Wednesday, Week 8

And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
— James 4:3 (BSB)

Through His Spirit, the Spirit of prayer, our life may be one of continual prayer. The Spirit of prayer will help you become an intercessor, asking great things of God for those around you.
— Andrew Murray

O God, You alone make us to dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of Your wings; we awake in the morning under the blessing of Your love, because You have sustained us. Again we owe You thanks for care and protection, and for sleep. We renew our consecration to You this morning, asking You for permission to live another day for You and with You, doing Your will.

Make the way plain to us, and let us not wander from the paths of your commandments. In our worldly affairs, may we have wisdom and grace. May it please You to prosper us in our daily occupations. May Your Holy Spirit preside over our household. Preserve us from harm of every kind. Let us not be careless in our duty, nor neglectful in our tasks of this day.

Let us not waste a moment of precious time. It is Your day, not ours; ours to use for You. May we be able to spend it so that not a moment shall be left without something to bear as a record of good. In our conversation may we speak only words that shall minister grace — kind words, true words. Keep us from all complaining and grumbling. Teach us the lesson of contentment, that we may never murmur nor repine.

May it please You to preserve us, too, from all speech that would be disheartening to others. May we ever speak cheering and heartening words, which will make it easier for others to live. Forbid that we should speak any sentence which will make any one's burden heavier, or any one's path rougher. So may we live ever for You, serving You faithfully, and at the last may You receive us unto Your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.