I Thessalonians 5:16-23 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

April 28

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ — I Thessalonians 5:16-23

Photo: Billy Alexander

CREATE in us a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. We commend to Thy loving protection all those for whom we long to pray (especially those whom we now name in our hearts before Thee …) Give to them all their heart's desire, we pray Thee, in as far as Thou seest it best, for Jesus' sake! Bring each of us, O Father, to the close of this day in peace and honor. For all those who love us so much better than we deserve, we thank Thee. For their sakes, help us to sanctify ourselves this day. And do Thou, O Lord, grant that we may abide steadfast in this purpose, and by Thy continual aid be fully master of all the desires and emotions of our hearts. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

Rev. John Edgar Park,

West Newton, Massachusetts