II Corinthians 5:1 we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens

March 4

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. — II Corinthians 5:1

Photo: Billy Alexander

OUR Father Who art in Heaven, we thank Thee for the mercies of the past day and night; for food and clothing, for sleep and shelter; for the companionship of our fellow men, and for daily opportunities for usefulness. By our receiving these mercies may we also recognize the duties which they imply. May our love to Thee and our love to our fellow men ever grow stronger by their daily exercise.

Give us grace to face the future with equanimity. We profoundly believe in the future life, and that Thou hast not created the wonderful minds of the past and the present — minds so fruitful in searching out the secrets of nature and of the human mind and body, and in devising the many means and methods by which man's comfort, intelligence, and general welfare are so wonderfully promoted — only to vanish into oblivion at the death of the body, which is mortal. We believe that Thou hast given to each of us an immortal soul, capable of dwelling with Thee in everlasting bliss. May we so order our lives in this, our temporary home, as to be fitted by Thy grace to inhabit our eternal home. Help us by precept and example to influence our fellow men to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and to enjoy this same faith in the future life. All of this we ask in the Name and for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

William W. Keen, M.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania