Thursday, Week 7

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
— Matthew 6:10 (BSB)

Prayer is more than a wish; it is the voice of faith directed to God.
— Billy Graham

O God, we have nothing to bring to You but our needs, and such poor return of gratitude as our evil hearts can bring. But we are glad to know that You are pleased to have us come to You even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly, that our love shall be kindled, and that we may learn to love You more.

The morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We have slept and awaked, and You have preserved us and refreshed us. Our life has been renewed in sleep. The sun shines again about us, and in its beams we rejoice. Give us a Father's morning blessing as we step out to take up the new day's new duties. Purify our hearts — that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Give us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and the spirit of service — that we may do our common tasks in a way that will honor the name we bear.

May we learn better and better how to live with Jesus in the common days, the week-days — so that they may all be made bright with Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, from idle words, from trifling, from all that would make our life profane, or mar the impressions made on others by our conduct and example. May our daily walk be a daily gospel. May we be a blessing to every one whom we meet. May we be kept from being discouragers of others. Save us from all that would make it harder for others to live. May we so live, that all who know us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy.

Give us now a Father's morning blessing. Then we shall be stronger all the day. Then we shall be safe amid temptation. Help us to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen.