Romans 8:37 We are more than conquerors through Him that loveth us

March 10

We are more than conquerors through Him that loveth us. — Romans 8:37

Photo: Adem Kader

HEAVENLY FATHER, the strength of all who put their trust in Thee, be with us each day, we pray Thee, to uphold our hands and guide our hearts that we may give of our best to Thy service.

Thou knowest our weakness, how much we care for the opinion of others. Give us of Thy strength, that we may never be afraid to do Thy will. Each day there come temptations, sorrows, successes; may we be ready to meet each with a clear faith in Thee and an earnest trust in Thy goodness.

Help us as we go about our daily task, in the mill or the office, the school or the home, to have pure thoughts and clean lips.

May we try to give ourselves in helpfulness to those with whom we come in contact, each day making some one happier by word or deed, so that, as the evening comes and the shadows lengthen, we may go to our rest happy in having been of service to the world.

Grant that we may, by our surrender to Thee, and our sacrifice for others, gain the strength to bear the cross, following His footsteps, in Whose Name we offer this, our imperfect prayer. Amen.

Rev. Edward H. Bonsall, Jr.,

Morton, Pennsylvania

II Corinthians 5:1 we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens

March 4

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. — II Corinthians 5:1

Photo: Billy Alexander

OUR Father Who art in Heaven, we thank Thee for the mercies of the past day and night; for food and clothing, for sleep and shelter; for the companionship of our fellow men, and for daily opportunities for usefulness. By our receiving these mercies may we also recognize the duties which they imply. May our love to Thee and our love to our fellow men ever grow stronger by their daily exercise.

Give us grace to face the future with equanimity. We profoundly believe in the future life, and that Thou hast not created the wonderful minds of the past and the present — minds so fruitful in searching out the secrets of nature and of the human mind and body, and in devising the many means and methods by which man's comfort, intelligence, and general welfare are so wonderfully promoted — only to vanish into oblivion at the death of the body, which is mortal. We believe that Thou hast given to each of us an immortal soul, capable of dwelling with Thee in everlasting bliss. May we so order our lives in this, our temporary home, as to be fitted by Thy grace to inhabit our eternal home. Help us by precept and example to influence our fellow men to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and to enjoy this same faith in the future life. All of this we ask in the Name and for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

William W. Keen, M.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Psalm 147:7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving

February 17

Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving. — Psalm 147:7

Photo: Christof Wittwer

HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank Thee for opening to us the doorway of a new day; and now that our feet stand upon the threshold of this great opportunity, we pray for guidance, wisdom, love and power. Thou hast seen fit to draw a curtain before our eyes, so that we know not what a day may bring forth. As we journey into the wilderness of the future, a pillar of cloud has hovered about us so that we cannot tell what enemies shall meet us to-day, what duties shall present themselves for performance, what temptations may grapple with us by the wayside, what sloughs of despair may await our unwary feet, yet we know that with Thy divine help we shall be more than victors through Him Who loved us. Keep us, God; our boat is so small, and Thy ocean is so vast. Enable us to lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us. May Thy Fatherly protection be over those who are dear to us. Bless our enemies, if we have any, and give us right spirits to all mankind. Hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, when injustice, impurity, unhappiness, and sin, shall be put down, and when love, truth, honor, and justice shall prevail in the Name of the Lord. Hear us now in this, our prayer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rev. Charles C. Selecman,

Los Angeles, California

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved thee with an everlasting love

February 13

I have loved thee with an everlasting love. — Jeremiah 31:3

Photo: Bert van 't Hul

WE thank Thee, our loving Father, for Thy watchful care over us through another night. Thou dost neither slumber nor sleep, and Thy ever- wakeful eye has been upon us in our unconscious moments, and Thy protecting and upholding hand has been underneath and about us. Thou art setting before us a new day, with all of its opportunities and possibilities for good or evil. This is one of the days concerning which Thou hast promised, "As thy day so shall thy strength be." Is not this one of the days for which Thou hast made such bountiful provision? Let us not venture forth upon the day's duties or difficulties without Thy guiding, upholding, protecting hand. Thou art able to do for us exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Give us strength to conquer every temptation. Surround us with Thy gracious presence as a shield from every danger. Bless with us all whom we should specially remember at the Throne of Thy Grace. Wherever we can send a thought, Thou canst send a blessing. Let Thy blessing be suited to the capacities and needs of every one of them. May every heart be turned to Thee as the morning glory turns to the light, and may their souls and ours be enlivened, purified, and strengthened by the light of Thy health-giving countenance. Amen.

R. J. Miller, D.D.,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

James 4:26 - Ye have not because ye ask not

February 8

Ye have not because ye ask not. — James 4:26

Photo: Penny Mathews

OUR Heavenly Father, it is with rejoicing hearts that we approach Thee in prayer. Thou hast, through Thy dear Son, brought "life and immortality to light." Thou hast revealed to us "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." We come with confession upon our lips and penitence in our hearts, asking to be forgiven. Wilt Thou not bless us this day with the manifestations of Thy presence, of Thy peace, and of Thy power? Wilt Thou not use us in Thy service, and make our bodies to be the temples of Thy Spirit ? We are Thy "living sacrifices." Our eyes shall see for Thee; our ears shall hear for Thee; our lips shall speak for Thee; our hands shall work for Thee; our hearts shall beat for Thee. We are Thine. Bless Thou the members of this family circle. Thou hast given them the shelter of the roof, the warmth of the hearth, the nourishment of daily bread. Give them also the food that comes from Heaven, the robe of Christ's righteousness, and the assurance of an "inheritance which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." Protect them in the hour of danger, and deliver them in temptation. Keep them from evil, and make them to be a positive force for righteousness. Hasten the full coming of Thy Kingdom, the complete proclamation of Thy Gospel, and the universal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. We ask it in His Name. Amen.

Rev. DeWitt M. Benham, Ph.D.,

Baltimore, Maryland

I Peter 2:7 To all which believe, He is precious

February 6

To all which believe, He is precious. — I Peter 2:7

Photo: Izabelha

HEAVENLY FATHER, Thou Who art the author, sustainer and developer of life, from Whom we came, in Whom we live and move and have our being, and to Whom we shall go, we pray that our souls may be conscious of the larger life of which we are a part, that we may find its deepest realities, understand its eternal principles, experience its mighty forces, and move with its persistent current toward its divine goal. We thank Thee for Jesus, for His consciousness of the largeness of Thy life. We thank Thee that faith in Him and the reception of His spirit and the adoption of His life principles make real to us the same divine life that was so vital to Him. Forgive us for ever tainting or circumscribing Thy life within us, for living only within the narrow confines of our own little lives, for failing to realize the largeness of the great spiritual world around us, for keeping aloof from any part of human life, and for devoting our energies and time to the sinful or lesser life objectives. We pray Thee to widen and deepen our life experiences, to keep us in sympathetic touch with all mankind, to help us make our lives genuine contributions to the progressive and divine life movements of the world, and to have a real part in bringing all members of the Father's family to know the length, breadth, depth and height of the fullness of His life. Amen. 

Charles Herbert Rust, D.D.,

Rochester, New York

Colossians I 1:9:12 be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

February 4

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. — Colossians I:9-12

Photo: Pavel Jedlicka

OUR Father! worthy of all honor and praise, and Whom we desire to worship in spirit, and in truth, help us humbly come to Thee in prayer in this quiet hour.

May Thy hand, that hovered over us during the past night with protecting care, and measured to us the rich blessings of peaceful slumber and refreshing rest, now guide our feet to the duties of the day, and there shield us from harm. There give us Thy spirit of love and tenderness, Thy grace to sustain us in temptation and trial, Thy presence by Thy Spirit, to help us in all we may do.

Dwell in this home ever. Lead us on to glorify Thee in all things, until at last, life's duties finished, receive us to Thyself above. Amen.

Rev. P. H. Balsbaugh,

Columbia, Pennsylvania

Ephesians 6:10-12 Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God

February 3

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. — Ephesians 6:10-12

Photo: Stock.xchng

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the rest of the night, and the light of this new day. We also thank Thee for food and raiment and for every other blessing which in Thy goodness and wisdom Thou hast provided for our need and comfort.

We beseech Thee, grant us grace for the temptations of the day, and strength for every duty that may lie in our pathway. Help us truly to represent Thee today, and to this end may we hide "Thy Word" in our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee or our fellow men. Grant us the guidance and help of Thy good Spirit. Do Thou protect and defend us from all harm and danger, and when the day's work is done, bring us all again in safety to this, our home.

These things we ask in the Name and for the sake of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

James M. S. Isenberg, D.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Judges 18:15 Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God

January 30

Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God. — Judges 18:15

Photo: Michal Zacharzewski

OUR Heavenly Father: Thou hast made us for Thyself. We are the tender objects of Thy solicitude and care; Thou art more thoughtful of us and ours than we ourselves are.

We are conscious of our weakness. Temptations assail us. Our lives are often in the shadows, and we are inclined from the right. Awaken in us, O Lord, a sincere desire for Thee, for Thy house, and for Thy welcome. Help us to feel that we can never satisfy our souls until we satisfy them in Thee.

We feel deep within us the call of God to do our best. Do not permit us to rest in false security, in pleasant sins, or in popular falsehoods of whatever kinds. When we are satisfied with what we have done, show us the danger of losing our ideals of perfection. And when the way seems hard, and the by-paths pleasant and enticing, give us Thy gracious help.

Hear us, our Father, in the forgiveness of our sins. May Thy Kingdom come in power, that all men everywhere may know Thee as Lord and Master. May Thy will be done in our lives, and in the world, near and far, as it is in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bishop Lawrence H. Seageb, D.D.,

Waterville, Illinois  

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters

January 22

“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Photo: Stock.xchng

Our Father, help us to be true today; help us to be faithful; help us to be kind. May Thy presence go with us and watch over us so that no evil may surprise us. Keep us from falling, keep us from stumbling. If temptation assails us, may we be given strength to resist it; if trouble awaits us, may we go forth courageously to meet it and may Thy grace be sufficient for us in the hour of our need.

Especially we pray Thee that sin may have no dominion over us; save us from becoming hardened by its deceitfulness, or softened by its false soothing flattery.

Make us generous in our judgments, tender-hearted in our feelings, sweet spirited and loving in all our dealings. Preserve us from being impatient and irritable.

Implant within our hearts, a genuine hatred for every form of defilement, and a sincere love for what is pure and Christ-like. Whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, may we think on these things today. For Christ’s sake. Amen

Malcolm James MacLeod, D.D.,

New York City, New York  

Isaiah 63:9 In his love and in his pity he redeemed them.

January 21

 In his love and in his pity he redeemed them. ~ Isaiah 63:9

Photo: Csaba J. Szabo

Our God, Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our Father through Him, we thank Thee most heartily for Thy very gracious disposition towards us. In Thy love Thou hast redeemed us, in the fullness of Thy grace Thou hast given unto us Thy Holy Spirit, the blessed Word, and all things needful for our spiritual welfare. 

We are grateful, our God, for Thy good providence, whereby we enjoy the comforts and blessings of the life that now is. We humbly and earnestly pray for faith, hope, and love; for purity in our lives, for a discernment of divine leadership, and that trust in Thee whereby anxiety is banished.

We pray for family happiness, for Thy presence in our home and in each of our hearts; and we ask Thee, most merciful God, to grant us pardon for all our sins which we freely confess. We ask for a rich blessing upon the household of God upon earth, upon the nation in which we live, and upon all people.

We present our recognition of Thee, our thanksgiving, our petitions, and confession in the name of Jesus, Who taught us to pray, and for His sake.  Amen

Rev. Robert W. Watson, D.D.,

Pittsburg, Kansas

James 1:5 If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, and He will give it to him.

January 14

If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, and He will give it to him. ~ James 1:5

Photo: StockXchng

Infinite Father, we have tried the world and found it a great emptiness; we come back to Thee Who art eager to fill our souls with everlasting truth and mercy. We come with a song in our hearts, for the list of Thy benefits is beyond our counting.

We thank Thee for the stirring days of the present, with their opportunities for improvement and service, their concern for the poor and ignorant. We thank Thee for the mysterious, inviting days which are to come, laden with secret stores for our replenishing, hidden delights, and dark eperiences for our training. We thank Thee for the silent heroisms of the home; for the hallowed drudgeries of the sick chamber. We thank Thee that despite the cleverness of wicked men and foolishness of good men, the Kingdom makes steady advance.

Thy bounty to us is without boundaries. And yet we baffle Thy plans, thwart Thy love, and wander wretchedly from the way of Jesus. We return unto Thee this morning to have our stains removed, our petty shams stripped away, and our hearts fortified. Have compassion upon us, and bring us all by and by to our Father’s home, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Hugh Elmer Brown

Seattle, Washington

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

January 12

The faithful God, which keepeth covenant. ~ Deuteronomy 7:9

Photo: Stock.xnchg

Our Heavenly Father, we come to thank Thee for Thy many mercies, and to invoke Thy protection and guidance for all the way of life. We rejoice that we may know Thee and love Thee and serve Thee and be like Thee. Grant us grace to please Thee in all that we think and plan and do. Help us to live in such fellowship with Thee that Thou canst not only dwell in us, but work through us. Help us to share our blessings with others and to find in our privileges an obligation to minister to those who need what we have. Bestow upon us strength for our daily tasks; courage in the face of fears; comfort in sorrow; quiet in the midst of tumult; hope in the presence of uncertainty; high motives for humble as well as high deeds; self-control in the hour of provocation; gentleness and forgiveness when tempted to revenge; and the peace which passeth all understanding. Hold in Thy Holy care all our loved ones, and keep guard over our interests in life. Give us to see the speedy coming of Thy Kingdom among all men, and let us have an increasing share in its establishment. Fill our hearts with songs of expectation, and flood our faces with morning light, and when the day is done, let the weariness of work make welcome the rest of home, we beg in our Redeemer’s name. Amen.

James I. Vance, D.D.,

Nashville, Tennessee   

Psalm 143.1 Hear, and in Thy faithfulness answer me.

January 11

Hear, and in Thy faithfulness answer me. ~ Psalm 143.1

Photo: Michel Meynsbrughen

Our Father, our hearts overflow with gratitude when we recount Thy mercies. We feel our unworthiness when we remember all Thy loving kindness towards us. Oh, gracious Father, patiently bear with us we pray Thee.

Deliver us from the bondage of our lower and selfish desires, and make us free to give to Thee all of the love and service that should be Thine own. May we not work against Thee, or apart from Thee, but may we be one with Thee, and share in Thy purposes, Thy work, and Thy joy.

How great is our unbelief! How Thou must be grieved at our doubts and our fears! Lord, increase our faith! When mountains of difficulties loom in our pathway, grant that we may have the faith to remove them. Help us to live forgetful of self, and may our service be such that we, like Paul, shall bear in our body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Deliver us from the formal religious life, and may the Holy Spirit lead us into the fullness of God’s life for us, and within us. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Amen.

Rev. Justin N. Green

Cincinnati, Ohio

Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times.”

January 10

“I will bless the Lord at all times.” ~ Psalm 34:1

Photo: Krzysztof Isbrandt

O Lord and Father of us all, we come with glad hearts to this hour of prayer. When we recall the infinity and eternity of Thy power and wisdom and goodness, we bow in reverence to Thee. Love invites imitation, and we choose Thee as our example. May Thy Spirit change us into likeness to Thyself. Love craves the privilege of service, and loving Thee we ask, “Lord, what wilt Thou have us to do?” Help us as parents to wisely order our household. May we train our children for useful lives here, and to be fitted for their true home beyond this life. As a family we are very near each other. Help us to live that proximity may not evoke confusion and strife, May we be “kindly affectioned one to another.” Grant us, O Lord, that winning gentleness which is the sweet offspring of truthfulness and love.

We pray, Our Father, for all who are in trouble; for the sick, the poor, the afflicted, for any good cause. Bless the lonely – those who suffer, weep and struggle alone. Grant that they may find companionship and comfort in Thee. Since every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, we thank Thee sincerely and heartily for the good things we enjoy. May his prayer, O Lord! find acceptance with Thee, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Charles Randall Barnes, D.D.,

Hoboken, New Jersey