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

I John 5:3 This, the love of God, that we keep His commandments

February 22

This, the love of God, that we keep His commandments — I John 5: 3

Photo: Ekaterina Boym-Medler

O LORD, Thou art the high and lofty One Who doth inhabit eternity, Whose Name is Holy: Thou dwellest in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.

We bow before Thee, humbly asking Thy pardon of our sins, through our Savior. We thank Thee that Thou didst so love us as to give Thy beloved Son that we might live; and we rejoice that no one shall be able to pluck us out of Thy hands.

We pray Thee that Thy Kingdom may come, and Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Do Thou support and empower everyone who labors for Thee at home or on the mission fields. Do Thou comfort and uphold all who are sick or bereaved, or troubled. May these trials bring them closer to Thee.

We do desire that Thou wouldst give us grace and power to live rightly today, to do our work and to glorify Thee. Oh, keep us from falling or doing anything to grieve Thee or to bring sorrow to our- selves, or to anyone.

We ask all in the Name of our Savior. Amen.

D. T. Reed,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania