What is there not to say in prayer,
O Lord, to you who knows all things,
Who reads the heart’s covert intent,
The baseless fears to which man clings? Continue reading “What is there not to say in prayer?”
Unknown the evil face
Unknown the evil face behind
Those gentle words and pleasant smiles;
So make me see, where others are blind,
The hidden intent of the devil’s wiles. Continue reading “Unknown the evil face”
For every tear I ever cried
This life will end, O Lord, when the cloud
Transports the Savior here below;
When the angel blows the trumpet loud,
I want to rise to Him and go Continue reading “For every tear I ever cried”
To see who we are
Father, your glory shows your nature. Although we get only a glimpse of your power and might, yet what we do see reflects your true self.
We also want others to see who we truly are as your children, as redeemed people, as saints concerned to do right, as those who reject evil and embrace righteousness. Continue reading “To see who we are”
Far from your presence
Nothing surpasses having a clean heart, O God, so that we may come near to you. Far from your presence, we chase after love in endless pursuit and constant frustration. Let us turn to you in full confidence of faith, knowing that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, that the Spirit transforms us into the divine image, and that you work in us and through us and for us for your eternal glory. Continue reading “Far from your presence”
What yet we lack
Show us, God who sees the hearts and minds of all, what yet we lack to be complete in Christ.
Our one desire is for eternal life. Let us be willing to surrender anything in order to possess it.
Our one direction is toward heaven. Help us to remove any obstacle in our way.
Our one goal is to be like Christ. Keep us from quenching the Spirit and frustrating his work in us toward that end.
How little
How little, O Lord, are we inconvenienced for the gospel’s sake, next to the suffering that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ endured for our salvation!
How small our efforts are, which we feel make us tired and discouraged, next to the dedication and longsuffering of the Master as he attempted to teach multitudes and followers! Continue reading “How little”
Make us new again today
Make us new again today, O Lord! Just as you make the sun arise to produce a new day, may the Lord Jesus shine anew in our hearts.
The trials and challenges of the yesterday have left their mark. For those of today we seek new strength. For the storms that quickly arise we need more faith. Give us clearer sight for new opportunities.
Make us new again today!
When dreams are shattered
When dreams are shattered, O Eternal Architect, give us the vision of universal reconciliation for all who will repent.
When love is betrayed, O Heavenly Father, make us know your love more deeply.
When knowledge proves sterile, O Omniscient, may our knowledge of you satisfy completely. Continue reading “When dreams are shattered”
Let us not add to the suffering of others
Lord who took upon himself our pain, let us not add to the suffering of others, but work to relieve it.
God who brought peace through violence suffered by your Son, let us be your sons and daughters by promoting and pursuing peace.
Father who loves selflessly, who gave your Son and who gives all good things without measure, let us love because of who we are and not because of what we want others to be.