Psalm 119:153 Deliver me, for I do not forget Thy law

March 31

Deliver me, for I do not forget Thy law. — Psalm 119:153

Photo: Robert Aichinger

OUR Heavenly Father, with gratitude and confidence we bow together before Thee this morning after the rest of the night. We face the day, with its untried experiences, in courage and hope, claiming Thy promise, "I will in no wise fail thee nor forsake thee." We humbly place ourselves at Thy merciful disposal; forgive us, protect us, guide us, use us, and keep us in the thought of Thee all the day. Reveal Thyself to them that are dear to us, and lead them into Thy peace. Those who are in any temptation, deliver; or in any sorrow or affliction, sustain and comfort; supply every need of theirs, according to Thy riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Give our rulers, we beseech Thee, wisdom and power to administer righteous government; save us from the covetous and proud; unite our people in the bonds of love, constraining them to justice, and mercy, and pity, that those who have may help those who have not, that oppression and poverty may cease from among us. And may we as a nation understand and fulfill our mission to the world.

Spread abroad everywhere the knowledge of Thy salvation, and bring in speedily the day of Jesus Christ, in Whose Name we ask all. Amen.

Rev. George Wells Ely,

Columbia, Pennsylvania

 

Psalm 9:12 He forgetteth not the cry of the humble

March 30

He forgetteth not the cry of the humble. — Psalm 9:12

Photo: James Emery + RGBStockphoto

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the watch care that was over us while we slept, and that Thou hast brought us in health and strength to see the light of this new day. But we need Thee more in the daylight than we do at midnight. Open our eyes to the opportunities and privileges of this day. As a servant would come to his master in the early morning to receive directions for the day, so we come to Thee, seeking divine guidance. Strengthen our bodies, clear our heads and warm our hearts, that we may live this day in accordance with Thy Holy Will, and that we may do nothing displeasing in Thy sight. Bless us in our home life, that by precept and example we may lead our children in the good and right way, and help us to make the atmosphere of our households so much like Heaven that it will be the natural thing for them to grow up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." Go with us into the larger and outer circles of life's relationships, and everywhere enable us to help and not to hinder. Bless with us all those who cry to Thee for help, and hasten the day when all mankind will join in crowning Christ "Lord of all." We offer our thanksgivings and render our petitions in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Forney Hutchinson , D.D.,

           Little Rock, Arkansas

I John 5:15 Whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions

March 29

Whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions. —I John 5:15

Photo: StockXchnge

SHELTERED as we are in the peace of our own home, we pray today for the homeless and the lonely. The wayward souls who have broken away and are wandering restless and unsatisfied, may their hearts be turned again towards their father's house. The children, orphaned and dependent, who miss a mother's comforting touch and her good-night kiss, may they have a compensation in tender friendliness. The men and women in great cities, workers with hand or brain, separated by distance from their families; may they escape or overcome the temptations that surround them. The selfish and the cruel who have wrecked their own and others' happiness; may they be changed to a better mind. For all to whom home is only a dream, or a regret, or to whom it means remorse; we pray, Thou God of infinite compassion, that to each may come a message from Thy love that shall be an impulse to a new and higher life. It is Thy will that we be carriers of such messages! Then fit us for this service by a broader sympathy and a readier helpfulness.

This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.

Rev. A. J. Bonsall, Litt. D.,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Psalm 70:4 Let those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee

March 28

Let those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee. — Psalm 70:4

Pgoto: Dog Madic

OUR FATHER in Heaven: We come to Thee with our deepest gratitude and love. Thou hast been a kind Father and a faithful Friend. We thank Thee for daily provision, for care and guidance and help in business affairs and in our home, for those "common mercies" which come to us so regularly that we get to receiving them thoughtlessly and we forget who gives them to us. Most of all, we thank Thee that Thou dost love us, that Thy pity and compassion are never withheld from us, that this day and every day Thy "goodness flows around our incompleteness, round our restlessness Thy rest." In Thy mercy forgive us. We are so weak and sin so easily that we must daily cast ourselves upon Thy strength and daily renew our prayer for pardon. Make us strong to resist sin and to overcome every temptation. All through this day may we be true to all that is pure and holy and Christ-like. May Thy Kingdom come! Cheer our hearts with new displays of Thy saving power, with signs and wonders as of old time, with new miracles of conversion and sanctification. We long to see Christ recognized and honored by men and by society. Heal our friends who are sick. Comfort all who are in sorrow. Where heavy burdens are to be borne, give the courage and the strength to bear them. And keep us all in the love of Jesus, and in conscious fellowship with Thee. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

W. I. Wishart, D.D.,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Psalm 116:6 I was brought low, and He helped me

March 27

I was brought low, and He helped me. — Psalm 116:6

Photo: StockXchnge

WE thank Thee, God, that we can call Thee Father, for no parent ever loves as deeply as Thou. We acknowledge with sorrow that we have grieved Thee time and again, for even when we would do good, evil is present. But, praise God, when we sincerely confess our sins, Thou art faithful to forgive.

We thank Thee for the daily blessings of life, seen and unseen. We thank Thee that Thou art mindful of us when we least think, and dost tenderly care for us. We pray Thee to write over the door of our home, "Peace be unto this household." Help us daily to create such an atmosphere in our home as will the better tend to bring all up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Keep us from temptation. Make us happy and blessed Christians, and help us in all we do, think, and say, that we may prove a blessing unto others.

When sorrow comes into our lives, may we yet praise God and trust Him. And if we should be imprisoned in grief, may the hand of God open for us the iron gate, as when Peter was liberated. And when our work is finished, take us to Thyself in Heaven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

L. M. Zimmerman, D.D.,

          Baltimore, Maryland

II Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift

March 26

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. — II Corinthians 9:15

Photo: Renato Paschoa

OUR FATHER, we offer Thee our thanks for the morning light and for all Thy goodness. We confess our faults and failures and sins, and ask Thy pardon. Give us a right judgment, that we may see what Thou wouldst have us do; a ready will, that we may do our duty with all our might; and the help of Thy Spirit, that we may be enabled this day to live according to Thy will.

Look with pity upon all who are in any need or trouble, and come and help them. Strengthen the weak, succor those who are tempted, lift up the fallen, lighten the darkness of them that doubt, give patience to all who suffer, and to them who are disheartened give courage and new interest in life.

Bless our country, and grant that righteousness, peace and good will may prevail among all nations. Bless Thy Church throughout the world, especially Thy servants who have gone forth to preach Thy Gospel in distant lands. Take under Thy fatherly care and protection all who are near and dear to us; do more and better for them than we can ask or think, and grant that we and they may this day enter more and more into Thy joy and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bishop Chauncey B. Brewster, D.D.,

Hartford, Connecticut

James 5:15 The prayer of faith shall save

March 25

The prayer of faith shall save. — James 5:15

Photo: Alexander Kalina

O LORD, increase our faith. By it may we be enabled to remove mountains of difficulty from our way. May it be our shield with which to quench the darts of temptation. May it steady and encourage us as we endeavor to form our plans and assume our duties and responsibilities in accord with Thy will. May it deliver us from fearful anxiety respecting our own welfare, and that of our loved ones whom we commit to Thy care. May it incline us to be forgiving and patient and considerate and sympathetic. May it prompt us to gracious and kindly words and deeds. May it save us from being too much gratified by praise, and from being too much cast down by blame. May it lend zest to the day's toil, and quicken us to renewed energy and fidelity in our work. May it impel us to humility and gratitude when we are granted prosperity and happiness, and may it preserve us against bitterness and gloom of spirit if want and sorrow become our portion. May it strengthen our hold upon possessions that abide, and be unto us the evidence of things not seen, and the substance of things hoped for. May it assure us each day, as we fare on our pilgrimage, that Thou art nigh, and lead us into the blessed experience of companying with Thee as a man walketh and talketh with a friend. Amen.  

Harry P. Dewey, D.D.,

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Psalm 30-12 I will give thanks unto Thee forever

March 24

I will give thanks unto Thee forever. — Psalm 30:12

Photo: Fernando Audibert

ETERNAL FATHER, help us to think wise thoughts, to speak kind words, and to do good deeds through all the hours of this new day of our lives. Help us to see things as they are, and also as they ought to be. We would have a hand in making the world a better place in which to live, and, as the nearer duties are the most pressing, we would begin at home. To the beloved beings in this household, therefore, we will consecrate our ability to be cheerful and helpful. Enable us to lift the burdens of the weary, and to bring happiness to the sorrowful about our own fireside, and then as our strength and wisdom are increased, to impart them to others, near and far. How full of the possibilities of usefulness is a single day! How sweet to think that in a single moment of a single hour of this one, we may render some service that will increase the sum of human virtue and happiness. Help us, Lord, to do it!

 Give us a new assurance of Thy love, and a new sense of the dignity and value of life. We pray Thee that we may be able to say, when our call comes, "Glad did I live and glad do I die, and I lay me down with a will." Amen.

Charles Frederic Goss, D.D.,

Cincinnati, Ohio

Psalm 122:6 They shall prosper that love Thee

March 23

They shall prosper that love Thee. — Psalm 122:6

Photo:Hannah Gleghorn

OUR Heavenly Father, we would humbly bow before Thee and in acknowledgment of Thy goodness would confess Thee to be our God. We thank Thee for Thy manifold mercies and continued love and care to us, so unworthy of any of Thy blessings.

We confess our sins, and pray that for the sake of Christ Thou wouldst forgive us and help us to so live that everywhere we may carry the Spirit and the life of the Master with us. Grant that we may have that purity of heart by which we may be always able to see Thee. May we see our opportunities every day, and help us to use them that we may best minister to our fellow men, and bring glory to Thy great and Holy Name. Lead us day by day.

May we obediently follow Thee, lovingly doing Thy will, and seek so to express the love of Christ that others will be led to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, while Thy believing followers may the better be established in the faith. Be gracious to all in sadness and difficulty. Help them to fully trust in Thee, and realize ever Thy presence with them.

We ask this all in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen.

I. G. Bowles, B.A., B.D.,

North Bay, Ontario, Canada

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is the strength of my life

March 22

The Lord is the strength of my life. — Psalm 27:1

Photo: Asif Akbar

OUR Gracious Father in Heaven, we accept with thankful hearts this most wonderful privilege of entering into Thy presence through prayer. A new day stretches out before us, and we know not what shall befall us ere we come to its close. How greatly do we need a strength that is more than human. We find ourselves insufficient for the tasks of the day. Our vision is so narrow, our judgment so faulty, our wisdom so incomplete. We are becoming more and more conscious of our shortcomings and our failures, and if we recognize them, how grievous must they appear in Thy sight. Forgive us and help us, we pray. Teach us that we are most strong when in weakness we throw ourselves upon Thee. Teach us that we shall enjoy the greatest liberty when we are in most complete bondage to Thee. Teach us that to lose self is to gain power and influence. Help us today to be good witnesses for Jesus Christ. May our lives ring true. May our conduct be in strict accord with the profession we make. May it be easier for others to do right today, because we are in the world. Make us strong in the hour of temptation, and give us grace for every trying situation that may arise. This petition we humbly offer through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

William S. Abernethy, D.D.,

Kansas City, Missouri

Psalm 31:23 The Lord preserveth the faithful

March 21

The Lord preserveth the faithful. — Psalm 31:23

Photo: Martin Boulanger

ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful One, we humble ourselves before Thee and adore Thy power as well as Thy love; Thy bounty, as well as Thy compassion; Thy sovereign providence as well as Thy forgiving mercy. Lord, give to us — Thou knowest better what to give than we to ask. Direct graciously all the affairs of each of us this day; be in the performance of the household duties and sanctify our home life; go out with those who go out to the business of life this day, and prosper their labors and their plans. Find some blessed helpfulness for each of us today, and let us also find it. Encompass in like manner with Thy gracious providence all our loved ones, in their homes, in preparation for life work, in their daily avocations, in their accustomed places or on a journey, in sickness or in health. Lift our eyes above the narrow little circle of our own horizon in life, to the great work of God, and to the Kingdom of God, of which we are a part. Lord, forgive us our sins; they are many, and they humble us to the dust. Guard and guide our ways this day, that we may go to meet temptation "led of the Spirit," and so shall "find the way of escape" and go safely forward in the way of faith and hope and loving service of Thee. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Melvin Grove Kyle, D.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Psalm 32:5 Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin

March 20

Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. — Psalm 32:5

Photo: StockXchnge

LORD JESUS, our Redeemer, be Thou ever-present with us to-day! Thou as the all-seeing Savior art acquainted with all our ways, nothing is unknown to Thee. Thou knowest how sin endangers our lives day by day. Thou knowest how temptations beset us on all sides. Thou knowest how doubts and misgivings fill our heart with distrust. Thou knowest how the cares of life make us anxious for the morrow and forgetful of Thee and Thy glorious promises.  

Lord Jesus, In Thy mercy help us, and grant us grace to look up in faith to Thee. Give us strength to withstand the many sins and temptations of today, help us to cast aside all our cares, and trust with child-like faith in Thee.

Above all, Lord Jesus, forgive us where we have failed in the past, and let us find in Thee our Savior, whose Lifeblood has redeemed us from sin and death. Give us faith to believe that, unworthy though we be, Thy Blood shed on the cross can save us from every sin.

St. Louis, Missouri 

Fill us, Thy pardoned children, with love to Thee and mankind. Keep us faithful in Thy all-saving Word unto our end. We ask all this of Thee, because Thou art our God and our Redeemer. Amen.

Rev. Alfred Doerffler,

St. Louis, Missouri 

Psalm 45:17 Therefore shall the people praise Thee

March 19

Therefore shall the people praise Thee. — Psalm 45:17

Photo: Martin Boulanger

ALMIGHTY GOD, Heavenly Father, Who art the light and life of men, we give Thee humble and hearty thanks for all the blessings of Thy merciful Providence; and we commend ourselves this day, and all who are near and dear to us— our family, our friends, our neighbors — to Thy divine care and protection. Give us grace so to live that we shall not be afraid to die. Save us from all dangers of soul and body. Grant us strength for our daily work, sufficiency for our daily needs, and a right judgment in all things.

We pray for our country, that it may be exalted in righteousness; for those who exercise authority, that they may be wise and just; for all our citizens, that they may be faithful to duty and obedient to law; that our land may be a land of liberty and peace, of true religion, of mutual service, acceptable to Thee, our God, and honored throughout the world.

Finally, we beseech Thee, Father, to protect and encourage those, who, by life and doctrine, at home and abroad, are proclaiming the Gospel of Thy redeeming love. Send out Thy light and Thy truth, that all men everywhere may acknowledge themselves to be the sons of God, and that Thy Kingdom may be established in all the earth. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Bishop Thomas F. Gailob, D.D.,

Memphis, Tennessee

Psalm 27:8 Thy face, Lord, will I seek

March 18

Thy face, Lord, will I seek. — Psalm 27:8

Photo: A Che

HEAVENLY FATHER, before entering fully upon the duties of this new day, we would bow before Thee and join our hearts and our voices in prayer. We pray Thee, that we may be truly conscious of Thy presence with us as we begin this day.

Help us to know, in all the work of this day, that the still small voice that speaks within us and calls us to the best things, is the voice of God; that the power that tugs at our hearts is the hand of God; and that the light that falls upon our pathway, directing us in the right way, is the light and the love of our Father, God. So may we walk this day with Thee, as Thy Holy Spirit guides us, and as we have been taught by Thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

We give Thee the love and gratitude of our hearts for all the blessings we enjoy. Take each one of us now, dear Father, into Thy loving care as we go forth to the duties of this day. May our lives be a benediction and blessing to all who need us. Lead us ever, we pray Thee, in the way Thou wouldst have us to go, and when the journey is done, gather us all home at last; in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rev. Frank G. Smith,

Kansas City, Missouri

Psalm 27:7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice

March 17

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice. — Psalm 27:7

Photo: Chris Yarzab 

O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Thy Name in all the earth. Thou art our God, and the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through Whom we, Thy children of faith, have the forgiveness of our sins. Thou art our fathers' God; and Whom they in the flesh confidently worshipped, we, their children, would also reverently worship and adore.

Humbly, yet devoutly, would we give thanks to Thee, O God, for Thy great love revealed to us in Christ; and for Thy rich and unfailing providences to us, and to all men. For Jesus' sake, receive our thanks. Continue Thy loving favors to us, and grant us pardon for sin, and life eternal.

Give us, we beseech Thee, the Holy Spirit as our Guide this day, into truth. May He ever comfort us and all Thine in times of sorrow or of trial. May He strengthen us when we are weak. May He raise us up again, if we fall. May He interpret Thy Word to us, and enable us to do Thy holy will with gladness of heart.

With us, bless also this, our nation, and the whole world with Heavenly peace, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

John Grant Newman, D.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I Timothy 5:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind

March 16

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I ain persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. — 2 Timothy 1:5-7

Photo: Daniela Corno

OUR Father, we thank Thee for binding this family together by the sacred tie of common blood. We remember with how much sacrificial love its life has been created and sustained. We bless Thee for a mother's travail and tenderness, for a father's faithful toil. Knit us together by our common joys and sorrows, so that even if we are far removed from one another, nothing may estrange our hearts. When the youngest of us is old and gray-headed, may the memories of our home still be sweet and dear. May the children's children of this family still have the vigor and virtues of our best forefathers, and may the faith, too, of our fathers burn brightly in their hearts. Deal graciously with our loved ones. Give us our daily bread and strength for our daily tasks. To Thee we commit the life and destiny of each, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prof. Walter Rauschenbusch, A.B., D.D.,

Rochester, New York

Psalm 145:1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever

March 15

I will extol Thee, my God, King; and I will bless Thy Name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts. — Psalm 145: 1-4

Photo: Joakim Buchwald

WE thank Thee, our Father in Heaven, for life and health and home. Thou hast brought us this new day, with its new blessings and its new duties. As we go out to our new tasks and pleasures, may we carry hearts full of love to Thee and to everybody. We lay our hands in Thine, and we trust Thee to lead us in the right and safe way. We are glad to know that Thou art with us, and we are going to try to do nothing that would drive Thee away from us. Teach us to walk in the foot- steps of Jesus, Who went about doing good. Bless every member of our family, bless our friends, and if we have enemies, bless them. Help our eyes to see and our ears to hear and our hearts to love that which is true and clean and good. We trust Thy care to bring us safely to our Heavenly home when the day of life is ended. We ask all this for Jesus' sake. Amen.

J. C. Armstrong, D.D.,

Kansas City, Missouri

Luke 11:9 Ask and it shall be given you

March 14

Ask and it shall be given you. — Luke 11:9

Photo: Ruth Livingstone

OUR Heavenly Father, accept our thanks for the recreation of body and mind Thou hast given us in the hours of wonderful sleep.

Help us to be so attentive to the still small voice of our Teacher and Guide, the Holy Spirit, that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do this day, all shall be done to Thy glory.

We desire that Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done in our hearts, our home, our city, our country, and in all the earth. We so desire this, that here and now we offer Thee our bodies, our minds, our reputations, our characters and our lives, and ask Thee to use each and all as seems best to Thee.

So relate us and all we have to Thy work in the world, that we may count for most in Thy Kingdom. So teach and train us by Thy Word and daily providences that we shall trust Thee daily for our daily needs, and witness for Thee by being as peaceful and joyous in disappointment, adversity, or affliction, as in prosperity. We ask it in the name of Jesus, our Saviour. Amen.  

William B. Stubbs,

Savannah, Georgia

James 4:6 God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble

March 13

God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. — James 4:6

Photo: Michal Zacharzewski

OUR Gracious God and Father, we praise Thee for constant access to Thee in Jesus Christ. We bless Thee for Thy gifts day by day for spirit, soul and body. We thank Thee that Thou art ever the same in Thy unchanging love and grace and we rejoice that we may draw from Thy fullness each moment according to our needs. Grant to us a deep and increasing consciousness of the preciousness of Christ as our Divine Redeemer, and a growing assurance of the constant supply of Thy Holy Spirit for daily living. Teach us by that Spirit how to depend continually on Thy grace, and how to receive that grace by simple faith, and how to appropriate for our life the rich provision Thou makest for us. Then may Thy love be reflected in our daily conduct and may it constrain us to live to Thy praise, and to be the means of helping others as Thou art helping us. We desire to show "Whose we are and Whom we serve" and to be a channel of blessing at home and abroad.

Bless our relatives and friends, with all needful grace, and give to them and to us such a deepening sense of Thy love that we may do our utmost to make known the Gospel to those in far off lands. And so for our loved ones, for our friends and acquaintances and for Thy whole Church, we seek the fullness of Thy blessing, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

W. H. Griffith Thomas, D.D.,

Toronto, Canada