Thursday, Week 9

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)

Prayer will make a man cease from sin; or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.
— John Bunyan

Father, though dark about us — it is always light with You. We come at nightfall to thank You for the day's mercies, and to confess our sins. Blot out every transgression. Wash us — and we shall be whiter than snow. Accept what we bring to You tonight, and let Your blessing be upon it all.

We ask You for Your special peace. We remember Your promise to keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on You. We would stay our minds on You. You are an everlasting rock. You are the same yesterday, and today, and forever. You are the everlasting Father. Nothing ever disturbs Your security. We would lean . . .
our weakness on Your strength,
our ignorance on Your wisdom,
our trembling insecurity on Your unchangeableness.

We would stay ourselves upon You. Help us to rest in You, as birds in their nest in the great rock, and not be afraid.

Save us from all fear. We are only little children in this world of danger — but we are safe in You. Help us therefore to trust and never be afraid. Cover us with Your sheltering wings. Hold us in the clasp of Your hand — in the embrace of Your everlasting arms. Preserve us from . . .
the fascinations of the world,
the assaults of the tempter, and
the insidious wickedness of our own hearts.

May You bless our mutual influence as a household. We love each other; may our love grow more tender. Sometimes we fail to show our love, even appearing cold and indifferent and ungracious. Help us to be kindly-affectioned in manner, as well as loving in heart.

We pray for our neighbors and friends. May Your grace be upon them.

Comfort the sorrowing,
relieve the distressed,
have mercy upon the sinning.

We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.