Prayer XXIV
O Lord our God, we bring our emptiness to that great storehouse, Thy riches in glory in Christ Jesus, and we pray that Thou wouldst supply all our need; and since Thou hast stored more than enough in Him for each of us, and hast put into our hands the key of the treasure-house, may we not waste Thy gifts, nor bring away a little when we might be enriched with much, nor be content with small supplies out of an infinite store.
O Lord, we draw near once more, and would desire Thy help to fulfil Thy own commandment that we may be careful for nothing, ’ but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known unto Thee.’ And we beseech Thee that Thy gracious promise may be fulfilled in our quiet hearts, and that the peace of God, which passeth understanding, may keep them in Christ Jesus.
O Lord, strengthen us, we pray Thee, day by day for all Thy will concerning us, and for all work in the world. May we make a conscience of daily seeking to receive into ourselves, and to work out in all things that are lovely and of good report, the life of Jesus Christ. And help us that thus living the God of Peace may indeed be with us. We look back upon a past which we sorrowfully recognise to have been very imperfect, and often contrary to Thy holy will. But we pray that whatever may yet remain to us of this probation life here we may fill it full of holy deeds, of devout desires, of noble purposes, and strenuous resolutions, and earnest toil. We beseech Thee to be near each of us in our daily lives, to deliver us from our own weak and foolish selves, to set us free from the limitations which we bring upon our best selves by our indulgences in vanities and evil, and help us day by day to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
O Lord, if any of us have special burdens, and have brought them here hoping to find some strength to bear them, or some alleviation in their pressure, we pray that Thou wouldst come near to such and would st help them and us in our ministration and service to help them that they may be able, with renewed vigour, to set themselves to the race that is set before them, bearing the Cross of their Master. And we beseech Thee that for each of us, according to our diverse circumstances and necessities. Thy abundant grace may be poured out, and may we welcome it into our hearts, and use it for many days to come.
Be near each of us in our daily duties, strengthen us for all the conflict of life, for its disappointments and its weights, for its wearinesses and losses. And grant that, rough or smooth the path that we tread, it may be the path of righteousness which is ever the path of peace, and the right way to the City of Habitation.
We commend ourselves now to Thy gracious care. Give our feebleness strength, O Lord, we pray, and give us words to speak that may be true and mighty. Help us and all Thy servants this day who try to open their lips in Thy name; that aims may be simple, and that self may be forgotten, and the power of Christ may be magnified, and the presence and teaching of Thy Spirit felt. And let all good people who are absent from the communion of Thy saints this day have a little sanctuary wherever they are, and be able to draw near to Him Who heareth in secret, and rewardeth openly. Hear us, we beseech Thee, in these our prayers; pour Thy blessing upon us according to our several necessities, forgive all our sins, and grant us Thy gracious presence and help, through Jesus Christ our Saviour Lord.