help us to strive for true humility and fellow-feeling toward all his brethren. And tame the madness of our tongues by the power of thy Holy Spirit, making our thoughts pure and our speech gracious. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 3 — Joy of Overcoming I write unto you, young men, because ye have over- come the evil one. . . . I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abidelh in you, and ye have overcome the evil one. — 1 John 2 : 13. My Father, help me not to be troubled because thou hast suffered me to be often tried, perplexed, shut up to difficult choices, mistaken and defeated. I desire of thee and ask thee in the name of thy overcoming Son, our Lord Jesus, that I too in my life's day may have some joy of overcoming, that I may not come to my end defeated and disgraced at last, and that thou mayest not be ashamed when 98 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS thou lookest on thy child. Though I understand not always the reason for my trials, help me con- fidently to believe in thy fatherly love and care. Oh, make them ever my assurance of final victory and enduring content! Let me not seek any lower grounds of confidence, but prove thee in courageous venturing from day to day, not fearing the power of evil, but following Christ with ready faith and love. Amen. May 4 — Power Through Fellowship Waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreprovable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. — 1 Cor. 1 :7. God our Helper, from whom cometh both our desire to seek thee and our satisfaction in the quest, teach us by the guidance of thy Holy Spirit to use the power which thou hast given us through our communion with thee, so that thy will may be done in our own hearts and, more and more, in the world where thou hast sent us forth as witnesses. Work within us, that thou mayest work through us and by our means, for the glory of thy name and the coming of thy kingdom. We thank thee for thy presence and the assurance that thou art ever ready to give us aid. While we are travelers in the changeful pilgrims' road, make us in our deepest heart's experience live at home with thee. And these things we asl^ of thee in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 99 May 5 — The Touchstone of God's Presence Prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and sold and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thess. 5 :21. Lord, though I am fettered by a thousand things, which I plainly see are only good in thy companion- ship, help me to weigh and estimate my possessions and desires, so that I may cherish all that speak to me of thee. Blessed be thou, my Father, that the best and highest are never out of reach of the poorest man on earth. When I am drawn by this duty and by that, give me enlightenment, that I may see how they are related to thy righteousness. So let the desire to do thy will prove all experiences and keep my thoughts in harmony with thine, my Father and my Friend. Lord, thou thyself hast sent me on this pilgrimage, be ever with me as my guide. Where thou goest not suffer me not to go. And bring me to thy chosen end in peace through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. May 6 — The Unf orgetting God But Zion saith, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and the Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee. Behold I have graven thee on the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. — 7s. 49 : 14- 100 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Father, who knowest our too easily discouraged thoughts, assure our hearts that we are neither for- gotten nor forsaken, but that thou art ever with us to uphold and aid. Make even our weakness effec- tive by thy strength and let thy work prosper in our hands. Give us the heavenly wisdom that attunes our thoughts to thine, turning adventures in thy service to joy of heart and purposes of good. We thank thee for our need of thee that purifies our thoughts and for the wonder and exultation of thy need of us. Keep us in faith and love, that we may abide continually in the heaven of thy presence. Show us thy will for daily work and joy, for the needs of thy kingdom and for the love we owe our brothers of the family of God. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 7 — For Friends These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do the things I command you. — John 15 : 11. O Lord, our Guide, our Friend, our continual and unfailing Hope, we thank thee that thou hast given us the joy of human friendships and crowned our life with love. We commit to thee our friends and all the interests which are precious to our hearts, assured that what is rightly dear to us is also dear to thee, and that thou carest for the needs of all with power and knowledge far beyond our PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 101 grasp or thought. For those with whom we live from day to day, that we may serve them with wise as well as deep affection; for the absent, that we may be constant in love and prayer, and yet not anxious, knowing that thy care is better than our gifts; for all whom we have offended or neglected or misunderstood; we ask thy blessing in the name of Christ the Saviour and the Friend of man. Amen. May 8 — Joy in Pilgrimage Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, Lord, in the night and have observed thy law. This I have had, because I kept thy precepts. — Psalm 119:54- Thou that givest good cheer, help us to sing for joy of heart in all the days of our pilgrimage. Lead us by thy Good Spirit through all perplexities and trials until the purpose of earth's life is ac- complished in us and thou bringest us to thy home on high with everlasting joy. Shine in our darkness with a light that grows as we draw near our home. Help us to keep a cheerful courage in trying experi- ences and to be full of cheer in the small annoyances and sufferings of ordinary days. May none think wrongly of the happiness of faith through our un- christian gloom or faithless despondency. And may we have grace to thank thee for the little pleasures and sustainings of our daily life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 102 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS May 9 — The Better Treasure The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant- man seeking goodly pearls : and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. — Matt. 13 : 1+5. Thou who art the Source and Satisfaction of my heart and its chief good, let neither evil draw me away, nor the lesser joys of life hinder my joy in thee. Help me never to rest in a quick content which leads to poverty of soul, but to seek and find thee, who art not far from any one of us. Yet, Lord, since I for a little dwell at home among the little things of earth, grant me the experience of thy love even in these. May beauty and pleasure, and all the gifts that fill my hands speak to my heart of thy lovingkindness. Go thou with me wherever thou wilt have me go. So let me have eyes to see and wings of thought to rise into thy presence, hands to serve and feet to run at thy bidding; and may no gift of thine be spoiled in the experience of my soul by selfishness. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 10 — The Workers of the World Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates. At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it. . . . When thou cuttest down thy harvest in thy field and hast forgot a sheaf . . . thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless and for the widow: that PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 103 the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. — Deut. 2If. : 14> Thou who givest to all their work, and yet callest them to lay it down for rest or for some new dut} r of patience in suffering or ministry to others, remember the needs of the workers of thy world. Provide refreshment, even in days of toil that are unrelieved and in ceaseless care for others. Make sleep full of peace and a flowing in of strength; and the coming of the da}^ of our Lord a reminder of the rest which he has promised under the yoke. Teach us to be just and patient and considerate in all we have to do with others. And make our work and patience effective in thy purpose for the good of the world and the coming of thy kingdom. Amen. May 11 — The Beauty of Holiness Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, Ion g suffering ; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. — Col. 3 : 12. Open our eyes, Lord, to see the beauty of holi- ness and the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Keep us from deceitfulness of wicked thoughts and all cruel- ties of unkind words and selfish deeds. Deliver us from all hardening of the heart and servitude to evil habits; that we may give a ready hearing to the teachings of thy Holy Spirit. If we have had any share in the wrongs that enslave and embitter 104 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS men's hearts, enable us to repent and turn away, seeking to be just and faithful, following thy law of kindness and loving our neighbor as ourself . Bring in, Lord, thy kingdom of righteousness and peace when good men shall be strong and evil deeds shall no more stain the earth with blood and tears. Forgive us our transgressions, for Christ's sake, and make us thy faithful children in purity of heart and love. Amen. May 12 — Uneventful Days And let us not be weary in ivell-doing : for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, while we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of faith. — Gal. 6 : 9. Lord, we thank thee that thou hast not despised our weakness, nor poured contempt, as the profane and heartless do, upon the unnoticed thoughts and works in which we spend our lives. We bless thee for our loving and exalted Christ, who served com- mon needs by daily toil, earning his bread in all simplicity and faithfulness. We thank thee that he took familiar things of meat and drink for symbols of the life he brought to men. Help us not to belittle the materials or the tools with which we work, but to find thy presence everywhere. As thou hast ac- cepted our devotion, abide with us by night and day. Enliven our drudgery by rest of heart in thee. Let the monotony of uneventful days be made ]oyiv\ through love and hope; that in the light of our cheerful hours men may find some glimpses of the glory of our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 105 May 13 — Against Covetousness Arid he said unto them, Take heed and keep your- selves from all covetousness: for even in a man's abun- dance his life is not from the things which he pos- sessed. — Luke 12 : 15. Thou, true wealth of our souls, from whom com- eth every good and perfect gift, keep us, we pray thee, from the love of money and all the fruits of covetousness. We thank thee for supplies in time of need and for thy presence which has given them their deepest thought of joy. Provide things needful for us — daily bread, the health sufficient for our appointed tasks, peace of heart in resting time, the joy of friendship, food for thought, and thine own beauty all along the way. These be our wealth! thy gifts reminding us of thy great gift of Jesus Christ and thy provision for the life that is to be. Bind not our thoughts through our own selfishness to earth, but make us thy stewards here for blessing to our fellows. In the name of Christ, who gave his life a ransom for us all. Amen. May 14 — Going Forward He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. — Psalm 23 : 8. Blessed be thou, our Father, who hast set the promise of thy changeless love amid the changes of our mortal years and hast made us heirs with Christ of the eternal hope! We glory in the manifested 106 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS progress of thy kingdom. We bless thee for new opportunity and pledge of growth. May each day's experience bring us forward in the path by which thy Holy Spirit guides our feet. With true repent- ance and assurance of thy pardon and thy help, teach us to face the problems of the future with cheerful and obedient hearts. Let all experience and trial work together for our good, make us sharers of thy work, and rid us of all forebodings, that we may have more joy in service as we draw nearer home. And these great gifts we ask in the name of Christ whose kingdom is to come, for thy glory and the end of evil days. Amen. May 15 — The Bounty of the Earth / will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall blossom as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. . . . They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and blossom as the vine. — Hos. 14 : 5. We bless thee, God, for the beauty of the earth. May its delight of blossom and its promise of fruit- bearing lead our hearts in gratitude to thee. We thank thee that its throbbing life that climbs in every vein and spreads abroad in leaf and flower, its joy of the bird's song and the lamb's frisking and the herd's content, come of thy bounty. Help us to leave behind us every wintry doubt and fear and discontent, and, welcoming the life thy Spirit brings, to grow in Christ's likeness, as the trees grow each in the likeness of its own kind. We praise thee that we are thy children by thine own choice of father- hood. Give us a child's joy that we may enter in to PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 107 thy content with the works which thou hast made. Prepare our hearts for fruit-bearing and may thy life within us grow ever strong and pure, rich with all hope, ready for every needed sacrifice, overflow- ing with thy peace through years of earth and all the glorious ages of the eternal life with thee. Through every gift that speaks to sense, fragrance and beauty and music, kindle our hearts to anticipa- tion of that home where thy presence shall be the secret of delight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. May 16 — The Listening Heart Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my com- fort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight. Let the proud be put to shame . . . but I will meditate on thy precepts. — Psalm 119 : 76. Speak to me, my Father, in the silence of my heart, that I may understand thy will. Teach me to listen for thy voice in the reproof of conscience and the warnings of experience. Let me not err by rea- son of self-will nor choose the path of fools, when thy way is made plain before my eyes. Spirit of the Living God, instruct and purify my conscience that it may become the fitting mouthpiece of thy holy thought of what my life may be. Let it speak for thee, God, claiming thy right amid the clamorous voices of desire. Let it demand justice toward men and lovingkindness, patience and hope. Help me to choose high ideals of purity and service, and make the heaven of thine own presence my ambition and desire. Amen. 108 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS May 17 — Christ at the Door Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. — Rev. 3 : 20. Who am I, Lord, that I should keep thee waiting at my door! Giver of joy and power, enter and rule and bring me present peace and hope of better days, and strengthen me for overcoming. Forgive the folly which has kept thee from thy chosen home. Oh, cleanse and help me, that I may make room enough and honor thee by purity of heart and love of God and man. Dispose of all my thoughts, my time, my pleasures and my studies as thou wilt, Friend and Guest. Help me to serve thee upon earth with the full purpose of my will and the deep current of my love. Enlarge the dwelling which thou hast chosen for thyself, that there may be room enough for all thy purposes. And set a guard at the doors, lest any evil enter and disturb thy stay. Amen. May 18 — The Sunlight of God's Presence Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. — James 1 : 17. Thou Source of all our joys, our Father and our Strength, we would walk ever in the sunlight of thy presence. Give as thou wilt of the bounty of the world, but keep us from heart's dependence upon outward things. Teach us to find the best wherever thou shalt call, to love thy work in earth's beauty PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 109 and the gracious lives of men, to be happy with a child's simplicity in little glad experiences. Not blindly would we go along the path of trials, not without feeling for the griefs of others, but give an overcoming joy that seeks to aid and looks to thee for courage to endure and yet rejoices. So may heaven's peace begin with the victorious cheerful- ness of earth. Shine thou on ordinary days and commonplace experiences, that they may be trans- formed and glorified. Teach us to sing for joy of heart and give us a great companionship of song. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 19 — In Earth's Companionships He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light and there is no occasion of stumbling in him. — 1 John 2:9. We thank thee, Lord, that thou art never far away, but ever ready to be found of those who seek thee. Help us to desire, and desiring to search for thee with all our hearts not merely in consecrated places or hallowed words, but in fellowship with others and our own experience of work and rest, of pleasure and of pain. thou who dwellest with men and art lovingly concerned with the needs and companionships of common life, let us not miss thee by dwelling aloof or despising others. For of thee alone is this hunger of heart which thou alone canst satisfy; and we would be well assured that thou desirest to speak through us to other men. Give us this divine fellowship of service, that in finding thee 110 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS we may grow like thee. And may the desire of our Lord Jesus be fulfilled in our Christlike living hour by hour. Amen. May 20 — God's Glory in the Earth Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. . . . Let the glory of the Lord endure forever; let the Lord rejoice in his works. — Psalm 104 •" ®4- Thou, who hast made the earth so fair and shaped our eyes that we might see its beauty and our ears that we might hear its melody, we thank thee for the gift of life and for thy presence that is life's abiding happiness and hope. Fix our hearts on heavenly things; but let us not despise the earth which thou hast made our dwelling place. In thy love let it be to us the house of God, the very gate of heaven. Let thy holy will be done in us from day to day. Help us to be patient in life's trials, strong in its temptations, immovable in faith and courage, ever looking for the tokens of thy presence and the hope of thine appearing. Be thou not far off, but near, thou our spirit's Life and Joy! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. May 21 — The Training of God's School Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he in- struct sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in justice; and the meek will he teach his way. — Ps. 25 : 8. We thank thee, Lord, that thou hast planned to train us in thy school. Give us good courage and PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 111 endurance for all the trials and experiences our years may bring. Let neither fear nor trouble overwhelm our faith. Give us patience like thine own and lov- ing thoughts of others. May every trying day be met by new strength and each surprise of disap- pointment by fresh thoughts of thy love. Give us clear and steady eyes to see beyond our troubles the shining of thy eternal light and joy. Keep us from all weakness of despondency and arm us with the cheerful air of strength. And let us share thy tri- umph in the end. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 22 — The Land of Heart's Desire There is one body and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all and in all. — Eph. 4 •' 4- Thou light and life of every heart, helper of men and joy of even shadowed days, with simple faith and love we open our hearts to thy coming and pray thee to abide with us and make us worthy of thy presence and thy power. Cast out all thoughts of evil and bring us by thy Spirit's teaching ever new and joyful thoughts of good. By thy presence bring us into closer brotherhood with thy saints in heaven and earth. Enlarge our sympathies until we love all that thou lovest. Make clear our vision, that we may learn to choose and distinguish between good and evil, between the better and the best. And may the hope thou bringest shine like the clearness of the dawn with promise of thy perfect day. In the name of Christ. Amen. 112 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS May 23 — Intercession for Friends A friend loveth at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. — Prov. 17 : 17. This is my commandment, That ye love one another , as I have loved you. — John 15 : 12. We thank thee, Lord, for thy friendship wiser than our own, thy deeper love, thy power that reaches where our weakness fails. Into thy hands we have committed ourselves through Jesus Christ who loves us; help us also to commit to thee our friends in full assurance of thy love and care. Give them what we fain would give and more than we know how to ask. Give in thine own time and way, nor let us chafe and fret if thy gifts for the moment appear small and grudging to our blind eyes and feeble faith. Help us to endure this final test of love that trusts thee with what is dearer than ourselves. And though they suffer and we suffer with them, may our hearts beneath the suffering be at peace because we know and trust thy love. For the sake of Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother and our everlasting Friend. Amen. May 24 — Our Father's Love Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him. — John 14 : 23. Thou, Lord, who art ever the Father of all the children of men, seeking their good and desiring to have them enter into their inheritance of filial love and quiet faith, enable us to learn the meaning of PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 113 this fatherly love of thine by the experiences of brotherly consideration and kindness. Help us to love our neighbor as ourself, ministering to others as thou gives t opportunity, not for self-praise, but because thy love must overflow through us to serve our brothers. Keep us from the pride that scorns the least of all thy children, from the folly of isolation, the madness of hate. Reveal thyself to us through thy trust in man as well as by the glory of the love of Jesus, who gave himself to death that we might live in him. Overcome our social follies and injustices and give us a heart to do to others as we would that they should do to us. And let thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 25 — The Portion of Life's Gifts Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, ye of little faith f — Matt. 6 : 28. Thou who art more wonderful than all thy works and than all the arts of man, help us to learn the true proportion of value in life's gifts and, by thy help, to lay hold on the eternal treasures. So may our hearts be cleared of vanities and follies that we may serve thee in thy kingdom with faithful love in word and deed. Help us to distinguish between the important and the unimportant mat- 114 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS ters of our faith and life, to be indifferent toward the trifling things about which other men disturb them- selves and to give our full and heartfelt attention to the greater things of life and faith, so enlarging brotherhood with men and guarding our souls from fear and anger. Thou who hast planted a root of kindness in our hearts, nourish and make it grow by the continual tendance of thy Holy Spirit. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 26 — God our Rest Why art thou cast down, my soulf And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the help of my countenance and my God. — Psalm 42 : 11. To Thee, O Lord, we turn from the restlessness of earth and the often weary days; for thou hast called us and in thee we find our rest. O Thou, true home of souls which thou thyself hast made, we bless thee for the refuge of thy might, the welcome of thy love, the peace which fills our restless hearts when we confide in thee. Thou Friend of all and Father of our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, through thy lovingkindness make us strong in faith and clear in hope. Hasten, we pray thee, the coming of thy kingdom and the universal honor of thy name. Thou, most patient! so uphold and strengthen us that we may do thy will and look for the fulfilment of thy purpose with undaunted hope. In thee abiding, may thy joy have room and way, that we may bear true witness to the gladness of our life with thee. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 115 May 27 — Life that Endures For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I am known. But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. — 1 Cor. 13 : 12. We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast called us to be sharers in the enduring life with Christ. Help us to use gifts and delights of earth as those who are not dependent on them, having a deeper source of joy in thy presence and the work thou hast given us to do. Teach us the worth, and worthlessness, of all that passes with this life of earth. When thou shakest the foundations of man's security, may our hearts remain at rest in thee. We thank thee for the things that remain — for love that out- lives the world's overturnings; for the fellowship of believers; for work on which thou hast set the seal of thine approval; for the life that is hid with Christ in thee. Assure our faith and rid us of the fear of death and change, through Christ who has revealed thee to our longing and expectant hearts. Amen. May 28 — For the Home And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and he give him a stone? . . . If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask himf — Luke 11 : 11. Thou Father of our spirits, who hast given us the joys of home, make one with us, we pray thee, in our life from day to day. Let reverence and love 116 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS abide and childlike faith keep our hearts at rest in thee. May we show honor and kindness, looking each one on the needs of others as well as on our own desires. Where we touch the world without, may the light of our home peace and joy be seen. When we go forth, help us to remember that all the earth is thy house and all men our brothers of the glorious life. When we return, enable us to leave cares and perplexities behind us. Quicken our affections that they may grow like thy infinite, patient and unfailing love. Deepen our experience that we may bring richer treasures to the common- wealth of home. Lighten all burdens of our work by remembrance of thy sympathy. Sustain us in weakness, and comfort our hearts in the inevitable griefs of earth. So make us true and loving follow- ers of our Lord Jesus and heirs with him of the eternal home. Amen. May 29 — The Place of Quietude Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart . . . in peace will I both lay me down and sleep; for thou, Lord, alone makest me dwell in safety. — Ps. 4- -6. God, our satisfaction and our home, to thee we run for strength when the powers of the ever-present world are upon us and our hearts weary and grow faint. Teach us so to live in the remembrance of thy presence that all the troubled world shall be overshadowed by the beauty of thy holiness. Give us hours of dear and intimate communion, when we may rest our souls on thee and be at peace. From the tumult of the street and the legioned hosts of PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 117 crowding thoughts and fears we turn to thy place of quietude in our own hearts to find ourselves at home. Fulfil our hopes in thine own time, accord- ing to thy word. Let thoughts of thy merciful kindness begin our day. Remember us when in the multitude of our occupations we are tempted to forget thee. Grant us thy peace at eventide. Show us deeper meanings in thy word. Give broader vision and make us more helpful for thy work with men. In the name of Christ. Amen. May 30 — Memorial Day What great nation is there, that hath a god so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is whensoever we call upon himf And what great nation is there that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children. — Deut. 4 : 7. God of all the nations of the earth, who hast planted in our hearts the love of our own land, hear our petitions for her righteousness and strength. We come to thee in grateful remembrance of those who have served her need in times of trial, and especially of those who gave their lives to guard and save. May the example of their heroic courage and endurance animate our souls in each new call to service. Help us with like devotion to hold our- selves prepared to do our part in working or in giving for the common good. Give strength and 118 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS confidence to our soldiers and sailors, remember all helpers of the wounded or the suffering, all who work for the nation's need on land or sea. Give wisdom to our counsellors, skill to our leaders, and so over- rule in the affairs of this troubled world that he whose right it is may reign in the hearts and lives of the obedient peoples. And to thee, Lord of Hosts, Giver of good, and Judge of all the earth, who hast planted and sustained us, and hast raised up help in every time of trouble, be praise and honor evermore! Amen. May 31 — For God's Harvesters Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth laborers into his harvest. — Matt. 9 : 37. God, our Father, whose are all souls of men upon the earth and who hast revealed to us thy love in Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, send forth, we beseech thee, laborers into the fields that ripen for the harvest. Send by whom thou wilt send, but leave not those who need and those who long for thee in ignorance and fear. Engage our hearts and wills in this endeavor and make us sharers of thy work and joy. May we never fail thee through sloth or covetousness, but enable us to do that part of the work to which thou hast called us. Bless thou and keep thy workers everywhere in joyful faith and expectation of the coming of thy kingdom. Uphold them in trials as thou didst thy servants of old. Pour out upon them a full measure of thy power and let not thy word which they have spoken PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 119 return unto thee void. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 1 — Along the Pilgrim Way I will make mention of the lovingkindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. — Is. 63 : 7. Thou Giver of life and enricher of all experience, we thank thee from full hearts for the blessings thou hast scattered all along our pilgrim way. As the goal is thine, so let every step of progress know the joy of thy provision and companionship. We thank thee that yesterday and tomorrow are in thy keeping; help us to make a wise and cheerful use of opportunities today. We bless thee for thy continual remembrance, not only of our necessities, but also of our comforts and delights. Keep us from postponements which impoverish the soul and from despising little things of which our life is made. Teach us to seek thy deeper meaning in them. Feed our souls, even from common tables, with the bread of God. And may thy will be done in us in every- day faith and obedience, to the honor of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. June 2 — The Highest Good It is of the Lord's lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 120 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. — Lam. 8 : 22. Thou who art for all the best life has to offer, since thou offerest thyself to all as Father and as friend, let no weakness of desire for lesser good keep us from taking thee as our soul's true hope and portion. Come, dwell in us, by thy Holy Spirit; according to the promise of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Remake our thoughts and lives according to thy wisdom and thy mercy toward us. Let thy presence and thy glory transform all we have and seek, that we may see it in true proportion, with a just sense of thy lovingkindness toward us and a pure desire to be helpful to our brothers and to grow like thee in joy and love. And this we ask in the name of thy Son, who gave himself that we might know and serve thee evermore with joy and gladness. Amen. June 3 — God's Witness in the Earth And the Lord God planted a garden . . . and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food. . . . And a river went out of Eden to water the garden. . . . And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden. — Gen. 2 : 8. Most Holy and Ever-Blessed Father, may the wonder of the earth which thou hast made our dwelling-place speak to our hearts in witness of thy beauty and thy love. Let springing grass and opening flowers remind us of the new life which PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 121 is ours through the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let the heavens declare thy glory. By thee all the trees of the wood grow to their strength and the flowers of the field perfect their beauty. Let us share thy pleasure in the song of birds, the murmur of waters that lie as in the hollow of thy hand; the children's laughter and the song of happy hearts. Interpret for us all this joyful life, and all the storms and desolations of the earth, as parts of one great plan wherein thou work- est righteousness. Attune our hearts to notes of praise and make us glad upon the earth until thou bringest us to perfect and unshadowed joy where we shall see thee without sin or care. Amen. June 4 — Growing in God's Kingdom Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things before- hand, beware lest . . . ye fall from your own stead- fastness. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. — 2 Pet. 3 : 17. We thank thee, Father, for our Lord's parable which teaches us that the progress of thy kingdom is like the springing of the seed and the growth of the tree. So bring our hearts to know that it is ours to prepare for enlargement in faith and loyalty, by work and prayer, while thou bringest our life to its harvest. Help us to do our part in freedom from all anxiety, but in watchfulness against the power of temptation and the hurt of inattention, looking for the increase thou hast appointed us when the reaping time is come. In the enlargement of our hearts 122 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS through earth's experience add grace upon grace and strength to strength all the days of our pilgrimage. And forgive our failures for the sake of Christ who gave himself for us . Amen . June 5 — Individuality Lord, thou hast searched me and known me, thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. . . . For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, Lord, thou knowest it altogether. — Psalm 139 : 1. Almighty and All-seeing God, who hast given to every man his different life, yet holdest thyself near to all in mercy and in love, so teach me to use earth's gifts that I may fulfil thy thought of my true growth and work. Keep me from wasting strength in vain desires, or turning from my own appointed way to follow fashions other men have set. Let me not be envious of gifts thou hast denied, nor let me seek my happiness in work to which I have no call. Satisfy my heart with thy presence, make me glad in the work thou gives t. Let me serve my brothers and look for the kingdom of thy Son. And to thy name be praise for life with all its powers and joys, for thy love that constrains thy children, thy rest that remaineth for the people of God! In the name of Christ. Amen. June 6 — Assurance through Faith Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteous- ness, and having shod your feet with the preparation PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 123 of the good tidings of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. — Eph. 6 : 14- Thou, who by gift of thine own life hast made our life a thing of worth, Joy of good days and Help in all times of grief and fear; so rule in our too often anxious hearts that weakness may give place to strength and fear of death may have no more dominion over us. To thee, Christ, hath the Father given power to rule and judge, come thou to help and save. Thou hast not willed our freedom from earth's trials; give us, therefore, the assurance of a childlike faith that rests and labors and is con- tent even in the midst of sorrows and perplexities, and the forward look that sees thy loving purpose even in our pain. Be thou the restorer of all losses, the teacher of all good, the consoler of all troubled hearts, our life's true pattern and the glory of our strength . Amen . June 7 — As a Little Child Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. . . . And ye fathers, provoke not your chil- dren to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. — Eph. 6:1. We thank thee, Father, for the love and care that made our childhood safe and joyful, a school of wholesome living and serviceable powers. We praise thee for teaching that has come out of the lives of children, for their affection, direct sim- plicity of thought and their forgiveness of our im- patient ways and words. With joy we bring thee our thanksgivings that our Lord Jesus Christ came 124 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS as a child and learned his first lessons at his mother's knee. May his infancy be our teacher and his reverence for childhood our example. In thy mercy suffer us not to put a stumbling-block in the path of any of thy little ones, but by honest and good hearts enable us to lead the way in all simplicity of faith. So build thy kingdom, Lord, securely in the hearts of those that love thee and let our earth be still thy nursery of saints and heroes. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 8 — Charitable Judgments So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather , that no man put a stumbling- block in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling. — Rom. 14 : 12. God, our Heavenly Father, who hast been ever merciful toward us, slow to judge and swift to spare, help us to incline toward charity in all thoughts about our fellow men, remembering our Lord's commandment that we judge not. Teach us to estimate aright our own need of just and lenient dealings with our poor efforts to be like our Lord in truth and kindness. Leave us not to ourselves in the hour of our temptation, but enable us to re- member that we are all members one of another and responsible to one just and faithful Lord, who for our sakes gave his only begotten Son for us sinners that we might live through him. Make us like thyself in patience, hoping ever for the triumph of all good in the hearts of others and ready to wait for every sign of its appearing. And this we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 125 June 9 — The Disappointed They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out' of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. — Psalm 107 : 4. Our hearts go out to thee, Lord, for those who have failed to find their true place in the world and the work which they can do in quietness and confi- dence of heart. Have mercy upon them and deliver them. Keep them in the hour when they are out of hope and when temptation comes upon them. And remember the dependent ones in love, Father, as thy children in earth's need. Teach us, as becometh our remembrance of thy patient and considerate love, a deeper thoughtfulness and sympathy with the troubled of the world. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 10 — A Joy Above Complaining And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. . . . Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full. — John 16 : 22. Thou who hast brought hope into our mortal life by the assurance of our Lord's rising again as the first-fruits of his brethren, help us to be more worthy of our immortality. Give us courage for all experiences, and suffer us not to be so tamely 126 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS subject to the vexations of these passing days. Spirit of God, by whom we live, keep us ever in a joy above complainings. Let us not murmur when the way is hard, but rather with all gratitude re- member that it is the way and thou our Guide. Help us to draw from deeper wells, that we may taste refreshment of the living water. Make all our days thy care and be thou in all our confidence an inward peace. Richly hast thou endowed us; give us grateful and expectant hearts to find thee every- where. Thou, our Rest! let no disturbing or un- restful word find outlet through the door of our lips; but make us always bringers of good cheer, to the glory of Christ. Amen. June 11 — In Silent Hours Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime; and in the night his song shall be with me, even a prayer unto the God of my life. — Psalm 42 : 8. Speak to my heart, my Father, in the still hours when I remain alone with thee. In my first waking thoughts, in musings when I lay me down in peace -to sleep, in the night watches when the noises of this world are hushed, in all quiet moments of my busy days, reveal thyself to me, my Life, my Light, my Joy! When the cares of life weigh heavily upon me, remind me of thy loving care that never over- looks my need. When the trials of life fill my soul with perplexity and tempt me to foreboding, teach me the simplicity of faith. So by thy presence and provision make me ever patient to endure and strong to work for thee. And may these times of happy PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 127 meditation and sweet communion be the hidden joy of life. Amen. June 12 — A Thanksgiving come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joy- ful noise to the rock of our salvation. . . . For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. — Psalm 95 : 1. Thou hast dealt bountifully with us, God, and our hearts return to thee in gratitude for all thy lovingkindness. We thank thee for unexpected mercies, like sunlight through the cloud; and the common, daily blessings that require our praise. Praise be unto thee, our Father, that thou art ever with us and that we are not left without a refuge for our heart's desire of home and love. For our spread table and secure repose; for peace and strength and hope; for comfort in distress and courage to venture and to overcome; for the fellow- ships of home and work, the opportunities of knowledge and the beauty of the earth; for thy call to service and the great example of our Lord, we bring our glad thanksgiving. Help us to live as becometh thy dear children and give us a part in t\\y great work. Amen. June 13 — The Greater Hope For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name. . . . And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: that ye be not sluggish but imitators of them who 128 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS through faith and patience inherit the promises. — Heb. 6 : 10. We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast not suffered our hearts to decline upon little hopes, but hast set before us the following of our great Lord and the bringing in of thine eternal kingdom. Help us to set our aims and aspirations high, yes, even on the level of thy just and loving will for all men and for us. Sustain us in the twilight hours of faith and in the times of weariness when we are tempted to forget thy presence and to forfeit our privilege of communion with thee. Send thy Holy Spirit to uphold our hearts in faith and love. Though we have no map of the road by which thou leadest us, may we never for a moment doubt that if we follow on we shall arrive. And to thy name be praise through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. June 14 — The Light of Life But as for me, in the Lord will I keep watch; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me y mine enemy: when I fall I shall arise; when I sit in darkness the Lord will be a light unto me. — Micah 7 : 7. Thou art our light, God, let us not turn away from thee to walk in darkness. Remember our childishness and deliver us from the evil which hardens men's heart and blinds their eyes. Keep our feet from snares and our lips from folly. Grant us to live before thee in sincerity of obedience, that we may be thy children in desire and hope, looking for the manifestation of Christ and the perfecting PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 129 of thy purpose. Have pity upon those who have left the way and stumble in the darkness. Let thy love follow and thy mercy lead them. Bring us all to helpful knowledge of thy will and warm desire for the coming of thy kingdom. Let thy light shine in us, that the shadows may depart; and through us for the help of others. And to thy name be praise. Amen. June 15 — Living Abundantly Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never stumble; for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal King- dom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. — 2 Pet. 1 :10. Lord, I desire to live and love abundantly, ac- cording to thy word. Keep me, I pray thee, from poverty of heart. Give me wide interests and ab- sorbing purposes and affections. Yet, because I know so little of the values of what earth gives and am so weak of thought and will, and that which I have treasured thou mayest count of little worth, give me better, and more lasting treasures. When thou takest from me, add of thy pure grace and love what thou approvest that I may never be left empty and ashamed. Let good replace the evil and the better the good. Thou who art best, be thou the best in all I have. Give me courage to act joyfully on this belief, letting go that which hinders, denying evil affections that I may love thee with all my heart, and finding thee in all my friend- ships and affections. This I ask in the name of Christ. Amen. 130 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS June 16 — Our Leader Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin: And the bondservant abideth not in the house forever; the son abideth for ever. If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. — John S : 34. Spirit of the living God, our guide and teacher in the ways of uprightness, help us to prepare our hearts for great temptations in little habits of true living and a constant, cheerful watchfulness against the evil that is in the world. Establish our souls in righteousness, so that we shall without conscious thought accept and follow good and turn aside from evil. Let not sin have dominion over us or the light that is in us be brought to darkness. But shine Thou, true Light of all men, in our most unconsidered acts and words that we may be wholly penetrated and illuminated by thy grace and fitted more and more for the freedom of the unclouded presence of God, where no sin is, nor any hate or shame. And this we ask of thee in the name of Christ who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen. June 17 — A Willing Service But now complete the doing also; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, and not ac^ cording as he hath not. — 2 Cor. 8 : 11. Lord, when we hear thy call give us courage to choose our part with thee and to offer ourselves PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 131 willingly for thy service. Let us not lie to our own hearts about the work to which thou hast sum- moned us, as if the way w r ere easy that leads to con- quest over evil in the world and over the tempta- tions in our own soul's experience. Oh, write it on our hearts that now is the day of salvation, that we may wx>rk the works to w^hich thou hast called us while it is day and that thy honor may be known in us by our venturing forth and our unwearied en- durance. In his name. Amen. June 18 — For Overcoming Grace And he hath said unto me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weak- nesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. — 2 Cor. 12 : 9. Friend and Helper of my soul, whose love each new day of my want and thy supply confirms, thy presence is my joy, thy promise is my hope, thy life the full assurance of eternal life. With hearty and unfeigned repentance, most of all that by transgression I have grieved thy patient love, I ask forgiveness of my sin. loving Friend, let me not think or speak that which can bring dis- honor to thy name. I bless thee for thy trust which sends me forth amid the cares and trials of this present evil world and for the help that fails not in my need. Teach me to overcome. Aid me in work which is both thine and mine. Reveal thyself more clearly to my longing heart, for thine is the call which I have heard and thine shall be my love for- e verm ore. Amen. 132 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS June 19 — Joy in God Thy righteousness also, God, is very high; thou who hast done great things, God, who is like unto thee? . . . My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; and my soul which thou hast redeemed. — Psalm 71 :19. Lord, be thou alone the true and deepest joy of my heart; not thy gifts, not even what I do and learn by thine assistance. Let thy companionship be rest of spirit, savor of delight, compensation for all grief and loss, the lasting zest of friendship, refuge in perplexity, reproof and uplifting when I fall. I thank thee for this treasure of continual cheer, this light of thy presence, which none can dim or quench. Yet, Lord, though I have been so much with thee, let me not forget to learn watchfulness from the dark hours when my neglects have been as clouds to hide thy face. Help me to purity of heart, that I may be of those who see thee. Help me to the love which finds delight in service, that I may be like thee, who gavest thy Son for the world's need. And lead thou me through glad and helpful days on earth to clearer vision and life un- marred by sin . Amen . June 20 — Growth in Grace But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. — Eph. 4 : 15. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 133 Lord Jesus Christ, whose love has called us out of sin to the experiment of faith, so control and direct our wills by the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit that we may speedily attain to full assurance, without backsliding and without discouragement. Reveal thyself to us, for it is thee we crave, to be our joy, our peace, our loving friend, our revelation of the Father. Give us patience, knowing that thy work within our hearts must grow from less to more; and strengthen us in hours of weakness with up- holding of thy love. By thy word, through service in thy name to other men, in meditation and con- stant readiness of will, speak to our hearts, Liv- ing Christ of God! So may all our doubts be swallowed up in adoration and all fears cast out by perfect love. Amen. June 21 — From Generation to Generation Attend unto me, my people; and give ear to me, my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples . . . my salvation shall be for ever, and my salvation unto all generations. — Is. 51 : /+. Lord, whose mercies are from everlasting, we thank thee that from generation to generation thou hast been our fathers' God. We bless thee for their labors in the ended years and for the light of hope above the path in which our children walk. Help us to live before thee in serenity of faith. Teach and enable us to serve our generation day by day with cheerful patience and considerate love. Come thou and rule in church and state, in home and heart, changing our selfishness to service and our 134 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS doubt to praise. Reveal thyself in the events and changes of the passing days. Remove all hindrances and make the witness of thy church effective for the coming of thy kingdom and the glory of thy name. Bring in the age of peace and fill the whole earth with the knowledge of the Lord Christ. Amen. June 22 — The Heavenly Friend And hereby know we that we know him, if we keep his commandments . . . whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. . . . He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. — 1 John 2 : 3. Heavenly Friend, whose love disdained not mortal life and death, we bless thee for the grace of every day's companionship with thee, for thy patience and compassion which can never fail, and that thou hast set before us the hope and glory of thine own eternal life. Deal gently with us, most loving Guest and Friend, cleansing our troubled hearts that we may grow like thee. Reprove and purge our faults that we may overcome them by thine aid. Teach us to bring forth fruit in righteous- ness. Give us the joy of fellowship with thee in work. When sorrows and perplexities surround our path may our souls abide in the secret of thy pres- ence and share the perfect peace of those whose hearts are stayed on thee. Keep us from every idle thought and foolish word. Confirm in us all pure desires and holy ambitions by thy loving care, and shine through us for helpful light on other lives. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 135 June 23 — A Thanksgiving give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his lovingkindness endureth forever. . . . The Lord is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation. — Psalm 118 : 1. We praise thee, God, the Father and Helper of all the sons of men, who hast redeemed us and made our hearts glad in thy presence. Every day thou hast enriched us with blessing and spoken to our hearts in love. Thou hast turned sorrow into joy and made thy light to shine out of the clouds of our foreboding. The peace of our dwelling has been thy peace and thou hast spread a table before us. Thou hast been ever of our company in friendship and in jo}^. By thy strength we have labored and thou hast given us rest and refreshment. Have pity, God, upon the poor and troubled of the earth and sustain the oppressed, giving them release and cheer. Help us to receive thy gifts with gratitude and to show our love by service. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 24 — The Divine Presence Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young. — Is. 4-0 : 10. Come, Spirit of the Living God, to our unrestful spirits with thy rest. Pardon our transgressions, that with pure conscience and right desire we may 136 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS do thy work upon the earth. Increase in us pa- tience and faith. Help us to be content with thine appointments for our present life and to glory in thy promise for the life to come. Open our eyes to behold the tokens of thy presence in the beauty of the earth and in the lives of men. Forbid our hearts to hate, but quicken in us, more and more, long- suffering and unenvying love. To thee would we return in every grief. Hold us forever in thy care, God, and give us ready hearts to meet thee as thou comest to bring God's kingdom in and show its power to men. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 25 — Improving the Time So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. — Phil. 2 : 12. Let this day, our God, even this day which we are tempted to waste or to misuse, be shown us as our day of opportunity and thy day of power. Open our ears to thy call and give us strength and courage to enter in to our inheritance of service and of joy. Keep us from all indecision and delay; from languor, which saps the strength of the soul, and self-conceit which is as blindness to the eyes and palsy to the hands. If we have forgotten thee, awake our memory to life, lest we should waste our time in listlessness or lay up bitter recollections for the years to come. Show us that this is thy great day — the only day — of our repentance and our PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 137 faith, of work and patience, of thy help and blessing, the appointed day of courage and of joy for such as trust in thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 26 — The Little and the Great And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the ivord, and he becometh unfruitful — Matt. 13 : 22. Lord, of thy merciful kindness, teach me to dis- tinguish between the little and the great. Let me not be deceived by misty and unreal appearances or led from the true way by clamor of deceiving tongues. May love and duty, courage and childlike faith, seem always high and wonderful to my soul, and help me to understand that thou hast given me these little tasks to carry through for thee. Let thy light shine upon drudgery that it may always appear related to the coming of thy kingdom. Lighten my responsibilities with assurance of thy presence and the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, and so lead me through the troubled days of this life that I may have some work to do for thee here- after. And this I ask in the name of the loving and faithful Lord Jesus, in whom I know thee and thy Fatherhood. Amen. June 27 — Friendship Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany. . . . The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick. . . . Now Jesus 138 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. . . . Jesus wept. The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him ! — John 11 : 1 . Lord, thou hast given me a friend, teach me to be worthy of thy gift and of his love and faith. Show me how to bear myself in his presence and how to think of him in absence. Let me have the joy of serving him in great or little things. Make one in our communion, and when we part help me to leave him to thy care with quietness of heart. Give him mercies according to thy wisdom and his own desire and help me to put away all selfishness in my wish to bless his life. Let our friendship grow from experi- ence to experience. May we meet in the higher regions of our thought and have continual delight in common thoughts of good. I thank thee for the myriad friendships of mankind and would ever count mine richer because it joins me in the brother- hood of man. In the name of Christ. Amen. June 28 — Cheerful Courage Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not. . . . For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — Luke 12 : 32. In thee do we put our trust, Thou most merciful ! and from the fountain of thy life we would look for blessing evermore. Endue us with a cheerful courage. Make us ready to venture and enjoy because our life has found its perfect rest in PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 139 thee. Reveal thyself more perfectly to our desirous hearts and make us sharers of thy work for men. When we have sinned, give us a true repentance and forsaking, and increase continually our delight in the beauty of thy holiness. When doubts intrude, let our work interpret thy hidden purposes and our own affections reflect the patience of thy love. When man disappoints us, be thou our refuge and our satisfaction. For thou art our security, our strength and peace. Amen. June 29 — For Sympathetic Hearts Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in. — Matt. 25 : 34- Give us pitiful and comprehending hearts, God, in the presence of our neighbor's need, and as we think upon all poverty and suffering. Remem- ber those who have no other helper, and in thy mercy uphold and comfort the distressed and helpless. Remember those who are fighting the grim fight with want, and open a way for them that they fall not also in the power of hopeless need. Show us how to use thy gifts for the necessities of our brothers and enable us to give something of ourselves with every gift, after the pattern of our pitying and helpful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 140 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS June 30 — The Gifts of God If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him. All things therefore whatsover ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets. — Matt. 7 : 11. We thank thee that thou art ever with us, our Father, and that thy mercy has sustained us in trouble and crowned our lives with good. For all the gifts thy love has made our portion — for thy Son, our Lord, and all he gave and taught; for thy presence and the brotherhood of men; for those who are first in our heart's desire and all the hopes of wider fellowship and more intimate communion; for shelter, food and rest, the fruits of the earth, the achievement of our thought and toil; for memory and hope; the sympathy that gives and gains, we bring thee our thanksgiving. Though in the midst of trials praise come not with our first impulsive thought, yet, Lord, let it become the true expression of heart's purpose, the offering of a love that needs but leisure to rise from our lips in song. For we are thine in loving thankfulness and we would dwell in thy house forevermore. Amen. July 1 — The Spirit of Brotherhood Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbor and not bear sin because of, him. Thou shalt not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people: but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Lev. 19 : 17. . PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 141 Lord, most wise, most loving and most merciful; who hast called us from loneliness into the fellow- ship of saints, so lead and guide us by the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit that we may live as becometh that great calling and our common hope. Most loving Father, who hast sent thy Son that he might win us for his kingdom and bring us home to thee, so enable us to overcome all hatred, strife and jealousy that we may love our neighbor as ourself . As thou hast chosen for thyself friends and helpers for the redemption of the world, so help us to live in the spirit of that brotherhood, overcoming evil with good and building that which shalt endure, that thou mayest have thy part in us as thou hast given us to have our part in thee. And let thy goodness rest upon the whole company of the redeemed. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 2 — In Times of Rest And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile. For there were many coming and going, an^ they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart. — Mark 6 : 31. God, who hast supported us in work, be with us also in our times of rest and pleasure. Let us not wish to go where we cannot desire thy presence with us, not to do what we know thou canst not approve, nor to hear that which offends against thy law of purity and truth. Make rest effectual for better work hereafter and give us in our quiet and unhurried hours more intimate communion with thy Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus Christ, go with us 142 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS where we go and help us to be witnesses for thee. Refresh our spirits by thy word and let our cheer abound. And thine shall be the praise for strength to work and opportunities of rest. Amen. July 3 — Our Progress God's Care Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us. — 2 Pet. 1:2. Father in heaven, we thank thee that our growth and progress are thy care. Fulfill in each of us thine own thought of what our lives should be, and while we serve thee keep our hearts from worry and distress. Plan thou for us. Choose thou our way and end. Give strength for attainment. Hasten the completion of thy purpose in us. Help us to go onward, looking ever to the shining of the light of Christ, and with no faltering steps. Keep us in the special cares and trials of our lot, thou who in love abidest ever with thy children. Live our days with us, that our hearts may ever be pure and true. Make them all aglow with the light and fervor of thy presence. Let there be peace in the hearts of all that love thee. And let thy kingdom come on earth. Amen. July 4 — Independence Day Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise. . . . PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 143 The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers . . . that he may incline our hearts unto him, to ivalk in all his ways . . . which he commanded our fathers. — 1 Kings 8 : 56. Almighty God, who in former times didst lead our fathers forth into a wealthy place; give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to their children, that we may always prove ourselves a people mind- ful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners. Defend our liberties, preserve our unity. Save us from violence, discord and confu- sion, from pride and arrogancy and from every evil way. Fashion into one happy people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom we entrust in thy name with the authority of govern- ance, to the end that there may be peace at home and that we may keep our place of honor and good will among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness; and in the day of trouble suffer not our courage and our faith in thee to fail. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. July 5 — A Thanksgiving Thou mdhest the outgoings of the morning and the evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, . . . Thou waterest its furrows abun- dantly; . . . Thou blessest the springing thereof. — Psalm 65 : 8. Lord, our confidence and joy, how many are thy gifts and how patient is thy love! We thank thee that thou hast given us life in this fair world 144 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS and strength to meet its claims upon us. We praise thee for the peace of sleep and the vigor of the dawn. Thou hast knit cords of sympathy that bind us heart to heart. Thou settest the solitary in families and thy seal of blessing is upon the joys of home. Thou givest the fruits of the earth and the pleasures of eye and ear for our enjoyment. Thou hast brought our fathers to this goodly land and helped them in their time of need. We bless thee for progress and hope, the divine Fatherhood that makes our lives secure and for thy love that overbrims the cup of joy. Help us to be grateful in remembrance and happy in our work. Give courage, faith and love that make us more like thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 6 — Faithful Living His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faith- ful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. — Matt. 25 : 21. Eternal and ever-blessed God, help me, for the sake of Jesus Christ my Lord, to be faithful in my stewardship for thee on earth. Especially assist me in little things, and in all the opportunities and temptations of my life with others. Help me to be just and merciful, loving, courteous and cheerful in all the social relations of life, and especially with those whom thou hast given me for love and care. Guard me from evil, and especially from leading others into sin. Teach me a wise and loving pa- tience and forbearance in all the trials and vexa- tions of my life. Help me to be faithful in all PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 145 duties, and grateful for all kindly ministries. And may there be nothing in my words or deeds that can bring reproach upon thy holy name. And this I ask through my most patient and loving Saviour. Amen. July 7 — Our Teacher I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee. . . . Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, ye right- eous; and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart. — Psalm 32 : 8. In this day's work and thought, God, I would be taught by thee. Thou art my Father, let thy care extend to every little need that helps to make my life. Teach me to make right choices. Help me to see the right and love it that I may turn away from evil and follow good. Give me a quiet heart in disappointments. In all relations with my family and my neighbors teach me to be ready to help and full of cheer. Show me what is just and honorable in my business, for it is thee, my Father, whom I desire to serve in common things. Help me to be merciful and forgiving that I may claim thy mercy. Put away sin and folly from my thought that I may grow like Christ in purity of heart and love to thee. And use me for thy work on earth, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. July 8 — The Folly of Worry Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord . . . for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear 146 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green: and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. — Jer. 17 : 7. Giver of all good, our loving Heavenly Father, help us by a childlike faith and answering love to rest our hearts on thee without anxiety or worry. Since thou hast taken on thyself the care of all our needs, teach us to plan and do our part in full confidence that all things shall work together for our good. Keep us from the folly of distrust, from the troubled thoughts which sap our strength, from the needless cares and perplexities of life. In the way of thine appointing may we find a continual peace of heart. When trouble comes in like a flood, be thou our refuge and our confidence. May no ungrateful worry spoil our joy or mar our witness, but help us to be faithful, provident, and wisely foreseeing in cheerful work with thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 9 —He Restoreth My Soul Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. — 7s. 55 : 6. I bless thee, my God, that thou hast been merciful unto me, and searched me out in the hidden place where I had strayed and fallen! It is of thy loving- kindness that I am brought back from the folly of my wandering and from distress and darkness and PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 147 that I see once more the light of life. Let it be sweet to my soul that thou, from whom are all things, rejoicest with thine own in my recovery and return. My Deliverer, my Joy and Hope, take my life henceforward into thine own care. Lead me where thou wilt and as thou wilt and forsake me not when my fears and my temptations come. Bring me into the company of thy redeemed and joyful people and let thy friendship be my joy and crown. Gird me with strength for all my work on earth and dwell in me to will and do forevermore. Amen. July 10 — Comrades of Christ If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. — John 15 : 7 . We thank thee, Father, for thy confidence, which enables us to go upon our way with good courage and rejoicing hearts. Keep in our thoughts, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we are sent of Christ to complete his work. In all experiences may we find the tokens of thy presence. Help us to love justice and show mercy as followers of the just and patient and confiding Lord who sends us forth. In all relations with our fellow men, may we think of them as children of the same loving Father, sharers of the same opportunity, called with the same high calling as ourselves. Bring in thy king- dom, Lord! Enlarge the place of thy dwelling in the hearts of men. And let us serve our generation with joy and patience and self-giving love. In the name of Christ. Amen. 148 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS July 11 — The Hedged Way Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it. — Matt. 7 : 13. Thou hast hedged me in, God, and made my way strait; let hedge and wall be my defense, lest I break through into forbidden fields. Thou hast denied strength, let thy strength be made perfect in my weakness. I thank thee for plain paths that lead to thee. When fear is heavy upon me, help me to take refuge in the thought that thou and I are all sufficient for my work. Thou who hast made limitations, give enlargement! Thou who hast suffered weakness, make my courage sure! Let me not seek too great a task, nor envy other children of thy love. Send whom thou wilt, and where thou wilt, but teach me to be faithful in the measure of thy gifts. So perfect thy good purpose in my life and bring me to thyself at last. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 12 — For Victory in Temptation Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. — 1 Cor. 10 : 12. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 149 God, our Father, whose will it is that none should perish but that all should live, enable us so to use thy gift of freedom that it shall prepare us for the eternal life of holiness with thee. When in* the temptations of the world we are sifted as wheat, grant us that our faith fail not. When we are in peril from the lusts that war against the soul, be thou our guard. For thine own pity and for the love of those who need us and who suffer when we fail, preserve us in the hour of weakness. For the love wherewith Christ loved us, grant us the fellowship of his Spirit when we are tried in the likeness of his temptations. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 13 — Fruit-Bearing For this cause we also . . . do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work and in- creasing in the knowledge of God — Col. 1 : 9. Teach me, God my Father, the glory of the love that stooped to save and the wonder of that trust which gives thy honor to my hands. Help me to fix my hopes and my desires on thee, to scorn and loathe the evil of my heart, to turn away from every sin and seek all opportunities of service. I thank thee that thou hast trusted me and that thy word is in my heart and thy message given me to speak by lips and life. Lest I go astray and thy holy name may be blasphemed or some whom thou hast loved be kept from finding thee — their life and joy 150 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS — keep thou me, God! and put thy law in my heart and thy word on my lips, that I may bear true witness and bring forth fruit to thy glory and my own heart's joy. Be thou my life and in thee may I rest and hope forevermore. Amen. July 14 — The Active Life with Christ For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . For if ye do these things ye shall never stumble: for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal king- dom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. — 2 Pet. 1 : 8. Oh, to be like thee, Lord, as a clear glass through which the glory of the Heavenly Father shines! Oh, to be counted worthy to have helped men to acquaintance with their Redeemer and their Friend! Lord, save me ! from the useless life, the unholy and unlovely drifting on of thoughtless ease. Show me thy work and give me the great joy of having some little part in it for which thou dost depend on me. Thou hast given me my talents, help me neither to despise nor overrate them. Give me wisdom to per- ceive my opportunity, courage to grasp it, grace to persevere. Let assurance of thy presence sustain me in despondency. Pardon, in thy merciful kindness, my manifold neglects and transgressions, which have hurt my influence as thy child. And guard my way, on the right hand and on the left, that I wander no more, neither betray the trust which thou hast committed to my care. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 151 July 15 — Sharing God's Gifts And he said unto him, Master, all these things have I observed from my youth. And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But his countenance fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful; for he was one who had great possessions. — Mark 10 : 20. Lord, who hast shared thy life with us, help us to share thy gifts with others in remembrance of thy mercy. Make us so much like thee that it shall be our joy to help and save. Suffer us not to fix our hearts on earthly things, lest we should lose our hold on thee. Thou who art good to the thankless and the undeserving! arm us against the sting and suffering of ingratitude. Out of our social life let our best blessings flow and where our brothers are, there let us seek for thee. We bless thee, our Father, for the showing forth of what thou art in Jesus Christ our Lord, who walked with men in majesty of brotherhood and was ever ready to give and to receive. Let not pride withdraw us from the common ways, nor fastidiousness become a veil between us and thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 16 — A Midsummer Prayer He water eth the hills from his chambers; the earth is filled with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the labor of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth. — Psalm 104 : IS. 152 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS By thee, Lord, the year comes to its fullness and the harvest fields grow ready for the reaper. We thank thee that thou sendest the sunwarrnth for the yellowing grain and the refreshing rains that quicken the parched earth and feed the springs of the hills and make the brooks sing on their journey toward the sea. Give strength to man for labor. Give us new strength and refreshment in sleep, and in our waking let thy presence be our rest. Let our hearts sing for joy in the remembrance of thy goodness. Let thy love and mercy be our strength and consola- tion in the hour when trouble falls upon us, that we may accept and overcome it as thy schooling for our souls. As thou bringest the trees to growth and preparest a table both for man and beast, so feed and ripen our souls in the sunlight of thy love that we may be ready for all the changes thou shalt please to send. May the hours we spend in dear companionship under the wonder of thy heavens, by shore or hill or in the shadows of thy wood, be full of high and loving thoughts. Keep us in strength, that we may serve thee. Deepen our joy in life and in the beauty of the earth, that we may find thee everywhere. Let our eyes shine with the light of thy indwelling Spirit and our whole life reflect the glory of the love of Christ our Lord. In his name. Amen. ^ July 17 — Responsibilities He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. ... 7/ therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 153 in that which is another's, who ivill give you that which is your own? — Luke 16 : 10. Lord, in these cares and responsibilities for others, which I must carry day by day, be thou my confi- dence and hope. Because thou lovest all, yet hast committed the concerns and happiness of these especially to me, I come to ask for wisdom. Watch at my side that I go not astray or tempt to wander- ing by my ill example. Let not my folly mar the stay of any man on earth or hinder the joy of the blessed life which comes from thee. Keep my heart bright with cheer that thy sun may shine through me upon the road. And make me diligent and confident in simplicity of faith, as one who is the instrument of service and holds the promise of the King. So clear my heart of pride and coward sluggishness and base anxiety, and let me serve all those whom thou hast given me with quiet heart and patient faith. Amen. July 18 — The Return to God Come and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten and he will bind us up. . . . And let us know, let us follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is sure as the morn- ing; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that water eth the earth. — Hos. 6:1. Thou that dwellest in light, the illumination and glory of our souls, open our eyes that we may see w^herein we have offended against thee. Let not the darkness of false loves and the desire of sin keep from us the brightness of thy truth, nor let 154 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS us seek to hide ourselves from thee in refuges of lies. Give us courage, Lord, to confess and forsake our sins and strength to resist the temptations which do so easily beset us. For thou art our hope, the assurance of our salvation and the light of our hearts. Let not the dread of suffering or the shame of discovery keep us from the way of repentance and return. Teach us to live in the light, that we may be without fear or shame before thee and give us courage, when we fail, to turn our faces homeward with desire to find thee and thy pardon and thy strength. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 19 — The Strong and the Weak Xow we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good unto building up. For Christ also pleased not himself. — Rom. 15 : 1. Our God, who hast given us life, meaning to win us for thy willing and obedient children, help us, we entreat thee, not to live so selfishly as only to receive and not to give compassion. Let us be willing sharers of thy thought and work. Let our patience and endeavor for the need of others be offered, like thine own, for true love's sake. Con- firm and establish in us all motions and desires of brotherhood, all thoughts of kindness. Teach us to be just and merciful, remembering thine upright- ness, Thou that delightest in mercy ! When our own burdens weigh heavily, come thou to our relief, leaving us free and strong for help of others. So let the fellowship we most desire grow between us PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 155 and thee, Thou compassionate! And help us to be thy true and help-bringing followers all our appointed days on earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 20 — The Peace of God And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence for ever. And my people shall abide in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. — Is. 32 : 17. Lord Jesus Christ, who hast invited all who are weary and heavy laden, unto thee we come for rest. We ask not idleness or the putting away of earth's needful crosses and disappointments, but for thy presence and companionship in waiting and in work. Help us to take thy yoke upon us and to learn of thee. Prosper thou the work of our hands, so far as it shall be for thy glory and for our growth in holiness. Give us the peace of God which passeth understanding, and may our deep heart's gladness overflow in cheerful days. And when thou hast finished thy work in us and through us on the earth, take us to thyself that we may be partakers of that rest which remaineth for the children of God. And to thee, our Lord, the Giver of heart's rest, be praise forever more! Amen. July 21 — God's Kingdom First But seek ye -first his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow, for the morrow will 156 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. — Matt. 6 : 83. Let it not be a hardship unto me, Lord, that I am taught to seek thy kingdom first, but let me know that all my strength and joy are found in thee and in thy loving will for good. Give me true courage that I may not fear, though dangers seem to grow about my way. Lead me not into tempta- tion, but help me to use temptation when it comes as a call to victory through the strength thou givest and hast nourished in my soul. Let obedience be the channel of delight as well as the occupation of my thought. And when I fail, forgive and have patience with me, while with true repentance, simple faith and undiscouraged hope I make a new beginning in thy holy way. In gratitude and con- fession I come; let my heart's song be ever of thy love in Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. July 22 — Living Together Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another. — Rom. 12 : 9. We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast put within our souls the need of friendship and given us its satisfactions in the experience of life on earth and its hopes beyond the gate of expectation we call death. Help us by thy good favor to become more worthy of friendship, that we may minister more purely and give more generously to those we love. Restore to us in thine own good time the PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 157 friends we have lost by reason of separation, mis- understanding, and especially because of our own folly. Help us to forgive as we would be forgiven, to be patient, considerate, full of cheer and encour- agement, ready to speak or keep silence as the law of love shall declare. May all our friendships be rooted in the satisfaction of thy presence and make thou one in all relations. In the name of Jesus, who has called us friends. Amen. July 23 — The Use of Freedom For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of malice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. — 1 Pet. 2 : 15. God, our Father, who hast made us free in Jesus Christ, help us to use thy gift with true humility and unfeigned love of holiness, and not as an occasion to the flesh. Keep us from transgres- sions that enslave and fears that weaken; and enable us to live upon the high levels of our noblest thought and hope. Lead us into knowledge suffi- cient for us. Deny us not the comfort of thy presence. In doubt, enlighten thou our darkness. When we fall, recover us to true repentance and enable us to walk at liberty because we keep thy commandments. Forgive our sins for thy love's sake. Give strength for endurance, wisdom for decision, loving patience with our fellow men and cheerful thoughts and looks continually. And may our walk and words commend the freedom of the life with Christ. Amen. 158 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS July 24 — Waiting for God The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it. — Psalm 87 : 82. Teach us thy patience, our God, for we are but the creatures of a day and know not how to wait. Give us to breathe the clear air of the eternal years in which thou workest quietly to bring thy plans to their fruition. Nor suffer us to wait in listless quiet, but with a forward-looking faith which shall enable us to sing for joy of heart. Build in our souls great expectations, high imaginings of love's triumph and the coming glory of thy righteous kingdom, large thoughts of the value of the souls of men for whom Christ died. When our troubles come, afford us aid, that we may not be shaken, but stand fast. Enable us to finish that work which thou hast given us to do. Clear from our hearts all selfish thoughts and vain anxieties and may thy Holy Spirit guide us into truth and an abiding peace. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 25 — Our Human Affections A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families; he bring eth out the prisoners into pros- perity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. — Psalm 68 : 5. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 159 God, in whose presence is our love's content, help us so to use all human affections that they may speak to us of thee. Pardon their failures and short- comings and make them wholly thine. For strength in ministry to those we love, for opportunities of service and for glad humility in receiving, we hum- bly pray. Love is thy gift, help us to use it nobly, in all sorrow and in all delight. Choose thou our happiness and sustain us with thy patience in our grief. When in humility of self-knowledge we are afraid to think of the great love that others bring us, may we grow strong and pure by the remembrance of their affection. Help us to know the power of thy great love in Christ, God, for joyful righteous- ness. And may that holy love surround and purify all earthly ties of affection, that they may be as enduring as our life that is hid with Christ in God. And to thee be praise, God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. July 26 — The Soul's Worth to God Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and stablish them in every good work and word. — 2 Thess. 2 : 16. Teach us, our Father, when life seems without meaning and we are tempted to forget our calling as thy children, to remember the worth of the poorest soul to thee and the glory of an experience thou didst send thine own beloved Son to share. Forgive us that we spend ourselves in such petty aims and belittle our opportunity with such unworthy 160 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS thoughts. Help us by thy grace to live largely, confident in thy love and care and seeking to find thy meaning in the daily experience of life with thee. Reveal thyself in our relations with others, in work and play, in hours of quiet meditation. In all these experiences prepare our hearts for intimate com- munion with thee in prayer. Make our lives glori- ous, we beseech thee, by making them of use. And give us the joy of thy presence evermore. In the name of Christ. Amen. * July 27 — Serenity of Faith Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation. God is unto us a God of deliverances; and unto Jehovah the Lord belong the issues from death. — Psalm 68 : 19. Grant us, God, a deep serenity of faith amid the changes and upheavals of the world. Give us obedient hearts in time of doubt. Keep us from all indifference of the callous heart, making us quick to sympathize and aid. In our righteous indigna- tion with cruelty and hate, help us to leave the issue with full assurance to thy justice and thy love. When we hear of evil, make us more in love with good. Let not forebodings overcome us — as if the clouds had killed the sun. Have mercy on those who suffer. Shorten all times of war. Prevent the deeds of wickedness. Deliver the victims of man's pride and hate. Let valor and self-giving and all the patience of those who endure not fail of their reward. Let the end of life be glorious, though its ways lead through the dark. In the name of our pitiful and helpful Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 161 July 28 — Whole-Hearted Discipleship For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end. And ye shall call upon me . . . and I will hearken unto you: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. — Jer. 29 : 11. Thou hast not made the world in jest or careless- ness, Lord; help us to enter into thy thought of its purpose and to follow the leading of thy Spirit with full enthusiasm of heart. Since thou hast made us for happy life and joyful fellowship of work with thee, save us from the indifference which is itself a condemnation, from the lukewarm spirit which is hateful in thy sight, from neglect of op- portunities which are thy gift, from carelessness of the enthusiasm which is a mark of following Christ. Show us thy glory in the helpful service of our com- mon days. Transfigure our drudgeries with the light of heaven for which they are thy chosen school. Enable us to bring forth fruit on earth and in thine own good time be fitted for the rest that remaineth for thy people . Amen. July 29 — Peace Lovers Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctifica- tion without which no man shall see the Lord: look- ing carefully . . . lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled. — Heb. 12 : 14. God of peace, whom we have known in Jesus Christ our Lord, make us peace-lovers, as thou art, 162 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS through faith in him, and suffer us also to know the happiness our Lord foretold for the peacemakers. Let this, Lord, be no passive and cloistered virtue of our souls, but rather our heart's unfailing com- panion in the work of the day and the thoughts of the night. Help us to loye — yea, Lord ! even to love our enemies, as Christ hath taught us, not rendering injury for injury or wrath for wrath, but seeing all men in the light of thy love and compas- sion and seeking their good with singleness of heart. Turn even our indignation and righteous anger to the final service of love, that we may come to be like thee. Forget us not in the hour of our tempta- tion but keep our hearts from hatred and our tongues from strife. In the name of Christ. Amen. July 30 — Joyful Service Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord, he is God; it is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. — Psalm 100 : 2, Thou who hast given me love without measure and help without price, let me not weigh and mete out my obedience like a slave, but teach me how thy children live before thee in a noble freedom and joyful continuance of faithful love. Let each day of my life be a day of thy presence. Kindle in my heart desire of holiness. Let me not waver, faint- hearted and irresolute, the sport of circumstance and the shadow of other men's wishes, but aid me to be strong and steadfast, daily giving thanks for a child's place in the Father's house and for the opportunity of helpfulness. Thou, the faithful PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 163 Redeemer and Shepherd of our souls, as thou didst live in obedience and uprightness of faith and love, enable us also to be true and persevering and let thy blessing rest on all who seek and follow thee. Amen. July 31 — The Divine Guest For thus saith the high and holy One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite. — 7s. 57 : 15. Lord, I desire thee and none other for my most intimate and abiding Guest. When thou comest, I would haste to open the door and entreat thy en- trance. Come and abide and turn my life from evil and become my heart's delight and song. Let me so live that I shall not be ashamed before thee when my thoughts return to the place which thou hast chosen for thy rest. Leave me not useless in a world that lies in need, but let thy light shine out to testify of thee. To this end teach me, I entreat thee, to love purity and peace and the strength of a watchful obedience. And let thy joy abide in my heart and thy presence illuminate and interpret dark experiences and all the weariness of life. So would I be blameless in thy sight and come to know and love thee better day by day. Amen. August 1 — Continual Care If thou draw out thy heart to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light arise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday; and the Lord 164 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS will guide thee continually and satisfy thy sold in drought, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not. — Is. 58 : 10. God, whose gift is faith and hope through Jesus Christ, we bless thee also for the lovingkindness which has brought us comfort all along the way. Thine are these changing skies, this earth that ripens corn for bread and flowers for beauty, these walls that shelter us from cold and storm, these hopes that cheer. In every day's renewal of our life with thee, in countless gifts, unrecognized, which join to make our hearts content, in all the kindly affections of our human fellowship, we look to thee with grateful hearts. Enlarge our souls, that those who love us may have more occasion for their love. Quicken our consciences, that we may desire more of the beauty of thy holiness. Make us of use and help among the needy and the lonely. Endow us with strength and wisdom that we may serve our generation before we fall asleep. And abide thou with us in purity and power for evermore. Amen. August 2 — God's Vineyard And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard. — Matt. 20 : 6. Master of the vineyard, who askest of every man a reason for his idleness and givest opportunity of work to all, give us willing hearts to share thy PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 165 purpose and thy work. Arm us against our own indolent sluggishness and make us alert to follow the leadings of thy will. thou who art ever present with thy people, give us inspiration and the persevering strength our special task re- quires. Keep us from listless drifting, as the wind drives and the river flows, and set before us clear aims and confident hopes toward which we may make progress day by day. Teach us that joy in the Father's work which enriched the life of Jesus and let us see the coming of thy kingdom. Amen. August 3 — Adventure with God For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. For the earnest expecta- tion of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God . . . in hope that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. — Rom. 8 : 18. Lord, thou hast led our fathers in their way, lead us also toward thy chosen goal. Give us faith and courage that we may venture in thy service where new ways open and strange tasks invite. Kindle our imagination, we beseech thee, with power to take a wider and a deeper view of the world; and enable us to recognize and follow opportunity as it beckons. To this end of venturing courage, Lord, help us not to burden our souls with the love of earth's treasures or to fix our hearts upon its am- bitions and delights. Set us free from slavery to 166 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS fashions of the world's opinion and from the weak indolence of our own souls. And, while we venture, guide our thoughts and guard our words, that we may do good and not evil all the days of our life. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 4 — Purposeful Days For all things are for your sakes, that the grace being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanks- giving to abound unto the glory of God. Wherefore we faint not, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. — 2 Cor. 4 : 15. Let this day, my Father, bring me nearer to thy thought of what my life should be. Keep me from aimless hours and the weak drift of will which goes no whither and brings no results to pass. Let rest and pleasure serve for the renewal of my powers and give me strength of patience for disappointment and the long, unvarying hours of toil. Enlighten thou my mind, that I may understand the issues of my choice from hour to hour. Where I fail in wis- dom, let thy teaching bring me aid. When I fall, come thou to lift me up, and when I am discouraged, give me by assurance of thy love the undaunted faith which persists and overcomes. Establish thou the work of my hands, God, and let that which thou hast committed to me prosper and grow strong for the progress of thy kingdom and the glory of thy name. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 167 August 5 — Simple Living At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight. — Matt. 11 : 25. Lord, we thank thee that thou hast revealed thyself to babes and to the weak and simple of the earth. We bless thee that, though thou art un- searchable, yet the child's heart may know and dwell with thee, and that though thy words are deep, so that the wisest man cannot read all their meaning, yet they speak to the hearts of thy little ones so that they hear and trust. Keep us from the false subtle- ties of the world's wisdom, that we may feed upon thy pure word in childlike faith. Suffer us not to cumber our lives with many burdens, but may we be content with such things as thou hast provided, looking unto thee as our true joy and wealth. So may our hearts be at peace in the midst of the world's troubles through the indwelling of thy Spirit and the faith of Christ our Lord., Amen. August 6 — A Thanksgiving Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. . . . Let the field exult, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy before the Lord; for he cometh, . . . he shall judge the world with right- eousness, and the peoples with his truth. — Psalm 96 : 11. For the pleasant fruits of earth we thank thee, Father ! for health and sunlit days, for beauty and 168 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS for music, the refuge and delight of home, our strength to labor and our refreshment in repose. Thou art the sharer of our joy and grief, thy love illumines darkness and makes our burdens light, gives courage for overcoming, sustains our hearts in troubled hours. We thank thee for the brotherhood of men, for neighbors in the social life of earth, for the joy of friendship in which thou hast thy part; for high experiences and desires and for deliverance from our lower selves. Assist us to a cheerful and unfaltering courage, to gratitude and childlike faith, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered and enjoyed that he might lead us in the trials of this life and bring us home to thee. Amen. August 7 — A Day with God He that confesseth the Son hath the Father also. . . . If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal. — 1 John 2 : 23. In my morning thoughts, my Father, let me re- member that I am to walk all day with thee. Open my eyes to see life's opportunities and gifts in due proportion, that I may learn to choose and to refuse according to thy thought of good. Break the charm of every false lure and enable me to weigh the claims of every pleasure. Above all, my Father, permit me to be of service in thy world among thy children and to value love as the chief gift and power. Help me to self-mastery, that I may willingly dedicate my life to thee. For in thy Son I have seen most love, most joy of service, most self-giving for the help of PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 169 men, and I desire with all my heart to be like him. Abide with me and help my weakness with thy might. To this end endue me with thy Holy Spirit and let my life show forth fruits of his power. Amen. August 8 — In Life's Companionships Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through him. — 1 John 4 ' 7. Lord, we desire to be worthy of thy gifts and ready for the fulfilment of thy purpose in our lives. Let our blessings be admonitions, calling us to walk more worthily. We thank thee for the friendship thou hast offered and all the joy of fellowship with men. In proportion as our relations are intimate, teach us to make them pure. Show us thy love in the eyes of those who love us, thy help in the help that we receive. Enable us to give, even as thou hast given, delighting in opportunity and without delay, lest the severing night should fall. So be thou ever with us in the experience of affection and grant abundant strength and joy to every friend. Amen. August 9 — The Body's Gifts But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you . . . he shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. — Rom. 8 : 11. 170 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Spirit of God, who dwellest in the temple of our bodies, give us reverence for their purity and strength, that we may ever use them in thy service. We thank thee for the gates of knowledge which thou hast opened for us on the world — for sight and touch and hearing and every avenue of approach to thy ways and to our fellow men. Make us dili- gent scholars in thy school of thought and work. Keep us from the sins which waste and defile thy chosen dwelling-place — from slavery to passion, appetite and pride; from idleness that saps the strength of the heart; from anxiety and anger which eat out vigor of the mind. Make us watchful against evil, patient under infirmities, apt to use our strength in wisdom. So bring us through our years of pilgrimage in faith and cheerful obedience. And in the new life of thy presence make us like our risen and ascended Lord. Amen. August 10 — Peace in Perplexity A man's goings are established of the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — Psalm 37 : 23. Since thou alone art my confidence, Lord, and my security amid perplexities of thought about the world where thou hast sent me, strengthen my faith in thy love and wisdom, that I may with- stand all moods of depression and go upon my way with a serene and thankful heart. Let me live the Christlike life of communion with thee and of helpfulness toward men, and let the peace of Christ PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 171 dawn in my spirit and grow toward the full light of joy. Remember, Lord, all whose faith is over- whelmed or troubled and reveal thyself to them in personal acquaintance and loving confidence. As- sure our hearts that good-will is the hidden law while evil has but a little time to work. So let our strength increase as we rest our hearts in thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 11 — Going Forward Being therefore always of good courage . . . (for ice walk by faith , not by sight) : we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord. Wherefore we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him. — 2 Cor. 5 : 6. Lord, when thou biddest me go forward, let me not draw back nor be afraid. Choose thou my way and help me to walk in it with settled purpose. When I grow weary, let the assurance of thy love be rest. When the yoke seems hard to bear, teach me that it is thy method of efficiency. As thou hast trusted me with life and work, help me to bring my best powers to each task I have in hand for thee. Let me rejoice in opportunity and be wholly free from anxiety about results. Show me thine own ideal of living and let the vision never fade or perish from my thought. So may I handle the affairs of life with thought for others and continual sense of thy presence and thy care. And to thee, my Father, be praise for opportunity and strength and joy. Amen. 172 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS August 12 — The World-Wide Opportunity And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, go ye into all the world and preach the good tidings to the whole creation. — Mark 16 : H. With joy we come to thee, Lord, remembering thy message of love and mercy to the world. thou who didst so love men as to give thine only begotten Son, we bless thee that thou hast made us heralds of his joyful words. Help us not to keep the message in the limits of our home or land, but to give it forth for the needs of the whole world. May Christ's love constrain us, and with us all to whom we have committed work too large or distant for our own hands and words. We thank thee for the world-wide opportunity in which they and we are brought together for thy work. Take thou our gifts and prayers and make them effective for thy purposes. Bless with power and joy all those who labor in thy name, in body and spirit; in their teaching and their daily life. Bring many souls to the harvest of their toil. And let thy kingdom come. Amen. August 13 — Our Peace and Strength Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness; thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: be gracious unto me and hear my prayer. . . . But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for him- PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 173 self: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. — Psalm 4:1. Thou ever-loving Helper in our time of need, hear when we cry to thee and give us of thy peace and strength. Our refuge, our delight, the satisfaction of our desirous hearts, hide not thy face from us. Make us joyful in thy presence all day long, patient to serve and wait, strong in the faith, as becometh those who are called by the name of Christ. Teach us to pray, revealing in our hearts thy purpose for our lives and for the world. Pardon, uphold and use us for the coming of thy kingdom, increasing confidence and deepening love. So make us daily more like thee in will and word, for help of others and to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. August 14 — Self-Mastery But thou, man of God, . . . follow after righteous- ness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. — 1 Tim. 6:11. Let me, Lord, be master of myself in an ordered and helpful life, by thine assistance and to the honor of thy name. Let no sin have dominion over me, to bar the way of thy coming and cheat me out of the bounty of thy love and the peace of thine abiding. To this end give me a joyful and conquering faith that I may take life seriously as my appointed school of purity and strength. Suffer me not to postpone my struggle with the evil powers within, but, calling 174 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS on thy alliance, let me renew this moment my en- deavor, which, by the grace of thy Holy Spirit, shall become a transformation into the image of my Re- deemer and Example, Christ. And with each day's need and victory, the praise be thine, my helper and my shield. Amen. August 15 — The Claims of Brotherhood Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is . . . like the dew of Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. — Psalm 133 : 1. Enter not into judgment with us, Lord, though we have too often sinned against thee in uncharitable thought and word. Forgive us, in thy mercy, that we have spoken of our neighbors without kindness, while thou hast ever dealt with us in long-suffering compassion. Help us to seek truth and study right- eousness, but make us rather unsparing with our- selves than swift to mark the faults of others, and enable us to speak the truth in love. Teach us to honor the good name of other men as we would our own, to rejoice in their prosperity, to feel and cher- ish every claim of brotherhood and every oppor- tunity of kindness. Cleanse our hearts from every trace of malice, hatred and uncharitableness, and use us for thy service day by day, enabling us to forgive as we would be forgiven and to bless as we desire thy blessing. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 175 August 16 — Joy of the Childlike Heart The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heri- tage. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel; yea, my heart instructeth me in the night seasons. — Psalm 16 : 5. Lord Jesus Christ who didst begin thy work as a weak and helpless babe and through the experiences of childhood earnest to thy strength, bless, we be- seech thee, all little children and grant them joy and strength. May the teachable and joyful spirit of childhood which thou hast made the true mark of thy kingdom become the portion of all thy dis- ciples. As thou didst live for others, giving thy strength to bless and heal, may it become our joy to follow thy example. Let thy glory illumine every home and every friendship. Light of the world, whose dawning is our hope and joy, so dwell in us and overflow through us that the world may be brighter for our life. And hasten the full splendor of that day of peace of which the angels sang. Let our eyes see it, let our hearts experience it, in the delight and fellowship of thy love. Amen. August 17 — Lovers of Truth Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. . . . Create in me a clean heart, God; and renew a right spirit within me. — Psalm 51 : 6. 176 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thou who ever speakest truth and keepest faith with men, our Father and our Friend, help us with all our hearts to love sincerity and loathe falsehood. Teach us to be true in little things, in thoughts of the heart and words of the lips. Help us to avoid the little insincerities which make so large a part of life's temptations, to conform our words to thine own test of yea and nay, to deliver our souls from the snare of petty lying. Yet enable us to remember charity and kindliness that we may speak the truth in love, rather omitting utterance than forgetting patience and consideration. Show us the truth that makes man free, and let it burn as beacon and as invitation in our lives. And give us joy that clouds of falsehood never come between our hearts and thine. Through Christ whose word is truth. Amen. August 18 — Unselfishness Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another; for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. . . . And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, stablish, strengthen you. — 1 Pet. 5 : 5. Teach us unselfishness, thou who hast given us joy and strength in earth's labors through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reveal thyself, that we may know what love is, thou who hast sought us and in whom alone is the fulfilment of our heart's desire. Let not blind and foolish love of self enthrall us. Turn our eyes away from coveting, our thoughts from self-deception and our hearts from pride. Keep us PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 177 from a feigned humility, but give us true lowliness of mind. Enable us to get self out of the way of self, that we may give and not ask, have patience and not claim it, seek reality and hate illusion, labor for the coming of thy kingdom and not for the sweetness of man's praise. So, Lord, let thy life be born within us and grow to power and in thy mercy use our gifts to help the revelation of thy love. Amen. August 19 — Good Stewards of God's Gifts Above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love cover eth a multitude of sins: using hospitality one to another without murmuring: according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. — 1 Pet. 4 ' 8. Thou, true Wealth and Hope of men, our Father and the Fountain of all truth and grace, help us to use what thou hast given us of earthly good for righteousness and the upbuilding of thy kingdom. Take entire possession that our hearts may not be set upon any gift which belongs wholly to the earth. Teach us to manage our affairs as thy steward, that our thrift may not become a curse either to us or to thy poor. Let us not be lavish, lest we lose an opportunity of power, or mean, lest we bear false witness to thy work in us; or careless, lest we hurt where we desire to bless. Let not the love of money become a root of evil in our hearts and to this end give us a great love for the mercy and brotherly kindness revealed in the life and death of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen, 178 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS August 20 — Wisdom from Experience All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto. them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees; and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed. — Heb.12 : 11. Let grief and pain bring vision, G thou Giver of all good to men, that we may see thy face in our distress as of a near and sympathizing friend. When the clouds gather, let thy light shine clear. When the earth fails, assure us of our inheritance In Christ, begun already and eternal in the heavens. Let neither tears nor laughter blind our eyes, lest we should miss the tokens of thy presence in the changes of our time and the dear sense of fellowship with all our brothers of the common hope and joy. thou who art ever with us to uplift and comfort and inspire, show us more perfectly the meaning of earth's life that we may be devoted to the larger service and the higher love. So redeem us from all evil that we may serve thee joyfully. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 21 — A Stalwart Faith Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all that ye do be done in love. — 1 Cor. 16 : 13. For the strength Thou givest and that comes, from thee alone we ask in the name of him who was the PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 179 Son of Man, our brother and our friend. Let us not be weaklings in the earth, crippled with sin, blind with self-love, deaf to the higher voices, un- ready when our opportunity appears. Strengthen us with might in the inner man that we may be alert for thy confidence and effective instruments of thy purpose. We would be strong for thee, that w*e ma}^ do thy will: strong for others, that we may serve our generation while the day lasts: strong in faith and clear in purpose, looking out upon the world with open eyes and hearts exalted by our sympathy with men. So may we bear true witness of thy presence with us. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 22 — The Holy City He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. — Rev. 3 : 12. Give me some part, my Father, in making ready for the coming of thy holy city in the earth. Give me vision, lest I spend myself in transitory things. Open my eyes to see thee present with thy people, that I may keep a cheerful and courageous faith through all perplexing experiences. Make my heart serene and strong, as befits a citizen of thy dwelling-place that even now is coming down from heaven to earth. Kindle in my thoughts a whole- some discontent with folly and a righteous anger with injustice and neglect that spoil Christ's in- 180 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS heritance in man. And let the song of the heavenly Jerusalem echo in the joy of my heart as I go about thy work. Let the full triumph come when thou wilt, but let me joyfully remember that the time of thy desire and my endeavor is todajr. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 23 — Sustaining Strength As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord will save me. . . . God will hear, and answer them, even He that abideth of old. . . . Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. — Psalm 55 : 16. Source of all power and light, our Father in heaven, we thank thee for the sustaining strength which thou hast ever afforded us and by which we are kept from hour to hour. With desirous hearts we turn to thee for help to follow thy com- mandments and to fulfil thy thought of what our life should be. Open our eyes to see. Give pa- tience in doubt and trouble. Uphold us with tenacity of courage that we may devote ourselves willingly to all that thou hast given us to do. Let us not tremble and grow faint before the forces of the world. thou, our Refuge and our Hope, for thine own name's sake suffer us not to fall or be discouraged, but let thy mercy strengthen us con- tinually with the joy of Christ our Lord. Amen. August 24 — Our Pilot And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awoke PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 181 him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. — Matt. 8 : 2^. Lord, be thou our Pilot and shape our course what way thou wilt. Give us cheerful courage and never let us go moping to our trials. Be thou our Light and our Salvation and we shall never doubt our safe arrival at thy chosen port of joy. Let sunshine and clear weather remind us of thy pleasure in our joy, and when the storm breaks, help us to remember that it drives us faster home. Make our cheer de- pend upon thy presence and not upon what the day gives in outward seeming. And help us to be faith- ful workers and good companions of the voyage with thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 25 — In the Morning Watch Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer . . . who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments; then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. — Is. 48 : 17. Joy of the loving heart, God our Saviour who hast filled our lips with song, in the morning we would wake with thee. Give strength for toil, and hope in sorrow. Purify our hearts, that with all thy gifts we may have more of thee. Thou very present help and leader of our souls, show us more of thyself, that we may study to do thy will upon the earth. Aid and enable us to walk before thee in 182 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS faith and joyful obedience. Open our eyes to judge between good and ill and between the lesser and the greater things. Let no false word or enticing deceit mislead us, or any vain and distant hope withdraw our thoughts from present duty. So, by thy Spirit working in our hearts, transform our weak desires and faint beliefs into the strength of faithfulness, and build us anew in the image of thy Son. In his name. Amen. August 26 — Clear Vision And he opened the book and found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: he hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind . . . to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. — Luke 4:17; Is. 61 : 1. Lord, deliver us from our illusions — from the deceit of the flesh, the glamor of the world, the snares of temptation. Help us to see all clearly, as thou seest, in right form and true relations. Let us not mistake good for evil, or the lesser for the higher good of life. Yet, Lord, keep for us the simplicities of childhood and the poetry of the common life. May the teaching of experience in this school of thine own ordering on earth confirm our faith, increase our knowledge of thy purposes of love and glorify our visions. Let not our hearts grow cold or our thoughts hard, as we see through masks and shams to the reality of life. For of thee and of thy love and truth comes all charm as well as all reality. Show us these high beauties of the PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 183 earth and fit us by them to enjoy thy nobler gifts of beauty and of love when we go hence to dwell in thy house forevermore. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. August 27 — Our Need of God / will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. — Psalm 121 : 1. Touch our hearts, God our Father, with a deep sense of our continuing need of thee. thou who art the life of our life, we desire to know thee and to taste the comfort of thy presence. In the hour of our distress uphold us. Let thy blessing come to all petitioning souls, granting that which they need according to the measure of thy foreseeing love. Purge our hearts of all selfish wishes, that we may draw near in the full confidence of children. Deliver us and all men, we beseech thee, from hate and cruelty. Let our war-stricken earth become the kingdom of thy Son our Lord. And by the in- dwelling and communion of thy Holy Spirit teach us how to pray and how to live in the way of thy commandments. In the name of Christ. Amen. August 28 — Our Source of Strength For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. — 2 Chr. 16 : 9. 184 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Still be thou, Lord, our refuge and our resting place, the fountain of our strength, the source of our delight. Help us to abide in thy presence and show forth thy power. Forgive our lapses into selfishness and our forgettings, and let the glory of the life which thou hast given us to share keep us from love of sin. Enlarge our sympathies that we may understand the thoughts of our companions in the way. Teach us to be just and considerate with all men and brotherly in thought of our fellow-disciples. And may the divine example of our Lord work in us a spirit of reverence and a desire of holiness, that we may be children of the loving Father who sent him as healer and leader into our troubled and sinning w r orld. And these things we ask in his name. Amen. August 29 — Our Own Place and Work For I say, through the grace that was given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office; so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. — Rom. 12 : 3. Give us, Lord, our own true place and work on earth. Listen not to our vain wish that leans so quickly to presumption, but give according to thine own wise thought and love. Choose not too large a place, lest we be brought to shame before thee. Give not too small a place, lest we fail in that full measure PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 185 of service which is due. Choose thou, and fit us to the work which thou shalt choose. Help us to have large ambitions of fidelity and minds at peace in faith. May we enjoy our work, knowing that strength and wisdom are of thee and that thou re- joicest in thy children's joy. And may this life, spent in the way of thine appointment, fit us for that place which Christ our Lord has gone to prepare. Amen. August 30 — Heart Confidence My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, v)ho hath given them unto me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch aught out of my Father's hand. — John 10 : 27. Father in heaven, who ever makest provision for thy children's need, be with us in all hours of weari- ness. Cure our disheartenments by the medicine of our glad remembrance of thy care. In the day of our foreboding, be thou our refuge and content. thou who speakest to our hearts in solitude, help us to turn away from the tumults and excitements of the world, though it be but for a moment, that we may listen for thy voice and learn thy will, and give our hearts anew into thy keeping. Uphold and de- fend us in work and trial, and deliver us from trou- ble for thy name's sake. So plan thou our lot, and so reveal thyself in our hearts, that we may be ready to follow thee wherever thou goest with fearless hearts of faith. In the name of Christ. Amen. 186 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS August 31 — God Our Rest Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will de- clare what he hath done for my soul. . . . If I had re- garded iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not hear: but verily God hath heard; . . . Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his loving kind- ness from me. — Psalm 66 : 16. Speak to us, God, in words of calm and power that the troubled sea of our desires and griefs may be at rest. We have striven and failed. We have climbed and fallen, we have hoped and been disap- pointed, but we thank thee that we have never sought for thee with our whole heart but we have found thee close at hand. May all our purest and most intimate affections speak to us of thine en- during, all-embracing love. When we are weary, teach us to remember that thou weariest not. When we have failed lead us to take refuge in the thought of thy long-suffering pity and enduring righteous- ness. When we are overburdened and distressed, lift thou up our hearts to thee. In all experiences let thy completion meet and sustain our incomple- tion. Everywhere add gift to gift until our hearts are glad. So hold us, Lord, above the level of our doubts and fears, so quicken us to childlike trust, so glorify thyself in us through work and pleasure, life and death, that we may share the peace of God that passeth understanding. In the name of Jesus Christ, whom thou hast made our peace. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 187 September 1 — The Duties of a Man Then- the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will de- mand of thee and declare thou unto me. — Job Jfi : 6. He hath showed thee, man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. — Micah 6 : 8. Lord, thou hast made me a man; by thy favor and assistance help me to become a man after thine own heart, strong, just, fearless, resolute, considerate and kind. Make me like Christ in steadfast purpose and in brotherhood toward men. Give me thy light for guidance on my way, and let thy presence be my resort and confidence in weariness. Give me some- thing of the adventurous soul of youth, but increase in my heart that wisdom which thy Holy Spirit teaches. Give me friends in whose companionship I may both help and learn. Let me become a sharer of thy thoughts and give me that part which thou hast chosen for me in the building of thy kingdom. So let me have a man's place before thee, whether through life or death. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 2 — Transforming Drudgery And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and in understanding and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. — Ex. 31 : 1. What mean such mighty works wrought by his 188 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? and . . . are not his sisters here with us? — Mark 6:2. Lord of the eventful and the uneventful days, who art ever with us, so shape the voyage of our life in calm and storm that we may come at last to the port of thy eternal peace, free from all evil and cured of fear. We ask thee, in remembrance of our Lord's still years in Nazareth, that thou wouldst keep us faithful, even as he, in all the duties of our calling and the relations in which we live with men. Transfigure drudgery by the glory of thy presence. Uplift all the needful lowlinesses of our daily service into the air of heaven, where it is thy children's joy to do thy will. Accept the sacrifice of our renunciations and thanksgivings and satisfy our hearts with love and sustaining in our times of fear. So teach us to rest in thee, not seeking things too high for us, but reaching forth in faith and hope toward the fulfilment of thy purpose in the world. Amen. September 3 — Life without Anxiety For this is as the waters of Noah unto me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee. For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy upon thee. — Is. 54 : 9. God, who carest for us with a father's love, we come in our necessity of sin and weakness to ask PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 189 provision for this day and faith to rest our hearts on thee for all the years. We would learn to live with- out anxiety, even as Christ required. Feed us with bread sufficient for us. Help us to take thy gifts with thankful hearts, not complaining that they are too little, but seeking in them the full joy and good thou hast intended for us. We thank thee for yesterday, when thou didst sustain us. We bless thee for thy presence today and for the assurance of thine unceasing love and care. We seek thy presence and thy blessing for the days to come. thou who completest our insufficiency and fillest up the measure of our need with punctual and un- failing good, reveal thyself and let thy kingdom come! In the name of Christ. Amen. September 4 — The Coming of Good Will Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. . . . But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, with- out hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace. — James 3 : 13. Lord, we thank thee for thy wondrous gift of love and divine mercy and new hope and a con- tinuing comradeship with Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord. Let his coming in our hearts bring joy and gladness as when the angels sang above the fields of the shepherds and Mary watched the wise men at the cradle of the child. Teach us the lesson of good will that was proclaimed when he gave his 190 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS life for men, and enable us to make our lives a gift of helpful service. Forgive us all withholdings of our hearts and hands in which we have denied com- panionship with the ministrant life of Christ, and enable us to be constant and patient in our thoughts for others. So let our work be approved in thy sight and our joy abound as a witness to the world of thy great gift. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 5 — The Honor of Work Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord. . . . Blessed are those servants whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. — Luke 12 :S5. Father, whose will it was that thy dear Son should be born to poverty and that he should work with his own hands for bread, we thank thee for the honor thou hast paid to the estate of labor in which we also have our part. As love of those for whom he toiled brought Jesus heart's content; as he grew weary and found rest sweet; as all experience brought him near to thee; so may we also, through thy loving care, have, cheer in toil and rest of heart. Though our reward be little, let sharing make it sweet. May we take thy gifts with thankfulness in all simplicity of faith and confidence of hope. Keep our souls clean of covetousness. Increase our de- light in thee that we may cease to envy others to whom thou hast given the lesser gifts in larger measure. So may our joy bear witness and our PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 191 honest labor recommend our Lord. And pardon our transgressions for his sake. Amen. September 6 — For Social Justice Woe unto him that birildeth his house by unrighteous- ness . . . that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth him not his hire. . . . Shalt thou reign because thou viest with the cedar? Did not thy father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Was not this to know me? saith the Lord. — Jer. 22 : 13. God most merciful, teach us to be considerate, just and true in all relations with our neighbors. Bring our hearts in willing obedience under thy law of fellow-service and good will. Guard our thoughts and acts, lest we have part in the oppression of the poor or in refusal of justice to those who have had lesser opportunities than ours. May the uplift of all the people be our innermost desire. Make us good workmen, good neighbors, seeking gain for others as well as for ourselves, patient under trials, rejoicing in the promise of thy kingdom and seeking its ful- filment in the brotherhood of men. Deliver our na- tion from envy, coveting and hatred, and help us to use all thou hast given us for the good of all. In the name of Christ our Brother. Amen. September 7 — The Transforming Spirit And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened. — Luke 13 : 20. 192 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Spirit of the Living God, thou Master Builder of the redeemed and holy character of men, dwell in my heart, I pray thee, and transform my will until it seeks the highest good of all. Control and purify my affections, until thy love finds echo in my love and all my friendships are glorified. Direct my thoughts, until they reflect thy thoughts as in a serene and living stream. Let not sin have dominion over me, or doubt disturb my joy, or the complex- ities and cares of life destroy my simplicity of faith and love. Use me, God, in thy great work on earth. Let me share Christ's joy in mercy and in service. Make the earth bright in stormy days with the sunlight of thy presence and lead me in thy way of peace and strength. In the name of Christ. Amen, September 8 — Bringing Forth Fruit By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bring eth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bring eth forth evil fruit. . . . Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. — Matt. 7 : 16. Thy desire be my desire, Lord, thy will my will, that thou mayest be glorified in my bringing forth much fruit. Help me to cherish great ambitions in thy service, an unquenchable enthusiasm, a watch- ful perseverance. Let me not seek great honor or a worshiped name, but with all my heart desire to live up to the limit of my capacity for service. Let thy trust in me become my glory. Let me see all things in relation to thy kingdom and Christ as Lord of all. Give me broad and deep thoughts of thy sympathy PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 193 in both sorrow and delight. Help me to give myself to others with like joy and freedom. So may the peace of heaven's pure service begin for me in willing service to thy children here on earth. Amen. September 9 — Peace in Perplexity This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. ... taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him. fear the Lord, ye his saints; for there is no want to them that fear him. — Psalm 34- : 6. We thank thee, in our perplexities, God, that there is no perplexity with thee. thou that knowest the end from the beginning and in love hast made all souls whom thou hast made, into thy hands we would commit our uncertain way, that by thy guidance all our going may be made sure. Since perfect vision is beyond our reach, give us the faith and peace of the childlike heart. Forgive us our dis- trusts and all the sins and follies which have made darkness in our souls; and shed abroad thy light for revelation and for joy. thou, unchangeable in love, delighting in mercy, bringing good to pass where evil seemed to triumph, let us never despair or give back in the conflict; but bring victory, we be- seech thee, that it may be the foretaste of thy king- dom and grant us that open vision thou keepest for the pure in heart. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 10 — The Antidote to Worry Behold he that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. . . . The Lord will keep thee 194 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS from all evil; he will keep thy soul. The Lord will keep thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and for evermore. — Psalm 121 : 4- O Lord, my God, teach me to distinguish and di- vide, for I know I have never gained by worry, though I have often lost by lack of needful care. Help me that I may not go burdened when thou wouldst have me free, or become heedless where thou hast commanded me to watch and be sober. Let the foundation of my trust be in thy loving mercy and the motive of my care in a desire for better service. Teach me to forget myself in thinking of the work thou givest me to do and thus in quietness of heart let me have rest and strength. Set me wholly free from anxieties which spring out of the vanities and falsities of the earth, that I may walk in the sim- plicity of heart which becomes thy child, free from all grumblings, impatient agitations of spirit, envy- ings, jealousies and suspicions, with joy and glad- ness and a grateful heart for all thy gifts. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 11 — Intercession See that none render unto any evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good / one toward another and toward all. Rejoice always; pray with- out ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ to you-ward. — 1 Thess. 5 : 15. Lord, whose promise is that no true prayer shall fail of blessing, help us to keep on praying, though our wishes seem to fail or be postponed. We have asked thee often for the coming of thy kingdom; PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 195 hear us, as we pray once more that it may come. May it come first in our own hearts, that we may enter into thy most wise and loving thoughts and learn to do our part toward the fulfilment of our prayers. Forget not those whom we have com- mended to thy mercy again, and yet again. Assure our faith that it shall be well with them. Speak to our hearts while we wait before thee, that we may go forth with joyful and obedient alacrity, armed for all trials and ready to be watchful in all opportunities of love and service. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 12 — The Measure of Life And that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and holiness of truth. — Eph. 4 •" 23. Our Heavenly Father, in thy love and thy com- mandments would we find the true measure of the life thou hast given us. Teach us, walking in thy way, to know the joy of going forward; having thy gifts, to share the peace of a child's faith and hope. We desire through the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit, to become familiar with the ways of thy household and quick in sympathy with all that thou art doing in the earth. Keep us from mistaking other mea- sures of life's worth for thine. Give us the art of brotherly living, after the pattern of Jesus Christ our Lord. Fulfil to us in thine own time the joy thou hast promised them who love thee and make our hearts warm with the true answering love of children to their father. And .these great gifts we ask of thee through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 196 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS September 13 — The Alert Disciple And he cometh and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, steepest thou? Couldst thou not watch one hour? Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. — Mark. 14 : 37. Lord, who hast given us eyes to see and hearts to meditate upon the things which concern thy kingdom, help us to be always watchful lest we fail in that which thou hast committed to our care. Let us not be overcome of sudden evil, and strengthen thou our hearts against the constant allurement of our easily-besetting sins. Show us thy thought of the proportion of our lives lest in grasping little things we lose the best. Give quick discernment of the purpose of thy love, that we may always work with thee. May no opportunity of helpfulness escape our thought because of careless ease or greed of pleasure. Help us to be strong and glad, to watch for Christ's appearing as our glorious hope. And keep thou our hearts in constant peace. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 14 — God the Fountain And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, . . . and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. — Rev . 22 : 1. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 197 Thou, true Fountain of all life and light, our Father and our loving and unfailing Help, without thee we are poor and sorrowful but in thy service we would be made strong and free. Aid and establish us in the work which thou hast given us to do, refresh us in our weariness, give peace of heart and fill us with good courage and delight in helpful- ness through all the changes of our days. Blessed be thou, our Loving Father, for all the joys that we have known, for victories won, uplifting after sinful falls, for the rich outpouring of thy life in Jesus Christ our Lord, for simplicity of faith, peace of the trustful heart and joy of brotherhood. None can replace thee, none can exhaust thee; in thy abundance may our souls have confidence and rest. Make us channels of thy grace and help to others, according to thy mercy, and let thy king- dom come, Lord of Love. Amen. September 15 — God's Will for Us Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to "please God, even as ye do walk, — that ye abound more and more. . . . For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. — 1 Thess. 1^:1. Fulfil thine own desire in me, Lord my God, that thou mayest find delight in my swift growth toward the perfection of my nature. Weary of my own desires which lead to disappointment or leave my spirit open to the lure of swift temptation, let my thought henceforth be the thought which thou hast of me and for me. Give me a better measure of 198 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS the worth of life, that I may discern between trivial- ities and the great concerns of thy kingdom. And assure my heart of thy love more perfectly. While I know that I am precious in thy sight, let me not think too meanly of myself or become blind to op- portunities which thou hast set before me. And let my love have the warmth and strength of this as- surance of faith in Christ through busy and through quiet days. Amen. September 16 — For a Responsive Heart When thou saidst, Seek ye my face: my heart said unto thee. Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face from me: put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; cast me not off, neither forsake me, God of my salvation. — Psalms 27 : 8. Give us responsive hearts, God our strength, calling us where and to what work thou wilt. Make us swift to welcome new adventures in thy world of fresh experience and -continual growth. Have pity on our hindering weakness and rid us of the burden of our sin. Where thou hast hedged us in, we thank thee that thy heavens of prayer are open for our desire to be with thee in all thy w T ork for man. By thy favor may we run gladly on the way, seeking new opportunities, led as thou choosest, assured of thy sustaining and the fellowship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give us this joy of venturing forth and the continual delight of using thine own gifts for thee. So enable us to help our brothers in earth's need and to reflect a little of thy light into the shadowed places. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 199 September 17 — The Upward Look magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him and were lightened; and their faces shall never be confounded. — Psalm 34 : 3. Thou who art ever at hand to hear our cry, always pitiful and never forgetting, keep thou our hearts at peace in all busy and troubled hours. When we have no time for petition, let our least thought that runs to thee find welcome and response. Measure not thy forgiveness by the imperfection of our ask- ing, nor thy mercy by the multitude of our neglects, but grant us help and joy according to thine infinite and patient love. When cares lie heavy upon us, sustain us by thy might. When clouds are dark above us, let the sunlight of thy love strike through. Let there be no throng too great for the sense of thy companionship, no work too absorbing to shut out thoughts of thee. In the hour of swift temptation may we turn swiftly to the ever-open way that leads us home. Shine brighter and clearer, thou our light, to the perfect day of thy full presence. Amen. September 18 — The Source of Strength He that walketh righteously and despiseth the gain of oppressions . . . shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. — Is. 33 : 15. 200 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Lord God, who knowest the ways of all, so in thy mercy guard us against the weakness and forgetful- ness of our own hearts that we fall not into grievous sins of wish or thought. Let thy light shine clearly, that the false lights of sin's illusion may not deceive us and that we may see all things that are needful for our good. Teach us to recognize evil at its first coming and give no open door. Bring order out of the confusion of our thoughts, and simplicity out of their complexity. Help us to fill our lives with thy love, thy mercy in Christ, thy kingdom; and with desires and endeavors of good to men. So let there be no longer room in our hearts for transgression or complaining; but for love and joy and peace. For thou art our good and by thy life we live. Amen. September 19 — As Lights in the World Do all things without murmuring s and questionings ; that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and per- verse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. — Phil. 2 : 14- Thou who hast made us lights in the world, help us to shine for others through the indwelling of thy holy Light. Keep our hearts from evil and our lips from guile, and may no pride or folly dim the shining of thy presence in our souls. Make us like thyself, Christ, and may the influence of our daily lives be for thy glory. Let thy Good Spirit guide our thoughts and words and thy true light be clear for joy and servdce all our days. For thou art our Light and Hope forevermore. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 201 September 20 — The Sin of Envy But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate; and the rich in that he is made low; because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and wither eth the grass; . . . so shall the rich man fade away in his goings. — James 1:9. Deliver us, God, from the sin and torment of envious souls and teach us to be just and loving in our thoughts of others. Hast thou not work for all? Oh, strengthen us to carry through what thou hast given us as our share of endeavor for the up- building of thy kingdom! Satisfy our hearts with thy presence and the assurance of thy just award when most we crave or miss the praise of men. Let not our failures tempt us to grudge the triumphs of our brothers. thou, who art the judge of all men's deeds, our Father and helper in the trials of our lives, be thou our light upon the disappoint- ments of the earth. We thank thee for the fellow- ship of thy great family. Enable us to love our brothers generously and sincerely, rejoicing in their good and giving honor to their labors. Be thou our deepest satisfaction and reward, and let thy kingdom come. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 21 — The Obedient Heart Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace which is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, as children of obedience . . . like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of 202 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS living; because it is written , Ye shall be holy, for I am holy. — 1 Pet. 1 : 13. Cure us, God our Father, of that blind willful- ness which has so often led astray from thee. Help us to make a full surrender of our will to thine, to follow in the way of thy commandments stead- fastly for thy love's sake. Make thy will plain and give us strength to do it. In all renunciation which thy wisdom asks leave us no hiding place of self- deception, nor let us doubt or fear the purpose of thy love. Be pitiful toward the weakness of our flesh and spirit and lead us by the hand, lest we should slip and fall and turn again toward that which thou hast forbidden. Give us grace to do thy will with joy, and not with grudging, leaving all needs and wishes of our hearts and lives to thee, whose love is our eternal hope. And unto thee, through Christ, be praise. Amen. September 22 — Taking Thought for Others We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. . . . Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. — 1 John 3 : H. Thou who understandest me altogether and art acquainted with all my griefs, give me also an understanding and a sympathizing heart. Father and Lover of us all, teach thy children to take thought one for another. Let me not center my life in self and be careless of others. Quicken in me a love like thine and make me a true brother in PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 203 thy house of life. Thou hast set limits to my power to aid, yet I thank thee that thine own power is infinite and that, by me or by another, thy purposes of mercy shall not fail. Teach me neither to be sluggish nor impatient, and let me have for a reward of suffering and loss, that they shall draw me nearer those whom thou hast made my fellows in the school of grief. Assure my heart that there is peace at last and joy that cannot perish in thy house. Amen . September 23 — Holding on Our Way Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. . . . Take thy part in suffering hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life: that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. — 2 Tim. 2:1. Lord, let me hold thy way, though it lead through the valley of the shadow of death, and let thy presence give me strength to endure to the end. Thou, who hast foretold trouble, show me its mean- ing for my growth and for my service to the needs of others. Let me not, I beseech thee, pass this way, by which all the children of the Father come, and bring no profit from the experience. Nor let me mourn my lost treasures and opportunities as if I had no life. but that which is sustained by earth's bread and rejoiced by earth's delight. Make the bread of thy word real to my hunger and the joy of thy communion satisfying to my thirst through Christ who loved me and gave himself for me. And to thy name be praise. Amen, 204 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS September 24 — Our Life God's Plan Thou whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth . . . and said unto thee, Thou art my servant f I have chosen thee and not cast thee away: fear not thou, for I am with thee; look not around thee, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. — 7s. J^l : 9. God, who didst plan and make man in thine own image and send thy Son to share our life and death, help us to fulfill thy thought of pure and holy lives. Care for our bodies, enrich and inform our minds, quicken our spirits by the indwelling of thy holy life. Pardon our sins for Jesus' sake. Make us gentle, brave and true, patient and strong in self- restraint, and swift to minister to others in their need. We rejoice in our humanity because it is always open to thy touch and care. Abide with us that our hearts may be at rest in thee. Make of us men and women after thine own heart. Give us thy work to do on earth and open to us the riches of the inheritance of thy life. For the sake of Christ, the Son of Man, our Lord. Amen. September 25 — For the Poor and Troubled But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue, but in deed and in truth. — 1 John 3 : 17. God, the Father and Helper of us all, who hast made us almoners of thy bounty by the gifts of thy PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 205 mercy for which we give thee thanks, remember at this time we beseech thee, in the name of him who for our sakes chose poverty and had not where to lay his head, all those who are in want and distress among our neighbors and in the whole wide brother- hood of the world. Be thou the father of the father- less and a helper and upholder of the weak. Teach us the sympathy of heart that makes us considerate, open-eyed for others' need and open-handed in our ministries. Remember especially with wisdom, courage, faith and love all the faithful ministers to the needy in all our cities, towns and villages. Awaken in us a deeper sense of social justice and keep us from sins of greed and from all hardening of the heart through selfishness. Remember those who live in poverty of soul and rouse them to their op- portunity of sharing in thy higher gifts. And make us thankful in thy provision for our need which clears our way to do our work in life. In the name of Christ. Amen. September 26 — Guarding the Tongue But the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made in the image of God: out of the same mouth Com- eth forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. — James 3:8. Keep us, God, in continual remembrance of thy mercy, that we may never fall into censorious judg- ments or the folly of unkind words. So impress our minds with the need of diligence that we may labor joyfully in the work to which thou hast called us 206 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS and find no room for malice or spitefulness. Teach us to hold judgment in suspense, while charity runs freely. We thank thee that thou knowest us alto- gether, thou most loving and most just! Let all our relations with our fellows be those of brotherhood and may we seek the deeper experiences of our lives in kindly social relations. So may we ever dwell with thee, who art the Father of our spirits and with thy Son, the elder brother of us all. In his name. Amen. September 27 — Joy Unspoiled Who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice. . . . Receiving the end of your faith , even the salvation of your souls. — 1 Pet, 1 :5. Let the joy of my heart be found in that which thou approvest, my God, that it may endure un- spoiled through all the changes of the world. Let me neither dread nor forget the immortal life in which the fruits of present thought and action shall ap- pear, lest I live as the beasts live, only for today. I thank thee for the deeper workings of thy purpose, which keep so much in store for days to come. And I thank thee also, for the joys and opportunities of this good day which thou hast given. Help me to make the most of it, in work and play, with simple faith and a quiet heart. And may some of its thoughts and experiences afford me happy memo- ries. So keep me from the taint of sin, the fever of distrust, and let my life be Christlike in its joy and service. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 207 September 28 — In the Middle Watch Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him and he will bring it to pass. And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, and thy justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him that prosper eth in his way. — Psalm 37 : 5. Lord, have mercy on us in the middle watch, when the darkness is about us and the light of thy prom- ise seems far away in the delaying morn. Give us thy presence for prophecy and cheer. Teach us to weigh the values of present attainment and the hopes of deeper power and joy that are set before thy chil- dren. Teach us thine own patience with the slow movement of the years and the delays of our experi- ence in faith and hope. While we feel the power of the monotonies of life, yea, even though we ourselves are weary, let us turn to share our comforts with our neighbor and to aid him in his disheartened hours. So between human and divine companionships, may we go forward with high courage and with unshrink- ing confidence, finding the marks of our Elder Brother in the changes and adventures of the way. In his name. Amen. September 29 — Remembering God And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God hath led thee . . . to prove thee, to know what was in thy heart, . . . and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna . . . that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by everything that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. — Deut. 8:2. 208 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS God, who hast made thy presence known in the experiences of our common life, help us to seek and find thee in the affairs of every day and to interpret all that we see by thy purposes of love toward thy children. Let bread on our common tables remind us of him whom thou didst send for the bread of our spirit's life; and the cup, of his sacrifice for our sal- vation. Teach us to find thee in our daily work and to ask thy fellowship in recreation. Deepen our thoughts of life and even of the despised or forgotten things that serve our need from hour to hour. Keep us from contempt, knowing that all things have meaning in thy thought and serve thy holy will. So let the spirit of reverence and the desire for knowledge light the way in which we walk with thee. Amen. September 30 — The Trial of the Furnace That the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. — 1 Pet 1 : 7. Not unto us, Lord, be glory for the victories thou hast enabled us to win, but to the overcoming love of Christ and the good leading of thy Holy Spirit. Thou hast tried us as silver is tried and if we have come forth from the furnace purified, we thank thee that in these very experiences we may show some reflection of thy life and light. In thine own time, in thine own way, transform us wholly into PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 209 the image of thy helpful life and perfect love. We ask not for prosperity, lest it should prove a snare. We dare not ask for trial lest it prove too heavy for our feeble strength and we fall under the yoke of sin. Lead us not into temptation, our Father! but, in all trials thou dost wisely send, stand at our side and make us more than conquerors through him that loved us. Amen. October 1 — The Building Years Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, . . . howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. — 2 Tim. 2 : 15. Let all my years on earth be building years, God, that by thy mercy I may have a part in thy great plan and that thy glory may appear in what I do. Be thou my Architect and as thou hast made me, bring thy work to its perfection, for thine own honor and desire. I thank thee for my work and for the freedom which makes it a delight. Give me strength to do my part and patience to continue in it. Make me a good comrade to my fellow-workers, swift to applaud, slow to complain, thinking no evil. When my part is ended and thou callest another to my place, let me be glad at heart, with- out envy and without disappointment, knowing that the work is thine and that thy power ensures its perfecting. So prosper Thou my building and make mv joy abound. In the name of Christ. Amen. 210 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS October 2 — The Proportion of Life But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the love of God: but these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. — Luke 11 : 1$. Make me in love, God, with some large end of living, that in seeking to attain I may find new interpretations of thy loving will. Keep me in unity of heart, however it may fall to my lot to have my efforts scattered here and there in varying tasks. Where I see only life's confusion, work out for me in thy lovingkindness a larger simplicity and a true proportion. Give me an unwavering faith in thy desire for thy children's holiness. I would be faith- ful to the vision which thou thyself hast shown me of my true work in life; but first, in singleness of heart and joyful lowliness, would serve thee even in little tasks and daily self-denials. So accept the sacrifice I bring in the name of Christ, my Lord and Brother, and overrule even my failures and short- comings, in thy mercy, for the greater good of thy loving purpose and desire for the help of the world. Amen, October 3 — The Childlike Heart And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was filled with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 211 little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. — Mark 10 : 13. My Father, I thank thee that when I am weary alike of the folly and the wisdom of the world, its labor and its grief, I may come home to thee and find myself once more a child, to be comforted, up- lifted and guided into truth. Thou most restful, Home of souls, and Father of the poor! in thee would I take refuge from my own perplexities of soul. I would learn of thee to wait with patience, love with sincerity, and expect the best from others. Draw me to thee, even as a mother heartens and comforts her discouraged child. Give me according to my need — nay, rather, Lord, provide for needs thou seest according to thy love. Let me do my work in this simplicity of heart; and though I mingle with the noisy world, yet may I still in spirit abide in quietness with thee. And make this childhood of my heart joyful with the very joy of Christ. Amen. October 4 — The Light of Life I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.— John 8 : 12. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. — Matt. 5 : 1/+. Light of the World, whose glory shines in the face of Jesus Christ, grow in our darkness to the splendor of thy perfect day! Thou who dwellest in mystery of light! we would reach up toward thee in full assurance of thy presence and thy will to 212 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS make us pure. Disperse our fears. Transform our ambitions. Teach us to leave the paths of shadow for the way of truth. Help us to trust thee wholly and to take each step thy wisdom shows in quiet confidence and joyful hope, assured of thee whatever else may fail. May the revelation of thyself through us grow ever clearer as we walk with thee. Let it shine in common things and quiet hours, from thee to us; from us, by thee, to those who need and see thee not, that we may show thy glory and be made partakers of the joy of Christ. Amen. October 5 — The Law of Kindness Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. — Matt. 7 : 1. Let not my lips, God, offend against thy law of kindness and let my heart be free from all un- charitable thoughts toward men. Because thou lovest me, in spite of all the evil I have done, help me to love even my enemies with something of thy patient kindliness, knowing that thou also lovest them. Help me to be sure that I am just before I venture to condemn, and may I not blame others for sins of which I have myself been guilty in thy sight. Give me a discriminating anger which shall never break loose from the grip of love. Teach me to look for good in all I meet and welcome every sign of its appearance with gratitude to thee who art the fountain of all truth and righteousness in heaven and earth. For Jesus' sake. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 213 October 6 — The Sacredness of the Common- place There is a lad here who hath jive barley loaves and two fishes, but what are these among so many? . . . Jesus took therefore the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would. — John 6:9. Touch our hearts with gratitude, God, in the remembrance of thy mercy as we go about our com- mon ways and use the needful gifts of earth. Help us to recognize thy presence in very little things and may we turn familiar experience to heartfelt praise. Let the shadow of the leaves speak to us of thy protecting care, the glory of the sky suggest thy loving majesty, the provision of the fruits of the earth thy bounty. Help us to be happy because we are thy children. In labor be at our right hand — our rest of soul, our helper and our friend. In play uplift our hearts with sweet content that thou art near with sympathy and care. Let beauty fill our souls with wondering gladness in remembrance of thy power. Guard us in sleep from evil dreams and keep in us through waking hours the childlike heart that sings in fearless hope and faith and love. Through Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, our Bringer of Joy, our Lord of Hope. Amen. October 7 — Venturing With God For thou wilt light my lamp: the Lord my God will lighten my darkness. For by thee I run through a troop: and by my God do I leap over a wall. — Psalm 18 : 28. 214 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS With thee would we adventure, thou who hast gone before to try and prove the ways of man. We thank thee that thou art flesh of our flesh, our brother and forerunner, true Son of man as well as Son of God. Give us courageous hearts to undertake some work of loving gratitude for thee. Make us strong to overcome, patient to endure, joyful in thy companionship all the day long. Lord, thou knowest our weariness, give us hearts at rest that we may help and cheer our brothers in the way. We bless thee for those who have gone before; for their example of faith, their works of love and for their witness that led us to put our confidence in thee. Forgive our sins of omission and neglect, of selfish grasping at the things of earth and our f orgetfulness of thee, and build thine image in our hearts. Amen. October 8 — Our Refuge and Our Rest Return unto thy rest, my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. — Psalm 116 : 7. Unto thee, Lord, I turn when I am weary of myself. Give my heart rest in the thought that thou knowest me altogether and yet that thy love does not fail. Deny me not nor reject that which thou hast made nor forsake me in my time of need. Let me with true repentance come to thee with each new vision of myself. Give me thy peace, and leave me never to a benumbing self-satisfaction. Open my eyes that I may see good as thou seest it and do good as Jesus did on earth for love of thee and men. Make me what thou hast thought of me and save PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 215 me from the defeat which my own folly brings. So shall I praise thee for thy lovingkindness and the life which thou hast given me shall bear fruit richly to thy glory. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 9 — The Social Hope Forasmuch therefore as ye trample upon the poor, and take exactions from him of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them. . . . For I know how manifold are your transgressions, and how mighty are your sins — ye that afflict the just, that take a bribe, and that turn aside the needy in the gate from their right. — Amos 5 : 11. Help us, our Heavenly Father, to remember brotherly love and kindness in all meetings and re- lationships of earth. We thank thee that thou hast made us of one family, with common needs and like experiences; but we confess with sorrow that we are continually tempted to build walls of exclusion and towers of selfishness to shut away our brothers. Forgive this folly of our earth-encumbered souls, and help us to be just and loving, pitiful and gra- cious, loving our neighbor and honoring thee in for- getfulness of self. Come, Lord, and overturn among our social usages, our prejudices and fastidious tastes, until the clear horizon of thy justice shines and our true love toward thee finds outlet in joyful service to our neighbor. So let thy kingdom fully come, first in the hearts of Christians, then in a world transformed by the indwelling of thy just and loving Spirit. In the name of Christ, the Elder Brother of all loving hearts. Amen. 216 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS October 10 — The Characters of Love Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not pro- voked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in un- righteousness, but rejoiceth in the truth. — 1 Cor. 13 : 4> Thou, whose light upon the way, whose help in times of need have guided and sustained me, make me thy messenger of light and strength to others in the troubled way. Give me the patience and desire of good which are the characters of love. Thou hast encouraged and upheld me, let me never cast a shadow of discouragement for others by harsh cen- sure or words of faithless discontent. Thou Light and Love of all, let comfort of thy presence and joy- ful confidence of faith be all men's portion in thine own good time and way. Thanks be unto thee, God, for thy great gift of life, for the immortal hope and daily cheer, the brotherhood of faith in which the Lord Christ is the pattern, head and crown. Amen. October 11 — Our Need of Patience 1 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. — Eph.4: 1. Remember not, God, our manifold transgres- sions, nor let thy just and righteous condemnation fall upon us. Thou hast been patient with us, lo, these many days; forsake us not, neither leave us PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 217 to ourselves in anger. We thank thee that thou art loving and ready to forgive; hear us when we come repentant to thy mercy seat and give us strength and peace. Teach us thy patience with our brothers of the earthly life and help us to forgive even as we ask to be forgiven. May we be slow to wrath, considerate of the needs and the thoughts of others, hoping all good and ready to do our part in making and in keeping peace. Arm us against the little ills and worries of our lives. Make the long days serene and keep the hurrying hours from interposing work or pleasure between us and thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 12 — In the Hour of Trial But thou, Lord , knowest me; thou hast seen me and tried mine heart toward thee. ... 7/ thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? — Jer. 12 : 3. Thou through whom alone we have power to overcome our manifold temptations, we thank thee that thou art ever present to give strength to our failing wills. Lead us not into temptation; but when thou sufferest it to come upon us help us so to bear ourselves that we may win thine approval and be worthy of our high calling as thy children. Give us vision beyond the immediate horizon of our passionate desires, remembrance of thy com- mandments, lively concern for the good of others who must help to pay the price of our evil doing. Let the 218 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS sun of thy love put out the lights of sin's allure- ment and bring the dawn of the full day in which we desire to walk with thee. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our need and triumph was tempted and overcame. Amen. October 13 — Joyful Assurance Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . . let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works. — Heb. 10 : 22. We thank thee, our Father in heaven, for the as- surance of thy love in every day's experience. We bless thee that thou hast kept our feet in peril, crowned our lives with good, enriched our hearts with friendships that have made the earth a place of joy and service, given us the comfort of thy presence, with assurance of growing knowledge and light at eventide. We thank thee that beyond earth's trials thou hast prepared for us a home where we shall serve thee with delighted hearts, untried by earth's perplexities of doubt and false desire. Keep us, even now, in the spirit of that purer life, that thy will may be done in our hearts as it is done in heaven. And to thy name be praise through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. October 14 — Power in Helplessness For the time will fail me if I tell of . . . David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 219 . . . from weakness were made strong. — Heb. 11 : 32. Endue our helplessness with power, Spirit of the Living God, that we may be serviceable children of our Heavenly Father. From thee cometh life — our knowledge of the will and way of God, courage to venture, strength to endure. Thou Living Spring, that fails not in our drought of heart, pour from the fulness of thy holy might all that we need. Teach us to expect great gifts. Uphold our spirits and enable us to overcome the world. We thank thee for the promise which is our inheritance in Christ. We would do all thou askest by the assistance of thy plenitude of power, Thou from whom help cometh! Aid and sustain us, calling to repentance and confirming in the grace of Christ. And let the kingdom of his holiness come in. Amen. October 15 — Going on With God Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God. Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the noisy throng on the mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salva- tion of Israel. — Jer. 3 : 22. Lord, I thank thee that when I am thinking of my lapses and forgettings thou art planning for my repentance and return. Be thou my hope, my strength for new endeavor and my joy of over- coming. For thy fatherly heart of love, thy pa- tience that turns not away, the ever-open door that leads to thee I give thanks with all my heart. Teach 220 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS me courage to venture and to climb, faith which looks forward cheerfully because it grows out of thy love rather than mine, a will to conquer, by thy good help and favor, at any cost to my present self. Let all changes of the years but serve to lead me home to thee and all experiences enrich my memory with thoughts of thy unfailing goodness. And in each new beginning, if thou go not with me carry me not up thence. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 16 — Fellow-Workers With God And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, God hav- ing provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. — Heb. 11:39. Lord, have mercy upon thy children, who through infirmity of body, darkness of soul, or the oppression of others have no joy in work. Give them the light of thy presence, transforming drudg- ery. We thank thee that thou hast not left even the weakest to himself but dost ever perfect what we undertake for love of thee and of thy children. For- give us if by injustice or want of thought we have laid burdens upon any. Teach us to look upon every man as our brother and to desire equal opportunity for all. Show us that our work allies us to all great servants of thy will and to thyself. Give us faith to wait thy revelation of the full meaning of our lives and give us also something of the joy of work that we may return each morning to our task with cheer- ful faces and hearts at rest in thee. Amen. , PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 221 October 17 — The Water of Life Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. — Is. 55 : 1. Out of thy fulness, Lord, content our longing souls with good. Thou Fountain whence all our sat- isfaction flows, give us delights that shall not fail — streams of thy bounty and sweet waters of thy love. Mingle thj r blessing with every cup of sorrow and of joy. Keep from our lips all poisonous draughts of sin. satisfy us early with thy mercy and make thy presence our portion day and night. Transform our pleasures by thy presence. Scatter our fears in confidence of faith. Give strength in grief and up- hold us in all needful cares of earth, that our spirits may be unperturbed and our hope grow strong by experience of thy grace. We thank thee that thou hast called us to come and take of the water of life freely, and in the name of Christ we come. Amen. October 18 — The Word of Life Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path. . . . Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes forever, even unto the end. — Psalm 119 : 105. Thou who hast spoken to the hearts of a thou- sand generations through the written Word, teach us to find our special message in its pages. Aid us to come with faith and hope and an expectation 222 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS founded on thy promises. Let thy Good Spirit be our teacher, convincing us of sin and taking of the things of Christ to show them unto us. We thank thee for the books of record, which tell us how men lived and overcame by thy good aid; for promises that comfort in our day of trial and discouragement ; for songs that give voice to our own heart's experi- ence and joy; for the life of Christ, our brother and deliverer. Be with us when we read and help us to profit according to our need and in the measure of thy love and fatherly affection toward us. So, in the mirror of the Book, let men find themselves and turn to seek thee, who art also in the Book for all that seek. And in the fellowship of those who love th}^ law may we spend our days and dwell in thy house forever. Amen. October 19 — The Good Shepherd And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd, . . . And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil beasts to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. — Ezek. 34 : 23. Most loving Shepherd of the flock, who seekest the lost and upholdest the weary, let me also be under the provision of thy care. Forgive me that I had gone astray and forgotten thy law; the delight of thy presence and the safety of thy watch and fold, and may the lesson be written deep in my experience that the wandering is ever the unquiet heart. For- get me not in any hour of peril and of need, though PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 223 I am all unworthy of thy love and care. Pardon my transgressions. Restore my soul and lead me in the paths of righteousness for thy name's sake. Let thy rod and thy staff be my comfort in the shadow of death and spread thou my table in the presence of mine enemies. Let thy love sustain me and thy commandment become my delight, that I may serve thee gladly all the days of my pilgrimage and dwell in thy house forever. Amen. October 20 — For Home and Friends The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth. . . . I rejoice greatly that I have found certain of thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father. — 2 John 1:1. Lord, if thou hadst not given me this inner circle of my heart's affection, I might fear selfishness in the regard I have for them and the prayers I offer for thy care and help. I thank thee that they all are thine and that thou in thy mercy hast given them. I delight to bring their need to thee, not forgetting the wants of all mankind, but loving others better because thou hast taught me to love these more. Let my home be to thee also a home and joy. Make the love which reigns among us a revelation of thy fatherhood and the brotherhood of thy Son. Give peace, if it please thee, but deny us not thy healing- presence in our sorrow and adversity, thy courage when we have much to do or bear. When we part, both go and abide, that thy presence may make us glad in thought and love together even when we dwell apart. Keep us from the selfishness of our comforts, that for love of thee our home joys may 224 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS be shared with others. And to thee be thanks for the love of- the living and of those who are fallen asleep. Amen. October 21 — The Coming of the Kingdom The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field: which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof. — Matt. 13 : 31. God our expectation, in whom alone our hearts are satisfied, give us faithful hearts to look for the coming of thy kingdom and the showing-forth of thy power among the children of men. Give us the spirit of watchfulness, both against the sins that do so easily beset us; and in the confident hope and expectant faith that waits for the appearing of thy power. Teach us how to note the signs of thy presence in experiences of our common days and give us some joyful part in the work which thou art doing in our earth. satisfy us early with thy mercy and make us glad all the days of our pilgrimage. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 22 — The Word of God's Patience For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scripture we might have hope. Now the God of patience and comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Jesus Christ. — Rom. IS : 4- PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 225' Forgive, Lord, the impatience of our spirits in the slow progress of thy work on earth. Help us to search and see, whether we ourselves are hinder- ers, by word or deed bearing false witness to thy love. When the hour comes in which we may not work, let not our hearts betray us into any dis- quietude. Teach us how large a thing is life and how wide thy purpose. Attune our hearts to the song of thy faithful saints in all the ages, the song of faith and hope and gratitude. And while we strive to keep the word of thy patience in the distresses of our years, keep thou us from all evil and enable us to live honestly and lovingly among our fellows, having our joyful share in the work thou art perfecting on the earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 23 — For Friends Seeing ye have 'purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another with a pure heart fervently. — 1 Pet. 1 : 22. Father, whose purpose for the world included friendship, one with another and of all with thee, bless my friends this day in word and deed that they may serve thee with good will and quiet faith. Let thy presence be a common joy for them and me. Give us like thoughts of service and assurances of love to knit our souls into the unity of faith. Let not our hearts grow cold in absence or anxious over separate experiences and cares. For all are thine, and thou wilt crown the friendship thou hast given with its appropriate satisfactions in thine own good 226 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS time. Make my life worthy of true love by shaping it into the fashion of thy desire. And let thy presence be a sabbath-rest and blessing to the souls of all true friends on earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 24 — The First and Last I am the first, and I am the last: and beside me there is no God. . . . Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have I not declared unto thee of old? . . . and ye are my witnesses. — Is. 44 •' #• Thou from whom we come, to whom we go, in whom we live, the beginning and the end of these swiftly passing days, and our everlasting home! give us to discern the purpose for which thou hast sent us here, and help us to fulfill it. Keep us from following what is foolish and false and uprofitable. In darkened ways be thou our light; in perplexing paths be thou our guide. Take out of our hearts all suspicion and fear of thee and of thy dealings with us, and let our doubts grow into larger and richer confidence. Amid all the movement and tumult of life, amid all the comings and goings of the world, may our souls be at rest in thee. In thy hand are our times, and in thy hand, merciful Father, help us to leave them in quietness of heart. Make us ever calm and strong in the faith that thou meanest well with us and with all thy children, and that good- ness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 227 October 25 — The Race of Life Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may attain. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we are incor- ruptible. — 1 Cor. 9 : 21+. Gird us with strength, Lord, for the race which thou hast set before us, enabling us to run with joyful courage and enduring patience. Unto thee we look, in whom we have believed and by whom we shall be brought at last to our full vision and in- heritance of glory. Let us not falter or turn back, or have the least desire for careless days and thoughts directed to no purpose. Let the morning waken us to gratitude that we may spend our lives with thee; and the night bring rest in remembrance of thy lovingkindness. Be thou the crown as thou art the giver of the crown to those who run the race of the immortal life. Give us thyself, in a continual companionship, and let thy Holy Spirit guide us into knowledge of the will of Christ. Amen. October 26 — Kindly Judgments For this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge, and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control steadfastness, and in your steadfast- ness godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kind- ness; and in your brotherly kindness love. — 2 Pet. 1 :5. 228 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thou that sufferest long and art kind, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgres- sion and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty, restrain us by the indwelling of thy Spirit, lest in judging our neighbor maliciously we shut against ourselves the door of thy mercy. Help us to forgive, as thou hast forgiven; to seek good in every one; to be slow to anger, as becometh our ignorance and the charity that thinketh no evil. Thus may some true gleams of thy love shine for us in every human face. Thou hast loved us and given thy Son for our release; let us not hate where thou lovest or be impatient where thou waitest long for man's return. So deliver us from all unchari- table thoughts and unkind words for the sake of Christ. Amen. October 27 — Our Comrade of the Way And behold two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus. . . . And it came to pass, while they communed and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near and went with them. — Luke 24 : 13. Lord, without thee we would not go upon our way. As Christ was our entrance upon pilgrimage, we ask according to his promise that he may be companion of our journey, our guide, our peace and our security from evil. To this end guard our thoughts lest they wander into forbidden places and our imaginations that we may look back with peni- tence and gratitude and forward in the confidence of hope, We thank thee for thy forestalling and preventing love that made a clear way of return to PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 229 thee and has helped us in a thousand cares and fears and sorrows. Let us not go grumbling on our road, when we have thee for a travel-companion and the joy of full vision and acquaintance as the end, but give us an overflowing joy of heart that shall make service easy and the brotherhood of men sweet to our souls. And to thee be praise. Amen. October 28 — The School of God Show me thy ways, Lord; teach me thy paths. Guide me in thy truth and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation: for thee do I wait all the day. Remember , Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving- kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. — Psalm 25 : 4. Spirit of God who, teaching, takest of the things of Christ and showest them to us, give faith and- patience for the lessons of thy school. Since thou wilt guide our thought and shape our learning, make us well content to pass from the lower to the higher stages as thy wisdom shall elect. Keep- us from blind refusal of thy will. Give courage for strange experiences. Help us to look to Christ, our great example, to work in the serenity of heart he knew and in communion may we find our rest of heart. We thank thee for the companions of the school — those who have gone before, leaving us their helpful story of diligence and strength, those who are just beginning whom, by thy favor, we may aid and guide. Perfect thy will concerning us. Train and enable us to choose aright. And bring the kingdom of Christ's desire and purpose in. Amen. 230 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS October 29 — Confidence in God Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the church and in Jesus Christ unto all the generations of the age of the ages. — Eph. 3 : 20. We thank thee, our Father, that thou art better to us than our own hearts have desired: more faithful than our loyalty, more far-seeing than our own prevision of the wisdom needed for the years. When we are tempted to be impatient with thy ways, help us by the indwelling of thy Spirit to re- joice in thee more than in all thy gifts. We would not seek to hurry thee, who hast shown long-suffering patience with our listlessness. Make it our crown of blessing day by day to do thy will. Let not thy denials be a veil to hide thy face from us. Teach us to find thy presence in the little blessings, the un- regarded gifts, the common experiences of our lives. Enable us to go without complaint and with all joy of childhood's faith and love along the road which thou hast chosen for us, in the companionship of him who bore our trials in his life on earth and died to bring us pardon, peace of heart and joyful hope. And to thy name be praise! Amen. October 30 — The Nobler Choice // then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. — Col. 8 : 1. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 231 Thou in whose image we are made and by whose life we live, help us ever to think as thou thinkest of the good and evil between which we must so con- tinually choose. By the power of thy Holy Spirit, ever our Guest and Guide, enable us to lead the noble life which thou hast made the heritage of thy children and to seek those gifts which belong with the enduring love by which we know thee in our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. Help us to close the door of our mind to all unworthy and selfish thoughts and to conform our lives ever more nearly to thy wise and holy purpose for our sojourn on the earth. We bless thee for the fellowship of those who, by thy grace, pursue this nobler life. Make us worthy of that high companionship and helpful in its work for thee. In the name of Christ. Amen. October 31 — Opening the Door to God Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us and his love is per- fected in us: hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. — 1 John 4 -'11- thou who hast sought us with a patient love that has never been discouraged by our refusals, we would open the door of our hearts this day and in- vite thee to come in. Feed us with thy bounty, we beseech thee, taking of what thou findest in our store and by the blessing of thy power making it suf- ficient for thee and us as we commune together. Let the inspiration of thy presence lead us to joyful 232 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS work. May we be taught by thy Holy Spirit, bear- ing witness by our manner of lif e and by our will to help and serve, so long as thou shalt give us our place of work on earth. Amen. November 1 — All Saints' Day — The Com- munion of Saints For they are thine: and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are. — John 17 : 9. We give thee heartfelt thanks, Lord, for the en- during faith, the common hope and purpose of thy church, the growing fellowship of earnest souls in thee. In our seeming isolation show us how we may take courage in remembrance of that glorious com- pany in heaven and earth who are all one in thy abounding life. Remove all stumbling-blocks of pride, self-will and ancient prejudice, that this lov- ing unity of thy people may be clear to a divided world. So nourish all faithful souls with thy divine and holy life that they may draw together in thy service. Increase our joy in brotherhood. Help us to grow in patience and forbearance, in sympathy and power to understand and aid. And may the blessing of fellowship be added to the peace of faith in every Christian heart. For thou art our Life and Light, our Head and Glory, world without end. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 233 November 2 — All Souls' Day — A Thanksgiv- ing for the Departed But ye are come . . . unto the city of the living God, . . . and to innumerable hosts, the general as- sembly of angels and the church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. . . . — Heb. 12 : 22. God of all the living, we thank thee for the happy memory of those whom thou hast called out of this transitory life into the eternal joy of thy presence. Thine they were upon the earth, as we are thine; and we thank thee that they are and we are thine in differing experience still. Though our eyes cannot see them and our ears are deaf to their remembered voices, we bless thee that they are never absent from thy loving care. We thank thee for their lives of earthly service, for the happy days we spent in their companionship, the example of their faith and patience, the teaching of their words and deeds, and for their share in heaven's new oppor- tunities of service. We confess to thee our neglects and transgressions, our coldness and misapprehen- sion while they lived upon the earth, which we may no more confess to them. Our hearts have rest, knowing that thy love changes not and that they see thy face with unobstructed vision. Help us so to live that they may welcome us with joy when thou shalt call us to thyself at last. And to thee, Christ, our risen and ascended Lord, be praise forevermore. Amen. 234 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS November 3 — In Disheartenment Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou unit re- vive me. . . . And thy right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy loving kindness, Lord, endureth forever; forsake not the works of thine own hands. — Psalms 138 : 7. God of all patience, who in the fullness of time hast revealed thyself to men in Jesus Christ our Lord, have mercy upon us in the uncertainty and discour- agement of our human life. When we wait in dark- ness, longing earnestly to see, and see not anything; when we grope in ignorance, and knowledge comes not or comes too late; when we are eager to choose and act, and have no light upon decision; when the shadow of our own sin brings doubt upon our way, have pity upon us, God! Out of this trial of pa- tience, this endurance of suspense, this torture of uncertainty, cause thy strength to grow in our hearts that, having kept the word of thy patience, thou mayest keep us in the hour of trial. Help us to remember the sure working of thy will for good in all thy children's lives, the rest that remaineth, the assurance of eternal hope. And may our restlessness be turned to peace as we remove our thoughts from the uncertainties of earth to fix them upon thee. And this we ask in the name of him who suffered and who overcame. Amen. November 4 — Happy Service Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteous- ness: for they shall be -filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 235 heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace- makers: for they shall be called sons of God. — Matt. 5 :6. Heavenly Friend and Lover of our souls, who art- risen from the dead that we might live to thee, so move our hearts to love and righteousness by the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit that we may grow con- tinually more worthy of thy friendship. Make us strong against temptation, quick to discern the in- dications of thy will and ready to follow in the way of thy commandment. May we be happy in our service, patient in waiting, triumphant in assurance of thy loving purpose. Come as a friend to share our joy and grief and make us partakers of thy thought and work. For thine is the call that we have heard and thine is our heart's love forever- more. Amen. November 5 — For the Nation Blessed are they that keep justice, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Remember me, Lord, with the favor that thou bear est unto thy people. . . . That I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance. — Psalm 106 : 3. God, who hast made us a place of influence among the nations of the earth, teach us to walk before thee in justice and righteousness — we and our children's children — that thou mayst abide among us as our God and King. Thou hast kept us in all the years of our fathers and raised up help in every time of need; forsake us not in these latter 236 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS days, but guide us with a wisdom higher than our own. Bless our rulers with understanding hearts, that they may turn away from all self-seeking to serve the people and obey thy will. Grant, if it please thee, abundant harvests and a returning and abiding peace. Prosper our labors, and deliver us from tumult and calamity. Pardon the sins of thy people and keep us in the hour of temptation, lest we fall into the folly of pride through which nations perish. And may thy church be strong for witness in the midst of the people. In the name of Christ. Amen. November 6 — Springs of Water The "poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I the Lord will answer them. . . . I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water. — 7s. 41 : 17. Fountain of all grace, of pure desire, of peace and truth and lovingkindness, enrich my poverty from thy full springs of good. From thee alone, my Father, I look for satisfaction of those great and deep desires which thou hast thyself implanted in my soul. Be thou the fountain whence I may drink and live. Fill me with the refreshing waters of thy grace, that they may overflow in blessing to the world i When I have set my heart on earthly good, let me not wonder that even in attainment there is no enduring pleasure. Keep me from satisfaction with the lower gift, lest thy companion- PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 237 ship and the joy of work for thee should fail my heart. Be thou a spring of joy in me, my God, that I may grow like thee and become a pure chan- nel for thy purity in thought and word. In the name of Christ. Amen. November 7 — Walking with God And Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for God took him. . . . Noah was a righteous man and blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. —Gen. 5 : 24; 6:9. house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. — 7s. 2 : 5. Thou ever-present comfort in distress, staff of my lameness, rest of my heart in weariness, my Lord and Friend, I come again to thee for help, for only thou canst set me free. Show me thyself that I may glow and shine amid the darkness of these sighing days with something of thy light and cheer. Give me to see beyond my fears into the quiet of thy patience and the joy of thy great expectation. Help me to reach below my changes to build upon the unchanging rock of thy eternal love. So aid me to enter unafraid upon all earth's experiences and to know the light in darkness which thou alone canst give. And blessed be thy name forever more, my Help and Stay! Amen. November 8 — Sharing God's Gifts Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful. . . . Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over shall they 238 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. — Luke 6 : 36. What thou sendest and I, need, my God, let me not ask solely for my own delight or rest of heart.' Give me what I may share, in love of thee and dear remembrance of thy mercy. Let even the mystery of thy presence in my heart fit me for influence and help. Thou hast made this wonder of self, by which I stand apart: breathe into it thine own joy of kindliness, thy will to bless! Open my eyes to see my neighbor's need. Suffer me not to be over- whelmed by the world's sorrows. Make me strong for ministry, ready to give myself to others, humble to receive from those whom thou shalt send, cheer- ful in thought and word because thy love turns all experience to good. So in simplicity of faith and by the leading of thy Holy Spirit aid me. In the name of Christ. Amen. November 9 — A Watered Garden And thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters jail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many genera- tions; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. — Is. 58 : 11. With all our hearts, our Father, we desire thy love, for without thee we are but as strangers and aliens in the earth. Satisfy our hunger with the bread of God. Quench our thirst with the living waters of thy love. Be thou sufficient for us, en- PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 239 larging our desire as thou dost minister to it. Re- member. most merciful, those who are homesick in the earth, knowing not thee. Reveal thyself to them, that they may rejoice with us in thy rich fatherhood. Enable us so to live that some witness of thy love and care may go forth to those who long for thee, not knowing that thou art content- ment and rejoicing for the hearts of men. send forth thy light, and thy truth, let them lead us, until one joyful brotherhood dwells upon earth and all men praise thee for thy lovingkindness. Let that great company of Christ's true followers trans- form the earth, and in the mighty changes let us have some little part. Amen. November 10 — God With Us The life was manifested, . . . the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fel- lowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.— 1 John 1 : 2. Thou who desirest of thy grace to make a home in our poor hearts, we thank thee for assurance of thy love in the birth of thy Son who was called Im- manuel. May he become to us the joyful token of thy presence, for thou alone canst still the hunger of our hearts. Help us to make ready for thee by dying unto sin and learning the new way of life in upright- ness. Let the experience of thy love kindle our heart's affection toward the wide brotherhood of humanity. Teach us to be faithful in all human 240 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS relations, loyal to the work thou hast assigned us, cheerful in all experiences, well-assured that thou art leading us in the way. So let thy kingdom come and the Christlike life be born in us for the help of the world. In his name. Amen. November 11 — Unworldliness For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. — 1 John 2 : 16. Let not my heart be fixed, Lord, upon the world which is organized in denial or in carelessness of thee, or seek that which is loved only by those who have turned away from thee. Help me to dis- tinguish between that which life offers of innocent occupation and pleasure and that which the true purpose of my life with Christ forbids. Fix my love upon the concerns of thy kingdom and teach me the delight of loyalty. Let me never doubt that the place of my appointment is the place of thy purpose for my work and training. Yet keep me from so narrow a range of hope and thought as earth can bound. Let not the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life have dominion over me ; but take thy throne in my heart and rule. Use me for thy purposes and train me in thy using. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for- ever. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 241 November 12 — The Fruits of Steadfastness And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with steadfastness. — Luke 8 : 14- Lord, thou knowest us altogether and we are glad to have it so. We thank thee that with heartfelt confidence in thy knowledge we may come to un- burden our hearts in words we cannot speak to any one on earth. Help us with courage, that we may bear our load without complaining. Sustain us and bring thy will to pass even in the hidden and per- plexing experiences of life. When secret cares weigh heavily and troubles cloud our thoughts, may we so live and speak as not to bring a shadow upon the lives of others. Make thou a way for us where to our darkened eyes no way seems possible; and give us patience to carry the load we may not lay down with cheerful courage to the end. In the name of the merciful and compassionate Jesus who ever lives to be the partner of our experience and to make us sharers in his divine inheritance. Amen. November 13 — Quietness of Heart In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: we have a strong city. Salvation will he ap- point for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth truth may enter in. 242 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. — 7s. 26 : 1. Give me, Lord, that quietness of heart which makes the most of labor and of rest. Save me from passionate excitement, petulant fretfulness and idle fear, keeping me ever in the restful presence of thy love. Teach me to be alert and wise in all re- sponsibilities, without hurry and without neglect. Tame thou and rule my tongue, that I may not transgress thy law of love. When others censure may I seek thine image in my fellow-men, judging with charity as one who shall be judged. Banish envy from my thought and hatred from my lips. Help me to be content, amid the strife of tongues, with my unspoken thought. When anxious cares threaten my peace, help me to run to thee that I may find my rest and be made strong for calm en- durance and for valiant service. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. November 14 — For Wisdom Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no search- ing of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength. — 7s. Jfi : 28. We thank thee that thy wisdom, our Father, is height above our climbing, depth beneath our thought, treasure that endless search cannot ex- haust. Because we know thee in our life with Christ, enable us to trust thee in the hidden things which PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 243 we can never know, or know not yet. We rejoice that all is thine and trust thy love to teach us in its own good time all that we need to understand. Give us wisdom that we may live according to thy will. Add from thy boundless store knowledge to gratify the craving thou thyself hast made. Let us be eager to learn, yet free from all disquietude of heart. Let us not dream that there is rest in knowledge or that from any mount of vision the whole mystery of thy work will be made clear. And from the hidden treasure of thy grace make even our dark days bright. Amen. November 15 — Growth in Unconscious Hour Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watch- man waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of toil: for so he giveth unto his beloved in sleep. — Psalm 127 : 1. Lord, be with us in our unconscious and un- guarded hours that we may still be growing in our life with thee. When our thoughts are taken up with necessary work or with the refreshment that we need, hold us that we fail not in our growth toward thy full likeness. Make us like trees in thy garden, that are not hurt by the coming of the winter : like thy saints that rise from the forgetfulness of sleep with thank- ful hearts, to go upon their way with faith renewed and courage quickened. Let all our days be thine, whether the sun shines or the shadow falls, and teach us not to depend upon our momentary feeling, but upon thy pledged and eternal word of love and 244 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS power. Steady and control our hearts amid the overturnings of this present life, that we may be free from all anxiety about today, or tomorrow, or the unknown experiences of the world to come. In the name of Christ. Amen. November 16 — Confidence of Faith For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salva- tion to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, deny- ing ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. — Titus 2 : 11. Lord, I desire a better confidence, depending less on what I see and more upon remembrance of thy love in Christ and faith in thy most wise and loving purposes for man. Keep me from too eager wishes that the present, with its joys and comforts, might remain. Let me not dread the future, either in de- sire for others or in thoughts of self. Teach me the joy of going on, in full assurance that the path thou choosest will lead me whither thou wouldst have me go. Still let this fearless onward look be mine; since thou, Shepherd of our souls, ever leadest forth thy flock with an unfailing care. Lord, as I go, de- clare thyself to me in fresh experiences of thy pres- ence and tokens of thy help, in cheerful hope and joyful song, in happy days of service to thy brethren on the earth and an abiding peace. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 245 November 17 — Our Help in Changing Days And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them. — 7s. 1$ : 16. In all the changes of our life, Lord, our hearts return to thee. Thou who enlightenest, show us thy way! Thou who upliftest, give us strength to rise from every fall, wisdom to choose in each perplexity, courage to go forward where thou callest, though all the road save just before our feet be hidden in the darkness. When we reach the turning points of life and remember all that we have missed through our own folly and neglect, help us with resolute and faithful love to make a new beginning. For continu- ance in thy way grant us the abiding help and coun- sel of thy Holy Spirit. May we not love familiar paths too much, or dread our changes, as though thou hadst permitted them to be thy children's final loss of good. In all experiences be thou our guide and keep our hearts in peace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. November 18 — The Way, the Truth, the Life Now ye are the body of Christ, and members each in his part. . . . But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you. . . . Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. — 1 Cor. 12 : 27. Thou who art the way, the truth and the life, dwell in my heart, I pray thee, and transform my 246 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS will until it chooses only good and seeks the highest good of all ; my affections until thy love finds echo in my love and all my friendships are purified and glori- fied; my thoughts, until they reflect thy thoughts as in the mirror a serene and living stream. Let not sin have dominion over me, or doubt disturb my joy, or the complexities and cares of life destroy my sim- plicity of faith and love. Use me, Lord, for thy great work on earth. Give me to share thy joy in mercy and in service. Make the earth bright in stormy days with the sunlight of thy presence and lead me in thy way of peace and strength. Amen. November 19 — The Source of Our Content The eyes of all wait for thee: and thou givest them their food in due season. Thou openest thy hand, and satisfiest every living thing with favor. . . . The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he will hear their cry, and will save them. — Psalm 11+5 : 15. Be thou, Lord, the source of our content and satisfy our hearts amid the trials and the changes of the earth. Be thou our peace when gifts of life fade before us as we go and troubles crowd about our way. Dwell ever in our hearts, Spirit of the Living God, our Comforter and Guide, to make us ill-con- tent with sin and all the fruits of sin. Set us free from our dependence upon transient happiness, that we may share the eternal joy of Christ our Lord. Let courage grow out of our rest of heart, patience with others, quiet endurance of our sorrows and our cares, love that shall be like sunlight on the shadowed PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 247 way of all with whom we walk. And with our growth in knowledge ever deepen our delight in thee, whose love surpasses knowledge. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. November 20 — Companions of Christ As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. — Col. 2 : 6. True Brother of men, who all thy life on earth wast the companion of our experiences and the friend of all in need, we thank thee that thou art present with us as we toil and rest, our companion in solitude, our friend in the crowded ways. Help us to seek thee in the common worship of thy people but, no less, in the thronged meeting-places of our daily business. As thou returnedst ever from the place of secret prayer to the crowd, still welcome all burdened hearts as guests of thy choosing. Let us, in our weakness, even us, Lord ! learn something of the secret of the life that gathers strength from communion with the Father in heaven that it may spend it for the needs of men on earth. Teach us what we owe of love to God and to our brother. Give joy and strength for effective service through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and the love of life with men in thine own power of brotherhood. Amen. November 21 — Deepening Life Behold what manner of love the Father hath be- stowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God! . . . Beloved, now are we children of God, 248 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. — 1 John 3:1. Unto thee, most merciful, most loving and most holy, we whom thou hast made and called, come with longing and repentant hearts, knowing that we have often sinned against love and desirous of that pure and holy life which only thou canst give. Deepen our sense of what love means — thy love that for our need withheld not thine own beloved Son, the love of home and friends and all affections which thou hast consecrated upon earth for joy and growth. Broaden our sympathy until we see men as thou seest them. Encourage and enable our hearts to win that reverence and self-giving in which we shall be followers of the most loving Christ. Teach us love's patience, purity and kindly thought. And let those whom we love be dear to thee, our Father, that we may grow together in thy likeness, making the largest use of all the opportunities of life. In the name of Christ. Amen. November 22 — A Consecrated Day Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy com- mandments. . . . Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. — Psalm 119 : 73. Accept and direct all the beginnings which we make this day, God, and suffer us not to enter upon evil or to fail in good. Wherever thy Spirit PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 249 leads us, help us to go with quiet faith and courage and with unfaltering love. If thou indeed hast called us to this day's experience, grant us thy help, that we may do our part with ready minds. Defend us in troubles and aid us in doing well. Lift up the light of thy countenance upon us and keep our hearts in peace all the day long. Uphold us espe- cially in our responsibilities toward others, that we majr be good stewards of that which thou hast com- mitted to our care, and help us so to use all gifts that they may honor thee. Teach us to use our time as in thy presence and our means as those who shall give account. And take thou for the uses of thy kingdom what we bring as offerings of our love and thought, in the name and to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. \ November 23 — The Comfort of God's Care Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. — Psalm 32 : 1. Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all times of sore distress, the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins. In time of darkness give us blessed hope, in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage. When the heart is bowed down, and the soul is heavy, and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness, and the sun too bright, and life too mirthful, then may thy Spirit come upon us. After our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light; that so, being uplifted by thy mercy, we may pass 250 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS on through this our mortal life with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust, — looking, through thy lovingkindness, to be delivered through death into the larger life of the eternal years. Hear us of thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. November 24 — The Glory of Christ And when he was come near Jesus asked him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. — Luke 18 : Ifi. Almighty God, the Father of all living, we thank thee for the revelation of thy glory in the life of Jesus Christ our Lord. For his incarnation, which makes the brotherhood of man divine; for his submission to the power of death, wherein he bore our sins in his own body on the tree; for his glorious resurrec- tion, in which we are made partakers; and for the enduring life in which he continues with his church, we bring thee thanks. Help us to put away the death of sin and to live henceforth with him in the new life of his resurrection. Pity us in sorrow, that the remembrance of his love may bring us joy. Enlighten us in darkness by the ministration of thy Spirit and when we fall asleep on earth awaken us in thy presence with the resurrection joy of those who are raised with Christ in glory. For thine is the power and majesty and the eternal kingdom of our hope and faith evermore. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 251 November 25 — Walking With God Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. — Is. 43 : 1. In the days that go on and on, God, help us to walk in our appointed way with simple faith and cheerful courage. Keep us from all dishearten- ment, even when the changes of our state bring clouds and fears. For in thee do we trust. Be thou our satisfaction and true reward of life's obediences. Make us sharers of thy patience, willing to wait because thou hast revealed in us thy loving father- hood. But teach us also how to venture in thy cause, in the right way, at the right time; and how to endure trial for our- perfecting in the lessons of thy Holy Spirit's teaching. Come with thy leading to the troubled and the weary, thy strength to sus- tain, thy presence to cheer. And to thy name be praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. November 26 — The Childlike Heart // any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a little child and set him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms he said unto them: Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whoso receiveth me, receiveth no? me, but him that sent me. — Mark : 3-5. 252 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Grant us, Lord Jesus Christ, to serve thee all the days of our pilgrimage in simplicity of heart. We thank thee that thou wast made a child, and hast loved and blessed the children of the earth. We come into thy presence with all humility, seek- ing the childlike spirit which thou wilt use and honor. Deliver us from pride and vainglory, from ruinous ambition for the praise of men, from needless entanglement with the affairs of this world and with the company of evil-doers. Cure us of self-decep- tion, that we may hate our sin and find our rest in thee. Make us wise concerning good, simple concerning evil, pure in heart and of a cheerful spirit. So furnish us for use and help among our fellow-men. And thine shall be our service and our praise forevermore. Amen. November 27 — The Witnessing Spirit But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from, the Father, he shall bear witness of me; and ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with me from the beginning. — John 15 : 26. Come, Spirit of the Living God, and bless thy church with quickened faith and purer love. Let hope abound, filling our hearts with joyful expecta- tion of the manifested kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through his atoning love release us from the heavy burden of our guilt and purify our hearts, that we may sin no more. In the hour of our temptation we would flee to thee for strength to overcome. In our opportunities of PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 253 service give us wisdom to choose aright, to speak with loving wisdom, to act with considerate care. When the hurry of the world lays hold upon us, keep our hearts at rest in faith and love. Give us patience under our limitations and rejoicing in the better days and brighter light of those who shall come after us. In the name of Christ. Amen. November 28 — Doing God's Will Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — Matt. 6 : 19. God, who hast loved us with an everlasting- love, help us to delight in thy presence, to seek thy righteousness and to forsake the evil of the world that we may live to thee. Thou hast sent us into the midst of earth's cares and occupations, thou hast given us a measure of earth's gifts, help us to use all for thy glory and thy work yet not to set our heart upon them. Let there be a forsaking of affection where there must needs be a continuance of use. Fix our affections upon things above, where Christ sitteth on thy right hand. Help us to do thy will in helpful ministry to others. Give us our work and strength to do it day by day. Give daily bread, and needful cheer and care. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 254 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS November 29 — Single-Mindedness The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. . . . No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. — Matt. 6 : 22. Lord, I beseech thee that behind all the distrac- tions and confusions of this troubled life I may learn to keep a quiet heart, always fixed on thee and determined to do that to which thou hast called me. Let this singleness of purpose have the continual assistance of thy Holy Spirit, lest I be drawn aside into evil ways or lose the simplicity of faith and the communion of love. Make me a good and faithful neighbor, ready to consider and give kindly judg- ments unto all, to put aside my will and interest at the call of love, to think of all men as thy children, pensioners with me of the love that watches and provides. So keep me from a double-minded and distracted life, that all my powers in full agreement may serve thy will forevermore. Amen. November 30 — Life's Values Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth. . . . And if it seem evil to you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve. . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah. — Josh. 24 : 14- Lord, we desire by the teaching of thy Holy Spirit to obtain a just measure of the values of truth and falsehood, of good and evil, of thy work and the attractions of the earth, so that we may never PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 255 be troubled or afraid when we seem to stand alone with thee. Though the voice of the whole world threatens and opposes, speak thou to our hearts that we may know what thou desirest and stand fast upon thy side. Help us to look beyond these trying days to the judgments and adjustments of thy righteousness. Keep us from wilfulness, but encourage us to stand fast, doing thy will as thou hast given us to see it. Be thou our hope, and by thy confidence in us encourage us to desire and to attain some worthy part in the coming of thy kingdom and make us at last sharers in the joy of thy triumph in the earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 1 — For the Day's Work On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them, The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his counte- nance upon thee, and give thee peace. So shall they put my name upon the children of Israel: and I will bless them. — Numb. 6 : 23. Gracious art thou, God, and good to all who trust in thee. Remember thy lovingkindness toward us and in every need uphold us and uplift us into courage by the joy and inspiration of thy presence. Let thy mercy be our portion ever more and grant us strength for the work which thou hast given us to do. Let it serve thee for the building of thy kingdom and may we rejoice in it with faithful hearts. Remember not our transgressions and help us to forgive, as we ask to be forgiven. Uphold 256 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS us in the hour of trial. Give us ever new delight in the beauty of thy holiness and new aspirations of attainment through thy mercy answering and ful- filling an overcoming faith. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 2 — The Grace of Cheerfulness Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. — 1 Pet. If. : 12. Let us, Lord, by the assistance of thy Hol} r Spirit, still push on toward the grace of cheerful- ness wherein we would resemble all thy tried and victorious saints. Let thy power be made effective in relieving us of all gloom and foreboding of heart. So shall we praise thee and bear wit- ness to thy love and mercy while we walk in fellow- ship with Christ, our ever helpful Lord. Let us not bring our proud discontent to thee and hope to have it prove acceptable in thy sight. Lord, be merciful unto us when we are weary and uphold us when we are sad, giving us courage for ourselves and for all whom thou hast made dependent on us. And this we ask that we may help to build thy king- dom in the earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 3 — An Attentive Heart Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you. For he that hath, to him shall be PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 257 given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. — Mark. 4 -'24- My Father, I beseech thee not only for attentive ears when thy word is spoken, but also for a listening and obedient heart. Let me be a doer of the word and not a hearer only, to the peril of my own soul and the loss of others whom I might have helped. Let me have neither part nor lot in the hypocrisies and self-deceits of the world but help me to be up- right, void of guile and careful to remember thy honor in the earth. O Lover and Pattern of true men, in whom no fault at all was found by thine own acquaintance nor by the voice of all the years, Jesus, son of Mary, Saviour of the world, send forth the Holy Spirit as our guide, that we may grow into thine image. And let us love and serve thee ever- more in all sincerity of heart and deed. Amen. December 4 — The Bounds of Truth and Love Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well. . . . So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. — James 2 : 8, 12. Thou, who hast set bounds to the floods and to the fire, lest the works of man upon the earth be con- sumed, help me in the life which thou hast given and the work which is of thy appointing, to limit and control my thoughts and keep my words within the bounds of truth and love. Let not my tongue become a fire to scorch and burn, nor any hour of spoken anger leave me long regret. Especially, I beseech thee, let my thoughts be true and my words 258 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS both wise and loving in the company of those whom thou hast given me as friends and kindred for my life on earth. Let me ever walk with them as in thy presence, thoughtful of thy work and honor and careful of my loyalty to Christ. Guard me, Spirit of Love, from the fool's idle laughter and the scorner's burning hate. Let me be merry and wise and continually joyful in thy gifts of love. So let my life bear witness and become through thee a blessing in the earth. Amen. December 5 — Joy in God And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. — Is. 51 :11. Giver of all things good, in whom I live, by whom I am enabled to accomplish my appointed work from day to day, give me above all other joy, I pray thee, this — that I may rest and glory in thy presence and that my heart may overflow with gladness in remembrance of thy love in Christ. Thou hast made me in thine own image, let thy joy possess my heart. Make me pure and loving, even as thou, my God. Be thou my portion. May I not forget thee when other hopes decay or friends re- move, or wishes fail. Make thy fatherhood real and clear to my too often troubled and unfaithful heart. In the light of that great joy and of thy confidence may I go on to serve thee through cheerful and obedient days and find the home at last where I shall dwell in joy with thee forevermore. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 259 December 6 — Thy Kingdom Come From that time began Jesus to preach and to say. Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. . . . And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good tidings of the kingdom and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness among the people. — Matt. 4 : 17. Lord, I desire the coming of thy kingdom and the doing of thy will on earth with all my heart. Abide with me, that by the assistance of thy Holy Spirit I may overcome the hindering powers of evil in my life. Make me a joyful helper in thy work, a bearer of thy light to men in purity of heart and word, by faith and zeal, justice and charity, kindness and continual cheer. Help me to be always ready with my witness to thy love. When I bring my offering for thy service, may I remember my brother's need and all the blessings of thy presence in my life. Come, Spirit of the Living God, Witness and Advo- cate! to bless thy church, to make thy people ready for the work, to bring in truth and peace and joy for men. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 7 — The Light of the Soul The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? . . . One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. — Psalm 27 : I. 260 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thou, true Light of the morning and the eve- ning, shine upon our souls and dispel our darkness. When the day dawns, may we awake with thee. In work and pleasure go with us that we may refer all questions to thy wisdom and know thy rejoicing in all that we enjoy. Gird us for toil. Keep us from lassitude. Enrich us with patience. Let our courage be full of cheer and the light of laughter come to rest our minds. When the day is over and we turn to rest, afford us some sweet thoughts of thy lovingkindness and some lively hopes of over- coming by thine aid. Thou who hast prepared the rest that remaineth for the people of God, let our sleep of the night become a foretaste of that refresh- ment and our work a preparation for its joyful service. Blessed be Thou by whom we live, in the morning and at noon and at eventide, forevermore! Amen. December 8 — Besetting Sins Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: . . . but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace. — Rom. 6 : 12. Help, Lord, with our besetting sins that they may no more have dominion over us. Enable us to live with such courage and simplicity of faith in the intervals of our temptation that we may gather strength, by thy power dwelling in us, to resist and overcome. So fill our souls with high ideals and noble purposes, that there may be no room for evil thoughts. Let the enthusiasm of the perfect life PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 261 with thee lift us above all loose and sensual desires. In the remembrance of thy compassion may we shun envy, hate and cherished anger. Be master of our thoughts, that all our speaking may be pure and true and kind. May our overcoming bring thee joy, and thy presence be our continual heart's delight. When we forget, restrain us, when we fall, uplift us; and help us to trust in thy sustaining love. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 9 — Temple of God Or know ye not that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price; glorify God therefore in your body. — 1 Cor. 6 : 19. Spirit of the Living God, who dwellest in our bodies as in temples made for thee, so purify our thoughts and restrain our passions that we may not in any wise defile the chosen place of thine abode or grieve thee by any thought or word or deed. Thou knowest our temptations — guard us that we may overcome, and by thy grace transform our weakness into strength. Help us to use the powers which thou hast given us in joyful self-devotion. Bless us in labor that we may do thy will. Refresh us in the rest of sleep or change. Maintain our powers that we may serve thee faithfully and keep us alike from idleness and overwork. Uphold us in sickness and infirmity, and may the glory of the resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, shine upon every thought of death, that we may wait before thee without fear. Amen. 262 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS December 10 — God-Likeness And God said, Let us make man in our image, after oar likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth. . . . And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him. — Gen. 1 : 26. Blessed be Thou, our loving Heavenly Father, for the life thou givest us in Christ and for the trust thou hast in us, in spite of our poor faith and halting love. Make that trust real to us that we may be ashamed to sin. Make us through life's experience more like thee. Teach us that which is wanting in our desire of holiness that we may follow thee in wish and thought. May we become true witnesses of thy will toward men, of the pure life of thy King- dom and the glad assurance of thy presence. Build up our faith, increase our joy and multiply our service; that thy life may shine through our lives for the help of others. Through Christ, our life and hope and way. Amen. December 11 — The Ready Will Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to God.—Eph.5:l. When thou callest, our Father, we would obey; and where thou leadest we would go, not grudgingly or holding back like children disturbed by duty in their play, but with love's ready will and confidence in thee. Let not our hearts be so at rest in anv PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 263 present experience that we shall lag behind the move- ment of thy purpose for our lives. Thou hast made us; Oh, complete in us the purpose of thy loving- kindness and use us ever as thou wilt in the progress of our age toward good. Help us to learn of thee to love our neighbor as ourself, not denying churlishly to others that help thou hast given unstintedly to us. And fulfil thou in the brotherhood of men the ministrant possibilities and better hopes of our own lives! In the name of Christ, the elder brother and lover of all souls. Amen. December 12 — The Leader of Our Lives Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; let thy good Spirit lead me in a plain country of upright- ness. Quicken me, Lord, for thy name's sake: in thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. — Psalm 143 : 10. Spirit of the Living God, who convincest us of sin, take also of the things of Christ and show them unto us that we may truly repent and joyfully believe. Let the remembrance of his perfect love, his finished sacrifice, his risen glory and his unfailing sympathy with all our needs sustain us in every mood of self-distrust; and may we find our satisfac- tion in his service. Dwell thou in us and make us temples purified' and fitted for thy presence. Give us pure hearts, glad assurance of faith, peace of conscience and unshadowed cheerfulness of expecta- tion. Use us for the glory of our Lord in all rela- tions with our fellow-men and let the joy of loving service be our strength forever more. Amen. 264 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS December 13 — In Temptation Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold trials; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. — James 1 : 2. God, who hast suffered us to be tried in the fierce heat of the world's temptations, grant us thy strength for steadfastness of heart that we may en- dure to the end in love of thee. Deliver us from pride and lust and fear. Cleanse us by fire, if needs must be, but make us clean. Show us the beauty of thy holiness, that we may seek it with desire more earnest and sincere than that which lures us on to sin. By thine own love which gave thy Son to be the helper and example of our souls, defend us and keep us evermore, and teach us to bring forth fruit abundantly to thy glory, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. December 14 — Putting Away Malice Putting away therefore all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil-speakings, as new-born babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salva- tion.— 1 Pet. 2 : 1. Thou most merciful, who hast made us in thine image and called us to attain a likeness to the kind and sympathetic thought of our Lord Jesus, arm us by the aid and teaching of thy Holy Spirit against all cruelties of thought and word and deed. Help us to grow in that spirit of brotherly kindness which PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 265 becomes those who are the children of God and builders of his Kingdom in the earth; not envious of any, not seeking first our own selfish good ac- cording to the dictates of our ignorance, rejoicing in the good of others and never glad at their calamity. And this we ask of thee, not alone that we may escape the punishment of the cruel, but that we may become like thyself in mercy and lovingkindness. In the name of our merciful and long-suffering Lord and Brother Jesus Christ. Amen. December 15 — A Prayer for Light Remember the word unto thy servant, wherein thou hast made me to hope. This is my comfort in my af- fliction; for thy word hath quickened me. . . . Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrim- age. I have remembered thy name, Lord, in the night, and I have observed thy law. — Psalm 119 : 49. We who lack wisdom cry unto thee, God, for the instruction and uplifting of our souls. Give us light in our darkness and leading in our perplexity. Let thy Holy Spirit be our guide and teacher, ac- cording to the word of our Lord Jesus who was a little child on earth and learned obedience in our school of suffering. thou most liberal giver, the Father and the Upholder of our lives, unto thee do we give thanks for the bounty which has ever made provision for our need. Bring ever to remembrance thy word of promise by which we are secure in faith and hope, assured of succor in the hour of our dis- tress and of joy surpassing grief. Teach us thy way. Give us thy work to do. And bring us to thyself in peace, through our Forerunner, Jesus Christ. Amen. 266 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS December 16 — Steadfast Running I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have been a herald to others, I myself should be rejected. — 1 Cor. 9 : 26. Father, when I weary of life's contests and the joy of victory seems far away, receive and bless me when I turn to thee for strength. Help me to run the race for which thou hast prepared me with stead- fast heart, not anxious, but not negligent, lest fore- boding or carelessness should rob me of the victor's crown. When life is urgent and joy allures, teach me to remember that I am in training for thy work. Teach me to govern my body and not be ruled by it, to enjoy, but not surfeit with the gifts of earth, to keep a steady flame of love to thee and love to men alight. Thou strength of my endeavor and joy of. my heart, bring me to the goal in thy good time, that I may praise thee for all that thou hast taught me in the experience of earth. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 17 — Free Choice of God And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come; he that will, let him take the water of life freely . — Rev. 22 : 17. I thank thee, Lord, that thou hast made me free and wilt not compel or override my will, even for righteousness. I bless thee for opportunity of PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 267 choosing and refusing, and for the self-respect which I may build upon the trust which thou hast shown toward me. I am thy child, keep me from doubt and fear. Let me not stoop to evil, or consent to bring a cause of offense into my neighbor's life. Let the dignity of my calling lead me to serve my brothers of the mortal life for love of thee, my Father. May I respect my place and time, my opportunity and repose, my body and mind. And guide thou me through helpful days. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 18 — The Teaching Spirit But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For who among men knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. — 1 Cor. 2 : 10. Our need and our desire cry out for thee, Spirit of the Living God, our Guide, our Advocate, our Teacher in the ways of Christ. Come, do thy work among us, breaking down our love of sin and bringing us to joy of service. Let us so live, by thine indwell- ing, that our words and deeds, our quiet faith and cheerful thought may witness for our Lord. Speak to the hearts of men and meet their hidden need with the good news of help and peace. Make our homes bright with thy presence and our days glad in thy work within us and about us. And give us willing and obedient hearts to follow thy com- mandments. 268 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS December 19 — Fervent in Love But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love cover eth a multitude of sins. — 1 Pet. 4 •' 7. Lord, we desire to live with thee in work and lei- sure, in perplexities and interruptions, as well as quiet hours and intervals of worship. Help us to re- member that thou art served by patience and by lovingkindness, as well as by our prayers and acts of devotion. Keep us from all irritable heats of anger and unkind looks or thoughts. When others weary us with checks and hindrances, help us to re- member thine amazing patience with our childish ways. Let not any hasty and unreturning word of ours cause an offense, nor let us dream that any plan we cherish is more important in thy sight than love to others according to thy great commandment. And this we ask of thee in the name of Christ who gave himself to help and save. Amen. December 20 — Cheerful Work ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he deliver eth them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks to his holy name. — Psalm 97 : 10. Help us, our God, to bear true witness of thy love in cheerful faith and patient obedience. Thou who hast called us children, help us to be joyful always PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 269 in our Father's house. Let not sin have dominion over us, or discouragement rob us of power to brighten other lives by our reflected light from thee. Let thy work be delight upon the earth, thy presence be help for overcoming. We bless thee for the grace that saves, the hope that leads us on, the daily strengh for daily need, the home of rest which is the goal of our earth-pilgrimage. Pardon our sins against thy patient love, and so let thy joy possess our hearts that we may have continual cheer in gloomy days and bear all trials as becometh fellow-workers of the sorrowing but triumphant Christ. Amen. December 21 — Forefathers' Day Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, look- ing unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. — Heb.l2:l. Merciful God, whose works are seen among the nations of the earth, we bless thee for the good in- heritance of our own land. We thank thee that thou didst sustain our fathers on the sea and keep for them a safe abode amid the perils of an unknown shore. We praise thee for the good example of their constant faith. Thou hast made them fathers of a multitude and leavened a continent with their thought, teach us to follow in the path of their obe- dience and to finish the work to which thou hast called us in the same spirit of manly faith and pa- tience. Leave us not, God of our salvation, lest 270 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS we prove unworthy of our fathers' hope. Let thy presence go with us and with our children while the earth remains for labor and reward. Pardon our sins according to thy lovingkindness. Enlarge our inheritance in strength and righteousness. And be our God and Father evermore, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. December 22 — Courage for the Way For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him. — Is. 64 :4. Grant us, Lord, true courage as we go our way, through faith and hope and fellowship of Christ and love of thee and of our brother. In the hour of our calamity uphold us; in the time of our un- certainty, keep us from all coward thoughts of withdrawal from that adventure in which we have engaged with thee; when panic assails us, help us to take refuge in thy love and all the promises it offers. Let the day's trial be sufficient for us, that we may never borrow trouble. Lord, when we seem least of use to our own selves, make us of use to others: to the glory of thy name and for the building of thy Kingdom. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 23 — Serviceable Days But Jesus called them unto him and said, ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 271 and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. — Matt. 20 : 25. Help us, most loving Father, to fulfil thy law of love in cheerful and serviceable days. Forgive us when we fall short and show us more of thyself; that lovingkindness may become our delight. Encourage and uphold our hearts in daily faith and faithfulness, as those whom thou hast trusted with the interests of thy kingdom. Make us of use this day in helping others, even at the cost of self- refusals and self-denials for love's sake. Let thy life become our life, Lord our Redeemer, that it may flow through us for the blessing of the world. We remember with grateful hearts all who have suffered for our sake — apostles, martyrs, the bear- ers of burdens, those who have sowed that we might reap, those who have endured that we might be delivered. For those who have gone before us into the heavenly kingdom we give thanks. For those who are in the midst of troubles we ask the upholding and communion of thy Holy Spirit. In the name of Christ. Amen. December 24 — Making Ready Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. — Matt. 24 : 45. Lord Jesus, when thou comest I would have a ready place for thee. Let not my heart be like the inn where there was not a corner for thine entertain- 272 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS ment, but rather like the simple hearts of the shep- herds, to whom was given the angels' song of praise and the first vision of thine infancy. Come as thou wilt, a child with claim of want, a neighbor asking help or patience, a brother in the family of God — sick, or naked, or hungry, or in distress, and let me not be blind or careless or unloving. Show me thy call in every human need, thy coming in all the changes of my life. For if thou hadst not come, blessed Lord, then were my soul in anguish of dis- tress and want. Then the abundance of all lesser gifts, the coming of all other guests, could bring no cheer. And thine be praise for weakness of thine infancy, for glory of thy strength, for the marvel of thy cross, the triumph of thy risen power! Amen. December 25 — Christmas Day And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased. — Luke 2 : 13. Grant us this Christmastide, our Father, the spirit of little children to give and take in glad re- membrance of thy Son, our Lord, who came, a little child, to bring us into holy brotherhood. We thank thee for the honor thou hast put upon our life through him, for the glory of motherhood and the high worth of every human soul. Help us to live before thee now and ever as thy happy children ought, in love and peace and helpfulness, keeping the word of thy patience every day, that thy name may be honored and thy will may be done in earth as it is done in heaven. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 273 December 26 — In Advent Time But thou Bethlehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the families of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. . . . And this man shall be our peace. — Micah 5 : 2. Thou by whom good cheer comes to the hearts of men, we thank thee for the glad tidings and en- larging hopes born of thy gift of the Child Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man, and for the happy memories of our Advent time. Let all our thoughts be kind and all our desires such as thou canst bless. Let there be peace in our hearts and good will to every man upon the earth. Teach us to discover in our friends and neighbors the brothers and sisters of our Lord and to rejoice in their prosperity and be ready to help them in their need. So bring us Christmas joy from thine own love and help us to be lightbearers in the dark places of the world. So let us go with singing hearts along our way. And to thy name be praise. Amen. December 27 — Be Ye Also Ready For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course; henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give to me at that day; and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. — 2 Tim. 4 : 6. Help us, God our Father, not to be so much in love with earth that thy summons to depart shall 274 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS be a bitter disappointment. Nor let our hearts be fixed upon the passions and desires of youth, lest age should find us spoiled for calmer pleasures. Give us, through years of waning strength, if these shall be our portion, the comfort of a cheerful heart and quiet trust in thee. Make us a blessing to those who are about us, now and evermore, and, if it please thee, may we still bring forth fruit in old age. Spare us, we beseech thee, lingering dis- ease and helplessness and let us not become a bur- den to those we love. Sustain us in every depriva- tion and through all our losses fill our hearts with peace. So may we wait in joyful expectation of the better life with Christ. Amen. December 28 — Christ in Us To whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teach- ing every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ. — Col. 1 : 27. Thou great Companion of our loneliness, Saviour and Brother of all who believe, go with us where we go, upholding and giving strength in every time of need. We thank thee for thy gift of pardon, for assurance of our Father's wise, unwearying kind- ness, for our part in the work of a world where all our changes lead toward revelation of the risen life. Make us cheerful with a courage learned of thee. Open our eyes to see the needs of others, that by thy leading we may bring them aid and joy. Thou PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 275 who art light, enlighten our darkness. Thou who bringest peace, overcome our griefs and fears. Thou gift of God, enriching beyond measure life and thought, make us, we beseech thee, a blessing to the world. Be thou our model of what man may be, our confidence of overcoming, our pledge of a security which cannot change. Amen. December 29 — God's Loving Care They that trust in the Lord are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved , but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from this time forth and for evermore. — Psalm 125 : 1. How shall I thank thee, my Father, for the love that in thy large and holy plans makes room and feels the need for such an one as I? Teach me my own true place and work, the measure and the limit of my powers. Let me be wise and faithful, glorying not in myself but thee; following the example of thy Son, our Lord, in lowliness of heart and helpful thought for men. So help me to use my gifts for others according to the measure of my opportunity, in all simplicity of faith and with a quiet mind. Keep me from the pride that blinds the heart and that concern with self which is a weight upon en- deavor. Make humility effective as a gathering and directing of my powers for better service, and grant me continually the companionship and leading of thy Holy Spirit, that I may be a good workman, to the honor of thy holy name. Amen. 276 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS December 30 — The Courage of the Forward Look Teach me thy way, Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of them that lie in wait for me. . . . Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let thy heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27 : 11. In life or death, Lord, we still desire to walk and work with thee. Give us the courage of the forward look, the joy of those who make discoveries, the expectation of children who find their father's knowledge a' continual resource and their father's loving care unfailing. So let the airs of heaven blow through the mists of earth and scatter them, bringing good thoughts into evil days and making earth the house of God, the very gate of heaven. Fit and prepare our hearts for the revelation that awaits us when our task upon the earth is ended and the glory of the life with Christ appears. Let there be spice of heaven's ripening in the monotony of toilsome days. And in thy mercy take away from our hearts all troubling and benumbing fear of death . In the name of Christ. Amen . December 31 — The Ended Year And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold I make all things new. ... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son. — Rev. 21 : 5. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 277 All the days of the ended year. Lord, thou hast made provision for us and followed us with thy considerate care. Now in remembrance that we have often failed in our high opportunity we turn to thee for pardon and for strength. Help us to forget, so far as memory hinders our endeavor, and to take courage from the recollection of thy merciful kindness in the ended days. Give us the joy of going on, in thy companionship and with thy strength, to better work; and let the new year be glorious with thy light. In the name of Christ. Amen. / OBSERVANCES OCCASIONS AND EXPERIENCES OBSERVANCES OCCASIONS AND EXPERIENCES Observances God our Father, who art everywhere and al- ways with thy children, help me especially to use all dedicated times and places with a reverent faith and hearty love, rejoicing in assurance of thy presence and the fellowship of saints on earth. In all observance of consecrated days may the as- surance of thy love in Jesus Christ be my heart's joy. Let his life be my pattern, his teaching my meditation, his power and guidance my unfailing hope. Let every outward form and spoken word aid my devotion and may I wait before thee always with a thankful heart. Pardon my sins and help me to forgive. Lead me by thy Spirit into perfect service and pure communion of the blessed life with thee. Let all these outward forms and fixed ob- servances be shadows of thy presence. In the name of Christ. Amen. The Lord's Day Teach us to use this day, Lord, in glad remem- brance of Christ's rising from the dead and the new life which he has given. Let thy presence cheer our souls, the teaching of thy Holy Spirit show us our own sin and thine availing love revealed in Christ. Help us to worship thee in all sincerity of confes- 281 282 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS sion, simplicity of faith and joy of thanksgiving. Make it a feast day to our souls in happy thoughts of thee, in foretaste of the heavenly service and com- panionship of saints. Accept our offerings and use and bless each effort of ministration for which thou givest opportunity. May rest be sweet to body, soul and spirit, preparing us for better work and higher thought and for the rest that remaineth for the people of God. Amen. In this, thy day, Lord, make us joyful sharers of thy risen life. Make it a feast day to our souls by communion of thy Holy Spirit and fellowship of saints. Make rest effective for new strength in work which thou hast trusted to our care. Give rest of heart by faith. Meet with us, according to thy word, where even two or three are gathered in thy name. Deepen our affections. Incline our hearts to works of mercy and of love. Give clearer thoughts of thy great purpose and our Heavenly Father's care. Go with us where we go, as in the fields of Galilee with thy disciples. Help us to make glad hours for little children in remembrance of thy love. Rejoice us with thy presence all day long. Let thanksgiving crown and end the experi- ence of our waking hours and give us blessing, ac- cording to thy servant's word, in sleep. Amen. The Lord's Table We thank thee, our Father, for the gift of thy Son, who has made us brothers of his work and joy and called us to remember his gift of life in sacrificial love. Help us to come with glad and reverent PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 283 hearts to break the bread and pour the cup as he commanded. Refresh and nourish our spirits with the tokens of that life which was broken and poured forth for our need, and bring our hearts into new sympathy with his love and purpose. Forgive our trespasses and help us to forgive, making us like thyself in justice, mercy, truth and love, that we may be good witnesses for thee in all our life with others. We thank thee for the communion of saints, for lives that are dear to us, for hopes that grow clearer in life with thee, for all experiences in which thou goest with us toward the goal and end of pil- grimage. Bless thy church and make it pure and strong, unspoiled by the world, unstained by pride and selfish greed. And let thy kingdom come! In the name of Christ. Amen. The League of Intercession Our Father, who hast brought us together in heart with a common hope and purpose in our League of Intercession, be with us in our times of prayer and in all the moments of our life. Show us thy way and something of thy thought for men. Let thy blessing come to the world in the coming of thy kingdom. Send forth laborers into fields that are ripe for the harvest. In our separated places we turn to thee with one accord, confident in the promise of our Master and our Brother, to ask thy blessing for one another. May we all be one in hope and faith and lov^ and in the joy of thy presence. Forgive and sustain* and enlarge us, that by the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, we may be led into ways of ministry to others and into the full confi- dence of faith, We thank thee for our opportunity 284 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS of companionship with thee in thy great love and high purpose, and for the care and gifts with which thou hast followed us all the days of our life. Help us to love thee with all our hearts, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. And these things we ask of thee in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. The Dedication of a Church To thee we dedicate this house, God, that it may be a place of intercession and communion for thy children of the brotherhood of Christ. Accept and hallow in thy mercy what our thought has planned. Here let good tidings of Christ be preached in simplicity and power. Here let thy name be honored in the thoughts of our children and our children's children. Here may the fellowship of all believers be made visible for a witness to the world. Here reveal thyself in troubled and desirous hearts. Accept thy people's offerings of praise and thanksgiving. Let our prayers come before thee: and send us a blessing when the bread is broken and the cup poured out in memory of Christ. Make us joyful in thy presence; steadfast, generous, thought- ful of justice, brotherly kindness, and of the witness of thy kingdom of good will among all peoples. In the name of Christ. Amen. For a Wedding Most loving Heavenly Father, who of thy mercy hast ordained that love and fellowship should crown our human lot, grant to these thy children a sense of thy continual guidance in their life together. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 285 Help them to fulfil abundantly the covenant of mar- riage into which they have entered in thy presence and the presence of these witnesses. Make them a help and blessing, each to the other all the days of their life and let the world be brighter for their love and faith. Give them, our Father, in the home they build together, gifts and blessings in the measure of their need and thy lovingkindness, fulfilling their hearts' desire and teaching them gently the lessons of thy school. And this w r e ask in the name of our Lord and Brother Jesus Christ. Amen. The Home — The Dedication of a House For thee and with thine aid, our Father, have we built this house that in all the days of our earthly life thou mayest abide w^ith us and give us rest. Help us to make it a home of thine own peace and righteousness, where thou mayest give joy of heart. Teach us to use it for service, for ministry of kindness and communion of thought. Send prosperity if it please thee. Give health and joy to all who abide under the shelter of its roof. Let our goings-forth be to thy praise and our comings-in for our refreshment in thy presence. Let the work of our hands, our hospitality, our grief and loss, our weariness and pain, study and play, eating and drinking, sleep and waking, be for thine honor and for our growth toward the completed good that is in love to God and man. We remember the absent whether they are elsewhere in the earth or dwell at rest with thee. Thy blessing be with all we love! Thy comfort with the sorrowing! Thy strength sufficient for the weak! Father in heaven, we dedi- cate to thee this house and all we have that thou 286 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS mayest build us into a holy habitation fitted for thy presence in the house not made with hands. Let the answer of thy peace come as our hearts are lifted up in praise for all thy goodness and confidence in thine abiding love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Home Thou who settest the solitary in families and hast consecrated our homes by thy presence, look upon us in mercy and hear our prayer for all whom thou hast given us. Care for our children with a Father's love and knowledge better than our own. Guide our thoughts that we may find and teach thy truth. Help us to be just and merciful, slow to anger and full of loving help, as thou hast ever been to us, thy children. May our unworldly lives help our children to live above the world. May our happy cheerfulness convince them of the joy of Christian service. And may no word or deed of ours put an occasion of stumbling in their way. Bless thou our labors. Provide food sufficient for us and all other needed gifts for earthly days. And keep us and our beloved in thy presence ever- more. Amen. Father, thy love is joy of home, pattern of parent- hood, our inspiration in all patience and self-giving, strength for all our days. Teach us to dwell to- gether in a love like thine. Sustain us while we seek to make provision for the children thou hast given us. Prosper our undertakings, enrich our lives with neighborly affections and hospitable hours, PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 287 forgive our household sins, our individual neglects and failures. Let the day's work be carried on in faith and gladness, may our evening communion be full of happiness, our quiet hours bring rest. When we part, go with us in our several ways and bring us together again in peace at thy good time. Let the memory of our dead be precious and our hearts rest in the assurance that they all live to thee. Amen. Table Prayers We thank thee for thy gifts, our Father. Bless them to our use, making us glad and strong; and keep us ever in thy love and care. Grant us, our Father, thy blessing with the food thy mercy has provided. Nourish our bodies with thy bounty, and feed our souls with bread from heaven. We thank thee, Father in Heaven, for all thy lovingkindness, and for these new gifts of thy care. Provide strength for the work to which thou hast sent us, and be thou our refreshment and our joy. New Year's Day Blessed be thou, God our Father, who hast set the promise of thy changeless love amid the changes of our mortal years! We thank thee that thou hast redeemed us and made us heirs with Christ of the eternal hope. We glory in the manifested progress of thy kingdom and bless thee for the new year's opportunity and pledge of growth. May every day's experience bring us forward in the path by 288 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS which thy Holy Spirit guides our feet. With true repentance and assurance of thy pardon and thy help enable us to face the problems of the future with cheerful and obedient hearts. May all experiences and trials work together for our good, since thou hast loved us and made us sharers of thy work. Rid us of unbelief, God, that we may have more joy in service. Kindle a flame of love and zeal in our weak hearts which shall win others to desire of serving thee. And may all events and changes fulfill thy purpose for our growth and for the coming of thy kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. In all the years of our pilgrimage Thou hast sus- tained and blessed us, our Father: let the New Year bring us new experiences of thy favor and a deeper sense of the guidance and companionship of thy Spirit. As thou hast given thyself to us, help and enable us to give ourselves to thee in joyful faith and obedience. Let our best life be that of thy presence in our hearts. By the joy of thy com- panionship make us strong to overcome and proof against the trials and disappointments of our out- ward state. Enrich our friendship with the trea- sures of thy companionable love. Overcome in us our evil thoughts, our hatreds and our doubts, by the delights of thy hidden kingdom in our hearts. In cheerful living, childlike confidence and faithful service may the New Year lead through Christ- like days to larger blessing. In the name of Christ, Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 289 National Prayer for the New Year God of all grace, who hast kept our nation's life in every time of need, be present still with guiding and upholding mercy in the untried problems and perplexities of the coming year. Thou hast laid great responsibilities upon us; leave us not to the folly of pride and self-conceit, but pardon our transgressions and neglects, and give us the sober confidence that comes of trust in thee. Help us so to deal with the peoples for whom, before thee and the nations of the earth, we have assumed responsibility, that they and we may dwell in peace and strength and learn thy righteousness. Raise up men who shall govern in thy fear and with un- faltering justice. Grant to thy servant, the Presi- dent, and to Congress, all needed wisdom to choose and to decide. Maintain or bring back peace within our borders and among the nations of the world, and may all changes and overturnings be for the uplifting of the people, and the speedy coming of thy kingdom in the earth. And unto thee, Lord of Hosts, be glory evermore. Amen. The Beginning of Lent When thou callest, our Father, give us readiness of heart to answer and obey. If we have gone far astray from thee, even through lawless living, to the fields of hunger and of loneliness, awaken memories of our forsaken home and turn our hearts to thee. We thank thee that thou hast made the great beginning and that our affection is but an answer to thy love. We bless thee that thou dost not love us in the measure of our good but because we are thy 290 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS children. So let all doubt and despair be far from us as we listen for thy call. Give us more and more to hunger for the bread of life which Christ alone can give, and to thirst for water from the living fountains. Blessed be thou who biddest the hungry and the thirsty come! With eager and expectant hearts we turn to thee. satisfy us with the bounty of thy house and let thy goodness lead us. Amen. LITTLE PRAYERS FOR HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday thou, true Lord and Leader, who didst come in lowliness unto thine own and thine own received thee not, so give us power, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to turn from sin and welcome thee, that thou mayest henceforth reign in us and make us like thyself in purity and love. Amen. Monday in Holy Week Cleanse our hearts, thou Son of Man, that they may be fit temples for the presence of our God. Help us to bring forth fruit to thy glory and spare us in the day of thy judgment, for thy name's sake. Amen. Tuesday in Holy Week thou who art more wonderful than all the works and arts of man, help us to find the true proportion of our lives and, by thy help, to lay hold on the eterna] things, that we may serve thee in thy kingdom with faithful love toward men in deed as well as word. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 291 Wednesday in Holy Week Lord Jesus, who didst turn for refuge and repose to the home in Bethany and lovest ever to be with thy friends, come to our homes and prepare our hearts in quiet hours and glad companionships for scenes of effort, for trial and the hour of death. Amen. Thursday in Holy Week Come, as of old, Lord Jesus, as we remember thy broken body and thy poured-out life in the Supper thou hast ordained for us. Strengthen our hearts by that holy bread, that we may serve each other in humility, as thou hast given us an example. Cleanse our hearts of all forebodings and sustain us in all agony of loss as we go in the way thou hast appointed for us. Amen. Good Friday Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us! By thy cross and passion, make our hearts warm with grateful love, keep us from all withdrawal or betrayal and by thy finished work crown us with joy and make our thoughts overflow in thanksgiving. For thou art our peace and strength henceforth and forevermore. Amen. Saturday in Holy Week Lord, open our eyes to see that thou art near in the time of our discouragement and the agony of our suspense and dread. Take away our fear of death, since thou hast met and overcome its power and set our hearts at rest in thee. Amen. 292 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Easter Our Risen Lord, Friend and Brother of our life henceforth, thou whom the light hides, and not the darkness, help us to rejoice forevermore in thee and live to thee in simplicity of faith and joy of love. Reveal thyself more and more to our weak and desirous hearts and to the whole company of thy disciples, making us one in thee. Amen. Good Friday Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sake hast willingly endured the cross that we might live with thee, help us to look with awed and reverent hearts upon the mystery of thy passion. By the sorrows of thine earthly life — the agony in Gethsemane, the be- trayal and forsaking, the lingering anguish of the cross — have mercy on us in our trials and tempta- tions, and help us with true repentance and humility to forsake our sin and follow thee in singleness of heart and glad obedience. Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the world, grant us thy pardon and thy peace. Upon thee our stripes were laid. By thine obedience unto death the way of life was opened to our feet. Cleanse us of self-love that we may serve thee with entire devotion, and may our lives bear witness to thy love through all our years. Amen. Easter Blessed be thou, God ! who hast raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead that he might be the first fruits of them that are asleep. We bless thee for his service of humiliation, his atoning death, his glorious resurrection and his continuing life. For PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 293 his sake pardon our transgressions and shortcom- ings and enable us so to use this world of passion and temptation that we may win the victory of faith. Teach us to live as heirs of the inheritance Christ's death has purchased, and to die as those who follow without fear the path of him who conquered death. Out of the experience of thy love we praise thee. With the innumerable company of the redeemed in heaven and earth we worship the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, who died and rose again and lives in an immortal life. Glory be to thee, Christ! in heaven and earth forevermore. Amen. Out of the shadow of earth's sin and death we lift our hearts in praise to thee, God, for the glad tidings of the risen Christ. Blessed be thou who hast given thy best beloved for the redemption of the world! We thank thee that into our darkness thou hast sent thy light — the light of everlasting love in the face of Jesus Christ. So guide our hearts and minds by the indwelling of thy Spirit that we may henceforth reckon ourselves to be dead to sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Make every day of earth's experience a step toward the eternal hope. Lighten every sorrow by comfort of thy presence and assurance of the unchanging purpose of thy love. In place of rest- less cravings, unsatisfied ambitions, jealous fears, comfort our hearts with thine unchanging peace. Give steadfast confidence in trial, cheerful thoughts in gloomy days, the joy of pardoned sin, the victory of faith which overcomes the world, that we may do our part in service to our fellow-men with patient 294 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS ministry of lovingkindness. And to our risen and ascended Lord, whose presence is the joy of there- deemed in heaven and earth, be glory evermore. Amen. Children's Sunday. — A Prayer for Children By the memory of thine own childhood and the loving favor thou didst show to little children when they were brought to thee; have mercy, Lord, upon the children of our time. Let not their inno- cence give place to love of sin, or to forgetfulness of thee. Keep their thoughts pure. Let not simple trust die out of their hearts, or a disloyal worldliness possess them. Lead them through the trials of this present life, give them the victory over tempta- tion, and bring them to thyself at last in peace. For all parents and teachers, for the bereaved from whom thou hast taken little ones, for the lonely and childless of the earth, we come to thee. Help of the weak, thou loving teacher of the sons of men, give us grace so to live before thee that our example may be helpful to the children who come after us, and that we may be thine forever. Amen. Pentecost Spirit of God, our Helper in all the troubles and perplexities of life, our Comforter, our Guide, Interpreter and Opener of the Word, come with power to turn the hearts of the people from the love of the world to the love of purity and good will, from the service of their own weak desires to the work of the Kingdom of God. Raise up witnesses. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 295 Give courage and persuasion to all ministers and teachers. Reveal Christ to the hearts of men, kindling a loving devotion and a deep and lasting joy of communion which shall make the whole world bright. Use all changes in the affairs of the world for the uplifting of the hearts of men and bring the world to an abiding peace in thy good time. In the name of Christ. Amen. Independence Day God of our Fathers, who hast kept our Nation's life through peril of its youth and trial of its man- hood, we remember before thee with heartfelt thanksgiving the blessings that have crowned our lengthening history. For the courage and foresight of those who left their homes and friends to cross the sea; for the steadfast endurance of those who made their homes in the wilderness and those who fought to win our liberty; for the wise counsel of those who shaped our laws; for deliverance in wars and growth in years of peace; for our high place of influence and opportunity among the nations of the earth; for memories that are glorious and hopes that rest upon thy favor; we bring thee joyful praise. Give strength and good understanding to thy servant, the President, and to all who by our choosing are set in authority over us, and make them willing followers of thy commandments and servants of the people's need. Guide our hearts and minds, that we may not be tempted to offend against thee in pride or selfishness, and leave us not to our own thoughts and ways in any hour of triumph or of trial. In the name of Christ, Amen. 296 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Thanksgiving Lord, our God, who hast blessed our fathers, and mercifully continued thy lovingkindness unto us, we bring thee heartfelt praise and thanksgiving in remembrance of all thy goodness. Thou hast given us thy Holy Word and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thou hast made for us a place of power among the nations. The joys and sorrows of our homes have been sanctified by thy presence. Blessed be thou who hast dealt bountifully with us and preserved us in joyful prosperity to see this day of praise! Pardon our sins and awaken in us high purposes of love and duty. Guard us, if it please thee, in peril from without and from within. In joyful obedience to thy law of righteousness, make us thine instruments of service among the nations, and abide our God and Father evermore. Amen. * * * God of our fathers, whose mercies have not failed us in any time of need, accept now the tribute of our hearts' thanksgiving for thy guardian love and care. For plenteous harvests gathered in our fields; for the increase of our flocks and the fruits of our orchards; for joy and comfort in our homes and all kindly social relations; for blessings innumerable which have crowned the year with good; for hopes of the future and sacred memories of the past; for the light of thy Word and the teaching of thy Holy Spirit — blessed be thou, Lord our God! Let the thoughts and affections of this day lead us through childlike faith. to larger light and knowledge of thy will. Hear us, our Father, for thine own PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 297 love's sake and, if it please thee, renew our blessings year by year And unto thee be praise evermore. Amen. Come Lord, as Giver and most welcome Guest to our Thanksgiving feast! Make gladness and gratitude abound in our hearts and homes, and still the voice of complaint and discontent. We thank thee that thou hast crowned the year with thy good- ness and bestowed innumerable blessings upon us. For all thy tender mercies we praise thee : but most of all for the unspeakable Gift by whose life and death we are brought near to thee, and for the Holy Spirit's presence in our hearts. We bless thee for the communion of saints, for the written Word and for opportunities of sendee. Thou hast made our human affections interpreters of thine own love; help us to make the most of them in sympathy and patience. Thou hast enriched our nation with great lives and large prosperity; abide thou in our midst for righteousness. Bless every soul with growing strength of faith, that we may serve thee gladly here and in the dwelling-place of our eternal life. Amen. Forefathers' Day Merciful God, whose works are seen among the nations of the earth, we thank thee for the good inheritance of our own land. We bless thee that thou didst sustain our fathers on the sea and keep for them a safe abode amid the perils of an unknown shore. We praise thee for the good example of their 298 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS constant faith. Thou who hast made them a multitude and leavened a continent with their thought, teach us. to follow in the path of their obedience and to carry forward the work to which thou hast called us in the same spirit of manly faith and patience. Leave us not, God of our salvation, lest we prove unworthy of our fathers' hope. Let thy presence go with us, and with our children while the earth remains for labor and for reward. Pardon our sins according to thy loving- kindness revealed in Jesus Christ, our Lord. En- large our inheritance through faith and righteous- ness. And be thou our God and Father evermore. Amen. Christmas God our Father, Giver of the most loving Gift, make us partakers of thy joy at Christmas time. We, too, with simple shepherds and the wise men come to bend the knee before the kingly Child, bringing our gifts of faith and love in true self- offering. Show us our way of service and give us willing hearts to walk therein. For motherhood and childhood, for love that gives and learns we bring thee thanks. Have mercy upon wives and mothers in distress and children fatherless. Hasten the coming of thy Kingdom! Bring an end of war and give the shaping of the world to men of good will. Teach our hearts how to make ready for that age of peace. In the name of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 299 Thou by whom good cheer comes to the hearts of men, we thank thee for thy gift of the Child Jesus, our brother in the life of earth, the Son of God and Son of Man; and for all the happy memories of Christmas time. Let all our thoughts be kind and all our hopes such as thou canst bless. Let there be peace in our hearts and good will toward all. Teach us to find in friends and neighbors the brothers and sisters of our Lord, to rejoice in their prosperity, and help them in their time of need. So bring us Christmas joy, and help us to be light-bearers in the darkness of the world. So let us go with singing hearts along our way, and to thy name be praise. Amen. In Illness Thou hast been my confidence in health, God, forsake me not now that my strength faileth. Though my heart is faint by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and mine eyes are dim with shadows of pain: yet in thee do I put my trust. Send healing, if it please thee, and may I use returning strength for better service. Let not courage fail in suffering and in hours of weakness keep my heart from doubt. Let me bear witness to thy love by cheerful patience. Take away all fear of death and let me with a quiet heart resign myself entirely to thy will. Care thou for those I love and reward all who minister to my comfort and my need. Help me to forgive those who have sinned against me and pardon thou my transgressions. In the name of Jesus Christ who shared our infirmities and suffered for our sins. Amen. 300 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS For Grace in Old Age God, our Heavenly Father, whose gift is length of days, help us to make the noblest use of mind and body in our advancing years. According to our strength apportion thou our work. As thou hast pardoned our transgressions, sift the ingather- ings of our memory that evil may grow dim and good may shine forth clearly. We bless thee for thy gifts and especially for thy presence and the love of friends in heaven and earth. Grant us new ties of friendship, new opportunities of service, joy in the growth and happiness of children, sympathy with those who bear the burdens of the world, clear thought and quiet faith. Teach us to bear infirmi- ties with cheerful patience. Keep us from narrow pride in outgrown ways, blind eyes that will not see the good of change, impatient judgments of the methods and experiments of others. Let thy peace rule our spirits through all the trial of our waning powers. Take from us all fear of death, and all despair or undue love of life; that with glad hearts at rest in thee we may await thy will concerning us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Public Meetings and Conventions Fulfill, Lord, thine own desire that thy children should be one in faith and hope and love. Let their witness to the world be clear in brotherly affection and helpful fellowship of service. When they come together in thy name to consider op- portunities of work for thee, let the teaching of the Holy Spirit be their guide. Enlighten their minds PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 301 and purify their hearts, that misunderstandings, jealousies and dislikes may give place to joy in the common work and calling of the Holy Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Especially, we beseech thee, enrich with blessing this gathering of thy servants. Crown their work with success and let thy wisdom appear in their deliberations, to the glory of thy Holy Name. Amen. Great Head of the universal church, whose presence is our joy and crown and whose Spirit guides us onward into truth, we bless thee for the loving fellowship, uplifting thought and helpful opportunities of these days of counsel and fraternal joy. Blessed be thou, who hast put it into the hearts of thy servants to speak good words and hast enabled multitudes to hear and profit. We thank thee that in our meeting thou hast also come as guest and friend. May the blessing of thy presence work for truth and righteousness in this community. So guide our hearts that the good seed may spring up and bring forth fruit to thy glory; so guard our minds that no misunderstanding or false view of truth may lead us from the way. Enable us in our home-going to share the good which thou hast sent with those who in our absence have carried burdens for us, or been busy in the quiet work of every day for thee. Give us fresh strength for duty, simpler faith and an enlarging hope. Thou art our King, Christ, and all is of thee in teaching and in life. Bless abundantly thy churches. Help them to bear true witness to thy name and to manifest thy glory in the life of faith. Amen . 302 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS For the President God, in whose hands are the hearts of all the rulers of the earth, give grace, we beseech thee, to thy servant the President [elect] of these United States, that he may always do thy will in righteous- ness. Let the thoughts of his heart be acceptable in thy sight, and all his choices and decisions as chief magistrate serve thy glory and the nation's strength. Give him health, clear vision, steady purpose, courage of will; and in thy lovingkindness use his work for prosperity. Give wisdom to his counsellors. Keep from us, if it please thee, famine, plague, and war, with all wickedness and civil strife. Preserve among the people reverence for law and cheerful obedience to all rightful authority. Guide us, our fathers' God! that we may hand down our inheritance of liberty and power unmarred by folly to our children. And thine shall be the praise. Amen. In Time of War God, in whom our fathers trusted, be with us in our time of trial and our new endeavor to rebuild the world in righteousness. Let not sorrow or excitement teach our hearts to hate or turn us from ideals of love and brotherhood learned in companion- ship with Christ. Make us steadfast, patient, un- changeable in purpose and in hope. Lord, in thy mercy shorten the days! but bring about through sacrifice freedom and righteousness and a final end of cruelty and war. Remember the sorrowing. Strengthen our hearts as we send forth those we love and sustain us in all experience of grief and loss. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 303 Teach thy Church what thou intendest in this time of change and make thy people a leaven of faith and love in all the earth. Remember thy servant, our President, and those who counsel with him, the makers of laws, the leaders of our armies. Be with us as we serve the nation's need in home and farm and factory; with sailors in perils of the deep, with soldiers in training and temptation and in the day of battle; with doctors and nurses in all their ministry to suffering. Give us, if it please thee, bountiful harvests, that we may eat with thankful hearts and feed the hungry of the world. Deepen the faith of Christians in new experience with thee. In all thou sendest let thy kingdom come — in the life of nations, in the hearts of men, through a new brotherhood of all believers, through the glory and rule of Christ. In his name. Amen. Lord of Hosts, in whose hands are all the coun- sels and events of earth, in this hour of our nation's trial we appeal to thee. In war and battle may we always be the instruments of thy judgment and thy righteousness. Grant us deliverance from disaster, and, if it please thee, glorious and enduring victory. Bless especially with grace and wisdom thy servant, the President of the United States, the commander of our armies. Preserve our ships upon the sea and our soldiers on the shore. Purify our nation's life that we may be more worthy of thy favor. Keep our hearts from pride and cruelty and our lips from boasting. Let us not go forth to battle as those who are greedy of gain or honor, not in hatred or in love of strife, but in desire of justice and as helpers 304 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS of the weak. In all experiences through which thou makest us to pass may the assurance of thy rule in the affairs of men be our confidence and consolation. Remember the wounded and the sick and those who are appointed to die, and make them sharers of thy kingdom. Strengthen us for all endurance, and especially sustain and comfort those who mourn for the dead. Deny us not thy swift decision, in mercy both to us and to our enemies. And may the coming of thy kingdom bring all cruelties and jealousies, all strife and hatred, to a speedy and eternal end, through Jesus Christ our Lord ! Amen. In Times of Change Give us, Lord, a forward-looking faith that we may never be disheartened by changes and over- turnings in the earth. Amid wars and tumults, make us confident in the triumph of thy purpose and the coming of thy peace. Deliver the nations, we beseech thee, from hate and cruelty and from the sufferings of war. Have pity upon thy children, who are so ready and so quick to kill and rob one another. Show us the evil of our hearts and make us in love with neighborliness. Lord, how long shall nation rise against nation and hatred rule! Work a great deliverance and bring in Christ's reign of peace. Teach us, also, we entreat thee, to be strong in the midst of these shifting and destroy- ing currents of the age, confident in thy control and patient to endure until thy will is clear. So to thy care we commit the future years, with quiet hearts, in faith and confidence. In the name of Christ. Amen. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 305 Soldiers' Prayers For the Nation and the World Remember, my Father, the nation that I love, in whose cause I have given myself for life or death. I thank thee for those who have gone before me in this service, by whose faith and steadfast courage the nation hitherto has been made strong. Give me like faith and strength and let my name be writ- ten in remembrance before thee. Make all the people faithful in that which they have undertaken in thy service for the need of the world. Remember with guidance and upholding thy servant the Presi- dent, and all who work and counsel with him; the leaders of our armies; and all who work and serve on land or sea. Accomplish thou that purpose to which we have set our hands in thy name; and bring us peace in thy time, Lord. Rebuild our world in righteousness, knitting new ties of brother- hood, fulfilling ancient hopes in the coming of thy kingdom. In the name of Christ, the righteous judge, lover and brother of us all. Amen. Before Going into Action Father in heaven, long-suffering and compas- sionate, God of Justice, Lord of Hosts, I give my life into thy hands, a weapon for thy using. Let it not be thrown away, with all its hopes and loves and opportunities, but take it as an offering for thy purposes of justice and brotherhood on earth. Guide the thoughts of those who plan the battle. Remember my comrades of the ranks. Keep us and arm us with steadfast and adventurous hearts and, if it please thee, give us the victory we desire. 306 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS Remember in lovingkindness all whom I love, up- holding and delivering them; and bring us together at last, whether through life or death. Into thy hands I commit my spirit. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, thy kingdom come. In the name of Christ, who gave himself up for our de- liverance, even unto death. Amen. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 021 064 055 1 HUR 1 HI I (II I H