Psalm 99:8 Thou wast a God that forgavest them

July 26

Thou wast a God that forgavest them. — Psalm 99:8

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FATHER, Thou forgives us, so far as we are truly penitent. May we likewise forgive all who sin against us; and all who sin against society; all who sin against Thee; even as Thou forgives us and them. May we count no sin to heinous to pardon; no man too hardened to reclaim; no woman too fallen to uplift. When we forgive the penitent, help us to stand by him against a hard and unforgiving world. Thus may we make our forgiveness a reality in the world, and open the door of genuine social restoration to those who have gone astray.

Help us to find our chief delight in work, wherein we join our hands, our brains, our hearts, to Thy power, Thy laws, Thy love. May we choose that task which most taxes our highest powers, and best serve the world's deepest need. May we do it with such skill, such joy, thoroughness, that it shall have about it the strength of mountains, the freedom of the streams, the gladness of the sunshine, the fertility of the fields, the beauty of the stars and flowers. Thus may we become not mere creatures, but creators; not one of Thy works, but Thy co-workers. Amen.

William De Witt Hyde, D. D., LL.D.,

Brunswick, Maine