Saturday, Week 1

And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.
— Matthew 6:7 (BSB)

A full measure of the Word and prayer each day gives a healthy and powerful life.
— Andrew Murray

We come now to the close of another week, our Father, and wait for its last morning blessing. We have failed in many ways, and with humility and penitence, we confess our failures. We ask for grace to make this last day of the week, better than any of the others, to do its duties and tasks more faithfully, and to live more in accordance with Your pure and holy laws.

We thank You for all Your mercies. Blessings have come to us in abundant measure. The evils we dreaded when the week began, have not come. The clouds we thought we saw gathering, and which we feared would bring darkness and storm — were either blown away from our sky, or coming, brought only gentle rains which have blessed our fields, leaving them more fertile. The labors we feared would be too great for our strength, have been endured, and we have had strength for them as they came.

We thank You, too, for all the blessings of the week, which came to us in so many ways — through Your providences, through our friends, through our work. We have had bread to eat, and clothing to wear. We have had health and life's comforts. You have not once failed us!

We put up fervent prayers this morning for our neighbors. Some of them are in trouble. In some homes there is sickness. May You send there Your tender grace and Your gentle healing. Give strength to all who suffer, that they may be enabled to endure patiently, and may suffering work good in their souls. Remember the homes which have been darkened by sorrow. Through the clouds, may mourning ones see glimpses of Heaven's glory. Bless those of our neighbors who are not yet Your friends, who still resist Your love. Lead them to the surrender of their lives to You. We ask all in Jesus' precious name. Amen.