October 11

Who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. — 2 Cor 1:4

Ask God to give thee skill
In comfort’s art,
That thou may’st consecrated be
And set apart,
Unto a life of sympathy;
For heavy is the weight of ill
In every heart;
And comforters are needed much
Of Christlike touch.
— Alexander Hamilton.

The man who melts
With social sympathy though not allied,
Is than a thousand kinsmen of more worth.
— Euripides.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thou hast made sympathy divine. May I never make it commonplace. Grant that as thou dost bless and comfort me I may be willing to comfort others, and do whatsoever thou wouldst have me do. Amen.