Prayer LXXXI
O Lord, our gracious Father, Who art ever near us, ready to teach us what to pray for, and ready to answer the petitions in accordance with Thy holy will, help us to make our prayers not only askings but longings. And when we draw near to Thee may we not only be conscious of our own wants, but sure of Thy fullness and sufficiency and sweetness.
We thank Thee that we can think of nothing that we need which Thou dost not know, and art not ready to give us. Wherefore we pray Thee that our prayers may be full of faith, and full of willingness to accept what Thou dost send. Thou knowest each of us here before Thee this morning, and all the variety of our wants and circumstances, of our present experiences, and our purposes and hopes. We pray that Thou wouldst come near to each of us, and whatever other gifts thou mayest bestow upon us, according to our special necessities, give us, O Lord, and help us to long most for, and most gladly to accept, that gift which is best for all of us, the gift of Thy own self. Canst Thou not be to every man the thing that he desires most truly, the thing that he needs most profoundly?
We bless Thee for the infinite variety of Thy gifts, and of Thyself. Thou art all in all. May we find our all in Thee. If any have special burdens of sorrow do Thou graciously speak to sad hearts, and grant that the light of Thy presence may shine into all the darkness, and that we may not be sorry for the darkness which brings out the brightness of Thy face. If any of us have special duties to discharge which our circumstances make us to feel very heavy, be near to such, we pray, and give Thy power according to their need, and the strength of the Most High perfected in their weakness. Help those who are in slippery places to stand fast in the Lord; looking forward may we be at peace, looking backward may we be grateful, looking inwards may we be humble, looking upwards may we be confident.
O Lord! we pray for all our brethren throughout the world, and beseech Thee that this year on which We have entered may be a year in which the churches of the living God may be drawn nearer to their Lord, may be filled fuller of His Spirit, and may be made mightier witnesses for Him in the world.
Hear us now; grant us Thy blessing. Let us speak some word in Thy Name; take away all our unfitness in hearing and in speaking, and shed abroad Thy grace upon our hearts, for Christ our Saviour’s sake.