Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock

February 28

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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. To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. — Revelation 3:19-21

Photo: Victor Lim

O LORD, Thou art ever knocking at the door of our souls, seeking entrance into our lives. Help us to recognize Thy knockings, and to open to Thine entrance.

We would have our hearts open to Thee at all times — in sunshine or in shadow, in joy or in sorrow. Whether Thou comest in the time of the singing of birds, or in winter's chilling blasts, may we receive Thee joyfully.

Show us that we need Thee more than anything that Thou mayest give us, and that Thou, Thyself, art more than all Thy gifts. So, when Thou knockest, Lord, may we open to Thee, and receive Thee as an abiding guest. Amen,

H. H. Beattys, D.D.,

New Rochelle, New York

 

Psalm 146:10 The Lord shall reign for ever ... unto all generations

February 27

The Lord looseth the prisoners: The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down; the Lord loveth the righteous: The Lord preserveth the strangers; He relieveth the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turneth upside down. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord. — Psalm 146:7-10

Photo: Colin Brough

OH GOD, our Father! How precious to us is the privilege of having Thy Name linger on our lips, giving us new assurance of the fact that we are in the circle of Thy love and care. May this confidence drive away all fear and anxiety, and help to keep out of this day all other enemies of our souls. In the moment of our temptation, may we realize Thy promise and Thy presence. When burdens be- come heavy, may we find the strength necessary in Thee. In face of all difficulty and every problem, may we be brave because of our faith. For what- ever these hours bring, may Thy grace be sufficient. Whatever we do, may we do it all to Thy glory. May this day bear the divine mark in the calendar on earth, and in Heaven.

We leave our prayer where all prayer belongs — in the shadow of the Cross. Amen.

Cortland Myers, A.B., D.D.,

Boston, Massachusetts

Psalm 90:14 O, satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days

February 26

O, satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. 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 90:14-17

Photo: Mateusz Stachowski

DEAR LORD, let us do our work each day, and if the darkened hours of despair overcome us, may we not forget the strength that comforted us in the desolation of other times. In these times of backsliding , when so many allurements are held out by the world, let that great force which turned our life from darkness into Thy most marvelous light be ever present, and the '"refining fire go through our hearts, illuminating our souls." May Thy blessed Word be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Lift our eyes from the earth; forbid that we should judge others, lest we ourselves be condemned. Help us to understand Thy precious Word, and at this stage of the world's history may we be constantly looking for Thy glorious reappearing. Let us be like the wise virgins, constantly having on the wedding garments. Amen.

Rev. A. Sheldrick,

East Northfield, Massachusetts

 

Romans 8:26 The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us

February 25

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:26-28

Photo: Ned Horton

THE way is long, our Father, and sometimes very weary. We crowd and bruise one another in passing, and often we forget the goal in the heat and hurry of the pilgrimage. Start us forth, we pray, each day with fresh courage, and whisper in our hearts a little song to gladden our steps as we take up our burdens anew. Grant that the lightest of these may ever be our conscience, and that we may never be too laden with personal troubles to carry the balm of sympathy for friend and foe. Above all, grant us the gift of clear vision, that we may pierce the doubts and fears of the passing moment, and dwell with unfaltering confidence upon the ultimate fact of Thy love. Amen.

Alice Hegan Rice,

Louisville, Kentucky

 

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch

February 24

Continue in prayer, and watch. — Colossians 4:2

Photo: Nicolas Raymond

O FATHER, God, we thank Thee today for life — the privilege of living. Help us today to remember that "we live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs." May we ever be reminded that "he lives best, who thinks best, feels the noblest, acts the best." Help us today to so act that we may show our appreciation for life by our work.

We thank Thee, too, God, for the chance to serve. May we to-day overlook no opportunity to reach out a helping hand, to speak a kind word, to show sympathy; and above all, help us to appreciate every service rendered by those who work with and for us. May we, O Lord, in all that we do this day, do our level best; may we think the highest and best thoughts; may we strive to use our best efforts. Help us to strive today "not as though we had already attained, but that we might reach after" the spiritual life we long for. Then help us to "give to the world the best we have, that the best may come back to us." Hear us, Father, in the Name of Thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.

D. Walter Morton, A.M., C.P.A.,

Eugene, Oregon

 

John 14:21 He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, loveth Me

February 23

He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, loveth Me — John 14:21

Photo: Duncan Hull

MOST gracious God Almighty, all wise, all loving, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice that Thou hast called us to be Thy children.

We confess before Thee, that we are indeed like little children, with all their weakness and imperfections, but without their humility, purity, teachableness and trustfulness. Cleanse us from our sins. Grant us joy and peace in believing in Thee. May we have the love that believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

In our home, in our daily work and recreations, and in all our relations to others, make us strong and steadfast to do the right and shun the wrong. Bless us, that we may become a blessing to others.

Remember, we beseech Thee, all classes and conditions of men — the sick, the sorrowful, the poor and needy, the widows and orphans, the little children with their sweet faith and childlike joys, the young and vigorous, bearing the responsibilities of life.

Bless the missionaries at home and abroad. Be pleased to make Thyself known in the labors of the faithful pastors and teachers, and let Thy truth and righteousness govern the nations of the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rufus W. Miller, D.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I John 5:3 This, the love of God, that we keep His commandments

February 22

This, the love of God, that we keep His commandments — I John 5: 3

Photo: Ekaterina Boym-Medler

O LORD, Thou art the high and lofty One Who doth inhabit eternity, Whose Name is Holy: Thou dwellest in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.

We bow before Thee, humbly asking Thy pardon of our sins, through our Savior. We thank Thee that Thou didst so love us as to give Thy beloved Son that we might live; and we rejoice that no one shall be able to pluck us out of Thy hands.

We pray Thee that Thy Kingdom may come, and Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Do Thou support and empower everyone who labors for Thee at home or on the mission fields. Do Thou comfort and uphold all who are sick or bereaved, or troubled. May these trials bring them closer to Thee.

We do desire that Thou wouldst give us grace and power to live rightly today, to do our work and to glorify Thee. Oh, keep us from falling or doing anything to grieve Thee or to bring sorrow to our- selves, or to anyone.

We ask all in the Name of our Savior. Amen.

D. T. Reed,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  

Psalm 66:19 God hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

February 21

God hath attended to the voice of my prayer. — Psalm 66:19

Photo: Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo

O THOU GOD of all grace, Father of mercies, the Hope of believers, Savior of the penitent soul, hear our prayer.

Thou hast revealed Thyself in such lovely characteristics and endearing relations, that we may remove all fear, and be encouraged in all trouble, and be led to say, "Let us draw nigh to God."

Teach us, Lord, because we know not truth of our- selves. May we see divine things in a heavenly light, so that our minds may be informed and at the same time our hearts be sanctified.

Consecrate our whole life to Thy service and glory. Search us, O God, and know our hearts; try us, and know our thoughts ; see if there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting.

Accept our thanksgiving and praise for Thy generous blessing in material refreshment and spiritual strength. Keep us under Thy guardian care so that whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we may do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus and to the glory of God, through Christ our blessed Redeemer and Friend. Amen.

George M. Diffenderfer, D.D.,

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Psalm 9:12 He forgetteth not the cry of the humble

February 20

He forgetteth not the cry of the humble. — Psalm 9:12

Photo: StockXchnge

DEAR LORD, our Friend and our Saviour: Thy children come to Thy feet and look up into Thy face, for we know that Thou dost love us and that Thou art waiting for us. Be Thou ever the centre of our family life, and make us find our peace and our happiness in Thy presence. Our home can be blessed only when we know that Thou art with us, Help us to love one another as Thou dost love us; to be gentle and unselfish and forgiving; to be good children of our Heavenly Father. When we are troubled, do Thou quiet our fears. When we are tempted, do Thou grant us the victory. When we are sick, may Thine everlasting arms enfold us; and when we go astray, O dear Shepherd, seek us and bring us home again. May our hearts be glad in the knowledge of Thy love. May our thoughts be pure because Thou rulest them. Let the sunshine of Thy favor drive away all shadows, and may we sing in the gladness of our spirits, since Thou art our Guardian and Friend, and therefore no harm can befall us. Help us to grow daily more like Thee, and at last take us to Thy Home, where we shall be happy forever.

Hear our prayer, dear Christ, and help us and bless us, for Thine own dear sake. Amen.

Floyd W. Tomkins, B.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help

February 19

I 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: 1-3

Photo: Mateusz Stachowski

O GOD, Giver of light and power! We thank Thee for our Mountains of Transfiguration, for hours of insight and joy. But vision has not insured effectiveness in service. Like Thy disciples at the foot of the Mount of Transfiguration, "We are not able," and we come to Thee with the great question, "Lord, why could we not cast it out?" We know that all things are possible to him that believeth and that faith-filled prayer, whether it be fellowship with Thee or intercession for another, is efficient prayer. Help Thou our unbelief. Help us to come so closely and truly into Thy fellowship that we shall be filled with power not our own. May we be truly identified with Thee. May we perfectly imitate Thy mind, and so be filled unto all the fullness of God. So teach us in the school of true prayer, that this day may be one of continued joy because Thy power has free course in us. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

William Horace Day, B.D., D.D.,

Los Angeles, California

Psalm 116:2 He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him

February 18

He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him. — Psalm 116:2

Photo: Nancy Big Crow

OUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, may it be of Thy good pleasure, now in the light of a new morning, to look favorably upon Thy dependent children here kneeling as a united family of worshipers within the home which Thou hast appointed us, and to receive our humble thanksgivings for the perfect protection of Thy care, and for the refreshment of a healthful sleep granted by Thyself through the darkness of the night that is gone.

And do Thou now, we beseech Thee, ordain to us for yet another day Thy watchful providence for our guard against all sickness and bodily peril; Thy wise counsel for our guidance into every right thought and unto every fitting word; Thy sufficient grace for our defense from all temptation to wrong, as like- wise for our enablement unto all fidelity in duty, and Thy atoning love to cover all our sins.

Following Thee, may our hearts be cleansed from every motive unworthy of those who bear Thy Name, and may we be led to walk in charity and helpfulness among all those who surround us, making manifest to every companion and acquaintance some fore- cast of Thy coming Kingdom, and dedicating our several lives to the service of Thy blessed will — through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Nolan R. Best,

New York, New York

Psalm 147:7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving

February 17

Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving. — Psalm 147:7

Photo: Christof Wittwer

HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank Thee for opening to us the doorway of a new day; and now that our feet stand upon the threshold of this great opportunity, we pray for guidance, wisdom, love and power. Thou hast seen fit to draw a curtain before our eyes, so that we know not what a day may bring forth. As we journey into the wilderness of the future, a pillar of cloud has hovered about us so that we cannot tell what enemies shall meet us to-day, what duties shall present themselves for performance, what temptations may grapple with us by the wayside, what sloughs of despair may await our unwary feet, yet we know that with Thy divine help we shall be more than victors through Him Who loved us. Keep us, God; our boat is so small, and Thy ocean is so vast. Enable us to lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us. May Thy Fatherly protection be over those who are dear to us. Bless our enemies, if we have any, and give us right spirits to all mankind. Hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, when injustice, impurity, unhappiness, and sin, shall be put down, and when love, truth, honor, and justice shall prevail in the Name of the Lord. Hear us now in this, our prayer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rev. Charles C. Selecman,

Los Angeles, California

Deuteronomy 32:7 Ask thy Father and He will show thee

February 16

Ask thy Father and He will show thee. — Deuteronomy 32:7

Photo: Chris Baker

ALMIGHTY and Eternal Lord, we come by Thine own appointed way to Thee. The Name above every name is our only plea, and for His sake Who bears it Thou wilt hear and answer. What infinite grace Thou hast for all needy ones; what love and what compassion! Our souls adore and worship Thee for all Thou art, and for all that Thou hast done. We praise Thee for Thy Son, and for all that He has become to Thy trusting ones. Especially do our souls go up to Thee in adoring wonder as we think of His cross and passion. It is in the cross we find our hope. And now, Lord, wilt Thou create within us a simple faith in Thy Word, and cause us to see that naught of all Thou hast promised can ever fail of fulfillment. Evermore increase our faith. Keep us walking with Thee: safeguard us from all attacks of the evil one, and if it be Thy good pleasure, take us into the circle of Thy anointed ones, that we may effectively serve Thee. Help us in our daily duties, whether these lie in our home or business; therein may we honor and glorify Thee, and prove a blessing to our fellow men. Speed the coming of Thy Kingdom, and hasten the day when our Lord shall take His own Throne and reign gloriously. In the Name of Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.  

Rev. Joseph W. Kemp,

New York, New York

Proverbs 20:22 Wait on the Lord and He shall save thee

February 15

Wait on the Lord, and He shall save thee. — Proverbs 20:22

Photo: James Robertson

IN the Name of the Lord Jesus we bow in Thy holy presence, O God, to thank Thee for all Thy goodness and mercy to us as a family and a household, and to ask Thy forgiveness for all wherein we have sinned and grieved Thy Holy Spirit.

We pray for grace and guidance that we may so walk as to please Thee. Grant us Thy protecting care to shield us from accident and danger. And above all, we pray that, thus walking in Thy fear and love, we may know the joy of Thy salvation.

And what we ask for ourselves, we pray for all who are dear to us. And very specially we commend to Thy Fatherly goodness any who are in sickness or sorrow or trouble, that Thou wilt graciously bless and sustain and comfort them.

Thou hast given Thine only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him may have eternal life. Such is Thy love to the world. But Thou hast a still tenderer love for those who believe in Christ and are one with us in Him. For them we make our prayer to Thee.

Hear us and bless us, we pray Thee, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Sir Robert Anderson, K.C.B., LL.D.,

London, England

Psalm 112:4-6 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion and righteous.

February 14

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion and righteous. A good man sheweth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved forever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. — Psalm 112:4-6

Photo: Mike Thorn

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast taught us to call Thee "Father." In the strength of Thy Name we go forth to meet the temptations and the duties of this day. May we be worthy of being called Thy children. May we have Thy patience and tenderness in our dealing with others, especially with the members of our own household. May we have pity for all weak and tempted persons, and lend them our strength, as Thou dost lend Thy strength to us. Clothe us this day with the armor of light. May we have Thy purity, the horror of all evil thoughts and all unholy desires, and may they be overcome and cast out of our hearts by a passion for holiness. Whatever we have to do, may we do it so that it shall be well pleasing to Thee. Help us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Preserve us in all danger; keep us in the way of life; and bring us at last to our Father's house in peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Henry Evertson Cobb, D.D.,

New York, New York

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved thee with an everlasting love

February 13

I have loved thee with an everlasting love. — Jeremiah 31:3

Photo: Bert van 't Hul

WE thank Thee, our loving Father, for Thy watchful care over us through another night. Thou dost neither slumber nor sleep, and Thy ever- wakeful eye has been upon us in our unconscious moments, and Thy protecting and upholding hand has been underneath and about us. Thou art setting before us a new day, with all of its opportunities and possibilities for good or evil. This is one of the days concerning which Thou hast promised, "As thy day so shall thy strength be." Is not this one of the days for which Thou hast made such bountiful provision? Let us not venture forth upon the day's duties or difficulties without Thy guiding, upholding, protecting hand. Thou art able to do for us exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Give us strength to conquer every temptation. Surround us with Thy gracious presence as a shield from every danger. Bless with us all whom we should specially remember at the Throne of Thy Grace. Wherever we can send a thought, Thou canst send a blessing. Let Thy blessing be suited to the capacities and needs of every one of them. May every heart be turned to Thee as the morning glory turns to the light, and may their souls and ours be enlivened, purified, and strengthened by the light of Thy health-giving countenance. Amen.

R. J. Miller, D.D.,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Psalm 78:38 He forgave their iniquity

February 12

He forgave their iniquity. — Psalm 78:38

Photo: Billy Alexander

O LORD, who hast proven that we may trust Thee, we seek Thy blessing in the beginning of the day, that we may carry its influence with us into the toil and trial of our busy life. We claim Thy sufficient grace, that we may be equal to every severe test.

Give us wisdom, that we may undertake our tasks and do them as those who have learned of the Divine Workman. Take possession of our minds that today they may think Thy thoughts after Thee, and be intent upon working out Thy great plans through the best lives we can live.

So rule us with Thy Spirit that our senses may be harnessed for Thy uses. Save us from falling into shameful sin. Prevent us from being mean, small, disagreeable, irritable, unsympathetic, as we touch other lives. Be our unseen Companion as we earn our daily bread — and help us to earn it honestly.

Make us wholesome; keep us sweet. May others know today by our unobtrusive goodness that Jesus lives at our house. May we somehow be instrumental in opening the doors of other homes for the incoming of this Heavenly Guest.

We ask these favors in His Name. Amen.

J. Bradley Maekward, D.D.,

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Hebrews 10:23 He is faithful that promised

February 11

He is faithful that promised. — Hebrews 10:23

Photo: Scott Snyder

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thy watchful care has brought us safely into another day with its obligations, labors, delights, and trials. Give us strength to resist evil, and to cleave to that which is good. Help us to let our light so shine that others may see our good works, and glorify Thee. Be with those of us who go to work, and those of us who go to school, and those of us who take care of the home. Bless with us all other families who remember Thee, and grant that in many homes who know Thee not, family altars may be erected, so that Thy Name may be glorified in the family life. Bless the officers, members, workers, and enterprises of our Church, and of all churches that seek to enhance Thy Kingdom. Thrust more laborers into the Kingdom, and through increased missionary efforts let the world speedily be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Bless our country and those who are directing its affairs. Give them grace, wisdom, and courage to promote righteousness at home and in our relations with other countries. Bless all the other nations of the earth, with their statesmen and rulers. May the spirit of fairness take possession of all of them, so that they will project into all international relationships, peace and harmony. We ask these favors in the name of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen.

Rev. Christopher Staebler

Cleveland, Ohio

Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God

February 10

Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. — Rom. 14:22

Photo: Martyn E. Jones

ALMIGHTY and living God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, we beseech Thee to look with love and mercy on us, Thy children, throughout this day. Keep us in Thy faith and fear. Give us grace to resist the devil, and to renounce all his works and temptations. Guard us from the lusts and sins of the flesh. Shield us from the corruptions of the world. Make us diligent and faithful in our appointed work. Keep us patient under trial. In anxiety and worry, help us to find trust and peace in Thee. To Thee we offer our thoughts, words, and actions of this day, and beg that Thou wilt bless them. In ills of the body and vexations of spirit, be Thou our healing and our strength. Bless our friends and neighbors. Increase their joys and soothe their sorrows and their sufferings. Protect Thy Holy Church spread throughout the world, that it may abide with steadfast faith in the confession of Thy Name. Take the dying to Thy rest, and comfort the departed with larger and larger measures of holiness and happiness. Dwell in our hearts, and guide us with Thy counsel, that after this life Thou mayest receive us with glory. All of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

George McCleixan Fiske, D.D.,

Providence, Rhode Island

Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer

February 9

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer. — Isaiah 65:24

Photo: Billy Alexander

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for our home and our work and our friends. The morning calls us to the joy and toil and trial of a new day, and we want to begin it right, in the sense of Thy nearness and care.

Give us strength to meet the common duties of the day, and to live with our kindred and friends happily and helpfully. In our school life, in our homemaking, and in our business, may we be guided by the purposes of Jesus. If it be Thy good will, keep us from great temptation to do wrong; and furnish us with strength for the trials which Thou wiliest us to endure.

May Thy healing and comfort abide with those we love, who are in sorrow and sickness; make them brave and hopeful.

We pray Thee to prosper us in our work, in order that we may use all our gains for the good of others.
May our home and family be the abiding place of Him Who promised to be in the midst of those who love Him. In His Name. Amen.

Ozora S. Davis, D.D.,

Chicago. Illinois