Psalm 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him

May 31

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him. — Psalm 145:18

Photo: Marina Garcia

O THOU, God and Father of us all, Thou art over all Thy children--over all their joys and sorrows, God blessed forever. Thou art the light of the living, the refuge of the dying, and our eternal home. Thou hast placed us here in families, and dost unite the hearts that make the happiest homes. Thou hast lead us most graciously in the past. Our yesterdays are luminous with Thy mercies. Through dangers seen and unseen; through doors which have opened as strangely as by an angels' hand, Thou has led us, and always safely. On the smiling surface of life Thou hast wafted us by favoring breezes, and when the surges of trouble arise, we trust that we shall not be borne away from Thee, but nearer to Thee, and into closer fellowship with the only real and abiding world--the spiritual. Comfort the mourners. Walk with them all their life's journey. Strengthen them as Thou alone canst, and light "the shadows of earth's little while." Thou art the Lord of life and death. If we are united to Thee by a living faith, nothing can separate us from Thee and Thy gracious guidance. As the distance shortens, and the flesh fails, may mind and heart become more and more stayed upon Thee; may every duty become more joyous because done unto Thee, and a part of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Daniel Dorchester, A.M., Ph.D.,

Lexington, Massachusetts

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit

May 30

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. — Ephesians 2:19-22

Photo: Sorina Bindea

DEAR FATHER, the privileges are so exceedingly great that we can hardly conceive that they are ours--to come to Thee, the King of kings and Lord of lords, at any time and any place, and commandingly invited to ask and seek and knock, with the Divine assurance that everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened--for these unspeakable privileges, dear Father, we thank Thee. The day is before us, and soon it will be behind us forever; only this once can we live through it.

O Father, cleanse us of all sin with the blood of the Lamb, and occupy our bodies, making them temples of the Holy Ghost. Use us so that we shall not leave one thing undone. Keep us happy in Thee. Give us a faith that will not waver, worry nor whine, nor wrangle, but a faith that will wait, watch, work, wrestle, and always win. Amen.

S. P. Long, D.D.,

Mansfield, Ohio

Philippians 4:6 Let your requests be made known unto God

May 29

Let your requests be made known unto God. — Philippians 4:6

Photo: Belovodchenko Anton

OUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, we draw near to Thee in glad and grateful recognition of our dependence upon Thee. We thank Thee for the blessings of the night--for refreshing sleep, for freedom from sickness, accident, or sudden alarm, and for the restoration of our powers with the coming of the new day.

We would begin this day with Thee, for we would fain receive Thy blessing ere we venture upon its untrodden paths. Continue with us, Lord, throughout its hours, lest amid busy cares and thronging duties we meet the sudden onslaught of temptation, and missing Thee, we fall.

Help us to do our duty. Keep us from the shame of the slurred task. May we have no occasion to blush over our appointed work neglected or ill done. Grant us the spirit of comradeship; give us to speak the word of cheer. May our lives radiate joy. Let the evening find hope and happiness where we shall have passed by.

Then, dear Father, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, when life's evening shall have come, gather Thy children home, and let us find a refuge, fearless and unashamed, in Thine arms of love.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Rev. H. Edgar Allen,

Brockville, Canada

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go. I will guide thee with Mine eye

May 28

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go. I will guide thee with Mine eye — Psalm 32:8

Photo: StockXchge

Father in Heaven, we turn our hearts to Thee as the source of life, and truth and love. We do not claim Thy constant bounty because of merits we possess, but in Christ, the Savior’s name, we seek Thy favor.

Give us our daily fare today — the food from heaven for bodies spent; manna for the mind; and more than all, we crave the Bread of Life to make us strong of heart and pure of soul.

Teach us to love our fellow men as Thou doest love, forgiving those who treat us ill, and giving help and hope to those who need our aid. Let not temptation come too great to bear. Give us abundant grace to do the appointed task with cheerful heart and ever ready hand.

And when the shadows of the night have come, grant that Thy presence we may feel, as One Who in the day has walked with us. In Thy dear name we pray. Amen.

Professor Edward B. Pollard, D.D.,

Chester, Pennsylvania

Matthew 6:25-26 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life

May 27

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? — Matthew 6:25-26

Photo: Eva Schuster

ALMIGHTY GOD, Thou Who art the Creator, the Preserver, and the Beneficent Ruler of the universe -- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, we praise and magnify Thy Great and Excellent Name, not only because of Thy Majesty and Glory, but also because of Thy Divine Love and Compassion. We thank Thee for Thy goodness, and all the blessing of life, and we most humbly beseech Thee to forgive our sins, to increase our faith, and to make us love Thee more and serve Thee better. We pray for the peace of the world, for the spread of Thy Gospel, and the salvation of mankind. Do Thou most graciously grant us in this life food, raiment, shelter, home, friends, and happiness, and in the world to come, life everlasting.

We ask it in the Name and for the sake of Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. 

Judge Henry J. Harter,

Canton, Ohio

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God

May 26

Without faith it is impossible to please God. — Hebrews 11:6

Photo: Nikolya Magukov

OUR FATHER, which art in Heaven, with praise on our lips and thanksgiving in our hearts, we, Thy children, worship Thee. From Thy hand we have been fed; by Thy bounty we have been clothed; and day and night under the shelter of Thy love we have dwelt in safety. In the poverty of our service of Thee we have freely received all things.

Forgive, we beseech of Thee, all our ingratitude. Cast away all remembrance of our sins, for with sorrow do we repent of them before Thee. Stir up within a compelling desire to love Thee above all else, and to do in our living all Thy will concerning us.

Grant us Thy Grace that in word and thought and deed we may show that we have been with Christ and learned of Him. May, in some measure, Thy Kingdom come through our living, and so Thy Name be glorified. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit make us fitted for Thy service in all our days here, and bring us in Thine own good time to Thyself, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

John Gribbel,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still water.

May 25

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still water. He restoreth my soul: 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever — Psalm 23

Photo: Michal Zacharzewski

OUR Heavenly Father, give us renewed power to overcome all our faults. Give us a renewed spirit of good will toward all our fellow beings. Give us a firmer faith in Thee, and in all the promises of Thy Holy Word. Help us to follow those lines of action which bring peace, honor, and prosperity. And, by the guidance of Thy Holy Spirit, guide us ever to the way that goest upward, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Dean Charles R. Brown,

New Haven, Connecticut

Romans 5:5 The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts

May 24

The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. — Romans 5:5

Photo: Michael Faes

Living and loving God, our Father and our Friend, Thou hast in Thy wisdom created all things; for Thy pleasure they are and were created. To know Thee is life; to serve Thee is freedom; to praise Thee is our chiefest joy. As Thou hast created us in Thine own image, so, in the light of this new day of opportunity and duty, recreate us in the likeness of Him Who is the unchanging Light of life, and the unfailing source of strength and comfort. Help us in childlike faith anew to accept Him, and to faithfully follow in His steps. In Him may our sins be forgiven, our affections purified, our wills controlled, and our labors blessed.

Sanctify by the indwelling of Thy Spirit our worship in the home and in the church, hallow our holy relationships, make useful and joyful our lives, for the sake of Him Who has taught us to pray, saying:

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. 

W. H. Wray Boyle, D.D.,

Detroit, Michigan

Psalm 25:1 Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul

May 23

Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. — Psalm 25:1

Photo: StockXpert

OUR Heavenly Father, as we close our eyes we would open our hearts to Thee. Thou knowest us altogether; the very thoughts of our hearts, our innermost ambitions and desires, our secret ways--"all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do." Thee we cannot deceive. Keep us from trying to deceive others or to deceive ourselves. May we be sincere, without guile or hypocrisy, genuine--our lives of one piece, like the seamless garment of our Lord.

Keep us from the folly and wickedness of a divided life, that is one thing within and another without; that is humble and reverent on the day of worship, but hard and cold and selfish on the days of work and of pleasure.

May we be thoughtful for those who serve us, and faithful to those whom we serve. May our daily task be consecrated to Thee, that not only the fruit of our labor, but the toil itself of hands and heart and brain, may be used for Thy Kingdom.

Make all our lives of friendship and books and rest and love and laughter and service sacred to Thee, and Thine may be the glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master. Amen. 

Herbert Welch, D.D., LL.D.,

Delaware, Ohio

Mark 9:23 If thou canst believe, all things are possible

May 22

If thou canst believe, all things are possible. — Mark 9:23

Photo: Dora Pete

OUR FATHER, we bless Thee for the privilege we have, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, to call Thee Father. In this new day we would put our hands in Thine and ask Thee to lead us. The future is all dark to us, except as it is lighted up with hope of Thy presence to go with us. Thou knowest the end from the beginning--not a temptation will lurk in our way, not a danger will beset our feet, not an opportunity will cross our path, but that Thou knowest beforehand. When we think of Thy servants of old, who Thou didst lead them and give them victory over evey weakness and every foe, we are encouraged to trust Thee. Make each of us today helpers to the ongoing Kingdom of our Christ. Our Neighbors we would remember. Make plain to us our duty to them. May our sympathies flow out to all the sorrowing of earth. Help us by our efforts to give wings to the Gospel of our Lord, which made life here sweeter to us and filled our hearts with hope of a life to come. To this may the best thoughts of our minds, the best efforts of our lives, and the most liberal offering of our means be given. For the sake of Thy Son, our Saviour, we ask these blessings this day. Amen. 

Rev. W. B. Crumpton,

Montgomery, Alabama

Luke 17:5 Lord increase our faith

May 21

Lord increase our faith. — Luke 17:5

Photo: Robert Aichinger

OUR FATHER in Heaven, it is fitting that we acknowledge Thee every day; Thou dost not forget us. Teach us to set Thee before our eyes continually.

Our reasons for thanksgiving are new every morning; give us grateful hearts. Keep us from sin; cleanse us from its pollution; save us from its guilt. Grant us true repentance for our sins; help us to overcome evil with good.

Give us eyes to see, and ears to hear, and hearts to understand. May we value our time, see our opportunities, and hear and understand Thy voice. Help us to love Thee supremely, and our neighbors as ourselves.

Give us our daily bread, and something for those who lack. Keep our eyes lifted up to the white fields and to the Lord of the Harvest, Who is able to send the needed laborers. Grant to us some share in the labor and some sheave to bring with rejoicing.

Hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, and the doing of Thy will among men. May our days end in peace, and may the House of the Lord be our dwelling place forevermore. Amen. 

Rev. Thomas M. Huston,

Witinsville, Massachusetts

Joshua 24:23 Incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel

May 20

Incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel.— Joshua 24:23

Photo: Bill Davenport

OUR Heavenly Father, we pray Thee to accept this, our morning prayer and praise. We praise Thee for Thy goodness in having brought us safely to the beginning of another day; for Thy preservation of us during our past lives; for all the mercies Thou hast bestowed upon us, notwithstanding our repeated transgressions; but especially for Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and in Him, all our means of grace and hopes of glory.

Give us grace that, amidst all our worldly cares and occupations, we may never forget Thee, but remember that we are ever walking in Thy sight. Enable us to subdue all unholy desires, and, denying all ungodliness and unholy lusts, to live wholly righteously and godly in this present world. Preserve us from idleness in the concerns both of our souls and bodies, that we may not be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Be pleased, O Lord, to comfort and succor the poor and the afflicted, and dispose us to do good unto all men.

Spread the knowledge of Thy Word, and make Thy Church the instrument of diffusing and upholding true religion. Preserve us all in the unity of the faith, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life, and finally bring us to Thy Kingdom in Heaven, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Bishop James Steptoe Johnson, D.D.,

Kerrville, Texas

Psalm 96:1-4 O, sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His Name; shew forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised

May 19

O, sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His Name; shew forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised. — Psalm 96:1-4

Photo:StockXpert

FATHER of us all, we thank Thee for life and that we live now; that our eyes have been opened to the beauties of today; that our hands have been filled with the tasks of the present. Nor do we despise the past, into whose labors we have entered; its errors warn us, it successes inform us, its sacrifices inspire us, and to its brave souls we are forever debtors. We are thankful for the moral leadership of the world, for the women and men who are the roadbreakers of liberty, for those prophets of the humanities who hear first the call of life, to whom bodies are more than gold, and the soul of a little child of greater value that the buildings of a city. We are thankful for the friends whose faith in us makes us better than we are; for the children who call us by the holiest name men may ever know; for the tasks we are unworthy of, but rejoice in; and for Jesus of Nazareth, Thy Son and our only Saviour, in Whose Name are all our prayers and supplications. Amen. 

Rev. Daniel A Poling,

Boston, Massachusetts

Ephesians 3:9 To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge

May 18

To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. — Ephesians 3:19

Photo: Alfred Borchard

OUR FATHER in Heaven, we praise Thee, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the great Shepherd of the sheep, that when all we, like sheep, have gone astray, Thou didst lay upon Him the iniquity of us all. Forgive us our sins, we pray Thee, in His Name.

Show us our need of Thee, how great it is; not only for deliverance, but also for daily grace and guidance. Lead us into the green pastures of Thy love and mercy, and give us to drink of the water of everlasting life.

Make plain before us the path of duty and privilege, and help us to walk in it, that it may be for us the path of the just which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Help us to be kind, tender-hearted and true in our dealing with others, and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may be faithful witnesses for Christ in the world. Thus may we live that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we may receive the crown of life that fadeth not away. For Christ's sake. Amen. 

Russell Cecil, D.D,

Richmond, Virgina

1 John 2:12 Your sins are forgiven you for His Name's sake

May 17

Your sins are forgiven you for His Name's sake. —I John 2:12

Photo: Stockxpert

ALMIGHTY GOD, Our Heavenly Father, as we begin the life of another day we would, humbly and sincerely seek Thee as our guide, our protector, and merciful Saviour. All our strength comes from Thee; in Thy wisdom we find light and truth; in Thy presence, joy and comfort. We know not what snares may be laid for our feet, what sudden trials we may have to meet, or what burdens we may have to bear during the coming day. Make us wise to see where temptation lies; make us strong to resist. May we be brave and patient under trial; unselfish and cheerful in burden bearing. Give us consciences tender and quick to recognize sin; breathe into our hearts the spirit of fervent prayer and perfect trust. Enable us to consider the needs of each other. By helpful word and deed may we make it easier for some one to be strong and faithful. May this day not pass until we have done some good in the Master's Name to such as have need. Grant, our Father, the forgiveness of all our sins, and enable us to forgive one another as Christ commanded us. We pray for a holier life through Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself that we, through Him, might become children of God. Grant these, and all other blessings that Thou seest we need, to the glory of Thy most Holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frank N. Parker, D.D.,

Atlanta, Georgia

2 Chronicles 20:20 Believe in the Lord your God

May 16

Believe in the Lord your God. — 2 Chronicles 20:20

Photo: StockXpert

OUR Heavenly Father, a new day opens before us — grant that we may enter its portals with gratitude for every mercy of the past, and with a melody of praise in our hearts. We are deeply conscious of our sin, and are unworthy of Thy loving kindness. We realize our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thee for Thy presence with us during the coming day. Forbid that we should shirk any duty, or murmur at any trial. Keep us sweet and hopeful; make us kind in word and thought; and save us from "the rashness of unguarded moments."

We pray for those whom we love, and for all who do not love us. We pray for the stranger, the poor, the sick, the lonely, the sorrowing, and the wayward. Grant Thy presence to all who labor in Thy Name the world over, and send forth more workers into the vineyard. For our own home circle we pray, and for that larger circle of the world. Bless little children everywhere, and the helpless aged. Let wars cease upon the earth, and the Prince of Peace rule in all lands. Make us unselfish in our dealings with each one, and help us so to serve Thee this day, that at its close we may go to our rest conscious of Thy presence and Thy approval; we ask in our Savior’s Name. Amen. 

Rev. George W. McDaniel,

Richmond, Virginia

Isaiah 49:15 Yet I will not forget Thee

May 15

Yet I will not forget Thee. — Isaiah 49:15

Photo: Ronaldo Taveira

OUR Heavenly Father, with grateful hearts we offer Thee our thanks this morning. Thou has caused us to dwell in safety during the night; refreshing sleep has invigorated us, and we look forward courageously to the duties of this new day. Were it not for the assurance we have that whatever the trial, perplexity, or difficulty which the coming hours may bring, they bring no surprise to Thee, we should hesitate to step out into the unknown.

We pray that as we separate from one another to engage in our daily vocations, there may be no separation from Thee. As we work for others, may our service be given faithfully, as unto Thee, O Lord, rather than unto men. If our labours be those of the common round of the home, with many irritating interruptions, enable us to triumph by the display of a calm, unruffled temper, and thus witness to Thine own indwelling power in our lives. Let not the enemy of our souls gain advantage over any of us this day. Thou art stronger than he. Help us to be on our guard against him. Lord Jesus, may we have Thy mind today, that we may exhibit unselfishness, and be concerned about the needs and the sufferings of others. We make these requests in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

George M. Paden,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither; and; whatsoever he doeth shall prosper

May 14

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and; whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. — Psalm 1:1-3

Photo: Rui Caldeira

OUR FATHER Who art in Heaven and in earth, enter, we pray Thee, and be the centre of our family love and peace. We differ in our wants, our tempers and tastes. Selfishness and egotism spoil our perfect union. Only as Thou dost dwell in us, and we in Thee, can we realize that unity of life and action which makes for true happiness and strength. As we go forth this day to our toil and our pleasures, help us to keep Thee and one another in our minds and hearts. Help each of us to efface our self-centered desires, and to make mutual surrenders for the comfort and good of all our household. Help us to remember that larger unity of Christian life which Thou hast planned in Jesus, our Savior and Lord. May Thy revelation of Fatherhood fashion our nation and the peoples of other lands into that one family wherein righteousness, peace and joy shall dwell forever. Amen. 

Edwin Heyl Delk, D.D,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Psalm 40:1-4 I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall set it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust

May 13

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall set it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust. — Psalm 40:1-4

Photo: Vinícius Sgarbe

 OUR FATHER, in Thee every family in Heaven and earth is named. We thank Thee for our own home and fireside. We thank Thee for the great family of mankind. For ourselves and for all our brothers and sisters in all the world we pray Thee this day. Send us forth to our own work with willing hearts and ready hands, and fit us and all men for the burdens we must bear this day. Bring us to our home this night at the end of a fruitful toil, and at the day's end grant us rest and quiet sleep. Accept our thanks for all Thy mercies to us and to all men, and give to us the added blessing of grateful hearts. We ask in the Name, as we seek to pray in the Spirit, of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  

William E. Barton, D.D., LL.D.,

Oak Park, Illinois