Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works

December 30

The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. — Psalm 145:9

Photo: Colin Brough

O GOD, our Father, we are about to enter upon a new day. To meet well all duties and responsibilities that come to us; to resist firmly every distraction and temptation that seeks to draw us from our path; to be utterly prepared for any danger or any crisis that may this day befall us; to be found, when the evening is come, pure and holy--this is our desire.

And we would be friendly with all men; strength to the weak, hope to the despondent, joy to the sorrowing, power to the tempted.

We wait, therefore, our Father, for the coming of Thy Spirit upon us ere we venture into all that this day holds for us. In the quiet of this early morning hour, bowed before Thee, our souls wait. Touch us with that hand which has been laid in blessing upon others before us; speak to us with that still, small voice of power; fill us with Thine own righteousness.

Give us of Thyself, that we may this day so live for ourselves and before men that through us Thy Kingdom may in part come, and Thy will more fully be done among men. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

Rev. Seeley K. Tompkins,

Cincinnati, Ohio

Luke 9:23-25 And He said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

December 27

And He said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? — Luke 9:23-25

Photo: Markus Biehal

O LORD, Thou Whose eye seest everything, even into the secrets of our hearts, and with Whom is all wisdom and power, be not silent to our petition. In our suffering let us observe Thy presence, and, out of pain, teach us submission.

We cannot always understand what Thou art doing with us, but O Thou Watcher of men, make our souls to know that Thou art always just and good, ever long-suffering in Thy mercy. Give us Thy strength to bear the burden.

Teach us that if we would be most serviceable to Thee, we must be marred and hurt and made to bleed. The we shall come forth as gold tried in the furnace, and Thy righteousness shall be our robe, and Thy glory our diadem. Amen.

Peter Ainslie, D.D.,

Baltimore, Maryland

John 14:23 If a man love me, he will keep My words

December 16

 If a man love me, he will keep My words. — John 14:23

Photo: StockXchng

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for Thy goodness, Thy loving kindness to us and to all men; for the health that gives strength, and for the sickness that bring patience; and most of all for the forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

We beseech Thee, give Thy guidance in what we ought to do and in the ways wherein we ought to go, and vouchsafe Thy grace to enable us to walk in them aright. Save us from being so busy as to forget Thee, or so contented as to feel no need of Thee.

Fill our hearts with grateful love of Thy dear Son, our Savior and our King; and open our eyes to the light, and our souls to the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that He may come in and take possession and work in us the holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.

O God, be merciful to us sinners as we tread the dusty way of active life, and when the evening comes bide with us near, and give light for the way home, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bishop Daniel S. Tuttle, D.D.,

St. Louis, Missouri

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

December 2

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. — Isaiah 40:31

Photo: Mircea Preda Struteanu

OUR dear Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the rest, refreshment and safety of another night and for the light of another day. Thou art the giver of every good and perfect gift, and we give Thee our thanks for health preserved and life continued, and for another day with its opportunity of service. Give us stronger faith and confidence that we may go day by day, relying only on Thy sustaining strength and guidance.

Preserve us from temptation and sin, and grant that something of good may be accomplished by us during the hours of light, and that we may then find, as the day closes, that there have been some victories won and some development in our spiritual experience; and we do most humbly pray Thee that we may so spend all the days and nights of our earthly lives that when Thou dost call us hence, we may go into Thy presence shining and without shame, trusting only in the merit of Thy dear Son, our Lord, and this we pray for Jesus' sake. Amen.

Walter Duncan Buchanan, D.D.,

New York City, New York

Isaiah 65:24 Before they call, I will answer

November 30

Before they call, I will answer. — Isaiah 65:24

Photo: Flavio Takemoto

JEHOVAH, our God, "How excellent is Thy name in all the earth." We come to Thee, acknowledging Thy goodness and greatness, reverently bowing in the name of Jesus Christ, to give Thee praise and seek at Thy hands the strength needed for the duties of today. Most humbly do we confess our sins. In thought, word and deed we have transgressed Thy holy laws and "done despite unto the Spirit of grace." We recognize, God, our weakness and failures in life; when we would do good, evil is ever present. We have brought shame upon Thy sacred name and dishonor to Thy cause. Led from the path of righteousness by the alluring influences of sin around us. But in Thy infinite love Thou wilt not refuse to hear or grant our petition. Forgive us of our many sins, and make possible, O God, a greater work of grace in our lives. Help us to be true to Thee each day. Help us to remember Thy mercies and to acknowledge Thee at all times. Strengthen us, dear Father, that in the hour of trial we may stand true as Thy children. Grant Thy blessing to all who seek Thee in truth. Bring back those who have wandered from Thee, that all may be saved. Accept this petition in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

Rev. Joseph Keevil,

Cincinnati, Ohio

 

Ephesians 5:2 Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us

November 25

Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us. — Ephesians 5:2

Photo: Jamie Brelsford

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for having mercifully kept us in health and strength, and for filling our lives with so much of comfort and happiness.

We pray for each one of those near and dear to us, and we beseech that Thou wilt keep them, and defend them from all evil. Enrich them with the blessing of Thy Holy Spirit.

Likewise we pray for all Thy disciples of every creed, wherever they may be, and that Thou wilt bring all those now separated from Thee to a vital knowledge of Thy goodness to them, and to a desire to become Thy humble followers.

As we pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," so, O Lord, may we daily strive by all our acts to do all that we can for the upbuilding and extension of Thy kingdom on earth, and may our lives show to all men that we are Thine.

May we honor Thee by striving to obey Thy command to do unto others as we would have that they should do unto us, and so bring men to acknowledge Thee as their Lord and Savior. Amen.

Alba B. Johnson,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matthew 8:3 As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee

November 6

As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. — Matthew 8:13

Photo: StockXchng

OUR Father in Heaven, as children come to an earthly parent, so we, Thy children, come to Thee. We acknowledge Thy goodness in keeping us in safety during the night, and in the mercies renewed to us with the return of the day. While we have been locked in slumber, Thou hast sustained us, and the morning of a new day finds us with renewed vigor for its labor and toil.

As the day brings to us fresh obligations, fit us for their discharge. As new temptations make their appeal to us, strengthen us for their resistance. In new battles we may have to fight, lead us to victory. Fortify us against the evil we may have to meet, and make us responsive to every uplifting and helpful influence. May the evil tendencies in our nature constantly grow less insistent. May the spirit of love to Thee and to all become the fixed characteristic of our lives.

Accept our gratitude for daily renewed mercies. Give us pardon for all our sins. Keep us as a family from harm and evil today, and when our days on earth are past, bring us to the Heavenly home. We ask it in Christ's name. Amen.

Rev. J.W. Stewart,

Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble ; and He knoweth them that trust in Him

October 28

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble ; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. — Nahum 1:7

Photo: Arjun Kartha

OUR Father, we thank Thee for Thy revelation of love through Jesus Christ, and for all that He has brought to our lives of inspiration and guidance and hope. We thank Thee for the tasks Thou hast given us, and for Thy presence and help as we undertake them. Help us, we pray, to live in unbroken companionship with Thee; to draw life from Thy life; to show Thee forth as we have to do with our fellowmen in the ways of common life. Be quick to strengthen us when the lure of the world is strong upon us, and when we are tempted to put the things that perish above the things that are eternal. Give us a great hunger after righteousness, and help us to be genuine in all that we do and say and think.

As Thy disciples, Christ, may we come to be more like Thee each day, as in ever-increasing measure the spirit which was in Thee comes to dwell in us. Help us to love God and our neighbors with all our hearts. Keep us from selfishness. Forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake. Amen.

Lathan A. Crandaix, D.D.,

Minneapolis, Minnesota  

John 15:14 Ye are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you

October 27

Ye are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you. — John 15:14

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

John 2:22 They believed the scripture

October 26

They believed the scripture. — John 2:22

Photo: James Chan

OUR Father Who art in Heaven, we praise Thee for the grace which permits us to look upon another day. Wondrous is Thy love. We frail children of earth bow for a moment to receive the benediction of Thy infinite, omnipotent Fatherhood. Forth we go to battle and to toil. We dare not go alone. Temptation will crouch beside our pathway. Some of us may come upon dangers suddenly. Do Thou befriend us. When the duties of the day are done, may it please Thee to gather us at eventide an unbroken, happy family, with no stain of sin upon our garments. The Church we love, do Thou bless it. May the Holy Spirit abide with the pastor and all the people. We love our native land. Do Thou save it. For the whole world we offer our humble prayer. Thy Kingdom come. Great Son of God, dear Prince of Peace, why dost Thou tarry? Humanity dies. Give us hearts to bleed and hands to bless. Pity the men who have no home, and protect the women who toil and are weak. Send us from this trysting place to laugh and love and labor in the strength of Him Who said, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto me." Lord, we thank Thee for Thy promised strength. Amen.

Rev. David Otis Cowles,

Jersey City, New Jersey

Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is live, joy, faith

October 21

The fruit of the Spirit is live, joy, faith. — Galatians 5:22

Photo: Flickr-Hickory Hardscrabble

OUR Heavenly Father, we turn to Thee in gratitude for Thy goodness, and in loving dependence upon Thy grace. Thou art our shield, our strength, our guide. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Thou dost forgive our sins. We trust in Thee alone. Our feeble strength can give no security in temptation, nor firmness in trial. We humbly pray for Thy sustaining grace today. May Thy companionship transform our daily tasks and make our weakness strong.

Grant to us hearts of compassion for the sorrowing, tempted, hopeless ones whose lives shall touch ours today. May we follow our Savior in helpful ministry, and may His Spirit go out from us to lead men unto Him Who alone can bless.

May Thy Holy Spirit enable us to set ourselves firmly against the evils which destroy the souls of men, and do our part of the work that is needed for the coming of Thy Kingdom. Help us to be faithful and true in thought, word and deed, that we may not add to the sum of the world's evil, but my purify and enlighten all the life about us.

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

Robert E. Vinson, D.D.,

Austin, Texas

Matthew 9:28 Believe ye that I am able to do this?

October 20

Believe ye that I am able to do this? — Matthew 9:28

Photo: Stephen Eastop

O GOD, our Heavenly Father, we give Thee thanks for all that makes Thee known to us, and for all the good things that Thou hast given us. We praise Thee that our household has once more been preserved to meet in health and to join in common thanksgiving unto Thee, the Most Holy God, the Eternal Providence.

We pray Thee to forgive all our sins, and to cleanse our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit. Accompany us into the duties of each day, and give us strength for every need.

Preserve us from all danger, defend us from all error of heart, deliver us out of every temptation, save us from murmuring against our lot or grieving over our losses, save us from envy and pride, from hate and untruth, from waste of time and excessive pleasure, and from all worldliness. May we be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving Thee, our Lord. We pray Thee in behalf of our neighbors and friends. May both we and they be blest in our mutual intercourse. Bless the poor and needy, the sick and desolate and defenseless, and bring back the lost ones to Thy home and heart.

We ask it all in the name of Thy dear Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

W. T. G. Brown, B.A., B.D.,

Toronto, Canada

2 Corinthians 13:11 The God of love and peace shall be with you

October 19

The God of love and peace shall be with you. — 2 Corinthians 13:11

Photo: Asif Akbar

OUR Father in Heaven, Thou Who cares for all the families of the earth, grant to this family a consciousness of Thy presence and love. May we be ever careful lest by word or deed we bring dishonor to Thy matchless name. Follow us as we go to the tasks of today. May we be strong in Thy strength; courageous because of Thy promises; and humble, in view of our constant dependence upon Thee.

May the Angel of the Lord encamp round about the absent ones; guard them from evil, and inspire them for service. Give us all hearts of pity for those who are in need, sympathy for the weak, and willingness to lift up the fallen. Forbid that we should be content with our own plenty, or proud in our own accomplishments, but as children may we ever be anxious for the glory of our Father's name, and thankful for His care. Forgive us for that wherein we have failed; forgive us for willfulness and downright sin.

When the great homecoming takes place, and we are in the Father's house, may every member of this family be among "the multitude that no man can number," serving Thee as we cannot here. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior. Amen.

Reverend J. R. Webb,

Peterborough, Ont., Canada           

Proverbs 15:8 The prayer of the upright is His delight

October 17

The prayer of the upright is His delight. — Proverbs 15:8

Photo: Manuel Avelar

LORD, teach us how to pray; for we know not how to pray as we ought. Thou hast bidden us in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make our requests known unto Thee. Thou hast given us so many wonderful promises in respect of prayer that we cannot but believe that prayer is the open way between us and Thee.

Thou art our Father, and we trust Thee and know that Thou canst never contradict Thy love for us as manifested in the coming and living and dying of our Lord Jesus Christ. How shalt Thou not with Him freely give us all things? No withholding or even denial of our requests can make us doubt Thee. And then we remember that Thy "No" is just as real an answer to prayer as Thy "Yes," as when Thou didst say to Moses and Paul "No"; and yet, later, how wonderfully Thou didst answer those seemingly unanswered prayers.

Be Thou our light in darkness; our comfort in sorrow; our wisdom when we are perplexed; our strength when we are in weakness. Our desire is to be used of Thee. We do not want to be idle or unfruitful in Thy service, even when limited in our opportunities. Grant this our prayer, O Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

George F. Pentecost, D.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1 John 5:14 If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us

October 13

If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. — 1 John 5:14

Photo: Mateusz Stachowski

With gratitude for Thy protection during the night watches, we begin, O Lord, the new life of a new day. Our paths will be the busy thoroughfares--walk Thou with us unseen. Our thoughts will be of our business--let not our hearts cleave to these things, but through the sweet influence of Thy Spirit, incline us to seek things that endure. We shall be tempted today, we may be drawn to the verge of some awful mistake--in the swift moment of danger, when we cannot withdraw to our closet of prayer, give us to know the right, and the power to do it.

Let not trifles ruffle our temper, not disappointments unman us; let not exacting duties make us selfish and churlish; give us rather a sunshiny face, a forthright hand, and the joy of a word fitly spoken to some timid, discouraged soul.

Strength for the day's service give us in such measure as Thou willest; pass by our sins of omission; and when the shadows fall, bring us again, unsullied by thought, or word, or deed, to sweet refreshing sleep. For Christ's sake. Amen.

Hon. John Stites,

Louisville, KY

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith

October 12

Fight the good fight of faith. — 1 Timothy 6:12

Photo: Dhany Syamsuddin

WE thank Thee, our Heavenly Father, for the care, the rest and refreshment vouchsafed unto us during another night. We thank Thee for the privilege of being able to present ourselves again before Thee, for the life and work of this new day. We recognize that the highest, as well as the holiest, ideal of life is the doing of Thy will and the accomplishment of Thy purposes concerning us. We recognize also, that even as Thou hast said, the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man that walketh, to be able always and everywhere to direct his steps aright, and so we look to Thee for the strength and wisdom and grace necessary to discharge faithfully and earnestly the responsibilities and duties of the day. Make us deeply sensitive to Thy presence, and to the other privileges and blessings of the day, so that they shall not pass from us unappreciated and unused.

Grant unto us the spirit of patience, of sympathy and of willingness to help any who may not be as highly favored as we are. Remember those in weakness, in suffering or in sorrow, and should we ourselves be called upon to pass through any of these experiences, may there also come with them the grace of resignation and of trust. Amen.

Rev. Andrew J. Lamar,

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Psalm 73:23-26 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever

October 11

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. — Psalm 73:23-26

Photo: Juha Soininen

O GOD, our dear Heavenly Father in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Thou art still the same good and gracious God as of old, holding Thy weak and troubled children by the right hand and guiding them by Thy counsel. When temptations and doubts come upon us, as they came upon Thy servant Asaph, let us neither fall nor despair, but go, as he did, into Thy sanctuary to seek light, and guidance, and strength at Thy mercy seat. Grant also to us in such hours of trial and darkness the blissful consciousness of Thy presence and They guiding and protecting care. What matters it then, if our flesh and our hearts fail, since Thou, O God, art our strength and our portion forever! Here Thou preserves us in Thy fellowship, guiding and leading us by Thy Holy Spirit, and when our task is completed, our journey finished, then Thou receives us into Thine infinite glory. Lord, we thank Thee for this comforting and sustaining truth! "Whom have we in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that we desire besides Thee."

Forgive us for Christ's sake all our sins, strengthen us in faith, and make us worthy followers of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our blessed Redeemer and Friend. Amen.

Gustav M. Bruce, M.M., S.T. D.,

St. Paul, Minnesota

Psalm 71:6 My praise shall be continually of Thee

October 9

My praise shall be continually of Thee. — Psalm 71:6

Photo: Jeff Miller

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, from Whom all good thoughts proceed, grant us the presence of the Holy Spirit, that we may walk humbly before Thee this day. Thou art the fountain of our light and the source of all our strength. We render thanks to Thee for all the tokens of Thy loving kindness and Thy mercies which we have experienced. Be with us this day, O God! May each member of our household be conscious of Thy presence. May Christ Jesus be exalted in all that we shall say and do. We thank Thee for salvation; we ask Thee to make us ready for service. May each on of us surrender absolutely to Jesus, Thy Son. May we give ourselves, our time, our money and our influence unreservedly to Him. May we care for the lowly and neglected; may we visit the sick and those in distress; may we encourage the tempted and the discouraged, and not forget to be fishers of men.

Make us wise, Blessed Master, with Thy wisdom and strong in Thy strength. May we be loyal to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Give us vitality of body and make us able to endure. Grant us the spirit of prevailing prayer, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

W. D. Powell, D.D.,

Louisville, Kentucky

Psalm 119:1-5 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes!

October 8

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes! — Psalm 119:1-5

Photo: Gary Scott

OUR Father, Who dost love us with everlasting love, may we rejoice in that love, and endeavor day by day to show our love for Thee by glad obedience to Thy will. Keep us pure, strong, and full of trust in Thee, that we may be victorious over temptation to wrongdoing, and may ever know the joy and help of Thy presence in our lives.

Banish all selfishness, and inspire us with desire for justice to all men, and stir up our wills to establish the rule of Christian brotherhood on earth. May we look upon Thy whole family and respond to every call for sympathy and compassion, and to every challenge to heroic and self-sacrificing service for our fellow men.

In all things give us the guidance and direction of Thy Holy Spirit that we may serve and please Thee. In the name of our Lord and Master, Who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.

Rev. Romilly F. Humphries,

Baltimore, Maryland