Prayer LIV
Help us, Lord, we beseech Thee, that our faith and hope may follow that great Forerunner, and pass within the vail, and there be surely and steadfastly fixed. Strengthen us day by day, by the light and grace of that great hope, to live here as those ought to do who look for the City which hath the foundations, and are strangers and pilgrims here on earth. Take away from us all the doubts and darkness that may lie upon that future, and may we show the same diligence unto the full assurance of hope unto the end, and be heirs and followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Regard us, O Lord, gathered here before Thee now, and needing so much that we know not where to begin with the catalogue of our wants; but having so much in Thee that we are sure that Thou art able to supply all our need, according to Thy riches in glory which Thou hast treasured, that we may find them in Christ Jesus. Help us, whatever burdens of care or sorrow or work we may bring with us into Thy presence, to cast all our burden upon the Lord, and may we find not only in the moment’s peace and ease, but in the strength that is breathed into us in daily life, that it is no vain thing to invoke Thy help, or to bring Thee into the field to fight for us.
And now help us to speak some words in Thy Name which may have in them the power of Thy Holy Spirit. And do Thou deliver us from all that may mar the fullness of our yielding of heart and mind to Thy truth and its influences now. May speaker and hearers alike be helped, each in our several ways; and may we all feel that God has been speaking to us of a truth, and that our ears have been opened to hear the blessed words which make for life and blessedness.
O Lord! accompany with Thy Spirit’s help and grace all the work done to-day, in any form, in any communion, and in every land which has the glory of God, and the good of men, for its aim. And do Thou graciously give to all Thy servants who minister of Thy truth the firm faith in it for themselves that they may believe, and therefore speak, and their words have the power which no unbelieving words can ever have on men’s hearts. O Lord! guide us all in our different ways, and be near each of us, according to our varying interests. Comfort any that are in sorrow, be with those who may be bereaved and darkened. Let desolate hearts find a sufficiency in God, Who empties no places which He does not wish to fill.
We pray Thee to comfort all that mourn, to appoint for them that mourn in Zion ‘beauty for ashes, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.’
And now we would commit ourselves to Thy gracious care. We thank Thee for all Thy past mercies to us; we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst be near us still, that Thou wouldst help and bless us, and that Thou wouldst make us day by day to walk in the footsteps of the Lamb of God, and cherish the bright hope of being with Him for evermore.
Hear us, we beseech Thee; in Thy mercy answer and accept, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.