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

Psalm 9:10 Thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek Thee

May 12

Thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. — Psalm 9:10

Illustration: Robert Proksa

O, GOD, Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all the gracious gifts Thy love bestows. In whatsoever ill we suffer, teach us submission to Thy Holy Will. Forgive us our transgressions for His sake, Who is the propitiation for our sins. With hearts softened by Thy boundless mercy, may we forgive all who have offended us.

For every one whom we should remember before Thy Throne of Grace, we beg the special blessings needed. Advance the interests of Thy Kingdom throughout the world. By Thy Holy Spirit prompt and enable us to be workers together with Thee for the salvation of all men. Make those in authority over us to be capable and honest; and may we honor them as ruling by Thy ordinance. Pity all who are in adversity. May Christ so dwell in our hearts that we shall seek to minister, rather than to be ministered unto.

For our tasks make us sufficient, and for our burdens, strong; and when Thou art ready for us, call us home, O Father, to the joy of Thy eternal presence.

All these things we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Bishop Lewis W. Burton, D.D.,

Lexington, Kentucky

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit is love

May 11

But the fruit of the spirit is love. — Galatians 5:22

Photo: Michael & Christa Richert

GOD of love and of infinite compassion, Who hath taught us to call Thee "Our Father which art in Heaven," and hath revealed that "like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him," we approach Thy Throne with reverence and humility.

We have sinned and come short of Thy glory. When we would do good, evil is present with us. Yet, Lord, we never can be satisfied until we awake with Thy likeness. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy loving kindness. According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions.

May Christ dwell in our hearts by faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to apprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. Yea, Lord, may we grow up into Him in all things, Who is our living Head, and daily bear the fruits of the Spirit, that men may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.

In His Name, Amen.

Rev. Marshall P. Talling, Ph.D.,

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Galatians 5:6 Faith which worketh by live

May 10

Faith which worketh by live. - Galatians 5:6

Photo: Jesper Noer

O THOU great and eternal God, Creator, Redeemer, and bountiful Benefactor--the one from Whom every good and perfect gift descends, we are assembled as a family to engage in worship of Thee. Breathe into our hearts the spirit of true devotion. Give to us repentance for our sins. Thou has taught us that there is but one thing that can come between our souls and Thee--one thing that can exclude us from the Kingdom of Grace and from the Kingdom of Glory; the one and only thing that Thou dost hate--sin. We rejoice that we may be delivered from sin; that we may have our fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life. We are taught in Thy Holy Word that if we confess our sins, Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Give to us faith--faith in Jesus as our present, personal all-sufficient Saviour. Give to us hope--the hope that is an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, that enterest into that within the veil, and that will securely hold us in the midst of life's storms and trials. Give to us love--that perfect love that casteth out fear. O, give to us these and all other graces that the Holy Spirit imparts. We ask all in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Adna B. Leonard, D.D.,

Brooklyn, New York

Matthew 6:14 If ye forgive your Father will forgive you

May 8

If ye forgive ... your Father will forgive you. –  Matthew 6:14

Photo: Marcelo Gerpe

OUR FATHER, we praise Thee for the blessings that crown us morning and evenng, for the love that abides with us through the darkness and the light.

With contrite hearts we confess our sins, pleading for the cleansing that God gives through the atoning blood of the Cross, and for the sanctifying power that causes us to grow into the beauty and strength of the Christ life.

Master, we dedicate ourselves to Thee for service. Wherever we may be and whatever the task that may be laid upon us, help us to be Christ-like. May we touch other lives with blessing, communicating the Spirit that cheers the depressed, comforts the sorrowful, suppplies the needy, encourages the weak, and leads the unredeemed soul to the Saviour. Thou hast honored us by calling us to be co-laborers with Thyself, the God Who works. May we toil in the fulness of our powers, to the end that earth may become like Heaven.

Father, keep us true to the highest ideals. Give us, in ever increasing measure, the peace that passeth understanding, and in life's evening hour may the light of the Glory Land be upon our faces.

Our prayer is in Jesus' Name. Amen.

W.E. McCulloch, D.D.,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies

May  8

Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies. – Psalm 119:36

Photo: StockXchng

Our Father, we thank you for the gift of life, for soundness of body and sanity of mind, for keenness of conscience and strength of will, for power of choice and privilege of service. We thank You that You set the solitary in families, for membership in the great family circle where You are our Father. We lift our hearts to You in thanksgiving for all the gifts that make life so rich and worth living – for love of father, mother, brother, sister. We thank You for friends, for education, for our country.

We ask You for power to live as we ought, to serve as we should. We ask You to bless our family, our neighborhood, our city, our state, our nation. Grant Your grace upon those that You have placed to govern and lead us. Grant Your wisdom to our teachers, Your blessing upon our schools, hospitals, prisons, that out of sorrow and suffering we may gain strength and patience. Make and keep the nations of the earth righteous, that we may have peace. Lead us through the valley of the shadow of death to the city where there is no night, no sin, no sorrow, no death.

All these favors we ask through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Orrin Philip Gifford, D.D.,

Brookline, Massachusetts

Hebrews 12:1 Let us lay aside. . . the sin which doth so easily beset us

May 7

Let us lay aside. . . the sin which doth so easily beset us.--Hebrews 12:1

Photo: Nat Arnett

OUR dear Heavenly Father, 'tis Thy Hand that opens for us the gates of the morning and draws about us the curtains of the night. We thank Thee for all the blessings that enrich our days, for the watchful care that shields us from evil, for the strength of body and mind with which to perform daily tasks and duties. Truly Thy compassions fail not, and there is no measure to Thy love. Thous dost care for each of us as if each were Thine only child.

To all Thy love and grace may we respond with a life dedicated wholly to Thee. Help us to glorify Thee by consecrating to Thee every affection of our hearts and every work of our hands.

May we do nothing which Thou canst not approve, ask nothing tht we cannot receive from Thee, nor go where we cannot go with Thee. Blot out from the book of Thy remembrance our many transgressions. Strengthen us that we may shun every allurement of sin, and grow daily in the knowledge and love of our Saviour, so that when we nightly pitch our moving tents we may be a day's march nearer home.

We ask it in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Rev. G. Arthur Fry,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  

Ezra 8:22 The Hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him

May 6

The Hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him. — Ezra 8:22

Photo: Jason Conlon

In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen.

We thank Thee, blessed Lord, for the loving care which has guarded us through the watches of the night, bringing us safely to the light of another morning. Fill our hearts with gratitude, which we would express "not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to Thy service." May we appreciate all the blessings of this life — our health, reason, and love of those who are about us, and above all, may we be grateful for Thy love. Send Thy blessing upon our dear ones, wherever they may be; keep them from accident of body, and sin of soul. Be merciful to the sick, the sorrowing, and the dying, and grant to them the "peace which passeth understanding." We pray Thee, send benedictions upon Thy church; grant that Thy Kingdom may be enlarged, and Thy people inspired to earnest duty. And now we commend ourselves unto Thee; may the angels of God watch over us this day; keep us in our going out and our coming in; preserve us from all evil; sanctify us by Thy Spirit dwelling in us, and save us at last for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Bishop William Andrew Leonard, D.D.,

Cleveland, Ohio

Hebrews 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him

May 5

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. — Hebrews 2:1-3

Photo: StockXchng

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all the gifts that come from Thy liberal hand; for life, and health, and friends, and home. We thank Thee for Thy protection and care while we slept; and for the new morning with its call to work; for the food and raiment so freely provided, and for the shelter and peace of this house. Guide and direct us this day in all we do, that we may do Thy will in all our relationships with other people. Help us to be patient, faithful, considerate, and kind, and may we not be drawn into temptation and sin. Be with all our absent dear ones, and may their lives and health be precious in Thy sight. May Thy Kingdom come in all the earth, so that all men may be brothers. We ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Dan Freeman Bradley, A.B., D.D.,

Cleveland, Ohio

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation

May 4

The Lord is my light and my salvation. — Psalm 27:1

Photo: StockXchng

OUR Heavenly Father, Thine we are, and Thee we desire to serve. We thank Thee that Thou hast made us Thine in Christ.

We thank Thee also that Thou hast made it our privilege to serve Thee. Help us, we pray, to serve Thee this day — each in the sphere and under the conditions in which Thy providence has placed us. May each of us let our light shine for Thee just where we are. May the same mind be in each of us that was in Christ Jesus, our Lord, Who, though He was Lord of all, yet pleased not Himself.

Make us strong to do the right and to resist the wrong. Give us filial love for and confidence in Thee. Give us a spirit of brotherly interest and kindness towards our fellowmen. Incline us, as we have opportunity, to do good to all men, especially to them that are of the household of faith.

Forgive our sins, and grant that we may more and more die unto sin and live unto righteousness. Bless to us the discipline of life. May we be more concerned to profit by that discipline than to escape its pain. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

W. M. McPheeters, D.D.,

Columbia, South Carolina  

Romans 8:28 For we know that all things work together for good

May 3

For we know that all things work together for good. — Romans 8:28

Photo: Dora Pete

O LORD, how slow we are to recognize Thee when Thou comest in disguise! We know Thee when Thou comest in robes of light, but not when Thou art clothed in clouds. Help us to learn Thy ways, and to thank Thee for all that Thou doest. We would thank Thee when Thou puttest us into the fires of affliction, knowing that there Thou revealed Thyself as the gracious Sanctifier and great Deliverer. How often Thou hast come to us in lowly ways, and we have not seen Thee because we did not expect to see Thee there. Sometimes Thou comest to us in heaven's glowing chariots, and we do not mistake Thee then; but more often Thou comest through earth's common places, and like Mary, we suppose Thee to be the Gardener and not the Lord. But, O, may we, as she, enquire of the gardener about Him Whom, we love, and Thou mayest reveal Thyself to us as Thou didst to her. Thou hast been doing for each of us all that Thou didst for Thy saints of old, but the blight of unbelief has been upon us, and that which Thou didst design for blessing has been a curse. O, Lord, forgive ! O Lord, forget! O Lord, prevent! To Thy wounds we flee, and in Thy merits we hide. Wilt Thou Who hast given us life give us also spiritual sensibility, hearing, and sight, and taste for all that is divine. And now unto Thee, Father, Son, and Spirit, be glory and praise. Amen.

Rev. W. Graham Scroggie,

Sunderland, England

Luke 11:9 Knock and it shall be opened unto you

May 2

Knock and it shall be opened unto you. — Luke 11:9

Photo: Tomas Vogelsang

OUR FATHER Who art in Heaven, help us to start this new day with Thee. May its first moments be laid on Thy altar, and may the dew of refreshing sleep irradiate the sacrifice. Thou hast taught us that prayer is incense; may the fragrance of our morning petition be detected in Thy holy place. The path that leads to sunset is unknown. There may be swollen streams, dangerous ravines, dense thickets, and unseen foes on Thy plan for this day. Clouds may darken the sky which laughed at sunrise, and noon on our journey may witness a severe moral struggle. We would choose to walk where the flowers bloom, the birds sing, the brook ripples, and clouds vanish into thin air. But our choices we would submit to Thine approval, for we covet Thy presence when the darkness falls. In loving, generous, and prompt obedience to Thy will may we find a new zest in our waking hours. May new vistas of beauty and new visions of service stir our hearts. May souls where our path winds be glad that we travelled their way. And when the stars shine out, invisible by day, may they beckon the best that is in us to worship at the Throne of Him Who has promised to make wise souls to shine as the stars. We proffer our petition in the Name of Him Who taught us to pray. Amen!

Rev. James E. Norcross,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I Chronicles 29:13 We thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious Name

May 1

We thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious Name. —I Chronicles 29:13

Photo: Zsuzsanna Kilian

OUR FATHER Who art in Heaven, we are Thy children, created in Thy image, redeemed by the blood of Thy Son, and dependent on Thy grace for all that we enjoy. Our health, our happiness, our food, our clothing, and many other good gifts are the evidence of Thy gracious care, and we pray that we may have grace and strength to honor Thee for what Thou hast done for us, by loving one another, and doing good unto all men, as we have opportunity. Come Thou, blessed Saviour, and dwell within us by Thy Spirit, and teach us in all things to do Thy will. We have often been forgetful of Thee, and disobedient to Thy commands, and we pray that our sins may all be forgiven for Thine own Name's sake. As we enter upon each new day, remind us of the fact that we can only hope to attain to the best success by Thy favor and blessing, and we would seek to make ourselves worthy of these, by so performing the common tasks of life, as to honor Thy Name. If we have difficult duties to perform, or dangerous temptations to meet, help us to realize that our sufficiency is in Christ, and that all things are possible to him that believeth.

And all we ask is in the Name of Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

W. B. Smiley, D.D.,

Oneonta, New York