Psalm 115:9 He is their help and their shield

August 9

He is their help and their shield. — Psalm 115:9

O GOD, our Father, we believe in Thee; we believe that Thou art, and that Thou art a rewarder of all them that diligently seek Thee. Therefore we venture confidently to come before Thee in prayer, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. We but dimly comprehend and but partly understand Thy greatness, Thy perfection of being and character, and are keenly conscious of our limitations, imperfections and sins. But we feel the need of Thee ; Thou art a necessity to us. Without Thee we cannot live, and without Thee we dare not die. Therefore we turn to Thee as the flowers in springtime turn toward the sun, as the rivers carve their courses through the hills to iind their home in the sea, for "Thou hast made us for Thyself, God, and our spirits cannot rest until they rest in Thee’ We pray Thee, pour the treasures of Thy love and life into our poor souls. We search for Thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. We are glad with unending joy if we may but be near Thee. Steady Thou our staggering faith, clarify our vision, intensify our desire to be free from all that is sin in Thy sight. Bring us into harmony with Thyself, Thy purpose, Thy life. Create in us a clean heart, God, and renew a right spirit within us. Save us from narrowness and selfishness. Bless us and make us a blessing. May we not be reservoirs, but channels through which Thy grace may flow into other lives that pant for Thee. All this we humbly ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Bishop Samuel P. Spreng,

Naperville, Illinois