Psalm 55-17 Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous be moved

November 24

Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous be moved. — Psalm 55:17

Photo: Johan van den Berg

OUR Father in Heaven, look upon us, we beseech Thee, in Thine infinite love and compassion. Dwell Thou with us, that being molded by Thy good Spirit, we may have fellowship with Thee as Thy children. Help us at all times to trust Thee. Appoint for us what Thou willest, and make us ready to receive with thankfulness whatsoever seemeth good to Thee concerning us. Go with us in every mission on which Thou art pleased to send us, and in Thy service we may find rest.

Lighten our darkness, we entreat Thee, that we may behold Thy face, and in Thy tender mercy, do Thou temper the storm lest our weak faith fail. Forgive our sins, and day by day deliver us from their power. We commit all our loved ones to Thy keeping. Do Thou watch over them and bless them. And as Thou givest us a taste of Thy joy in loving our friends, lead us into the fullness of the joy of loving all whom Thou lovest, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

William Farquharson, D.D.,

Agincourt, Ontario, Canada

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

Psalm 51:15 My mouth shall show forth Thy praise

October 10

My mouth shall show forth Thy praise. — Psalm 51:15

Photo: Maxime Perron Caissy

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we gratefully acknowledge Thee as the ruler of our lives. Thou are Infinite God; we are creatures of the earth. Yet Thou has exalted us to be Thy children. Thou hast endowed us with reason and will, and hast given us a nature that seeks after Thee. Thou has placed us in this beautiful world and lavished its bounties upon us, and Thou hast made provision for the pure enjoyment of every sense. Thou hast set us in families amidst neighbors, and has endowed us with love.

Above all, because we have fallen into sin, Thou hast manifested redeeming love by the sacrifice of our Savior upon the cross. We humbly confess our personal sinfulness and failure to render a full measure of service to Thee and to our fellow men. In mercy grant Thy forgiveness, and enable us to live more nobly.

Look with compassion upon all men. Awaken true repentance and desire for salvation in every breast, both in heathen lands and at home.

Widen Thy Kingdom, and manifest Thy power in the earth. Bring all rulers and peoples under Thy sway, and soon, O Lord, soon manifest Thyself in Thine eternal glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

L. Stanley Hughson, B.A., D.D.,

Stratford, Ontario, Canada

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

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving

September 16

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. — Psalm 95:2

Photo: Chris Wittwer

O LORD GOD, our Father, Saviour and Guide, by Whose gracious and bountiful providence we have been nourished and sustained until this hour, and Whose redemptive, all-embracing love we greatly rejoice, accept, we beseech Thee, the sincere and profound gratitude of our hearts for Thine unfailing mercy and goodness. Pardon, we implore Thee, all our failings, faults and follies. By the Spirit dwelling within us, sweeten our dispositions and chasten all our appetites and desires. Sanctify our home, light it with the lamp of Thy presence continually, and warm it with the fire of Thy love.

Make Thy way plain before our eyes, and lead us onward and upward. Sanctify unto us all our trials and difficulties. Help us over the hard places, and in the smooth places suffer us not to forget our constant need of Thee. Quicken and intensify our love to Thee, and help us to be compassionate and generous in all our dealings with our fellow men. Enable us to do justly and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Thee. May we not be overcome of evil, but may we overcome evil with good.

O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish Thou the righteous! And may the whole earth be filled with Thy glory! Amen.

W. H. Cline, D. D.,

Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

Luke 6:37 Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven

August 11

Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. — Luke 6:37

Photo: Shutterstock

WITH grateful hearts, our Father, we humbly bow around this family altar. We are Thy children. We confess our sins and acknowledge Thy loving kindness and tender mercies. Forgive us our sins and create in us forgiving hearts. Make us as willing to forgive as we are to be forgiven. Enlarge upon us Thy loving kindness and encircle us with Thy unwearied compassion.

Broaden our sympathies, and save us from selfishness. Open our ears to the cry of our next door neighbor and to the call of the man of Macedonia. Multiply our opportunities for doing good and consecrate our energies to Thy service. Warm our hearts to respond to the needs of our fellow-man, and make us messengers of strength and comfort to the discouraged and broken-hearted. Fill us with Thy Spirit, energize us with Thy love, and use us to Thy glory. Continue to beautify our lives with Thy blessings, strengthen us in the hour of our temptation, and sustain us when we pass through the valley of deep darkness. And now, Father, we thank Thee for everything that makes us better children of Thine; for everything that makes us more beloved of Thee, and more useful in the world ; for our home, our family and the Church. But above all, we thank Thee for Thy Son, our Savior, in Whose name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Ira M. Boswell,

Georgetown, Kentucky

Mark 11:22 Jesus saith, have faith in God

July 31

Jesus saith, have faith in God. — Mark 11:22

Photo: Julia Freeman-Woolpert

OUR Father Who art in Heaven, we come into Thy presence with full hearts to thank Thee for Thy many mercies: first of all, that Thou dost permit us to call Thee "Father," and that out of Thy tender compassion Thou art ever ready to receive us in love, and to help us to overcome the evil in our natures. We thank Thee for Thy wonderful provision--"Whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely," and that the "whosoever" includes us, and that we know that when we approach Thee in a spirit of repentance, we are not turned away. O Father, may we catch a clearer vision of what Thou art willing to do for us. Grant that we may ever be ready to respond to Thy call to bear Thy message to others, and may we be able to bring someone a definite conception of Thee and Thy love. May each of us be a willing instrument in Thy hands for the advancement of Thy Kingdom, and we pray Thee to grant us an open mind toward the daily opportunities for helping our fellowmen. May the love of self be withdrawn from our hearts, to be replaced by a full portion of love to Thee. May the time soon come when all the world shall know Thee in the forgiveness of sin. Amen.

Edwin R. Graham,

Chicago, Illinois

Psalm 55:17 Evening, morning and noon will I pray

July 17

Evening, morning and noon will I pray. — Psalm 55:17

Photo: Shutterstock

ABBA, FATHER, trusting in the merits and saving grace of Thy Son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, we come before Thee to ask grace and loving mercy during the hours of this day. Should temptations assail us, we ask for strength to resist them successfully. Should evil attack us, may Thy grace strengthen us to fight a bold fight for the right.

May we hold ourselves as valiant soldiers of the Cross, thoroughly furnished to all good works. May our ears be open to the cry of the weak and suffering, and our hearts be ready to respond to every appeal from one of Thy suffering ones, and may we be enabled to minister to others in Thy Name, as Thy servants.

Let the close of this day find us in the path of duty, and grant that in rendering loving service to others we may realize a blessing as having rendered the service to Thee.

View with compassion our many weaknesses and faults, and touch us with a consecrating power that we may be able to stand in the evil day, and to render worthy and acceptable services as faithful servants of Jesus Christ, in Whose Name we ask all these blessings, Amen.

Clarkson Clothier,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience

June 30

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. — 1 Timothy 3:9

Photo: Shutterstock

WE extol Thee, O Lord, our King, as we present ourselves before Thee, through the merits of Jesus Christ, Who by His cross and precious blood, hath redeemed us from our sin. We humbly beseech Thee, O merciful Father, to pardon our offenses against Thee and Thy Holy Law; to create within us a clean heart and a right spirit; to cause the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and Redeemer.

We bless Thy Holy Name, our Father, for Thy manifold and unceasing goodness unto us. We owe to Thee the temporal blessings of our lives, and all the opportunities we have for usefulness and happiness. Enable us, by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may enjoy and use these, and all Thy good gifts, in a worthy and acceptable manner. Be compassionate, O God, toward all suffering, sorrowing, and sinning ones. Be the comforter of the aged, the guide of the young, the wisdom of all who teach, the ruler of all who govern, the light of all who are in darkness--the Saviour of all mankind. Hasten, O Lord, Thy glorious appearing, and number us among those who shall receive at Thy right hand the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. M. C. MacLean, B.A.,

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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

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 31:23 The Lord preserveth the faithful

March 21

The Lord preserveth the faithful. — Psalm 31:23

Photo: Martin Boulanger

ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful One, we humble ourselves before Thee and adore Thy power as well as Thy love; Thy bounty, as well as Thy compassion; Thy sovereign providence as well as Thy forgiving mercy. Lord, give to us — Thou knowest better what to give than we to ask. Direct graciously all the affairs of each of us this day; be in the performance of the household duties and sanctify our home life; go out with those who go out to the business of life this day, and prosper their labors and their plans. Find some blessed helpfulness for each of us today, and let us also find it. Encompass in like manner with Thy gracious providence all our loved ones, in their homes, in preparation for life work, in their daily avocations, in their accustomed places or on a journey, in sickness or in health. Lift our eyes above the narrow little circle of our own horizon in life, to the great work of God, and to the Kingdom of God, of which we are a part. Lord, forgive us our sins; they are many, and they humble us to the dust. Guard and guide our ways this day, that we may go to meet temptation "led of the Spirit," and so shall "find the way of escape" and go safely forward in the way of faith and hope and loving service of Thee. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Melvin Grove Kyle, D.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

II Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always

March 12

We are bound to thank God always. — II Thessalonians 1:3

Photo: StockXchng

OUR FATHER, we thank Thee that Thy mercies are still upon us, and that Thy love wraps us round about. We bless Thee for the joy of existence, and for every good and beautiful thing Thou hast put into our lives. Thou hast set beauty in all the world about us, and Thou dost seek us through every sense we have. We know that Thou art merciful, for there has never been a moment of our lives in which Thou hast dealt with as according to our sins. We bless Thee for the exceeding riches of Thy grace, and Thy kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

At the close of another day we come to Thee for Thy benediction, and commit ourselves to the love that has never failed us. Look upon us in Thy tender compassion, and take away all our transgressions. Let the everlasting arms be underneath us. Give us rest in Thy love. Keep us from sin and from sorrow. Teach us to do Thy will, and lead us in the way everlasting. Quicken us by Thy Holy Spirit, and help us always to be obedient to Thy voice, submissive to Thy will, and responsive to Thy love. We ask it in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

David F. McGill, D.D.,

Ben Avon, Pennsylvania

Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to the soul that seeketh Him.

March 9

The Lord is good to the soul that seeketh Him. — Lamentations 3:25

Photo: Troy Stoi

INFINITE FATHER, Thou art our life and light, our hope and redemption. We have tried the world and found it a great emptiness; we come back to Thee Who art eager to fill our souls with ever- lasting 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, stimulating 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 experiences for our training.

We thank Thee for the silent heroisms of the home; for the hallowed drudgeries of hospital and sick chamber. We thank Thee that, despite the cleverness of wicked men and the foolishness of good men, the Kingdom makes steady advance. Thy bounty unto 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 the riches of grace in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Hugh Elmer Brown,

Seattle, Washington

Psalm 9:12 He forgetteth not the cry of the humble

February 20

He forgetteth not the cry of the humble. — Psalm 9:12

Photo: StockXchnge

DEAR LORD, our Friend and our Saviour: Thy children come to Thy feet and look up into Thy face, for we know that Thou dost love us and that Thou art waiting for us. Be Thou ever the centre of our family life, and make us find our peace and our happiness in Thy presence. Our home can be blessed only when we know that Thou art with us, Help us to love one another as Thou dost love us; to be gentle and unselfish and forgiving; to be good children of our Heavenly Father. When we are troubled, do Thou quiet our fears. When we are tempted, do Thou grant us the victory. When we are sick, may Thine everlasting arms enfold us; and when we go astray, O dear Shepherd, seek us and bring us home again. May our hearts be glad in the knowledge of Thy love. May our thoughts be pure because Thou rulest them. Let the sunshine of Thy favor drive away all shadows, and may we sing in the gladness of our spirits, since Thou art our Guardian and Friend, and therefore no harm can befall us. Help us to grow daily more like Thee, and at last take us to Thy Home, where we shall be happy forever.

Hear our prayer, dear Christ, and help us and bless us, for Thine own dear sake. Amen.

Floyd W. Tomkins, B.D., LL.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Deuteronomy 32:7 Ask thy Father and He will show thee

February 16

Ask thy Father and He will show thee. — Deuteronomy 32:7

Photo: Chris Baker

ALMIGHTY and Eternal Lord, we come by Thine own appointed way to Thee. The Name above every name is our only plea, and for His sake Who bears it Thou wilt hear and answer. What infinite grace Thou hast for all needy ones; what love and what compassion! Our souls adore and worship Thee for all Thou art, and for all that Thou hast done. We praise Thee for Thy Son, and for all that He has become to Thy trusting ones. Especially do our souls go up to Thee in adoring wonder as we think of His cross and passion. It is in the cross we find our hope. And now, Lord, wilt Thou create within us a simple faith in Thy Word, and cause us to see that naught of all Thou hast promised can ever fail of fulfillment. Evermore increase our faith. Keep us walking with Thee: safeguard us from all attacks of the evil one, and if it be Thy good pleasure, take us into the circle of Thy anointed ones, that we may effectively serve Thee. Help us in our daily duties, whether these lie in our home or business; therein may we honor and glorify Thee, and prove a blessing to our fellow men. Speed the coming of Thy Kingdom, and hasten the day when our Lord shall take His own Throne and reign gloriously. In the Name of Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.  

Rev. Joseph W. Kemp,

New York, New York