Saturday, Week 4

Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
— John 16:24 (BSB)

Many Christians are so spiritually frail, sickly, and lacking in spiritual vitality that they cannot stick to prayer for more than a few minutes at a time.
— Wesley L. Duewel

We must keep ourselves in Your hands, our Father, for if we should fall out of those blessed hands — it would be into eternal damnation. In You, we live and move and have our being. We acknowledge this dependence, and come to You tonight, to surrender ourselves to You. Into Your hands we commit our spirits, O Lord God of truth, for You have redeemed us. Wherein we have failed to live and act as Yours, Your redeemed ones — may You forgive us. Bless what we have done. Sanctify our influence upon others. May the day's experiences be enriching to ourselves, and through them may we be prepared for holier, more abundant life.

Father, we want to learn the lessons You have set for us. We are not in this world just to make a living — but are here at Your school. You are giving us new lessons to learn each day. You would teach us to be patient, to be submissive to Your will, to trust You when the way is dark, to be true and faithful in all duty. We are not always good scholars. Sometimes we do not accept Your teaching. We do not submit ourselves to Your will. We do not trust — when we cannot see the way. Forgive our dullness and slowness in learning, and help us to take all our lessons more sweetly in the future. Teach us . . .
to do Your will,
to walk in Your ways,
to please You in all things, and
to grow into all spiritual beauty.

We ask now for personal blessings on the members of our family. You know each one's particular needs. Grant to us that which will be the best blessing and favor. If any of us are careless, make us more careful. If any of us are in special danger of falling into temptation, or of making a mistake in a friendship — deliver us and bless us. We ask in Jesus' precious name. Amen.