November 16
Ask what you will, and it shall be done unto thee. — John 15:7
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| Photo: Irum Shahid |
O
GOD our Father, Thou hast watched us during the hours of sleep, and under the
shadow of Thy wings we have rested in safety. Grant that now, when we awake, we
may be still with Thee. May we walk with Thee and work with Thee through all
the hours of the day, seeing Thee in all the life about us, and finding it our
meat to do the will of Him who sent us, and to finish His work.
In the busiest moments, may we never quite lose sight of
Thee, or slacken the hold of our souls upon the things that are eternal.
Defend us from all dangers, but above all from our own
faults and weaknesses. Help us so to pass through this day that we shall cast
no shade on other lives, but shall bring brightness into the world about us.
And when the day draws to an end, may we have the quiet joy
of knowing that, by Thy grace, we have been able to win and to manifest
something of that eternal life which is found in doing justly, with loving
kindness, and walking humbly with God. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
William Pierson Merrill, D.D.,
New York
City, New York
October 27
Ye are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you. — John 15:14
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| Photo: Adrian Yee |
OUR
Heavenly Father, we bless Thee for Thy great gifts to us, Thy children--that
there is provision for all our needs. We thank Thee for the power given to men
to bless and gladden one another by the warmth of love, the truth, and
tenderness of friendship, and to support each other in all good. May we accept
this great gift with a sense of responsibility. Let not the wealth of human
love bestowed upon us be wasted or despised--the tender care lavished on us in
our early days, the love of parents, the patience of teachers, the wisdom of counselors,
all the sweet charities of home, the joy and strength of true human intercourse.
As we have received of love, so may we give. May we learn
the deep lessons of love--self-denial, patience, helpfulness, sympathy, and
growth in gracious living. May the discipline of love train us in constancy and
true virtues. May we use the love with which we have been dowered to panoply us
against evil, to preserve us under the manifold dangers and temptations of the
world.
Bless our friends--may they and we be friends of God. Above
all, may our experience of earthly love bring us nearer to Thy love, O Thou
Lover of our souls! Amen.
Hugh Black, D.D.,
New York
City, New York
