Friday, Week 12

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
— Romans 8:26 (BSB)

What wings are to a bird, and sails to a ship, so is prayer to the soul.
— Corrie Ten Boom

We thank You, Father, for the revealing to us of the sweetness and gentleness of Your love. No mother's bosom is so warm a shelter for her baby — as is Your bosom for Your redeemed children. No holiest earthly home is so secure a shelter for its favored inhabitants — as You are to those who find their home in You. We have gathered into our home tonight, after the day's cares, toils, and conflicts; so we would gather now also into the shelter of Your love and hide ourselves in You. There is no other hiding-place.

Please forgive all the sins of this day. At this evening-time, grant to us Your peace. All that we have done, may You take and bless and use. We tried to do good to others as we went on our way. Our attempts were not all beautiful — but may You use even our poor efforts to help and bless others. If Your grace is in them, our humblest deeds are full of helpfulness. Teach us to be content with the things we have. Save us from murmuring and complaining at the trials and frets of life. We are easily disheartened. We are impatient of hindrance and restraint, and when things do not go as we would have them go — we often grow fretful, and are heard finding fault and complaining.

Forgive us this complaining spirit, and teach us to take what comes to us in Your providence quietly, cheerfully, and prayerfully — bearing patiently with inconvenience and disappointment, so that Your name may be honored. Give us sweetness of spirit, give us calm and thoughtful hearts, from every murmur free; the blessing of Your grace impart, and may we live for You. So may the sweetness of Your own life come into our hearts, until we are transformed into Your own likeness. We ask in Jesus' precious name. Amen.