John 16:27 For the Father Himself loveth you

April 11

For the Father Himself loveth you. — John 16:27

Photo: Bill Davenport

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the peace, the rest, the comfort of the night through which we have come. We surely have reason to be grateful for Thy increasing care. Thou art ever thinking of us, and we sleep in safety under the shadow of Thy protecting presence. Now we enter upon the light and blessing of another day. May it be a clean day, a glad day, an undefiled day! May no dark, impure thoughts obtain possession of our hearts! May we have the grace to put away everything that is sinful and selfish and unworthy of Thee! Enable us to overcome every form of temptation. If moments of weakness, or weariness, or doubt come to us, may we have gracious help from Thee. In our business life, our home life, with our associates, with our friends, may we be thoughtful, tender, loving, generous, ever bearing in mind that we are to have the Spirit of our Divine Master "Who went about doing good." Teach us to be pitiful, to be kindly affectioned, to speak words of gentleness, and to remember especially the poor, the wayward, the unfortunate, the sorrow- stricken. So fill us with Thy Spirit as to make us joyous, radiant, eager for service, anxious only to do Thy Will. We ask all these favors in the Name of Thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rev. J. Wesley Johnston, Litt. D.,

Brooklyn, New York

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us

April 10

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. — Ephesians 5:1-2

Photo: Roger Kirby

OUR FATHER, Who dost so deeply care about all that we have to do this day, help us to do everything as in Thy sight. Make us faithful in all our work, and help us always to do our best. May we be ashamed to shirk or neglect any task that is set before us today, at home, in business, or at school, and may we have Thy guidance as we face it. In all our work and play, help us to be fair and honest, considerate of our mates, and even more anxious to play squarely and well than to win. Keep us thoughtful of others and friendly toward them. Guard us from the quick word, the unworthy thought, the selfish deed. Bind us more firmly to our dear ones and our friends this day, and to Thee, the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. So bring us to the end of the day wiser and stronger, and more able to serve Thee better tomorrow. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Charles W. Gilkey, D.D.,

Chicago, Illinois

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful by Whom you were called

April 9

God is faithful by Whom you were called. — I Corinthians 1:9

Photo: Martin Boulanger

OUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, Thou hast graciously answered our petition for safe keeping through the darkness and dangers of another night. For these mercies we now thank Thee, Father, and lift our refreshed hearts and minds to Thee in thanksgiving, and in an appeal for guidance as we start out into the duties and privileges of a new and unknown day. Graciously cause Thy Holy Spirit to dwell in us richly, and to make real unto us a Father's omniscience, love and power. Help Thou us to realize what it really is to have the very hairs of our head all numbered. Show us anew the deep concern of the Good Shepherd as He feedeth His flock and nourisheth it for the Father's service. Cause Thy Kingdom to come, and Thy will to be done in and through us each moment of the day. Bring to our remembrance, Oh Spirit of God, such portions of the Divine Word as will give us the vision, the inspiration, and the faithfulness that will make us profitable — profitable to Thee by being helpful to those about us in real need of the knowledge of a Saviour's love and grace. These favors, together with the forgiveness of our own sins, we ask in the Name of Jesus — Thy Son and our Saviour. Amen.

S. J. McDowell, D.D.,

Baltimore, Maryland

Hosea 6:3 His going forth is prepared as the morning ; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth

April  8

His going forth is prepared as the morning ; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. — Hosea 6:3

Photo: Eva Schuster

O GOD, Father, Savior, and Revealer, sanctify all those who in the midst of truth seek more truth. As they question the authority of the past, increase their loyalty to the things which are eternal. May liberty of thought leave unsullied the simplicity of their trust in Thee. As the steep ascent of truth reveals the ever-widening horizon of Thy thought, lead them in the narrow path of humble and sacrificial service. Enable them to share the joy of their emancipation without weakening other men's faith in the God of their own experience. May pride of learning never chill the warmth of prayer. May opposition and misinterpretation arouse within them no bitterness or plans for retaliation. As by Thy grace they are led into deeper sympathy with their Lord, may they give to the world their new assurance of the triumph of His Kingdom, rather than the agony of their struggle with doubt. And ever amid the clash of argument may they find the peace that passeth understanding in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shailer Mathews, D.D.,

Chicago, Illinois

II Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us

April 7

For the love of Christ constraineth us. — II Corinthians 5:14 

Photo: Carlos Paes

My Prayer Today.

 Psalm 51:10-12. Luke 22:39-46. Luke 11:1-4.

LORD, search our hearts, and make them clean. Renew continually a right spirit within us. Make us willing to do Thy will. Teach us how to pray and how to work.

Help us to go where Thou dost send us. Give us courage to speak for Thee, and loving patience in trying to help others. Bless every member of our church and Sunday school. Help us soon to win some soul for Thee. Make us to see whom we might help, and to be eager to go to them.

Fill our hearts with deeper and truer love for Thee. Forgive our sins, and make us better Christians every day. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

Ernest Bourner Allen, D.D.,

Toledo, Ohio

Deuteronomy 7:9 The faithful God which keepeth covenant

April 6

The faithful God which keepeth covenant. — Deuteronomy 7:9

Photo: Marina Garcia

OUR Heavenly Father, Whose life is within us and Whose love is ever about us, make Thy life manifest in our lives this day, as with gladness of heart, without haste or confusion of thought, we go about our daily tasks, conscious of ability to meet every rightful demand, seeing the larger meaning of little things, and finding beauty everywhere.

In the sense of Thy presence may we move through the hours, breathing the atmosphere of love, and seeking by love, rather than by anxious striving, to quicken and bless the lives of others. Knowing that we are laborers together with Thee, may we live above all the influences that depress and discourage, and come into that assurance of faith which is itself the victory that overcometh the world.

And now we would enter into the secret place of Thy presence, that, hidden with Thee, our souls may be filled with a sense of Thy sheltering care and all our energies quickened into newness of life. Lay Thy hand of love upon each one of us as in silence we seek Thy blessing.

(A moment of silent prayer.)

This blessing we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Andrew V. V. Raymond. D.D., LL.D.,

Buffalo, New York

I John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us

April 5

We love Him because He first loved us. — I John 4:19

Photo: Mateusz Stachowski

FOR the restful curtains of the night we thank Thee, Gracious God, our Father. Thou didst create all things in the earth for man's comfort, convenience, and contentment. When we walk with Thee every place is garden-like. We thank Thee that in Thy presence is fullness of joy.

We bless Thee for little children. We thank Thee for their prattle and laughter, their trust and purity. Freshen us with sweetening lessons from their fragrant happiness. Bless the little ones touched by our influence. Foreguard against making crooked pathways, lest they follow. Enable us to enforce all instructions with a flesh-clothed example. Deliver us from impatient speech and angry action before or to them. Fill our heart with love until it overflows, and mellows and moulds the little folk. Check arbitrary commands; hold back harsh penalties. May patient tenderness have the mastership in our lives. Saturate us with sympathy, grace us with gentleness, control us with considerateness, and honor us with the beauty of holiness. Give us an obedience as prompt and as confident as that of a love-led child. Command us until we shall conform to the image of our Elder Brother, and so be worthy disciples and helpers of humanity everywhere. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Christian F. Reisner, D.D.,

New York City, New York

Psalm 50:23 Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth Me

April 4

Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth Me. — Psalm 50:23

Photo: Dimitri Castrique

O THOU Infinite Life, from Whom we have come forth and in Whom we live and move and have our being, Thou Father of our spirits Who art "closer to us than breathing; nearer than hands and feet," we would begin this new day with a deep sense of gratitude to Thee and of reverence for ourselves. Make us glad that we are alive, and that we are living in a world so full of wonder, of beauty and of inspiration. Be Thou the Great Companion of our lives this day. May we see Thee in every person we meet and find Thee in every experience that meets us. May we get the very utmost out of this day, by putting our very best of mind and heart into all its tasks. May our minds be so filled with good thoughts, and our hands so busy with kindly deeds, that there shall be no room in our lives for anything unworthy of ourselves or harmful to others. May we find happiness not in seeking it, but in bringing happiness to others, especially to those who stand closest to us. So may we live this day for its own sake, as if it were a life complete in itself, and when the day is done, may we fall asleep in the consciousness that we have honestly tried to share the spirit and follow the example of Him Who is the Master of life. In His Name. Amen.

J. H. Randall, D.D.,

New York City, New York  

1 Timothy 4:10 We trust in the living God — the Saviour of all men

April 3

We trust in the living God — the Saviour of all men. —I Timothy 4:10

Photo: Katia Grimmer-Laversanne

O THOU Who art Life, and the Giver of Life, we thank Thee that Thou art also Love, and the Author of all our joys and blessings. We bless Thee for Thy Word, for Thy Holy Day, for the church and for the wondrous sacrifice of our Lord in redemption.

We rejoice for the privilege of prayer, for its fellowship with the Divine, and for the assurance that Thou dost hear and answer it. We thank Thee for the promise of the Holy Spirit to strengthen our poor infirm spirits, to give us an internal witness that we are Thy children, and to enable us to overcome in all our temptations.

Help us to '"stand fast in the faith," and to bear witness of it to others. Enable us to do good to our fellowmen, and to serve Thee by advancing Thy Holy Kingdom over all the earth.

Bless our home; may we here rear an altar of worship to Thee, and wilt Thou send down Thy Holy Angels to guard our fireside. May peace attend all our steps through life, and may we at last depart in faith and hope of the life ever- lasting. Amen.

Junius B. Remensnyder, D.D., LL.D.,

New York City, New York

Acts 10:4 Thy prayers and thine alms are come up before God

April 2

Thy prayers and thine alms are come up before God. Acts 10:4

Photo: Bill Davenport

OUR Father in Heaven, we thank Thee for teaching us to value this moment of looking up to Thee at the commencement of the day — lest we forget the purpose Thou gavest it for.

We thank Thee that Thou hast placed us in a world that needs today what we can give it, and so gives dignity and meaning to our transient lives.

Teach us this day to do the thing that pleases Thee, and so through all its difficulties and all its disappointments enjoy the peace that passes understanding, that shall make us cheerful at all times.

We thank Thee for the knowledge of Thy love that forgives our sins; may we reflect it today, seeing only the best that is in others, that we may be kind all the day through. Enable us to "serve" and to "give."

Save us from the selfishness that blinds, and from the conceit that cannot walk by faith, and enable us so to let our light shine, that men may glorify Thee today for having seen us — for Thine is the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Wilfred Thomason Grenfell, M. D., LL.D.,

St. Anthony, Newfoundland

Matthew 11:28 Come unto Me and I will give you rest

April 1

Come unto Me and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28

Photo: H Assaf

O GOD, our Father, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is written in Thy Word that Thy Holy Spirit helpeth our infirmity that we may know what we should pray for as we ought; and that He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

We yield ourselves to Thee, our God and Father, that Thy Spirit may exercise this grace toward us, and work this gift in us just now; that He may cleanse our hearts from all iniquity, and lift them up in the worship and love of Thy Holy Name; that He may comfort us in our trials today; that He may strengthen us in every moment of temptation; that He may guide us in all our ways to do Thy will; that He may help us in our toil and enlighten us in our perplexity.

O Heavenly Father, shed abroad Thy love in our hearts and keep us loving, hopeful, patient, kind and true, thus blessing all with whom we come in contact, and glorifying Thy Great Name Who art worthy of all our heart's devotion forever and ever.

Through Jesus Christ our Savior, Who loveth us and loosed us from our sins in His own blood. Amen.

James M. Gray, D.D.,

Chicago, Illinois

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