tihvavy of Che t:heolo0ical <^etnmar^ PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE REVEREND JESSE HALSEY, D.D, BV 245 .P68 1918 Porter, David Richard, 1882- The enrichment of prayer ^ "^1^ THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER THE ENRIGHMENT_X)F PRAYER Compiled^y DAVID R. PORTER ASSOCIATION PRESS New York: 124 East 28th Street 1918 Copyright, 1918, by The International Committee ct YouNC Men's Christian Associations CONTENTS I. The Enrichment of Prayer 1 II. Encouragements to Prayer 11 III. Suggestions About How to Pray. . 25 IV. Prayers for Use in the Morning. . 37 V. Prayers for Use in the Evening. . 49 VI. For Our Special Needs 57 VII. Prayers for Others and Thanks- givings 95 VIII. For Special Occasions, Including Times of War 123 IX. Special Services of Prayer 149 X. Meditations for a Week 165 XL Books of Devotion 185 XII. Prayers in Verse 189 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER I THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER I It is hoped that this collection of prayers and meditations may be of help to those who want to learn to pray. We have to learn to pray. In the heart of the youngest there is an instinct of prayer — a longing for God and a reaching out of our nature to God. Prayer is as much of an instinct as breathing. It is breathing: the vital, sustaining breath of the soul. It is of little value, therefore, to argue with a man that he ought to pray. All men do pray, or at least did so in youth before they stifled their natural de- sire for fellowship with God. But much of this kind of prayer is crude and uninformed. There is an infinite difference between this and Chris- tian prayer, as revealed to us in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is well to remember that He who knew more about prayer than anyone did not argue about prayer; He prayed. When the dis- ciples saw Jesus pray, they recalled their own wandering, superficial, selfish, resultless prayers and they came to Him in private with the earnest request, "Lord, teach us to pray." 3 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER II One of the most helpful devotional Looks is called "With Christ in the School of Prayer." This title is suggestive. It suggests that if we make earnest with our prayer life — as we should with the most serious work in the world — we must take more than one lesson in prayer. It should be a daily and sustained exercise. Do we not all continually need fresh and enriching lessons? Who of us is not ashamed of the ir- regularity and poverty of his prayer life? This title suggests also that Christ is the great teacher of prayer. We can have no more profit- able task than making a careful study in the gospels of His teaching and practice in prayer. If He could not live His life and do His work without constant and unreserved prayer, how foolish of us to attempt it. He needed prayer less than anyone who has ever lived, but He knew such deep experiences with God that He is our best example and teacher. There are many other ways in which we may learn to pray bet- ter: by reading devotional books, by personal Bible study, and most of all simply by praying. But the association with those who have learned THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER how to pray will teach us more than anything else. Ill In this way this book may help. We may associate not only with those who are now liv- ing but, in a sense, with those in all the cen- turies past who in their turn have been with Christ in the school of prayer. We can profit by their experience and enjoy the rich treasures of spiritual lives. In those churches where writ- ten prayers are not regularly used, we are likely to miss the contribution to our prayer life which such communion with the saints so abundantly affords. It is a misfortune if the fear of for- malism is so strong that one refuses to make any use of such prayers. For those of us who are young in Christian experience there is special helpfulness in a limited and studied use of some of these gems of devotional literature. For our chief difficulty is not in our longings for God's power, guidance, and companionship — how real these are only youth knows — but rather in our inability to express ourselves in fitting and ade- quate words. We are quite capable of under- standing deep truths when they are clearly for- mulated by others, even though we are not yet 5 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER able to formulate for ourselves statements at all adequate to our visions and convictions. So we sometimes gain measureless profit from the heartfelt use of some simple prayer, which may be the gathering-up in a few sincere sentences of a whole lifetime of precious personal fellow- ship with Christ. In no way, of course, will these prayers take the place of daily, personal, private prayer. "They may be used when the heart is full but wordless. They may suggest thoughts of prayer in the busy and distracting hours of the day." It will be noted that without any attempt to make a historical list of prayers, those here giv- en have been written by men of many centuries and of many diverse creeds. The sources given are at once, therefore, an acknowledgment of in- debtedness and an evidence of that real unity which characterizes those, of whatever age and creed, who have seen "the light of the knowl- edge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." In most cases where no authorship is indi- cated, it has not been possible to locate the origi- nal source of the prayer. Many of the choicest selections, like ancient palimpsests, show rever- ent changes made by earnest souls in many ages. 6 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER IV It may be useful to suggest a few counsels which come to us as the almost universal experi- ence of those who have made real headway in learning to pray. 1. No time of day is so conducive to profit- able prayer as the morning. It is unfortunate that so many pray only once a day and then at night. In the morning our minds are re- freshed from sleep and undisturbed as yet by the cares and work of the day. Then we need God's help most as we go out to mingle with others in the day's work. An interesting movement is developing among Christian college students, namely, the keeping of the Morning Watch. By this is meant the giving of half an hour as early in the day as possible to Bible reading, meditation, and prayer. Will you not enlist in this movement.^ 2. To avoid the disturbances of a busy day some find it best, whenever possible, to spend their Morning Watch before dressing. If they wait until they bathe and dress, it is much hard- er to keep their quiet time uninterrupted. *See "The Morning Watch" by John R. Mott, Association Press, five cents. THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 3. Prepare for the Morning Watch the night before. This will mean in many cases resolute adherence to a rule of early retiring. It will also mean before sleep comes putting one's mind in an attitude of calmness and receptivity to heavenly impressions. In a striking phrase, the truth of which both experience and modern psychology attest, the Psalmist, according to the Revised Version, says, "He giveth unto His beloved in sleep." "Then comes the Spirit to our hut When fast the senses' doors are shut. For so divine and pure a guest The emptiest rooms are furnished best." 4. Make the regular periods of prayer vital and real at all costs. This will re- quire practice in concentration and the observ- ance of those conditions, physical and mental, which help us to guard against wandering thoughts. A change in posture will sometimes help. In kneeling with closed eyes we assume our natural position of humility and worship be- fore God. "The world is shut out, in order that God may be supreme and that we may see no man save Jesus only." But the one all-important 8 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER thing is our communion with God, and some- times standing or walking may be of greater help to us. Sometimes it is well to pray aloud or to write out our prayers. We should guard this point and never become for a single day content with wasted moments or mere repetition of words during our times of prayer. "Saying prayers" is a habit to be early abandoned for more satisfying fellowship with a loving God. 5. Learn new aspects of prayer in common worship. There are untold messages for us in united prayer and even in united silence. Strive to use the Holy Communion, or Lord's Supper, as a real "means of grace." 6. Never give up if reality is hard to seek and you come upon "barren times." Like all things worth while, prayer costs. 7. Allow no rush of work or of pleas- ure to crowd out time for prayer. Luther once said, "I have much work to do today, so I will arise an hour earlier in order to have time for quiet prayer." Those who make a rule of the Morning Watch should resolve never to allow a single exception. When away on vacations, or sleeping in the same room with others, on camp- ing parties when we sleep under the stars, or 9 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER out in the thick of life's work, cling unshakably to the regular observance of this life-giving habit. Lord, Teach Us to Pray OUR Father, Which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 10 ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER II ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER WHY say est thou, Jacob, and speakest, Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, and the justice due to me is passed away from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? The everlasting God, Jehovah, the Cre- ator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no searching of his under- standing. He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. — Isaiah 40:27-31. nr^O pray in all places where quietness invit- -*- eth; in any house, highway, or street; and to know no street in this city that may not wit- ness that I have not forgotten God and my Saviour in it; and that no parish or town where I have been may not say the like. To take occa- sion of praying upon the sight of any church which I see, or pass by, as I ride about. To 13 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER pray daily, and particularly for my sick patients, and for all sick people under whose care soever. And at the entrance into the house of the sick to say, "The peace and the mercy of God be upon this house." After a sermon to make a prayer and desire a blessing, and to pray for the min- ister. — Sir Thomas Browne, 1605-1682. LORD, what a change within us one short hour Spent in Thy presence will avail to make! What heavy burdens from our bosoms take; What parched grounds refresh, as with a shower ! We kneel, and all around us seems to lower; We rise, and all the distant and the near Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear. We kneel, how weak ! we rise, how full of power ! Why, therefore, should we do ourselves this wrong, Or others, that we are not always strong ; That we are ever overborne with care; That we should ever weak or heartless be. Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer. And joy and strength and courage are with Thee? Archbishop R. C, Trench, 1807-1886„ 14 ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER NO soul can preserve the bloom and delicacy of its existence without lonely musing and silent prayer: and the greatness of this necessity is in proportion to the greatness of the soul. There were many times during our Lord's min- istry when, even from the loneliness of desert places, He dismissed His most faithful and most beloved, that He might be yet more alone. — Dean F. W. Farrar, 1831-1903. PRIVATE prayer, when it is real action, is the greatest forge of personality. It places a man in direct and effective contact with God, the Creator, the source of originality, and espe- cially with God, the Redeemer, as the source of our new creation. . . . Prayer is for the religious life what original research is for science — by it we get direct contact with reality. — P. J. Forsyth. RUBINSTEIN, the great musical composer, once said: "If I do not practice for a day I know it; if I miss two days my friends know it; and if I miss three days the public knows it." May not the same be said of the practice of the presence of God and the practice of the service 15 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER of man? May not the lack of harmony in one's relation to the Infinite and the false notes struck in one's relation to men be explained by the neglect of daily devotions and service? — Robert P. Wilder. IF the chosen soul could never be alone In deep mid-silence, open-doored to God, No greatness ever had been dreamed or done; The nurse of full-grown souls is solitude. James R. Lowell, 1819-1891. MORE things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice Rise like a fountain for me night and day. For what are men better than sheep or goats That nourish a blind life within the brain, If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer Both for themselves and those who call them friend? For so the whole round earth is every way Bound by gold chains about the feet of God. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1809-1892. 16 ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER TT^OR from of old men have not heard, nor -■- perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou wast wroth, and we sinned: in them have we been of long time; and shall we be saved? For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee; for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us by means of our iniquities. But now, Jehovah, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand — Isaiah 64:4-8. TT^OR there is nothing that makes us love a -*- man so much as praying for him; and when you can once do this sincerely for any man, you have fitted your soul for the performance of everything that is kind and civil toward him. This will fill your heart with a generosity and tenderness that will give you a better and sweet- 17 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER er behavior than anything that is called fine breeding and good manners. — William Law, 1686-1761. BERNARD . . . considering the great pa- tience of St. Francis . . . invited him to his house and had a bed prepared for him in his room. Francis, believing that Bernard was asleep, rose from his bed and betook himself to prayer, raising his hands to heaven with the greatest fervor of devotion, and saying, "My God, my God!" and so, shedding many tears, he remained till morning, continually repeating "My God, my God!" and nothing more. Ber- nard, seeing the devout acts of Francis . . . was touched and inspired by the Holy Ghost to change his life. — "Little Floivers of St. Francis" TT is worth while making any efforts, however -*- desperate, to learn to pray. . . . Often when I desire to see the Truth come home to any man, I say to myself, "If I have him here he will spend half an hour with me. Instead, I will spend that half-hour in prayer for him." — Forbes Robinson. 18 ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER IN nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understand- ing, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. — Phil. 4:6, 7. WHAT I am trying to do is precisely to get away from the ordinary, conventional ideas about prayer, and to carry our minds to the point of view of those who knew more about it by experience than most of us have attained to — people like Saint Augustine, Saint Bernard, Saint Teresa, Brother Lawrence and many others; and behind them the apostles and prophets on whom the Church is built; and behind them Jesus Christ Himself the head Corner-Stone. All these knew by vivid, com- pelling personal experience that prayer is not a mere telephoning to God to ask Him to do things, but a developing life, an expanding, deepening, heightening, intensifying, of the whole being, by allowing it to be drawn in the embrace of God nearer and nearer to Himself. — ''Self -training in Prayer" by A. H, McNeile. 19 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER WHO ever managed a greater empire than Constantine? Yet "every day," as Euse- bius reporteth, "at stated times shutting himself up, he alone privately did converse with his God." — Isaac Barrow, 1614-1650; quoted by Bishop Boyd Carpenter. AS we look back over the history of the world, we cannot help being struck by the fact that the men of prayer are the men of power. There is a connection in history between prayer and power. Take, for instance, the great re- former of the past century, who was able to break down the most determined opposition to his reforms, and to free the little children of England from terrible slavery — Lord Shaftes- bury. What was the secret of his supernatural power? If we read his life we shall see. That man was praying continually. He was praying in the House of Commons before he made his speeches; he was praying in everything he did. It would not be intelligent reading of biography to disconnect his prayer from his power. Or take General Gordon, who left us the record of a stainless soldier who could stand alone. What gave him the strength to do it? Here, again, we 20 ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER cannot intelligently disconnect his extraordinary power, his extraordinary personal influence, from the white handkerchief outside his tent, so regularly placpd there two or three times a day, which meant that General Gordon was at his prayers. Continuous prayer brings personal power. — James Hastings, STONEWALL JACKSON had also acquired this habit of reminding himself of the pres- ence of Christ. He literally carried the saintli- ness of the cloister into the turmoil of the camp. He began each day with an unhurried time of Bible study and secret prayer. It is said he prayed without ceasing while under fire as well as in camp. — John R. Mott. ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall ask for 3 fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto 21 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? — Matt. 7:7-11. IT is a great word in the letter to the Hebrews which declares that we "may find grace to help us in time of need." I have always felt that I should like to discover some idiom of my own language which would gather the thought of the Greek phrase, and I am not sure hut that it is perfectly done by saying that the message de- clares we may find grace to help us "in the nick of time." — G, Campbell Morgan. BE not afraid to pray — to pray is right. Pray, if thou canst, with hope ; but ever pray, Though hope be weak, or sick with long delay : Pray in the darkness, if there be no light. Far is the time, remote from human sight, When war and discord on the earth shall cease. Yet every prayer for universal peace Avails the blessed time to expedite. Whate'er is good to wish, that ask of Heaven, Though it be that thou canst not hope to see; 22 ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER Pray to be perfect, though the material leaven Forbid the spirit so on earth to be; But if for any wish thou darest not pray Then pray to God to cast that wish away. Hartley Coleridge, 1796-1849. TOEHOLD, I stand at the door and knock: if ^-^ any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. — Rev. 3 :20. 23 SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PRAY Ill SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PRAY METHINKS I was as if I had seen Him . . . walk through the world from the cradle to the Cross, to which also when He came I saw how gently He gave Himself to be hanged and nailed upon it for my sins and wicked doings ... 0, friends, cry to God to reveal Jesus Christ to you. . . . There is none teacheth like Him. — ''Grace Abounding,'' by John Bunyan, 1628- 1688. THERE are two things which make our Lord's example in the life of prayer of special sig- nificance. In the first place, if ever anyone could have dispensed with prayer, it was He. In the second place. His experience tried out the whole reality of prayer. Whatever He found in it, we may be sure is there. — Robert E. Speer, Gl OD requires no great matters of us: a little • remembrance of Him from time to time; a little adoration; sometimes to pray for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, and 27 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER sometimes to return Him thanks for the favors He has given you, and still gives you, in the midst of your troubles, and to console yourself with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your heart to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company: the least little re- membrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of. It is not necessary for being with God to be always at church: we may make an oratory of our heart wherein to retire from time to time to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Every one is capable of such familiar conversation with God, some more, some less: He knows what we can do. Let us begin, then. Perhaps He expects but one generous resolution on our part. Have courage. We have but little time to live. . . . Let us live and die with God. Sufferings will be sweet and pleasant to us while we are with Him ; and the greatest pleasures will be, without Him, a cruel punishment to us. . . . Accustom yourself, then, by degrees thus to worship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart from time to time in the midst of your business, even every moment if you can. 28 SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY Do not always scrupulously confine yourself to certain rules, or particular forms of devotion, but act with a general confidence in God, with love and humility. — Brother Lawrence. Cautions to Those Who Pray THE Spirit of God will not dwell in a divided heart. We cannot feel the pleasures of devotion while the world is our delight. 2. He who would be devout, must beware of indulging a habit of wandering in prayer. It is a crime that will grow upon us, and will deprive us of the blessings we pray for. 3. The oftener we renew our intercourse with God, the greater will be our devotion. 4. Make it a law to yourself, to meditate be- fore you pray; as also to make pauses to see whether your heart goes with your lips. — Bishop Thomas Wilson, 1663-1755. Different Phases of Prayer AT least once each day there should be an unhurried period of prayer, including the following: 1. Meditation — that is, a brief time of recol- 29 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER lection in order to realize who God is and who you are. There must be a little time to feel the wonder of His vastness and of your littleness, of His love and of your coldness, of His holi- ness and of your sin. ... 2. Prayer for Grace. Then the heart must be lifted up for the divine help which is needed in order to pray, to learn what things to ask for, to feel the strength of desire, to gain the power of wrestling or, in a word, to receive the Holy Spirit. 3. Confession, . . . The great sins of our lives have perhaps been wept over, repented of, confessed, and forgiven, but our life is choked with the little sins that are hardly remembered — faults of motives, slurs, the omissions, the negli- gences which require contrition and confession all the more because they escape all eyes but God's; and to these minor sins that text is well applied, "Take me the little foxes that destroy the vines." . . . 4. Intercession. Then requests have to be made for all sorts and conditions of men, for the world and for the Church, for our country and for our own Church, for Christ's servants abroad and at home, for friends and for enemies, for 30 SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY relatives and connections, for classes and for individuals mentioned by name. . . . 5. Thanksgiving, It is well to keep a journal of mercies, and in every act of prayer to recol- lect the numerous particulars which call for praise. It is the besetting sin of some tempera- ments, and a frequent temptation of all, to be far more conscious of the trials than of the bene- fits of life. — -Robert F, Horton. Prayer and Labor Prayers Slow, recollected, persevering. Peaceful, calm, resigned. Simple, humble, trusting. Always reverent, as loving as possible. Charitable. Have I not always opportunity to give? to thank? Labor Begun cheerfully. Continued perseveringly. Interrupted and resumed patiently. Finished perfectly and devoutly. Repose and care for the body, as in God's sight, under God's protection. "Gold Dust." 31 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER DO not pray for easy lives! Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers! Pray for powers equal to your tasks! Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle. But you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come in you by the grace of God. — Bishop Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893. JESUS said, "Watch and pray"; but if prayer had been the same thing as watching, Jesus would either have said "watch," or else He would have said "pray." But He said, "Watch and pray." In the same way it may be shown that prayer is different from thinking, meditating, planning, deliberating, and striving with the hands or with the brain. . . . We notice in the following passages how by both words and ac- tions it is implied that prayer was not with our Lord a mere glance, or sign, or attitude of mind, or passing ejaculation, but rather a sharply de- fined effort, so engaging and focussing the fac- ulties as to demand all the circumstance of time and place which is demanded by the most serious engagements of business life. 32 SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY "In the morning He rose early, while it was still quite dark, and leaving the house He went away to a solitary place and there prayed." — Mark 1:35. "At one place where He was praying, when He rose from His knees one of His disciples said to Him, 'Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.' " — Luke 11:1. "One day when He was praying by Himself the disciples were present." — Luke 9:18. "He made the disciples go on board the boat . . . and leave Him to dismiss the people. When He had done this He climbed the hill to pray in solitude" — Matt, 14:22, 23. "Sit down here whilst I go yonder and there pray."— Mai/. 26:36. "He Himself withdrew from them about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed repeat- edly .'*— Luke 22 'Al. The phrase "as he was wont" (Luke 22:39), referring to His going out to Gethsemane and the subsequent reference to it as 'Hhe place," would seem to imply that Gethsemane was one of our Lord's places of regular resort for prayer. The type of prayer that is exhibited by the above passages, which deal with our Lord's prac- 33 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER tice, is that kind which may be described as "seasonal." At least we may say that it presents prayer to us as a regular, unhurried, deliberate, and definite concentration of the faculties, in undivided attention, upon a specific work. — *TAe Discipline of Prayer," RELY not on a single prayer in matters of great concernment; but make it as public as you can, by obtaining of others to pray with you; this being the great blessing of the Com- munion of Saints, that a prayer united is strong like a well-ordered army. — Bishop Jeremy Tai- lor, 1613-1667. IS it not true that most people fail much in prayer, because they will not take the trouble to prepare for prayer? With a written list of the subjects we select for our prayers, a few col- lects or prayers from books of devotion care- fully selected and marked, and a fixed time allotted to our prayers, we shall find we can do much better than we generally do now. — Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. 34 SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY NO man is likely to do much good in prayer who does not begin by looking upon it in the light of a work, to be prepared for and per- severed in with all the earnestness which we bring to bear upon subjects which are at once most interesting and most necessary. — Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury. THE supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. — James 5:16. 35 PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE MORNING IV PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE MORNING AWAKE, my soul, and with the sun Thy daily stage of duty run; Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise To pay thy morning sacrifice. Bishop Ken, 1637-1711. OLORD, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with Thy mighty power ; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramentary*' 494; "Book of Common Prayer" 1549. OGOD ... the fountain of blessings . . . open to us this day the sea of Thy love, and water us with plenteous streams from the riches of Thy grace. Make us children of quiet- ness, and heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the 39 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER fire of Thy love; sow in us Thy fear; strengthen our weakness by Thy power; bind us closely to Thee and to each other in one firm bond of unity; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. — '^'Syrian Clementine Liturgy" A. D. 95. OGOD, our heavenly Father, we Thy chil- dren come now to Thy feet with our sup- plications. We cannot live without Thy bless- ing. Life is too hard for us, duty is too large. We get discouraged, and our feeble hands hang down. We come to Thee with our weakness, asking Thee for strength. Help us always to be of good cheer. Let us not be disheartened by difficulties. Let us never doubt Thy love or any of Thy promises. Give us grace to be encour- agers of others, never discouragers. Let us not go about with sadness or fear among men, but may we be a benediction to everyone we meet, always making life easier, never harder, for those who come within our influence. Help us to be as Christ to others, that they may see something of His love in our lives, and learn to love Him in us. We beseech Thee to hear us, to receive our prayer, and to forgive our sins; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. — /. R, Miller, 40 FOR USE IN THE MORNING 10RD, thou hast been our dwelling-place ^ In all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world. Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction. And sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: In the morning they are like grass which grow- eth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; In the evening it is cut down, and withereth. . . . So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom. Return, Jehovah; how long? And let it repent thee concerning thy servants. Oh satisfy us in the morning with thy loving- kindness, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. . . Let thy work appear unto thy servants, 41 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER And thy glory upon their children. And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:1-6, 12-14, 16-17. INTO Thy hands, Lord, we commend our spirits, souls, and bodies, for Thou hast created and redeemed them, Lord God Almighty. Guide us and all whom we love this day with Thine eye, and kindle Thy light in our hearts, that Thy godly knowledge increasing in us more and more, we may always be found to walk and live after Thy will and pleasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — From an Ancient Col- lect. KEEP us this day in our bodies as well as in our souls; let no accident befall us or ours, and whatever temptation crosses our path, may we be enabled to look upward and take courage, proving under every trial of faith, that we are indeed faithful disciples and good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. — E, J, P. 1843. 42 FOR USE IN THE MORNING THE day returns and brings us the petty round of irritating concerns and duties. Help us to play the man, help us to perform them with laughter and kind faces, let cheer- fulness abound with industry. Give us to go blithely on our business all this day, bring us to our resting beds weary and content and undis- honored, and grant us in the end the gift of sleep. Amen.— Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850- 1894.^ ETERNAL GOD, who committest to us the swift and solemn trust of life; since we know not what a day may bring forth, but only that the hour for serving Thee is always present, may we wake to the instant claims of Thy holy will; not waiting for tomorrow, but yielding today. Lay to rest, by the persuasion of Thy Spirit, the resistance of our passion, indolence, or fear. Consecrate with Thy presence the way our feet may go; and the humblest work will shine, and the roughest place be made plain. Lift us above unrighteous anger and mistrust into faith and hope and charity by a simple and steadfast reliance on Thy sure will. In ^Copyright, 1914, by Charles Scribner's Sons. Used by per- mission. 43 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER all tilings draw us to the mind of Christ, that Thy lost image may be traced again, and Thou mayest own us as at one with Him and Thee. Amen. — James Martineau, 1805-1900. JEHOVAH, how are mine adversaries in- creased ! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there are that sav of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But thou, Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cry unto Jehovah with my voice. And he answereth me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people That have set themselves against me round about. Arise, Jehovah; save me, my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. Psalm 3. 44 FOR USE IN THE MORNING OLORD our God, Who hast chased the slum- ber from our eyes, and once more assem- bled us to lift up our hands unto Thee, and to praise Thy just judgments, accept our prayers and supplications, and give us faith and love. Bless our coming in and our going out, our thoughts, words, and works, and let us begin this day with the praise ... of Thy mercy. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Greek Church Liturgy. ALMIGHTY GOD, seeing that it is high time to awake out of sleep, since the night is far spent and the day is at hand: help us to put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. May our loins be girt and our lamps burning, and ourselves as men who watch for the coming of their Lord. Amen. COME near and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take; / Till in the ocean of Thy love ^ We lose ourselves in Heaven above. John Keble, 1792-1866. 45 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER INTO Thy hands, Lord, we commit ourselves this day. Give to each one of us a watchful, a humble, and a diligent spirit, that we may seek in all things to know Thy will, and when we know it may perform it perfectly and gladly, to the honor and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacrament- ary" 494. OTHOU, Who in the morning rising up a great while before day, didst go out into a solitary place and there pray; make good Thy promise, that those that seek thee early shall find Thee: Amen. — "Sursum Corda" NOW that the daylight fills the sky, We lift our hearts to God on high. That He, in all we do or say. Would keep us free from harm today. May He restrain our tongues from strife. And shield from anger's din our life. And guard with watchful care our eyes From earth's absorbing vanities. may our inmost hearts be pure. From thoughts of folly kept secure, 46 FOR USE IN THE MORNING And pride of sinful flesh subdued Through sparing use of daily food. So we, when this day's work is o'er, And shades of night return once more, Our path of trial safely trod, Shall give the glory to our God. /. M. Neale, 1818-1866. 47 PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE EVENING V PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE EVENING OTHOU, by whom we come to God, — The Life, the Truth, the Way; The path of prayer Thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray. James Montgomery. WATCH Thou, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend Thy sick ones, Lord Christ. Rest Thy weary ones. Bless Thy dying ones. Soothe Thy suf- fering ones. Pity Thine afflicted ones. Shield Thy joyous ones. And all for Thy Love's sake. Amen. — St. Augustine, 354-430. T IGHTEN our darkness, we beseech Thee, \ -*-^ Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us '* from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramentary" 494; "Book of Common Prayer" 1549. 51 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OLORD our God, Almighty and Eternal Father, who givest to Thy children liber- ally and upbraidest not, we bless Thee this night for Thine infinite goodness to us and to all men. We give Thee thanks for the world and all the good things which are therein; for the sky above us and the earth beneath our feet; for the changing seasons, for our home and our friends. We bless Thee for Thy tender care which guards us, and for all Thy good gifts by which we are enriched. Most of all do we bless Thee for Jesus Christ our Savior. In Thy service may we live, and in Thy favor may we die; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I WILL lay me down in peace and take my rest, for it is Thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety. — Psalm 4:8. TAKE us, we pray Thee, Lord of our life, into Thy keeping this night and forever. Thou Light of lights, keep us from inward dark- ness; grant us so to sleep in peace, that we may arise to work according to Thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop An- drewes, 1555-1626. 52 FOR USE IN THE EVENING OLORD our God, refresh us with quiet sleep when we are wearied with the day's labor, that, being assisted with the help which our weakness needs, we may be devoted to Thee both in body and mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Leonine Sacramentary, 440. T ORD, when I am asleep let me not be made -■-^ afraid; but let my sleep be sweet that I may be enabled to serve Thee. Amen. — Arch- bishop Laud, 1573-1645. BEFORE I go to rest, I would commit myself to God's care, through Christ, beseeching Him to forgive me for all my sins of this day past, and to keep alive His grace in my heart, and to cleanse me from all indolence, pride, harshness, and selfishness, and to give me the spirit of meekness, humility, firmness, and love. O Lord, keep Thyself present to me ever, and perfect Thy strength in my weakness. Take me and mine under Thy blessed care, this night and evermore, through Jesus Christ. — Thomas Ar- nold, 1795-1839. 53 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER IN Thee, Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy right- eousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be Thou my strong rock, for a house of defence to save me. For Thou art my rock and my fortress; there- fore for Thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, Lord God of truth. . . . My times are in Thy hand; deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. — Psalm 31:1-5, 15. THE Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the Light of His countenance upon us, and give us peace, this night and forevermore. Amen. — Adapted from Num. 6:24-26. A Sunday Evening Meditation OLORD our God, we are once again arrived at the evening of Thy holy day. May Thy Spirit render it truly blest to us! 54 FOR USE IN THE EVENING We have attended the public service of Thy Church; Thou knowest, Lord, and our own consciences each know also, whether while we worshipped Thee in form, we worshipped Thee in spirit and in truth. Thou knowest, and our own consciences know also, whether we are or are likely to be any the better for what we have heard with our outward ears today. Forgive us, Lord, for this great sin of despis- ing the means of grace which Thou hast given us. Forgive us for all our carelessness, inatten- tion, and hardness of heart; forgive us for hav- ing been far from Thee in mind, when our lips and outward expression seemed near to Thee. Lord, will it be so forever? Shall we ever hear and not heed? And when our life is draw- ing near to its end, as this day is now, shall we then feel that we have lived without Thee in the world, and that we are dying unforgiven? Gracious Father, be pleased to touch our hearts in time with trouble, with sorrow, with sickness, with disappointment, with anything that may hinder them from being hard to the end, and leading us to eternal ruin. Thou knowest our particular temptations here. Help us with Thy Holy Spirit to 55 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER struggle against them. Save us from being ashamed of Thee and of our duty. Save us from the base and degrading fear of one another. Save us from idleness and thoughtlessness. Save us from the sin of falsehood and lying. Save us from unkindness and selfishness, caring only for ourselves, and not for Thee and for our neigh- bors. Thou who knowest all our weaknesses, save us from ourselves, and our own evil hearts. Renew us with Thy Spirit to walk as becomes those whom Thou hast redeemed, through Thy Son Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. — Thomas Ar- nold, 1795-1839. 56 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS VI FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS OGOD, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works that Thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them. O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for Thine honor, "The Litany," Release for Captives OLORD, we acknowledge our failures and defects; we humbly confess our errors and our sins; but forasmuch as Thou delightest to show mercy, we beseech Thee to pardon . . . us, to deliver us from the burden of transgres- sion, and to release us from the power of sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gelor sian Sacramentary," 494. WHEREINSOVER we have erred and strayed from Thy ways, whereinsoever we have come short, or done that which we ought not 59 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER to have done, graciously forgive us, we beseech Thee. Help us to turn from all evil, to that which is holy and good. Teach us to love what is right, and to do it forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Professor Knight, OGOD, the Father of mercies, we, Thine un- worthy children, who have erred and strayed from Thy ways, return unto Thee with contrite hearts, beseeching Thee to forgive and to deliver us from evil. Remembering our weak- ness, we ask Thee to help us to lay aside all evil thoughts, words, and works. May the power of evil be broken in us, and may the power of good be strengthened; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Forgiveness 1HAVE sinned, I have done amiss, I have dealt wickedly: I know, Lord, the plague of my heart, and behold I turn unto Thee with all my heart and with all my strength. And now, Lord, from thy dwelling-place and 60 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS from the throne of the glory of thy kingdom in heaven, hear therefore the prayer and the supplication of thy servant, and forgive thy servant and heal his soul. Be Thou my hope, hope of all the ends of the earth and of them that remain in the broad sea. The Lord Himself be my keeper : Lord, be my defence upon my right hand. The Lord preserve me from all evil: Yea the Lord be he that shall keep my soul. The Lord preserve my going out and my coming in, from this time forth for evermore. Bishop AndreweSf 1555-1626, ALMIGHTY GOD, pardon the luxury of our age, and grant that those who live in stately dwellings and fare sumptuously every day may be brought so to hunger and thirst after righteousness that they may be filled with Thine everlasting sweetness, and may not be shut out from the eternal home which Thou has provided 61 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER for such as wait upon Thee in holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ^^Intercessory Manual" For Forgiveness and Strength OLORD, we humbly beseech Thee, blot out our past transgressions, heal the evils of our past negligences and ignorances, make us amend our past mistakes and misunderstandings ; uplift our hearts to new love, new energy, and devotion, that we may be unburdened from the grief and shame of past faithlessness, to go forth in Thy strength, to persevere through success and failure, through good report and evil report, even to the end; and in all time of our tribula- tion, in all time of our wealth, save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord. — Bishop George Ridding, 1828. For Support in Times of Temptation OLORD, our Defender, have pity upon us; behold the armies of the flesh, the world, and the devil fight against our souls, and multi- ply against us every day temptations and dis- advantages. We are not able of ourselves, as 62 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS of ourselves, to think a good thought, much less put to flight the armies of them that set them- selves against us round about. But Thou, Lord, art our Defender, Thou art our Worship and the Lifter-up of our heads. Up, Lord, and help us; arm us with the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, and in all times of tempta- tion and battle, cover our heads with the helmet of salvation, so shall we not be afraid of ten thousands of our enemies, for salvation belong- eth unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667. OLORD, shield of our help, who wilt not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, help us, we entreat Thee, in all our straits and wrestlings, to lift up our eyes unto Thee, and stay our hearts on Thee. Amen. — Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1894. Men of Might STRONG Son of God, who wast tried and tempted to the uttermost, yet without sin; be near me now with Thy strength and give me the victory over this evil desire that threatens to ruin me. I am weak, Lord, and full of 63 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER doubts and fears. There are moments when I am afraid of myself, when the world and the flesh and the devil seem more powerful than the forces of good. But now I look to Thee in whom dwelleth all the fulness of grace and might and redemption. Blessed Savior! I take Thee afresh to be my Refuge . . . my Defence, my strong Tower from the enemy. Hear me and bless me now and ever. Amen. — Samuel Mc- Comb.^ r' OGOD, Who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dan- gers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gregorian Sacramentary/' 590; "Book of Com- mon Prayer," 1662. HEAR, Jehovah, when I cry with my voice : Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst. Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek. 'Copyright, 1917, by Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. 64 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS Hide not thy face from me; Put not thy servant away in anger: Thou hast been my help; Cast me not off, neither forsake me, God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, Then Jehovah will take me up. Teach me thy way, Jehovah; And lead me in a plain path. Because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine ad- versaries : For false witnesses are risen up against me. And such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living. Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah. Psalm 27:7-14. For Purity and Inward Help ALMIGHTY GOD, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly 65 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ^'Gregorian Sacramentary" 590; "Book of Common Prayer" 1662. OTHOU whose light is about me and within me and to whom all things are present, help me this day to keep my life pure in Thy sight. Suffer me not by any lawless act of mine to befoul any innocent life or add to the shame and hopelessness of any erring one that struggles faintly against sin. Grant me a steadfast scorn for pleasure bought by human degradation. May no reckless word or wanton look from me kindle the slow fires of wayward passion that will char and consume the divine beauties of any soul. Give me grace to watch over the imaginations of my heart, lest in the unknown hour of my weak- ness my secret thoughts leap into action and my honor be turned into shame. If any dear heart has staked its life and hopes on my love and loy- alty, I beseech Thee that its joy and strength may never wither through my forgetfulness or guilt. God, make me pure and a helper to the weak. 66 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS Grant that even the sins of my past may yield me added wisdom and tenderness to help those who are tempted. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. — Walter Rauschenbusch, THE law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart : The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlighten- ing the eyes. The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring forever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and right- eous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned : In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Clear thou me from hidden faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; 67 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Let them not have dominion over me : Then shall I be upright, And I shall be clear from great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:7-14. For Hatred of Sin OGOD, whom none can love except they hate the thing that is evil, and who willedst by Thy Son our Savior to redeem us from all iniquity: Deliver us when we are tempted to look on sin without abhorrence, and let the vir- tue of His Passion come between us and the enemy of our souls; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Restless Till I Rest in Thee LIGHT that burns and heals, Love that breaks and soothes the heart, Life that stirs and satisfies; how shall we endure Thee? We have prayed so carelessly that Thou wouldst show us Thy love, forgetting that angels 68 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS veil themselves before Thee. We have longed to look upon the beauty of Thy countenance, not considering whether anything would ever seem so fair again. We have sought to know all mys- teries, and never stayed to ask if we had forti- tude to bear the truth. We have desired to fol- low after Christ, counting not His lonely way. His utter sacrifice. His broken heart. And now we have come at length to apprehend what such answered prayers might mean, yet with the clearer light we dare to ask them all again. Answer them even though we do not fully know; for we are tired of twilight, false- hood, and the easy way. Tremblingly we place ourselves in Thy hands. Lead us by Thy love into fuller light and to more glorious life. Amen. ~W. E, Orchard.'' HEAR my cry, God; Attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy. ^Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 69 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER I will dwell in thy tabernacle forever: I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. For thou, God, hast heard my vows: Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. . . . So will I sing praise unto thy name forever, That I may daily perform my vows. Psalm 61:1-5, 8. My Heart Needs Thee MY heart needs Thee, Lord, my heart needs Thee! No part of my being needs Thee like my heart. All else within me can be filled by Thy gifts. My hunger can be satis- fied by daily bread. My thirst can be allayed by earthly waters. My cold can be removed by household fires. My weariness can be relieved by outward rest. But no outward thing can make my heart pure. The calmest day will not calm my passions. The fairest scene will not beautify my soul. The richest music will not make harmony within. The breezes can cleanse the air; but no breeze ever cleansed a spirit. This world has not provided for my heart. It has provided for my eye; it has provided for my ear; it has provided for my touch; it has 70 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS provided for my taste; it has provided for my sense of beauty — but it has not provided for my heart. Provide, Thou, for my heart, Lord! It is the only unwinged bird in all crea- tion; give it wings, Lord! Earth has failed to give it wings; its very power of loving has often dragged it in the mire. Be Thou the strength of my heart. Be Thou its fortress in temptation, its shield in remorse, its covert in the storm, its star in the night, its voice in the solitude! Guide it in its gloom; help it in its heat; direct it in its doubt; calm it in its con- flict; fan it in its faintness; prompt it in its perplexity; lead it through its labyrinths; raise it from its ruins! I cannot rule this heart of mine; keep it under the shadow of Thine own wings! — George Matheson. Lead, Kindly Light DIRECT us, Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy Holy Name and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Book of Common Prayer," 1549. 71 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER HELP me, God, for my boat is so small and Thy ocean is so wide! — Prayer of a Breton Fisherman. OGOD, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what Thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wis- dom may save us from all false choices, and that in Thy light we may see light, and in Thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — William Bright, 1824. For Support and Wisdom MAY the power of the Father govern me. May the wisdom of the Son enlighten me. May the operation of the Holy Spirit quicken me. God, I beseech Thee, Guard my soul; Sustain my body; Exalt my senses; Direct my course; Regulate my manners; Bless my undertakings; Fulfil my petitions; 72 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS Inspire me with holy thoughts; Pardon what is past; Rectify what is present; Ordeir what is to come. Amen. Bishop Andrewes, 1555-1626. For Guidance in Choosing Life Work ALMIGHTY GOD, who callest men to divers forms of service in the world, reveal to me the path which Thou dost will me to walk in. I place my life and all that I am in Thy great hand. Dispose of me and of all that belongs to me as seems best to Thee. If I can be of use to Thee in the sacred ministry of Thy Church, call me and bid me forsake all for Thee. Attune my ear to Thy Voice that I may hear the call. Strengthen my will that, hearing the call, I may forthwith obey it. Let me live my life in the power of Thy Holy Spirit. Let me know no service but the service of Thy dear Son. I do not seek to choose my path : I leave the choice to Thee; but I pray that it may be such as will lead me at last to Thine Everlasting Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — George Wharton Pepper^ ^Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 73 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Sun of My Soul FATHER OF LIGHT, Sun of the Soul, when the shadows of twilight fall and darkness ends the day, our thoughts turn to Thee who dwellest where night never comes. It fills us with quiet trust to know that somewhere the truth is always clear, however clouded it appear to us; that there is a light that does not fade when we lose sight of it. Shine through the mists of our mortality and through the deeper gloom of our sin, that the night for us may hold no fears. If we have lost our way in douht, so that we despair of Thee, may the light that lighteth every man shine the clearer within us now, and in Thy light may we see light. And if we have turned aside to try the ways of darkness and death, and fear the light, be- cause of what it may reveal, or hate it because our deeds are evil; yet leave us not, but lead us back by the kindly lights of home, till in Thy flame our sins are consumed and in the light of Thy countenance we rest in peace. Amen. — W. E. Orchard* *Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 74 for our special needs If We Lack Wisdom OLORD, we beseech Thee mercifully to re- ceive the prayers of Thy people which call upon Thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faith- fully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — '^Gregorian Sacramentary'* 590; "Book of Common Prayer" 1549. Love Never Fails OGOD, the God of all goodness and of all grace, Who art worthy of a greater love than we can either give or understand; fill our hearts, we beseech Thee, with such love toward Thee, that nothing may seem too hard for us to do or to suffer in obedience to Thy will; and grant that thus loving Thee, we may become daily more like unto Thee, and finally obtain the crown of life which Thou hast promised to those that love Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Farnham Hostel Manual, 75 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OGOD of love, Who hast given a new com- mandment, through Thine Only-begotten Son, that we should love one another, even as Thou didst love us, the unworthy and the wan- dering, and gavest Thy beloved Son for our life and salvation; we pray Thee, Lord, give to us, Thy servants, in all time of our life on the earth, a mind forgetful of past ill-will, a pure con- science and sincere thoughts, and a heart to love our brethren; for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord and only Savior. Amen. — '' Coptic Liturgy of St. Cyril,'" 315. The King of Love Our Shepherd Is T^HOU hast taught us, Lord, that all our -*- doings without charity are nothing worth. Send the Holy Ghost, therefore, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, which is the very bond of peace and of all vir- tues, without which whosoever thinks that he lives is counted dead before Thee. May the sun never rise or go down on our wrath; but make us more largely partakers of the love which thinketh no evil; but which beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth 76 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS all things, and disposeth us to cover a multitude of sins; for the sake of Him who taught us to forgive our enemies, even Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. — Fielding Ould, 1864. ALMIGHTY GOD, I bless Thee that Thy ban- ner over us is love. Help us to keep our eyes upon it. May we fight under no other ban- ner, and may all our contentions and strivings be in the spirit of Christian love! Let love be kindled in my heart today, and let it blaze and burn for Thee. — J, H, Jowett. Whatsoever Things Are True ALMIGHTY GOD, Who hast sent the Spirit of truth unto us to guide us into all truth; so rule our lives by Thy power, that we may be truthful in word, deed, and thought. keep us, most merciful Savior, with Thy gracious pro- tection, that no fear or hope may ever make us false in act or speech. Cast out from us what- soever loveth or maketh a lie, and bring us all to the perfect freedom of Thy truth; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. — Bishop B, F. Westcott, 1825-1901. 77 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OLORD GOD, Who hast taught us to pray all together, and hast promised to hear the united voices of two or three invoking Thy Name; hear now, Lord, the prayers of Thy servants unto their salvation, and give us in this world knowledge of Thy Truth, and in the world to come life everlasting; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Armenian Liturgy." Valiant for Truth 4 LMIGHTY GOD, I pray that Thou wouldst ^^ lift my life into the light. Let me not be contented to grope amid the selfish counsels of men, but let me march to the commandments of my God. Give me the soldierly spirit and the soldierly step, and make me valiant for the truth. — J, H. JowetU Faithful Unto Death OLORD, our Savior, Who hast warned us that Thou wilt require much of those to whom much is given; grant that we, whose lot Thou hast cast in so goodly a heritage, may strive together the more abundantly by prayer, by almsgiving . . . and by every other appoint- 78 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS ed means, to extend to others what we so richly enjoy; and as we have entered into the labors of other men, so to labor that in their turn other men may enter into ours, to the fulfilment of Thy holy will, and our own everlasting salva- tion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Manual of St, Augustine" Canterbury. OGOD, who hast endowed us with our sev- eral talents, and given to every man his work, strengthen us, we pray Thee, by Thy grace, for the faithful discharge of our duty in the several stations of life to which Thou hast been pleased to call us. Send Thy Holy Spirit to guide us along our appointed path, and grant that whatsoever we do, we may do in singleness of heart, as unto Christ. Enable us to improve the talents, whether few or many, which Thou hast committed to our trust, and to remember that every day is a day of trial. Help us to be diligent in business, patient and cheerful under provocation and disappointment, and temperate in all things. Lord, grant us grace that, putting away all bitterness, and anger, and evil speaking, we may be kind one to another; and walk in love, as 79 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Christ also hath loved us. Preserve us in our going out and coming in, and guide all our steps in the way of Thy Commandments, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.— £. Hawkins, 1789-1882. GRACIOUS GOD, remember us, we beseech Thee, in our work this day. If it be Thy will, give unto us a prosperous day. May all our work be well done. May we turn nothing out half done. May we glorify Thee by honest good work; for the sake of Him who completed His work for us, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — /. H, Jowett, Now Abideth . . . Hope FATHER, teach us the lesson of victory. We yield too easily to things that try us. We are too easily disheartened. We do not trust Thee enough when the way is hard. Help us to enter into the victory of Jesus Christ, who overcame the world, and in whom we, too, can overcome the world. Save us from discourage- ment which so often leads to doubt and to the loss of joy and hope. Let us not be discouragers of others. Help us wherever we go to carry gladness, cheer, inspiration, and hope, so that 80 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS all who meet us will be stronger and braver for the meeting. We ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — J, R, Miller, T^EACH us, gracious Lord, to begin our -*- works with fear, to go on with obedience, and to finish them in love, and then to wait patiently in hope, and with cheerful confidence to look up to Thee, whose promises are faithful and rewards infinite; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Bishop George Hickes, 1642-1715. For Love and Perseverance TTEAVENLY FATHER, may we this day be -*- -*- followers of Thee, walking in love, even as Christ also has loved us. Grant us grace to draw water with joy out of the wells of salvation. Thus refreshed may we run with patience the Christian race, and fight the good fight of faith. Make us to abound in every good word and work. Keep us humble, thankful, and watchful to the end. . . . Amen. — Dean Goulburn, 1818. 81 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Straight Is the Way OGOD, who hast commanded that no man should be idle, give us grace to employ all our talents and faculties in the service appointed to us; that, whatsoever our hand lindeth to do, we may do it with our might. Cheerfully may we go on in the road which Thou hast marked out, not desiring too earnestly that it should be either more smooth or more wide; but, daily seeking our way by Thy light, may we trust our- selves and the issue of our journey to Thee, the Fountain of Joy, and sing songs of praise as we go along. Then, Lord, receive us at the gate of life which Thou hast opened for us in Christ Jesus. Amen. — Martineaus '^Common Prayer for Christian Worship." For the Thoughts of Our Hearts /^ LORD, from whom all good things do ^-^ come; Grant to us, Thy humble servants, that by Thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be good, and by Thy merciful guiding may perform the same through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramentary" 494; ''Book of Common Prayer/' 1549. 82 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS For Patience GIVE unto us, Lord Jesus, grace to be meek and patient as Thou wast, that we may gently bear with the faults of others, and strive always to root out our own. For Thy sake. Amen.~"2'Ae Narrow Way," 1869. For the Spirit of Helpfulness CRD, let me not live to be useless! — John Wesley, 1703-1791. Nearer, My God, to Thee LORD, keep us ever near to Thee, let nothing separate us from Thee, let nothing keep us back from Thee. If we fall, bring us back quick- ly to Thee, and make us hope in Thee, trust in Thee, love Thee everlastingly; through Jesus Christ. Amen.— £:. B, Pusey, 1800-1882. OTHOU, God! Do Thou, my God, stand by me, against all the world's wisdom and reason. . . . Not mine but Thine is the cause. ... I would prefer to have peaceful days, and to be out of this turmoil. But Thine, O Lord, is this cause; it is righteous and eternal. Stand 83 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER by me, Thou true Eternal God! In no man do I trust. . . . Stand by me, God, in the name of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, who shall be my Defence and Shelter, yea, my Mighty Fortress, through the might and strength of Thy Holy Spirit. . . . Amen. — Martin Luther, 1483-1546. More Than All in Thee I Find T AM forced, good Father, to seek Thee daily, •*• and Thou offerest Thyself daily to be found: whensoever I seek, I find Thee, in my house, in the fields, in the temple, and in the highway. Whatsoever I do. Thou art with me; whether I eat or drink, whether I write or work, go to ride, read, meditate, or pray. Thou art ever with me; wheresoever I am, or whatsoever I do, I feel some measure of Thy mercies and love. If I be oppressed. Thou defendest me; if I be envied. Thou guardest me; if I hunger. Thou feedest me; whatsoever I want Thou givest me. continue this Thy lovingkindness toward me forever, that all the world may see Thy power. Thy mercy, and Thy love, wherein Thou hast not failed me, and even my enemies shall see that Thy mercies endure forever. — J, Nor den, 1548- 1625. 84 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS Jesus est Rex OLORD, come quickly and reign on Thy throne, for now oft-times something rises up within me, and tries to take possession of Thy throne; pride, covetousness, uncleanness, and sloth want to be my kings; and then evil- speaking, anger, hatred, and the whole train of vices join with me in warring against myself, and try to reign over me. I resist them, I cry out against them, and say, "I have no other king than Christ." King of Peace, come and reign in me, for I will have no king but Thee ! Amen. —St, Bernard, 1091-1153. Dedication to Christ USE me then, my Savior, for whatever pur- pose, and in whatever way. Thou mayest require. Here is my poor heart, an empty ves- sel ; fill it with Thy grace. Here is my sinful and troubled soul ; quicken it and refresh it with Thy love. Take my heart for Thine abode; my mouth to spread abroad the glory of Thy name; my love and all my powers, for the advancement of Thy believing people; and never suffer the steadfastness and confidence of my faith to abate 85 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER — that so at all times I may be enabled from the heart to say, "Jesus needs me, and I Him." — D. L. Moody, 1837-1899. TTEAVENLY FATHER! We pray that Jesus -■--*- Christ may become dearer to us. May we love him as a personal Friend, and hide our- selves in the hourly consciousness of His pres- ence. May we have no taste or desire for things which He would disapprove. Let His love con- strain us not to live unto ourselves, but to Him. ~F. B, Meyer, He Went in to Tarry with Them GRACIOUS LORD, we remember that Thou didst accompany Thy two disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus. We, too, have a journey, we have a weary pilgrimage to perform. Our Emmaus is a distant though happy land. Do Thou go with us, Lord: be our Fellow-travel- er; guide us, uphold us, strengthen us, make our hearts to burn within us, and evermore manifest Thou Thyself to our souls in gracious and in heavenly power; for Thy own Name's sake we ask it. Amen. — Ven, Archdeacon of Raphoe. 86 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS For the Spirit of Christ in Our Lives r\ THOU Who art the Life of all that lives, ^^ the Strength of the weak, and the Hope of those that be cast down, inform our minds with Thy Truth, we beseech Thee, and our hearts with righteousness; strengthen our wills to choose the good and to refuse the evil ; help us to bear each other's burdens, to forgive one another's faults, and to forbear with every defect of judgment and of temper in those with whom we live and who daily help us. Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Professor Knight, WE beseech Thee, our most gracious God, preserve us from the cares of this life, lest we should be too much entangled therein; also from the many necessities of the body, lest we should be ensnared by pleasure; and from what- soever is an obstacle to the soul, lest, being broken with troubles, we should be overthrown. Give us strength to resist, patience to endure, and constancy to persevere; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. — Thomas a Kempis, 1379-1471. 87 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER LORD, we pray not for tranquillity, nor that our tribulations may cease; we pray for Thy Spirit and Thy Love, that Thou grant us strength and grace to overcome adversity; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Girolamo Savon- arola, 1452-1498. OGOD, Who hast commanded all men to love Thee, and hast drawn them to Thy- self by Thy mercy and goodness; fill our hearts with the love of Thee. We are weak and sinful, and cannot love Thee enough without Thy help. All our desire is to give Thee the service of loving hearts all the days of our life, and to love Thee throughout the ages of eternity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ''The Narrow Way;' 1869. Not My Will But Thine HEAVENLY FATHER, subdue in us whatever is contrary to Thy holy will. Grant that we may ever study to know Thy will, that we may know how to please Thee. Grant, O God, that we may never run into those tempta- tions which in our prayers we desire to avoid. Lord, never permit our trials to be above our 88 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Thomas Wilson, 1663-1755. MAY we be kept humble and zealous, and may God give us grace to labor in our generation for the good of our brethren and for His glory. May He keep us His by night and day, and strengthen us to hear and do His will; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Thomas Arnold, 1795-1839. For Zeal and Earnestness ALMIGHTY GODand heavenly Father, Who by Thy Divine Providence hast appointed for each one of us our work in life, and hast commanded that we should not be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving Thee; help us always to remember that our work is Thy appointment, and to do it heartily as unto Thee. Preserve us from slothfulness, and make us to live with loins girded and lamps burning, that whensoever our Lord may come, we may be found striving earnestly to finish the work that Thou hast given us to do ; through the same Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen. — Dean Goulburn, 1818. 89 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OLORD OF HOSTS, Who hast given us our station and our weapons in Thine army for the warfare of this life, setting comrades beside us and sending Jesus Christ before us; make us to feel the glory and strength of Thy victorious advance and to hear the triumph song where Christ marches at the head of His saints, conquering, and to conquer; for His sake. Amen. — "Indian Prayer Cycle'^ They Looked Unto Him and Were Radiant OLORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst humble Thyself to become man, and to be born into the world for our salvation, teach us the grace of humility, root out of our hearts all pride and haughtiness, and so fashion us after Thy holy likeness in this world, that in the world to come we may be made like unto Thee; for Thine own Name and mercies' sake. Amen. — Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. Ambassadors for Christ OUR Father, may the world not mould us to- day, but may we be so strong as to help to mould the world ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — /. H, Joivett. 90 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS ALL this day, Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for Thee. And every life I touch do Thou by Thy Holy Spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak or the life I live. In Christ's name. Amen. The Hard Right Against the Easy Wrong GIVE me clean hands, clean words, and clean thoughts. Help me to stand for the hard right against the easy wrong. Save me from habits that harm. Teach me to work as hard and play as fair in Thy sight alone as if all the world saw. Forgive me when I am unkind, and help me to forgive those who are unkind to me. Keep me ready to help others at some cost to myself. Send me chances to do a little good every day, and so grow more like Christ. Amen. — William DeWitt Hyde, MAKE me, blessed Master, strong in heart, full of courage, fearless of danger, hold- ing pain and danger cheap when they lie in the path of duty. May I be strengthened with all might by Thy Spirit in the inner man. — F. B. Meyer. 91 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER For the Spirit of Service OLORD, give us more charity, more self- denial, more likeness to Thee. Teach us to sacrifice our comforts to others, and our likings for the sake of doing good. Make us kindly in thought, gentle in word, generous in deed. Teach us that it is better to give than to receive, better to forget ourselves than to put ourselves forward, better to minister than to be ministered unto. And unto Thee, the God of Love, be glory and praise forever. Amen. — Henry Alford, 1810-1871. HEAVENLY FATHER, make me like Him who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that many, through His pov- erty, might be made rich. Help me to deny myself, so as to give joy and comfort to those less favored than I am; and may I learn how much more blessed it is to give than to receive. — F. B. Meyer, OLORD, give us more charity, more self- denial, more likeness to Thee. Teach us to sacrifice our comforts to others, and our lik- ings for the sake of doing good. Make us 92 FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS kindly in thought, gentle in word, generous in deed. Teach us that it is better to give than to receive; better to forget ourselves than to put ourselves forward; better to minister than to be ministered unto. And unto Thee, the God of Love, be glory and praise forever. Amen. — Henry Alford, 1810-1871. 93 PRAYERS FOR OTHERS AND THAN KS- GIVINGS VII PRAYERS FOR OTHERS AND THANKS- GIVINGS FOR this cause I bow my knees unto the Father , , . that he would grant you, ac- cording to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, ac- cording to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. AiciQTi.—Eph. 3:14, 16-21. 97 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Master, Let Me Walk with Thee WE beseech Thee, Lord and Master, to be our help and succor. Save those among us who are in tribulation; have mercy on the lonely ; lift up the fallen ; show Thyself unto the needy; heal the ungodly; convert the wanderers of Thy people; feed the hungry; raise up the weak; comfort the faint-hearted. Let all the peoples know that Thou art God alone, and Jesus Christ is Thy Son, and we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture; for the sake of Christ Jesus. Amen. — St. Clement of Rome, 30-95. ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, Who hast taught us not to think of ourselves only, but also for the wants of others; we re- member before Thee all who are burdened and oppressed, those whose hopes have been crushed and whose purposes are overthrown. We remember all who are afflicted by poverty, or worn down by disease or illness, the weary and the heavy-laden, those also who are in darkness or despair, or who are suffering for righteous- ness' sake. Help them all to rest in Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Pro- fessor Knight. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS When Wilt Thou Save the People? OTHOU who art Love, and Who seest all the suffering, injustice, and misery which reign in this world; have pity, we implore Thee, on the work of Thy hands. Look mercifully upon the poor, the oppressed, and all who are heavy laden with error, labor, and sorrow. Fill our hearts with deep compassion for those who suffer, and hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom of justice and truth. Amen. — Eugene Bersier, 1831. For Their Sakes I Sanctify Myself BLESSED LORD, who for our sakes wast content to bear sorrow and want and death ; grant unto us such a measure of Thy Spirit that we may follow Thee in all self-denial and ten- derness of soul. Help us, by Thy great love, to succor the afflicted, to relieve the needy and des- titute, to share the burden of the heavy-laden, and ever to see Thee in all the poor and deso- late. Amen. 99 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER For Those in Poverty and the Wayward OLORD JESUS, Who didst choose to be poor rather than rich, have mercy on all who are in need and want. Comfort them in all sorrows, supply their needs, raise up friends for them, and give them grace to learn of Thee, and always to put their trust in Thy help. Have mercy, blessed Savior, on all who are living in sin, all who pray not for themselves and who care not for their own souls. Turn them to Thy- self, and teach them to look to the things which belong to their peace before they are hidden from their eyes; for Thy sake. Who died to save us all. Amen.— 'TAe Narrow Way," 1869. Deliverance for the Peoples MERCIFUL FATHER, to whom all sons of men are dear, we pray for all that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, that the Dayspring from on high may visit them; for the poor and oppressed, for those who dwell amid ugliness and squalor, far from loveliness and purity, and for whom the fire-gemmed heavens shine in vain ; for those who toil beyond their strength and beyond Thine ordinance, with- 100 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS out pleasure in the work of their hands, and without help of rest; for those who sink back to the beast and seek to drown all thought and feeling, and for all who are trampled under foot by men. Raise up deliverance for the peoples. For those who in their plenty live delicately, contemn the poor, and forget God; for all peo- ple whose hearts are so perished within them that pity has departed. Show them Thy ways. Amen. — W. E. Orchard.^ For the Universal Church GRACIOUS FATHER, we humbly beseech Thee for Thy Universal Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purge it; and where it is in error, direct it; where it is superstitious, rectify it; where anything is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen and confirm it; where it is in want, furnish it; where it is divided and rent asunder, make up the breaches thereof, Thou holy One of Israel; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. — Archbishop Laud, 1573-1645. ^Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 101 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OGOD, who biddest us dwell with one mind in Thine house; of Thy mercy put away from us all that causeth us to differ, that through Thy bountiful goodness we may keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — E, B, Pusey, 1800-1882. OGOD, we pray for thy Church, which is set today amid the perplexities of a chang- ing order, and face to face with a great new task. We remember with love the nurture she gave to our spiritual life in its infancy, the tasks she set for our growing strength, the influence of the devoted hearts she gathers, the steadfast power for good she has exerted. When we com- pare her with all other human institutions, we rejoice, for there is none like her. But when we judge her by the mind of her Master, we bow in pity and contrition. Oh, baptize her afresh in the life-giving spirit of Jesus! Grant her a new birth, though it be with the travail of repentance and humiliation. Bestow upon her a more im- perious responsiveness to duty, a swifter com- passion with suffering, and an utter loyalty to the will of God. Put upon her lips the ancient 102 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS gospel of her Lord. Help her to proclaim boldly the coming of the Kingdom of God and the doom of all that resist it. Fill her with the prophets' scorn of tyranny, and with a Christ-like tender- ness for the heavy-laden and down-trodden. Give her faith to espouse the cause of the people, and in their hands that grope after freedom and light to recognize the bleeding hands of the Christ. . . . Make her valiant to give up her life to humanity, that like her crucified Lord she may mount by the path of the cross to a higher glory. — Walter Rauschenhusch. For Christian Workers ALMIGHTY GOD, pour Thy Holy Spirit upon all who are giving their lives to Thy work. Lord, take their minds and think through them; take their lips and speak through them; take their hearts and set them on fire with love to Thee. Hear our prayer, Lord of the harvest, and send forth more laborers into Thy harvest, in Jesus' name. Amen. 103 the enrichment of prayer For Laborers in the Mission Field GREAT Lord of the harvest, send forth, we beseech Thee, laborers into the harvest of the world, that the grain which is even now ripe may not fall and perish through our neg- lect. Pour forth Thy sanctifying Spirit on our fellow Christians abroad, and Thy converting grace on those who are living in darkness. Raise up, we beseech Thee, a devout ministry among the native believers, that, all Thy people being knit together in one body, in love, Thy Church may grow up into the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; through Him Who died, and rose again for us all, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Milman, 1816-1868. OGOD, who didst send a glorious company of the heavenly host to proclaim the birth of Thy blessed Son upon earth; spread, we be- seech Thee, the knowledge of His name through all the world. Oh, that Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all na- tions! Hasten Thy work, God; raise up labor- ers, and strengthen their hands, that they may tell of salvation unto the ends of the world. Bless with the mighty aid of Thy Holy Spirit 104 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS those who now work to the glory of Thy name in distant lands. Give them faithfulness and courage, and take out of their way all hin- drances. Forward the time, Lord, for the coming of Thy kingdom, and for the gathering in of all nations unto Thee. And, while we pray for the outward growth of Thy kingdom in the world, we pray also for its inward growth in the hearts of men. And especially, O Lord, for our own Church and country we pray that true religion may abound unto all righteousness and peace; through Thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. — Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. BLESSED Lord and God, who hast never left Thyself without witnesses of Thy goodness and power, we beseech Thee now and evermore to thrust forth laborers into Thy har- vest fields. Sanctify them, we pray Thee, with the Holy Ghost; teach them to endure hardness; give them perfect mastery over the flesh, a sanc- tified spirit, and a ready desire to do Thy Will; gird them with Thy Truth; make their hearts burn with Thy Word; and arm them with faith as a shield; that watching for Thee, and labor- 105 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER ing for Thee till Thou return again, they may enter with the crown of their rejoicing into the joy of their Lord; to Whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. — Adapted from Church Missionary Society. The Far-Flung Battle Line HEAVENLY FATHER, we pray Thee to bless and protect Thy servants who have gone forth to preach the Gospel in distant lands; give them such success in their labors that Thy way may be known upon earth. Thy saving health among all nations. Hear and grant this our prayer, God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. OGOD, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst charge Thine Apostles to preach the Gos- pel to every creature; prosper, we pray Thee, all missions of Thy Church. Send forth laborers into Thy vineyard, and bestow upon them all things needful for their work. Grant them wis- dom in all difficulties, help in trouble, the sense of Thy Presence in loneliness, and, if it be Thy 106 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS will, visible success after labor, that Thy holy Name may be glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. — Guild of St. Paul, For a Right Use of Wealth OLORD JESUS CHRIST, Who for our sakes didst become poor, we pray Thee to pro- tect them that are rich in this world, that they may be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in Thee, the living God, Who givest us richly all things to enjoy. Grant them grace so to use their wealth that they may do good, and be rich in good works, ready to distribute and willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Sursum Cordu" And with All Thy Mind lYJOST Holy Father, we thank Thee for the -^^-■- inner kingdom of the mind, for the glories which eye hath not seen nor ear heard. We thank Thee for Thy footprints in creation and for Thy glory in the face of man. Save us, 107 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER we pray, from all sins of intellect ; not only from the error and ignorance which belong to our frailty, but from prejudice and all unreason, from mental insincerity, from lack of rational control, and from blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Help us through sincerity, single-mind- edness, and enthusiasm to enter the kingdom that is open to all believers. Give us, above all, grace and endurance to plant Thy kingdom in the world in which we live, by love of truth, by striving after justice, by following fearless wherever light may lead, and by giving ourselves, if needs be, even unto death. Amen. — W. E. Orchard,^ HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray that Thou wouldst enrich my mind by the revelations of Thy truth. Let me day by day find new en- ergy in the Sacred Word. Deliver me from all small thinking which will impair my character and impoverish the labors of my life. Let me have the mind of Christ. — /. H. Jowett, ^aken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 108 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS For Colleges "P^SERVE, Lord, our colleges as the bul- -*- warks of Thy Church, and root out of them whatever is contrary to faith and morals; but chiefly revive in them such a spirit of devotion, that they may send forth many to the work of Thy Church at home and abroad, loving Thee with a pure love and resolved to offer themselves a sacrifice to Thee in winning others to Thy love; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — ''Interces- sory ManuaL" For a School A LMIGHTY GOD, I beseech Thee so to bless -^-^ this school that in future years we may never regret the time spent here. Pour down an abundance of Thy grace, that those who teach may influence us aright, and that we may behave with respect and submission toward them. Banish from us all bitterness and impatience; and grant that both teachers and scholars may work together for the good of each other, and to Thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 109 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER /^ GOD, we pray Thee to send Thy blessing ^^ upon this school, and grant that by the help of Thy Holy Spirit we may strive with one heart and mind to make this a place more and more pleasing to Thee, for the honor and glory of Thy Son our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. —F, H. Sill HEAVENLY FATHER, we ask Thee to give to this school% and to each member of it in particular, a desire and taste for the things that are high and spiritual, the longing for a Christlike life. Grant that whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovable and of good repute — if there is anything that is unsel- fish and generous, if there is anything pleasing to Thee — ^we may cherish the thought of these things and, by Thy help, may form our charac- ters according to them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Adapted from Phil. 4:8-9. For Teachers and Scholars OLORD JESUS CHRIST, everlasting God, bless, we beseech Thee, the boys and girls of our schools; to the end that they may be truth- *0r household or camp. 110 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS ful, pure, obedient, and ready to do their duty in that state of life to which it shall please Thee to call them. Give also to those whom Thou hast set over them, grace, so to bring them up for Thee, that teachers and scholars may meet with joy in the day of Thy appearing, Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen. — "Priests^ Prayer Book;' 1870. For the World's Student Christian Federation ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we most humbly praise and bless Thy Name for Thy many blessings bestowed upon the World's Stu- dent Christian Federation. We pray Thee still to bless and prosper its work, and graciously to use it for the fulfilment of Thy purposes in the establishment of peace among all nations, the restoration of visible unity to Thy Church, the removal of all social injustice, and the evange- lization of the whole world. Give wisdom, faith, and courage to all who direct the policy of the Federation; keep in health and safety those who work and travel for it; and grant that by its means the students in 111 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER all lands may be brought into relations of love and sympathy with one another, and may earnestly and wisely unite in Thy service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Booh of Prayers for Students/' For Graduates of School or College OGOD, we pray Thee for all those who have gone forth from this school; strengthen them in time of temptation, be ever near to com- fort and support them, and grant that in all they think or do or say, they may live as in Thy sight and service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — F. H. Sill. OGOD, our Keeper and Helper, we humbly pray Thee to watch over those who have gone forth from us to enter upon their several callings in this world. May Thy Fatherly care shield them, the love of Thy dear Son preserve them from all evil, and the guidance of Thy Holy Spirit keep them in the way that leadeth to Eternal Life; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — C. /. N, Child. 112 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS For Absent Loved Ones \ . OLORD OF LOVE, Who art not far from ' any of Thy children, watch with Thy care \ those who are far away from us; be Thou about their path ; be Thou within their hearts ; be Thou their defence upon their right hand; give them unfailing trust in Thee; grant them power against temptation; qualify them for whatever task Thou givest them to do ; deliver them from the snare of setting duty aside; make it their joy to do Thy will. Let not distance break the bonds of love which bind them to us and to Thee; but knit us closer in Thy love; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop W. Boyd Carpenter. ALMIGHTY GOD, by Whose goodness we were created, and Whose mercies never fail; we commend to Thee all who have a place in our hearts and sympathies; all who are joined to us by the sacred ties of kindred, friendship, and love; all little children who are dear to us; all who help us to a faithful life and whose spirit turns our duties into love; keep them both out- wardly in their bodies and inwardly in their 113 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER souls, and pour upon them the continual dew of Thy blessings; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — /. Hunter. Distance Cannot Separate OGOD, Who art in every place and from Whose knowledge no space or distance can ever remove us, we know that those who are absent from each other are still present to Thee. Defend, we pray Thee, those dear ones (espe- cially ) from whom we are separated, in all their dangers, both of soul and of body. And grant that they and we, by draw- ing near to Thee, may be drawing near unto one another, bound together by the unseen chain of Thy Love, in the communion of the Holy Spirit, in the holy fellowship of Thy Saints: that whether, or not, as seems best to Thee, we meet again, here upon earth, we may surely meet again at the Resurrection of the just; and go in together to that house of many mansions which Thou hast prepared for those who love Thee: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — J. M. WainwrighL 114 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS BLESS, God, all the members of this our family and household, especially those who are absent from us. Preserve them waking, guard them in their going out and their coming in, free from sin and safe from danger, and when they sleep may they rest in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ''^Family Prayer Book of the Church of Ireland,^' For One Who Is Sick LORD, behold he whom Thou lovest is sick, but come and lay Thine hand upon him and he shall live. Look, merciful Lord of life and health upon our loved one now sick. Re- new his strength and restore him to health, if it be Thy gracious will. Give him in the time of bodily weakness the renewal of Thy Spirit, and the upholding power of Thy love; and as all things work together for good to them that love Thee, so do Thou shed abroad in his heart Thy love, that out of this weakness he may grow stronger in Thee, and in Thy love; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop W. Boyd Carpenter, 115 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER A Prayer for All Needy Men OGOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech Thee for all sorts and conditions of men ; that Thou wouldest be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations. More espe- cially, we pray for the good estate of the Cath- olic* Church; that it may be so guided and gov- erned by Thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ His sake. Amen. — Bishop Gunning, 1614; "Book of Common Prayer ^^ 1662. *The use of the word "Catholic" here, as in the Apostles' Creed, indicates that world-wide, universal Church which is composed of all those who follow Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth. 116 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS The General Thanksgiving ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of all mercies, we. Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy good- ness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but, above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking be- fore Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. — Bishop Rey- nolds, 1599; ''Book of Common Prayer^^ 1662. T^HOU hast given so much to us, give one -*- thing more, a grateful heart; for Christ's sake. Amen. — George Herbert, 1593-1633. 117 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER For Good Hopes and Precious Memories MOST heartily do we thank Thee, Lord, for all Thy mercies of every kind, and for Thy loving care over all Thy creatures. We bless Thee for the gift of life, for Thy protec- tion round about us, for Thy guiding hand upon us, and for the many tokens of Thy love within us; especially for the saving knowledge of Thy dear Son, our Redeemer ; and for the living pres- ence of Thy Spirit, our Comforter. We thank Thee for friendship and duty, for good hopes and precious memories, for the joys that cheer us, and for the trials that teach us to trust in Thee. In all these things, our heavenly Father, make us wise unto a right use of Thy great bene- fits; and so direct us that in word and deed we may render an acceptable thanksgiving unto Thee, in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen, — ''Book of Common Worship" For the Beauty of the Earth and the Beauty OF the Sky /^ GOD, we thank Thee for this universe, our ^^ great home; for its vastness and its riches, and for the manifoldness of the life which teems 118 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS upon it and of which we are a part. We praise Thee for the arching sky and the blessed winds, for the driving clouds and the constellations on high. We praise Thee for the salt sea and the running water, for the everlasting hills, for the trees, and for the grass under our feet. We thank Thee for our senses by which we can see the splendor of the morning, and hear the jubi- lant songs of love, and smell the breath of the springtime. Grant us, we pray Thee, a heart wide open to all this joy and beauty, and save our souls from being so steeped in care or so darkened by passion that we pass heedless and unseeing when even the thornbush by the way- side is aflame with the glory of God. — Walter Rauschenbusch. Thanksgiving for a Much-Desired Blessing MOST Gracious God, I am not worthy of the blessing which has brought new joy into my life. Thou hast granted me my heart's de- sire and hast not denied me the request of my lips. Add, I pray Thee, this further blessing to the other — ^the gift of a heart so sensible of Thy loving kindness that my life may bear witness to 119 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER the reality of my gratitude. I ask it for the sake of Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — George Wharton Pepper,^ Graces GRACIOUS GOD, may the food which we are about to receive strengthen our bodies; and may Thy Holy Spirit strengthen and refresh our souls; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — ''The Tent and the Altar/' 1847. BLESS us, Lord, in what we are going to receive, and make us truly thankful; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. THE Lord bless this food to our use and us to His service. Amen. I THANK Thee for this answer to my prayer for daily bread. May the strength which it brings be used in the service of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — George Wharton Pepper!" "Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. «Ibid. 120 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS MAY God relieve the wants of others and give us thankful hearts; for Christ's sake. Amen. — John Dallas. HEAVENLY FATHER, make us thankful to Thee and mindful of others as we receive these blessings, in Jesus' name. Amen. — ''Book of Common Worship'* OUR Father, Thou art the final source of all our comforts and to Thee we render thanks for this food. But we also remember in grati- tude the many men and women whose labor was necessary to produce it, and who gathered it from the land and afar from the sea for our sus- tenance. Grant that they, too, may enjoy the fruit of their labor without want, and may be bound up with us in a fellowship of thankful hearts. — Walter Rauschenbusch. Graces for Families with Children FATHER, we thank Thee for the night, And for the pleasant morning light; For rest and food and loving care And all that makes the world so fair. Amen. 121 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER GOD is great, and God is good, And we thank Him for this food ; By His hand must all be fed: Give us, Lord, our daily bread. Amen. LORD JESUS, be our Holy Guest, Our morning joy, our evening rest; And with our daily bread impart Thy love and peace to every heart. Amen. 122 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, INCLUD- ING TIMES OF WAR VIII FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, INCLUDING TIMES OF WAR OLORD, Who by Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus and to Thy glory; give Thy bless- ing, we pray Thee, to this our daily work, that we may do it in faith, and heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men. All our powers of body and mind are Thine, and v/e would fain devote them to Thy service. Sanctify them and the work in which they are engaged; let us not be slothful, but fervent in spirit, and do Thou, Lord, so bless our efforts that they may bring forth in us the fruits of true wisdom. Strength- en the faculties of our minds and dispose us to exert them, but let us always remember to exert them for Thy glory, and for the furtherance of Thy kingdom. . . . Give us this day Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be Thine in body and spirit, in all our work and all our refreshments, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. —Thomas Arnold, 1795-1839. 12S THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Forgive Our Feverish Ways OLORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst say to Thine Apostles, "Come ye apart into a desert place and rest awhile," for there were many coming and going ; grant, we beseech Thee, to Thy servants here gathered together, that they may rest awhile at this present time with Thee. May they so seek Thee, Whom their souls desire to love, that they may both find Thee, and be found of Thee. And grant such love and such wisdom to accompany the words which shall be spoken in Thy Name, that they may not fall to the ground, but may be helpful in leading us onward through the toils of our pilgrimage to that rest which remaineth to the people of God; where, nevertheless, they rest not day and night from Thy perfect service. Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest ever one God, world without end. Amen. — ''Prime and Hours." In Vacation Time T ORD, be with us as at this season we go for -■— ^ needed rest and change from daily toil. Let Thy Living Presence brighten our holiday. 126 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS May sin have no power to spoil our enjoyment, and grant us on our return renewed strength in body and mind for life's daily duties, and re- newed zeal for Thy service; until the Kingdom come. Amen. TEACH me to love Thy own beautiful world, as Thou didst love it, to whom the moun- tains, flowers, and birds ministered; speak to me through all the voices of nature; and grant me a quick sensitiveness to Thy presence beneath her pure and transparent veil. — F, B. Meyer, In Time of Distress OGOD, most wise and loving and faithful Redeemer, Thou hast permitted us to come into this present trial ... in order that we may learn obedience by the things that we suffer, and turn to Thee, our Helper in the time of trouble. Grant, therefore, that there may be no bitterness in our sorrow, no despair in our submission, and no doubt of Thee in our per- plexity of heart. But do Thou teach us to face our trial manfully, and cause even the dark things of life to work together for our good, and 127 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER bring us speedily out of our distress, that we may praise Thee with a joyful heart, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. — ''Book of Common Worship." ETERNAL and unchangeable God, in whom alone we find rest from our weariness and comfort for our sorrow, and from whom alone Cometh all true joy; keep our hearts, we beseech Thee, ever fixed on Thee through life and death, waiting patiently for that glorious day when we shall rejoice in the fulness of Thy love for ever- more; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ''Prayers for the Army and Navy" MOST gracious God! Wherever at this hour, there is sore sickness in home or hospital; wherever souls are passing from time into eternity; wherever there are anguish, peril, and alarm, there may Thy gentle Holy Spirit instil peace and help. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. — F, B, Meyer, Wondrous Things Out of Thy Law BLESSED LORD, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, 128 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of Thy Holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — "^Book of Common Prayer/' 1549. OGOD, the Father of lights, whose word is enduring, and whose promise cannot fail, grant unto us the spirit of wisdom, that we may understand Thy Word, and faith that we may keep it unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hid in My Heart /^ LORD, Thy Word is before us, give us a ^^ meek, and reverent, and teachable mind, whilst we read and study it. Open to us its sacred truths, and enable us to receive it, not as the word of men, but as the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. Be Thou, Bleesed Spirit, our teacher. Enlighten our minds and prepare our hearts. Shine, Lord, upon Thine own sacred page, and make it clear to us. What we see not show us, and where we are wrong 129 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER correct us. Bring home some portion to our soul, and thus make us wise unto salvation; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. — Bishop Ashton Oxenden, of Montreal, 1808. WHEREWITH shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh, let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on thy precepts. And have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word. . . . Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:9-16, 18. 130 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, Whose Word is a lantern unto my feet and a light unto my steps, I humbly beseech Thee to illumi- nate my mind and quicken my zeal that I may understand Thy message to me this day and be a loyal and faithful witness to others; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Preparation for Holy Communion ALMIGHTY and Everliving God, give me a realizing sense of Thy presence in the midst of Thy world. As I enter Thy House, make me to feel Thy nearness even more than at other times. When Thy dear Son makes Him- self known to me in the breaking of the bread, convince me of the reality of His presence and overpower me with the manifestation of His glory. I am not worthy to stand before Him. Let my sense of unworthiness force me to my knees. I approach Thine altar in the spirit of love; but let it be a love not unmixed with awe. In Thy fear, God, let me worship toward Thy holy temple. Give me a sense of nearness to the unseen world and grant that in this Holy Sacra- ment I may unite with saints and angels in their adoration of Thy Son our Lord; to Whom, with 131 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Thee and the Holy Spirit be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. — George Wharton Pepper,^ In the Faith of Our Fathers ALMIGHTY GOD, who has knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellow- ship, in the mystical body of Thy Son, Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for them that un- feignedly love Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Book of Common Prayer,^' 1549. OLORD, God of our fathers, we bless Thy holy name. Thy grace and mercy, for all those who have gone before us to rest in Thee; all, in all vocations, who have pleased Thee. And, we pray Thee, give us also grace to walk before Thee as they walked in righteousness and self-denial, that, having labored as they labored, we may afterward rest as they rest. Amen. — Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1904. ^Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 132 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS For Our Country OLORD of heaven and earth, who leddest our fathers forth, making them to go from one kingdom to another people: We yield Thee hearty thanks for all that Thou didst for them and art doing for the land to which they came. We remember them not only as valiant in fight, but as wise in council, not only as brave war- riors, but as far-seeing statesmen, and incorrup- tible patriots. And we give Thee thanks for them. We remember those of a later day, who spared not their lives that our land might be one; patriots of the newer time, prophets and martyrs of our country's unity. And we give Thee thanks for them. And we pray that we may follow their good examples and bequeath to our children a nation worthy of such founders and preservers, meet to do Thy will, a kingdom subject completely to Thee and to Thy Christ. Amen. PATERNAL GOD, Who countest the nations -"—^ as the dust of the balance, and takest up the isles as a very little thing; who puttest down the mighty from their seat and hast exalted the humble and meek; have mercy upon this nation, 133 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER and look with favor upon the people Thou hast planted. . . . Have mercy on us for our foolish Loast and trusted might, and leave us not to the disaster of the abyss or the shame of declining power. We repent for the poison we have poured into our blood, for the despite done to our fair land by lust of gold and greed of possession; for the toll taken of human souls, and for the contempt shown to Christ in the persons of little children, the needy, the sick, and those in prison. We think with penitence of the foulness of our cities, the shame of our streets, the misery of the poor, the unconcern of the rich . . . the severity and partiality of our laws, and we cry: Spare us, good Lord, for our sins are sore. Preserve us of Thy mercy, lest our destruction be determined, and we go the way of the nations that have forgotten God. Amen. — W. E, Or- chard,^ OGOD, our Ruler and King, put to silence the voices of foolish men in this nation; kindle the spirit of sacrifice, loyalty, and unity, that we may go forth in Thy might to win free- 2Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 134 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS dom for the oppressed; through Thy Son, who hath made us free, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OLORD, our Governor, Whose glory is in all the world; we commend this nation to Thy merciful care, that being guided by Thy Providence we may dwell secure in Thy peace. Grant to the President and to all in authority wisdom and strength to know and to do Thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in Thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. — "Prayers for the Army and Navy," In Time of War BE Thou unto us at this time of need a tower of strength, a place of refuge, and a de- fence against the enemy. Let Thy comfort sup- port and strengthen us, Thy mercy keep us, and Thy grace guide us. . . . Amen. — "Primer of Henry VIII," 1545. 135 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OLORD OF HOSTS, bless our sailors and soldiers; keep them pure and loyal amid all their temptations; and grant that all their operations may tend to peace on earth: that war being done away, they may fight only in their Christian conflict against sin, the world, and the devil, and triumph therein by Thy vic- torious might, Lord, Thou God of Hosts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ''Sur- sum Corda,^' OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Who from Thy Throne dost behold all the dwellers upon earth, look down with pity upon those on whom have fallen the miseries of war. Have compas- sion on the wounded and dying; comfort the broken-hearted; assuage the madness of the na- tions; make war to cease; give peace in our time, Lord; we ask it in the Name of Him Who is the Prince of Peace, even Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. TTAVE mercy, O Lord, upon the wounded *--■- and the suffering, whether of our own people or of the enemy. Let Thy grace be their comfort, although natural friends be far 136 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS away. Raise them to health, if it be good, but chiefly give them such faith and patience that they may glorify Thee upon the earth, and es- caping the assaults of Satan, may rest in peace, and rise to partake of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — R, M, Benson, OLORD GOD of infinite mercy, we humbly beseech Thee to look down upon the na- tions now engaged in war. Reckon not against Thy people their many iniquities, for from the lusts of our own hearts come wars and fightings amongst us. Look in mercy on those immedi- ately exposed to peril, conflict, sickness, and death: comfort the prisoners, relieve the suffer- ings of the wounded, and show mercy to the dying. Remove in Thy good providence all causes and occasions of war; dispose the hearts of those engaged therein to moderation; and to Thy great goodness restore peace among the nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ^'Book of Common Worship" OGOD, Who art the Father of all, and Who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house, we beseech Thee, at this time of strife and 137 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER unrest, to grant to us, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, a fuller realization of our brother- hood, man with man in Thee; allay all anger and bitterness, and deepen in us a sense of truth and equity in our dealings one with an- other; for the sake of Thy Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. — Archbishop of Canterbury, GIVE Thy blessing, Father, to the people of that great and fair land, with whose rulers we are at war. Strengthen the hands of the wise and just, who follow charity and look for justice and freedom, among them as among us. Drive away the evil passions of hatred, sus- picion, and the fever of war, among them as among us. Relieve and comfort the anxious, the bereaved, the sick and tormented, and all the pale host of sufferers, among them as among us. Reward the patience, industry, loving kind- ness, and simplicity of the common people and all the men of good heart, among them as among us. Forgive the cruelty, the ambition, the fool- ish pride, the heartless schemes, of which the world's rulers have been guilty. Teach us everywhere to repent and to amend. Help us so to use our present afflictions, which come from us and not from Thee, that we may build on the 138 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS ruins of our evil past a firm and lasting peace. Grant that, united in a good understanding with these who are now become our enemies, though they are our brethren in Christ, they and we may establish a new order, wherein the nations may live together in trust and fellowship, in the emulation of great achievements and the rivalry of good deeds, truthful, honest, and just in our dealings one with another, and following in all things the standard of the Son of Man, whom we have denied, and put to shame, and crucified afresh upon the Calvary of our battle ground. Amen. — Charles Gore, Bishop of Oxford, LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who hast command- ed us not to return evil for evil, but to pray for those who hate us; Enable us by Thy blessed example and Thy loving Spirit, to offer a true prayer for all our enemies (and espe- cially for those persons known to Thee, who have wrought us harm) . If in anything we have given just cause of offense, teach us to feel, and to confess, and to amend our fault, that a way of reconciliation may be found. Let not their anger burn against us, but deliver them and us from the power of hatred, so that we may be as ready to grant forgiveness as they to ask it, 139 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER and the peace of God may rule in all our hearts, both now and evermore. Amen. — "Book of Common Worship" STRENGTHEN our sense of justice and our regard for the equal worth of other peoples and races. Grant to the rulers of nations faith in the possibility of peace through justice, and grant to the common people a new and stern en- thusiasm for the cause of peace. Bless our sol- diers and sailors for their swift obedience and their willingness to answer to the call of duty, but inspire them none the less with a hatred of war, and may they never for love of private glory or advancement provoke its coming. May our young men still rejoice to die for their coun- try with the valor of their fathers, but teach our age nobler methods of matching our strength and more effective ways of giving our life for the flag. thou strong Father of all nations, draw all thy great family together with an increasing sense of our common blood and destiny, that peace may come on earth at last, and thy sun may shed its light rejoicing on a holy brother- hood of peoples. Amen. — Walter Rauschen- busch. 140 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS BESTOW upon me, God, that courage which thou alone givest, that I may meet serenely whatever comes, and may never fail to think brave thoughts and do brave deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OLORD, Thou knowest how busy we must be this day; if we forget Thee, do not Thou forget us; for Christ's sake. Amen. — General Lord Astley, 1579-1652 (before the Battle of Edgehill). JESUS, make me care less for the opinion of man, and more, far more, for what Thou thinkest. ... Jesus, may the remem- brance of my having approached Thy table, and renewed my vows to Thee, cause me to live closer to Thee for the rest of my life; and do Thou, blessed Spirit, warm this cold heart of mine! Amen. — Captain Hedley Vicars, 1826- 1855. ALMIGHTY GOD, the refuge of all them that put their trust in thee: We turn to thee in this time of trouble; direct the course of this world, we humbly beseech thee, in ac- 141 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER cordance with thy holy will; take away what- soever hinders the nations from unity and con- cord; prosper all counsels which make for the restoration of a rightful and abiding peace. And this we ask for thy mercy's sake, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Public and Private Worship in Time of War," GOD, who hast sent us to school in this strange life of ours, and hast set us tasks which test all our courage, trust, and fidelity; may we not spend our days complaining at cir- cumstance or fretting at discipline, but give ourselves to learn of life and to profit by every experience. Make us strong to endure. We pray that when trials come upon us we may not shirk the issue or lose our faith in Thy goodness, but committing our souls unto Thee who knowest the way that we take, come forth as gold tried in the fire. Grant by Thy grace that we may not be found wanting in the hour of crisis. When the battle is set, may we know on which side we ought to be, and when the day goes hard, cowards steal from the field, and heroes fall around the stand- ard, may our place be found where the fight is fiercest. If we faint, may we not be faithless; 142 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS if we fall, may it be while facing the foe. Amen. —W. E. Orchard." For Those at Home HEAVENLY FATHER, who didst sustain thy most dear Son upon the cross; give courage and faith to those who in the time of war abide at home; make their love a beacon to those who struggle in the night of battle; whereby both together may receive from Thee the praise of deeds well done; through our Re- deemer Jesus Christ. Amen. — Used in Grace Church, They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait OGOD, who from generation to generation art our Refuge and our Strength, hear our prayer for ourselves and for the land we love; may we never forget that righteousness alone exalteth a nation, and so may all national pride and ambition be far from us; bless our President, that he may lead us in the costly paths of Thy faith and love; may we seek to excel in the practice of forgiveness and service. Keep ^Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 143 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER those who fight in our armies from impurity and hate, and may our courage and consecration equal theirs in our battle with whatever is hate- ful or unloving in our homes, our schools, our factories, our streets. Give us patience for self-discipline that we may be prepared with keen minds and clean hearts for our work in the world; may we seek and find God's plan and not our own, being glad to give oiir lives if need be that war may be done away and that Jesus Christ may reign in the hearts of all men everywhere. Amen. For All Nations OGOD, who hast made of one blood all na- tions of men to dwell on the face of the whole earth, and who of old didst send forth Thy messengers to prepare the way of the Lord ; grant that all men everywhere may seek after Thee and find Thee. Bring the nations into Thy fold, and hasten Thy Kingdom. Prepare our hearts to receive Thy truth in the love of it. May the truth make us free from the bondage of error and evil with the glorious liberty of the children of God. May the fruit be unto holiness, and the end the life that is life indeed. Amen. 144 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS OTHOU in Whose hand are the hearts of Thy children, shed abroad Thy peace upon the world. By the might of Thy Holy Spirit quench the pride, and anger, and greedi- ness, which cause man to strive against man, and people against people. Lead all nations in the ways of mutual help and good will, and hasten the time when all the world shall confess Thee for its Savior and King. Amen. WE bring before Thee, Lord, the troubles and perils of people and nations, the sigh- ing of prisoners and captives, the sorrows of the bereaved, the necessities of strangers, the helplessness of the weak, the despondency of the weary, the failing powers of the aged. Lord, draw near to each; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — ^5^. Anselm, 1033-1086. OTHOU who art the hope of all the ends of the earth. And of those who are far off upon the sea. Remember Thy whole creation for good; Visit the world in Thy compassion. Thou Preserver of men, who lovest all Thy children: 145 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Remember all our race. For all have sinned and come short of the knowl- edge of God. Have pity. Lord, on all. For Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner, But that all should turn to Thee and live. O Thou who didst die and rise again To be Lord, both of the dead and the living: Whether we live, or whether we die, Thou art the Lord. Helper of the helpless, Refuge for the oppressed, O great Rock casting a shadow in a weary land, O Covert from the storm, Refuge in the times of trouble: Remember all who are in necessity, All who need Thy succor. Lord of the Harvest: Send forth laborers made sufficient by Thee Into Thy harvest. King of Nations unto the ends of the earth : Strengthen all the kingdoms and states of the whole world, 146 FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS As being Thy ordinance, for so Thou hast created man. Scatter the people that delight in war. Make wars to cease unto the ends of the earth. The Lord bless us and keep us ; The Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us: The Lord lift up his countenance upon us and give us peace. Amen. Bishop AndreweSf 1555-1626. 147 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER IX SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER For Social Need LORD have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Jesus, born in poverty, Jesus, born to bring peace among men, Jesus, workman at Nazareth, Have mercy upon us. Jesus, in Whom the proud were scattered and the mighty put down, Jesus, giving good things to the hungry, Jesus, exalting them of low degree. Have mercy upon us, Jesus, in Whom all the nations of the earth are one, Jesus, in Whom is neither bond nor free, Jesus, brother of all. Have m,ercy upon us, Jesus, preaching good tidings to the poor, Jesus, proclaiming release to the captives, Jesus, setting at liberty them that are bruised. Have mercy upon us, 151 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Jesus, friend of the poor, Jesus, feeder of the hungry, Jesus, healer of the sick, Have mercy upon us, Jesus, denouncing the oppressor, Jesus, instructing the simple, Jesus, going about to do good, Have mercy upon us. Jesus, teacher of patience, Jesus, pattern of gentleness, Jesus, leading hearts from earthly to heavenly things. Have mercy upon us. Jesus, forgiving them that love much, Jesus, drawing all men unto Thee, Jesus, calling them that labor and are heavy laden. Have mercy upon us. Jesus, Who camest not to be ministered unto, but to minister, Jesus, Who hadst not where to lay Thy head, Jesus, loved by the common people. Have mercy upon us. Jesus, betrayed for the sake of money, Jesus, taken by the chief priests, 152 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER Jesus, condemned by the rulers, Have mercy upon us, Jesus, crucified for us, Have mercy upon us. Jesus, Who hast called us to the fellowship of thy Kingdom, Jesus, in Whom is no respect of persons, Jesus, Who wilt know us by our fruits, Have mercy upon us, Jesus, Who wilt say to us at the Last Day, "In- asmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," Have mercy upon us. From love of money. From dishonesty in business, From forgetfulness of our duty, From anger and malice against opponents, From contempt of others, From offence against thy little ones, From oppression of the poor, From the acceptance of worldly standards. From all pride. From all lust. From all anger, Good Lord, deliver us. 153 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER By Thy taking of our flesh, By Thy humble birth. By Thy hard life, By Thy bitter death. By Thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension, Good Lord, deliver us. Finally, we beseech Thee, Lord, mighty and pitiful, that Thou wilt guide, protect, and inspire all those who learn and labor truly to get their own living. For men who face peril, We beseech Thee, good Lord, For women who suffer pain, We beseech Thee, good Lord, For those who till the earth, For those who tend machinery, We beseech Thee, good Lord. For those who strive on the deep waters. For those who venture in far countries. We beseech Thee, good Lord, For those who work in offices and warehouses. For those who labor at furnaces and in fac- tories, We beseech Thee, good Lord, 154 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER For those who toil in mines, For those who buy and sell, We beseech Thee, good Lord, For those who keep house, For those who train children, We beseech Thee, good Lord. For all who live by strength of arm, For all who live by cunning of hand, We beseech Thee, good Lord. For all who control, rule, or employ, We beseech Thee, good Lord, And for all labor of the heart and brain: Of the leader's judgment. Of the manager's skill, Of the doctor's care. Of the lawyer's discernment, Of the civilian's discretion. Of the scientist's knowledge, Of the scholar's reason, Of the writer's wit, Of the artist's power. Of the teacher's patience, Of the pastor's zeal, Of the prophet's fire, We beseech Thee, good Lord, 155 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER And for all those who are poor, and broken, and oppressed : For all whose labor is without hope. For all whose labor is without honor. For all whose labor is without interest. For those who have too little leisure. For those who are underpaid. For women workers, For those who work in dangerous trades, For those who cannot find work. For those who will not work. For those who have no home. For prisoners and outcasts. For victims of lust, For all who are intemperate or luxurious. For all who are sick or hungry, We beseech Thee, good Lord, Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us. Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, Receive our prayer. Our Father. 156 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER Let us pray: Father of light and God of all truth, purge the whole world from all errors, abuses, corrup- tions, and sins. Beat down the standard of Satan, and set up everywhere the standard of Christ. Abolish the reign of sin, and establish the kingdom of grace in all hearts. Let humil- ity triumph over pride and ambition; charity over hatred, envy, and malice; purity and tem- perance over lust and excess; meekness over passion; and disinterest and poverty of spirit over covetousness and the love of this perishing world. Let the Gospel of Christ, in faith and practice, prevail throughout the world; through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God world without end. Amen. — Percy Dearmer, For Character THROM infirmity of purpose, from want of -■- earnest care and interest, from the sluggish- ness of indolence, and the slackness of indiffer- ence, and from all spiritual deadness of heart. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, From dulness of conscience, from feeble sense 157 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER of duty, from thoughtless disregard of others, from a low ideal of the obligations of our posi- tion, and from all half-heartedness in our work, Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. From weariness in continuing struggles, from despondency in disappointment, and from mor- bid brooding over failure, raise us to a lively hope and trust in Thy presence and mercy, in the power of faith and prayer, and from all exaggerated fears and vexations, Save us and help us, tve humbly beseech Thee, Lord, From self-conceit and vanity and boasting, from delight in supposed success and superior- ity, and from all the harms and hindrances of offensive manners and self-assertion. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord, From love of flattery, from over-ready belief in praise, from dislike of criticism, and from all self-deception, Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord, From all jealousy, whether of equals or 158 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER superiors, from grudging others success, from impatience of submission and all insubordina- tion to law, order, and authority, Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord, From all hasty utterances of impatience, from the retort of irritation and the taunt of sarcasm, from all infirmity of temper in provoking or being provoked; from love of unkind gossip, and from all idle words that may do hurt. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord, Give us knowledge of ourselves, our powers and weaknesses. Teach us by Thy Word, by the judgments of others, by examination of our- selves; give us earnest desire to strengthen our- selves continually by study, by diligence, by prayer and meditation, and from all delusions and prejudices, individual or corporate. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Chiefly, Lord, we pray Thee give us knowl- edge of Thee, to see Thee in all Thy works, always to feel Thy presence near and to hear Thy call. Uplift our hearts to new love, energy, and devotion, that we may be unburdened from 159 th:e enrichment of prayer the grief and shame of past faithlessness and go forth in Thy strength to persevere through suc- cess and failure, through good report and evil report, even to the end; and in all time of our tribulation, in all time of our rejoicing, Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord, Bishop Ridding of India. For a School TT^ROM worldliness and irreverence, from con- -•- tempt and negligence of grace, and from all forgetfulness of grace received. Good Lord, deliver us. From dishonoring Thy holy Name, and Thy Word, Thy holy Church, and all holy Sea- sons, Good Lord, deliver us. From disobedience and want of regard to all those whom Thou hast set over us, Good Lord, deliver us. From malicious and revengeful thoughts, from angry and evil tempers, and from want of love one to another, Good Lord, deliver us. 160 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER From impurity, whether of mind or body, from sensual indulgence, in touch or taste, from vanity in dress, and from all consideration of self. Good Lord, deliver us. From dishonesty, whether in word or action, Good Lord, deliver us. From evil speaking, lying, and slandering, Good Lord, deliver us. From seeking that we have not, from striving to seem better than we are, and from slothful- ness in the use of that which Thou has given. Good Lord, deliver us. That it may please Thee to bless all the schools for which we are specially bound to pray, We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, That it may please Thee to increase within them a spirit of devotion in the use of Thy holy Sacraments, and of all means of grace. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee to increase within them a careful diligence in the cultivation of in- tellect for Thy honor and glory, We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, 161 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER That it may please Thee to grant unto all their members, health and holiness of body and mind. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee of Thy great mercy to call many from amongst us to the work of the sacred ministry, and fit us to correspond with Thy call. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, That it may please Thee to guide us by Thy holy inspiration in every station of life to which Thou shouldst be pleased to call us, We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, That it may please Thee to bless and prosper the work of the colleges and universities, and especially to give Thy holy angels charge concerning those of our own number who are there. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee to bring us all, when the probation of life is over, to the joy of Thy Kingdom, We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. Intercessory Manual. 162 SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER In Time of War THAT it may please Thee to give wisdom, guidance, and courage to our President and all his counselors; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee to uphold and protect those who are in command by land or sea; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, That it may please Thee to inspire the soldiers and sailors of our country with courage, endur- ance, and mercy whether in victory or defeat ; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee to support and com- fort all these who suffer; the sick, the wounded, and the dying; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee to support and save the weak, the helpless, and all who are suffering privation ; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, That it may please Thee to grant endurance, skill, and gentleness to all those who have gone forth to minister to soul or body ; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord, That it may please Thee to give spiritual 163 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER strength and forgiveness in their last hour to the dying, and that Thou wouldst receive their souls into Thy holy keeping and grant them a merciful judgment at the last day; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please Thee to establish the right and speedily to restore a lasting peace to all the world on the unshakable foundation of right- eousness and brotherhood; We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. "Public and Private Worship in Time of War." 164 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK X MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK Monday — Purity LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine upris- ing; Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4. I F I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Psalm 66:18. HOLY GOD, I would present my body to Thee. May I regard it as the temple of the Holy Ghost! Help me to revere the laws of health as the very thoughts and commands of God. Amen. — J, H, Jowett, 167 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER NOW, God, my Savior, I entreat Thee sub- due mine iniquities. Only Thine Almighty arm can vanquish them. I look to Thee for vic- tory. Fight for me; fight in me: that I may be more than conqueror, through Him that loved me. Amen. — Edward Bickersteth, 1786-1850. GRANT, Lord, that as we go forth once more to our daily labor we may remember the truths that we learned, and may carry out the resolutions we made on Thy holy day. Keep us from our besetting sins, and strengthen us to do Thy holy will, that we may never forget Whose we are and Whom we serve; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. OGOD, most merciful Father, Thou speakest through Thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, saying: "Ask, and it shall be given unto you." Give us now Thy Holy Spirit, that our hearts may be strengthened for the work of this week; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Father John of the Russian Church, 168 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK LORD, I my vows to Thee renew; Scatter my sins as morning dew; Guard my first springs of thought and will, And with Thyself my spirit fill. Direct, control, suggest, this day. All I design, or do, or say; That all my powers, with all their might. In Thy sole glory may unite. Bishop Ken, 1637-1711. w Tuesday — ^Truthfulness HO can understand his errors? Cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Psalm 19:12. TF we say that we have fellowship with Him, -■- and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with an- other, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. — / John 1 ;6,7. 169 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER ALMIGHTY GOD, unto Whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Leofric, 1050; "Book of Common Prayer,^' 1549. ALMIGHTY GOD, grant, we beseech Thee, that we whose trust is under the shadow of Thy wings, may, through the help of Thy power, overcome all evils that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Roman Breviary,'' 1099. ETERNAL GOD, who hast neither dawn nor evening, yet sendest us alternate mercies of the darkness and the day; there is no light but Thine, without, within. As Thou liftest the curtain of night from our abodes, take also the veil from all our hearts. Rise with Thy morn- ing upon our souls: quicken all our labor and our prayer: and though all else declines, let the noontide of Thy grace and peace remain. May 170 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK we walk, while it is yet day, in the steps of Him who, with fewest hours, finished Thy divinest work. Amen. — James Martineau, 1805-1900. OLORD, listen now to the prayer of Thy servants, who desire to fear Thy Name. Prosper us this day in our work. Help us ever to remember that Thou art a God at hand, that no secret place is hidden from Thee, but that all our thoughts, and words, and actions, are seen and known to Thee. Make us truthful in all our words, holy in all our thoughts, and honest in every act. Make Thy presence a hap- piness to us. Let us often think of Thee as our Father, and Friend, and our Helper in every time of need. Bless all who are dear to us, and teach them the paths of goodness and truth; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. — Order of the Holy Cross. IF I am right, Thy grace impart Still in the right to stay; If I am wrong, oh ! teach my heart To find that better way. Alexander Pope, 1688-1744. 171 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Wednesday — Duty and Guidance T^HOU art my rock and my fortress; there- -^ fore for Thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31 :3. T WILL acknowledge my sin unto Thee; and -■- mine unrighteousness have I not hid. I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord; and so Thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin. For this shall everyone that is godly make his prayer unto Thee, in a time when Thou mayest be found: but in the great water- floods they shall not come nigh him. Thou art a place to hide me in, Thou shalt pre- serve me from trouble: Thou shalt com- pass me about with songs of deliverance. I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go; and I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no understanding: whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle, lest they fall upon thee. Psalm 32:5-10 (Prayer Book version). 172 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK OGOD, who knowest that we are not suffi- cient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but that all our sufficiency is of Thee; assist us with Thy grace in all the work which we are to undertake this week. Direct us in it by Thy wisdom, support us by Thy power, that doing our duty diligently, we may bring it to a good end, so that it may be profitable to our souls, and tend to the greater glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Treasury of Devotion/' 1872. OLORD, who hast reserved for each one of us a special purpose in Thy Kingdom; grant us prayerfully and diligently to seek out Thy Holy Will for ourselves, that whether abroad or at home, whether in Thy ministry or ordinary life, or in whatever station, we may serve Thee where we are set and find peace and power in the fulfilment of Thy Will. Amen. I WORSHIP Thee, sweet Will of God, And all Thy ways adore; And every day I live I seem To love Thee more and more. . . . 173 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER When obstacles and trials seem Like prison-walls to be, I do the little I can do, And leave the rest to Thee. He always wins who sides with God, To him no chance is lost; God's will is sweetest to him when It triumphs at his cost. Frederick W , Faber, Thursday — Courage NLY be strong and very courageous. Joshua 1:7. w ATCH ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. / Cor. 16:13. TEACH us to look, in all our ends, On Thee for Judge, and not our friends; That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed By fear or favor of the crowd. Rudyard Kipling, 174 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK OGOD who art the author of peace and lov- er of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, Whose service is per- fect freedom; defend us, Thy humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies, that we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — '''Gelasian Sacramen- tary," 494; ^'Book of Common Prayer" GRANT us, Lord, such boldness in Thee that we may set our faces as a flint and not be ashamed, but contending valiantly for the truth may out of weakness be made strong and conquer in Thy might; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "The Priest's Prayer Book" T ORD, I know not what is before me this -■-^ day, but Thou knowest. I desire to leave all in Thy hands, and to place myself at Thy disposal. Do for me as Thou seest best. Pros- per me in all that I undertake. Give me good success, if it be Thy will. But, if Thou seest that crosses and disappointments are better for 175 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER me, give me grace to accept them as from Thee. Enable me to bear them meekly and cheerfully, and to say, Father, not my will, but Thine, be done. O my God, make me happy this day in Thy service. Keep my conscience void of offence. Let me do nothing, say nothing, desire nothing, which is contrary to Thy will. Give me a thankful spirit. O for a heart to praise Thee for all that Thou hast given me, and for all Thou hast withheld from me. Amen. — Ashton Oxenden, Bishop of Montr mU BLESSED LORD, Who wast tempted in all things like as we are, have mercy upon our frailty. Out of weakness give us strength. Grant to us Thy fear, that we may fear Thee only. Support us in time of temptation. Embolden us in the time of danger. Help us to do Thy work with good courage, and to continue Thy faithful soldiers and servants unto our life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop B. F, Westcott, 1825-1901. 176 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK Friday — Service and Sacrifice YOU are aAvare how those who are deemed rulers among the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men make them feel their author- ity; but it is not to be so among you. No, who- ever desires to be great among you must be your servant; and whoever desires to be first among you must be the bondslave of all. For the Son of Man also did not come to be waited on, but to wait on others, and to give His life as a re- demption-price for a multitude of people. — Mark 10:42-45 (Weymouth translation). T^ORTH in Thy name, Lord, I go, -*- My daily labor to pursue; Thee, only Thee, resolved to know In all I think, or speak, or do. The task Thy wisdom hath assigned let me cheerfully fulfil ; In all my works Thy presence find. And prove Thy good and perfect Will. Charles Wesley, 1707-1788. 177 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OMOST merciful Father, we confess that we have done little to forward Thy kingdom in the world, and to advance Thy glory. We would humble ourselves before Thee for our past neglects, and seek for Thy forgiveness. Pardon our shortcomings. Give us greater zeal for Thy glory. Make us more ready and more diligent by our prayers, by our alms, and by our examples, to spread abroad the knowledge of Thy Truth, and to enlarge the boundaries of Thy Kingdom. May the love of Christ con- strain us, and may we do all to Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. OGOD, our heavenly Father, in Whom we live and move and have our being; have mercy upon all who are in poverty and dis- tress. Be Thou their succor and defence, pro- vide them with food and clothing sufficient for their bodily needs, and grant them day by day to cast all their care upon Thee. Help us in some way to help them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — John Hunter. 178 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK TEACH us, good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Ignatius de Loyola, 1491-1556. GO, labor on : spend and be spent, Thy joy to do the Father's will; It is the way the Master went, Should not the servant tread it still? Horatius Bonar, M Saturday — Loyalty Y meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work. John 4:34. THIS one thing I do . . . Phil, 3:13. 179 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OLORD, our Guide even unto death, grant us, I pray Thee, grace to follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. In little daily duties to which Thou callest us, bow down our wills to simple obedience, patience under pain or provo- cation, strict truthfulness of word and manner, humility, kindness: in great acts of duty or per- fection if Thou shouldest call us to them, uplift us to self-sacrifice, heroic courage, laying down of life for Thy Truth's sake or for a brother. Amen.~C. G. Rossetti, 1830-1904. FATHER, Who in baptism didst make me Thy child, I long to grow to man's estate and to attain to the fulness of my spiritual sta- ture. To this end, Father, I crave such an abundance of Thy blessing as will make me wise and strong unto salvation. Pour Thy Spirit upon me that I may see the vision of a life lived in the service of Our Lord. Grant me grace to make the fulfilment of this vision the end and aim of my existence. Turn away mine eyes from all that may distract. Make me strong in Thy strength and wise with Thy wisdom. Grant that I may be loyal to Our Lord in time of trial and that I may not turn my back in the day of 180 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK battle. Let me be with Thee in life and be Thou with me in death ; for the sake of Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — George Wharton Pepper,^ OLORD, our God, refresh us with quiet sleep, when we are wearied with the day's labor; that being assisted with the help which our weakness needs, we may be devoted to Thee both in body and mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Leonine Sacramentary, 440. GRANT, Lord, that what we have said with our lips, we may believe in our hearts and practice in our lives; and of Thy mercy keep us faithful unto the end; for Christ's sake. Amen,— John Hunter, OLORD and Master of us all; Whate'er our name or sign, We own Thy sway, we hear Thy call, We test our lives by Thine. /. G. Whittier, 1807-1892. ^Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 181 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Sunday — Worship and Obedience T LOOK for the Lord; my soul doth wait for -*■ Him: in His word is my trust. My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morn- ing watch, I say, before the morning watch. Psalm 130:5, 6 (Prayer Book Version). WHATSOEVER we ask we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. I John 3:22. ALMIGHTY GOD, from Whom every good prayer cometh, and Who pourest out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and suppli- cation; deliver us, when we draw nigh to Thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affec- tions we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — William Bright, 1861, GRANT us, Lord, to pass this day in glad- ness and peace, without stumbling and without stain; that, reaching the eventide vic- 182 MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK torious over all temptation, we may praise Thee, the eternal God, who art blessed, and dost govern all things, world without end. Amen. — Mozara- bic Sacramentary before A. D, 700. OOUR God, we humbly beseech Thee to purify our hearts from all vain and worldly and sinful thoughts, and so prepare our souls to worship Thee this day acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Lord, set our affec- tion on things above all the day long, and give us grace to receive Thy Word which we shall hear this day, into honest and good hearts, and bring forth fruit with patience. Hear us, God, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. — Archbishop Hamilton, 1511, OLORD GOD of our life, Who hast given us the rest of this sacred day, grant that the benediction of its restfulness may abide upon us throughout the week. Enable us to carry the influence of its consecration into all that we do; let the praises of our lips rendered to Thee this day become praise in our lives. May the power of Thy love be with us in every duty, that by 183 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER pureness, by knowledge, and by tenderness we may glorify Thee; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Bishop W. Boyd Carpenter. RENEW my will from day to day, Blend it with Thine, and take away All that now makes it hard to say. Thy Will be done. C, ElliotL 1789-1871. 184 BOOKS OF DEVOTION XI BOOKS OF DEVOTION WITH the practice of prayer I should ear- nestly recommend the use of some books of devotion, like Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living and Dying" — some book which will make us acquainted with the feelings, and reflections, and resolutions of good men, who have gone through the self-same struggle with adversity. — Thomas Arnold, 1795-1839. The following books are arranged in the order of their helpfulness to one of immature experi- ence in prayer. "With Christ in the School of Prayer," Andrew Murray. "The Discipline of Prayer." "The Meaning of Prayer," Harry Emerson Fos- dick. **The Practice of the Presence of God," Brother Lawrence. "Letters to His Friends," Forbes Robinson. "The Way," George Wharton Pepper. "Self-training in Prayer," Alan H. McNeile. "The Open Secret," R. F. Horton. 187 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER "The Still Hour," Austin Phelps. "The Communion of Prayer," The Bishop of Ripon. "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life," William Law. Also the following pamphlets: "The Morning Watch," John R. Mott. "How to Make Jesus Christ Real," John R. Mott. "What Can Prayer Accomplish Apart from the Man Who Prays?" E. L Bosworth. "How to Use the Morning Quiet Time," R. P. Wilder. 188 PRAYERS IN VERSE XII PRAYERS IN VERSE OGOD, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home; Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone. And our defence is sure. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame. From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same. A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. Time, like an ever-rolling stream. Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. 191 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come. Be Thou our guard while life shall last. And our eternal home. Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. NOW that the daylight fills the sky, We lift our hearts to God on high, That He, in all we do or say, Would keep us free from harm today; Would guard our hearts and tongues from strife. From anger's din would hide our life; From all ill sights would turn our eyes; Would close our ears from vanities; Would keep our inmost conscience pure; Our souls from folly would secure; Would hid us check the pride of sense With due and holy abstinence. So we, when this new day is gone, And night in turn is drawing on, With conscience by the world unstained. Shall praise His Name for victory gained. From the Latin (translated by Rev. John Mason Neale) . 192 P RAYERS IN VERSE Crusaders' Hymn FAIREST Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, Thou of God and man the Son; Thee will I cherish. Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown. Fair are the meadows. Fairer still the woodlands. Robed in the blooming garb of spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing. Fair is the sunshine. Fairer still the moonlight. And fair the twinkling, starry host; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels heaven can boast. From the German. DEAR Master, in whose life I see All that I would, but fail to be, Let Thy clear light forever shine, To shame and guide this life of mine. Though what I dream and what I do In my poor days are always two, Help me, oppressed by things undone, Thou, whose deeds and dreams were one! 193 THE ENRICHMENT OF PR AVER STILL, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh. When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee; Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight, Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee. Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows, The solemn hush of nature newly born; Alone with Thee in breathless adoration, In the calm dew and freshness of the morn. When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber. Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer; Sweet the repose beneath Thy wings o'ershading, But sweeter still, to wake and find Thee there. So shall it be at last, in that bright morning. When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee; in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning, Shall rise the glorious thought — I am with Thee. Harriet B. Stowe, 1812-1896. TTOLY, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! -■--■- Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty; God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! 194 PRAYERS IN VERSE Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee! Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee! Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty; God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Reginald Heber, 1783-1826. NEW every morning is the love Our wakening and uprising prove; Through sleep and darkness safely brought, Restored to life, and power, and thought. New mercies, each returning day. Hover around us while we pray; 195 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER New perils past, new sins forgiven, New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be, As more of heaven in each we see; Some softening gleam of love and prayer Shall dawn on every cross and care. The trivial round, the common task. Will furnish all we need to ask, Room to deny ourselves, a road To bring us daily nearer God. John Keble, 1792-1866. JUST as I am. Thine own to be. Friend of the young, who lovest me, To consecrate myself to Thee, Jesus Christ, I come. In the glad morning of my day. My life to give, my vows to pay. With no reserve and no delay. With all my heart I come. I would live ever in the light, I would work ever for the right, I would serve Thee with all my might; Therefore to Thee I come. 196 PRAYERS IN VERSE Just as I am, young, strong, and free. To be the best that I can be. For truth, and righteousness, and Thee. Lord of my life, I come. M. A. Hearn, 1834, JESUS, Thou art standing Outside the fast-closed door. In lowly patience waiting To pass the threshold o'er: We bear the name of Christian, His name and sign we bear: Oh, shame, thrice shame, upon us! To keep Him standing there. Jesus, Thou art knocking; And lo! that hand is scarred. And thorns Thy brow encircle. And tears Thy face have marred: love that passeth knowledge, So patiently to wait! sin that hath no equal. So fast to bar the gate! Jesus, Thou art pleading In accents meek and low, "I died for you, My children. And will ye treat Me so?" 197 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Lord, with shame and sorrow We open now the door: Dear Savior, enter, enter, And leave us never more! Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. JESUS, I have promised To serve Thee to the end: Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend; 1 shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway, If Thou wilt be my Guide. let me feel Thee near me: The world is ever near; 1 see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear. My foes are ever near me. Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer. And shield my soul from sin. O let me hear Thee speaking In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion. The murmurs of self-will. 198 PRAYERS IN VERSE speak to reassure me, To hasten or control; speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul. Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee That where Thou art in glory There shall Thy servant be: And, Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; give me grace to follow, My Master and my Friend. /. E, Bode, 1816-1874. THROUGH good report and evil. Lord, Still guided by Thy faithful word. Our staff, our buckler, and our sword, We follow Thee. In silence of the lonely night, In the full glow of day's clear light, Through life's strange windings, dark or bright. We follow Thee. Strengthened by Thee we forward go, 'Mid smile or scoff of friend or foe. Through pain or ease, through joy or woe. We follow Thee. 199 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Great Master, point Thou out the way, Nor suffer Thou our steps to stray; Then in the path that leads to day We follow Thee. Thou hast passed on before our face, Thy footsteps on the way we trace; keep us, aid us by Thy grace: We follow Thee. Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889. OLORD of heaven and earth and sea. To Thee all praise and glory be! How shall we show our love to Thee, Who givest all? The golden sunshine, vernal air. Sweet flowers and fruit. Thy love declare; When harvests ripen, Thou art there. Who givest all. For peaceful homes and healthful days. For all the blessings earth displays, We owe Thee thankfulness and praise, Who givest all. For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven. For means of grace and hopes of heaven, Father, what can to Thee be given, Who givest all? 200 PRAYERS IN VERSE We lose what on ourselves we spend, We have, as treasure without end, Whatever, Lord, to Thee we lend, Who givest all. To Thee, from whom we all derive Our life, our gifts, our power to give; O may we ever with Thee live. Who givest all! Bishop C. Wordsworth, 1807-1885. The Battle Hymn of the Reformation A MIGHTY Fortress is our God, A Bulwark never failing; Our Helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing; For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and pow'r are great And, armed with cruel hate. On earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing; 201 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same. And He must win the battle. And though this world, with demons filled, Should threaten to undo us. We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The prince of darkness grim. We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure. One little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth: Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever. Martin Luther, 1483-1546 (translated by F. H. Hedge, 1852). 202 PRAYERS IN VERSE Recessional GOD of our fathers, known of old. Lord of our far-flung battle-line, Beneath Whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet. Lest we forget, lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies; The captains and the kings depart; Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice. An humble and a contrite heart: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget! Far-called our navies melt away, On dune and headland sinks the fire; Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the nations, spare us yet. Lest we forget, lest we forget! If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, Such boasting as the Gentiles use. Or lesser breeds without the law; Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget! 203 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER For heathen heart that puts her trust In reeking tube and iron shard; All valiant dust that builds on dust. And guarding, calls not Thee to guard: For frantic boast and foolish word. Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord! Rudyard Kipling^, 1865. JESUS, strong and pure and true, Before Thy feet we bow: The grace of earlier years renew. And lead us onward now. The joyous life that year by year Within these walls is stored. The golden hope, the gladsome cheer, We bring to Thee, Lord. Our faith endow with keener powers. With warmer glow our love. And draw these halting hearts of ours From earth to heaven above. In paths our bravest ones have trod make us brave to go. That we may give our lives to God In serving man below. 204 PRAYERS IN VERSE Scorn we the selfish aim and choice, And love's high precept keep, *'Rejoice with those that do rejoice, And weep with them that weep." So hence shall flow fresh strength and grace As from a full-fed spring, To make the world a better place. And life a worthier thing. Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. INTERNAL FATHER, strong to save, ■*-^ Whose arm doth bind the restless wave. Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep: hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. Savior, whose almighty word The winds and waves submissive heard, Who walkedst on the foaming deep And calm amid its rage didst sleep: hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. Sacred Spirit, who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, Who badd'st its angry tumult cease, 205 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER And gavest light and life and peace: hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. Trinity of love and power, Our brethren shield in danger's hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe'er they go; And ever let there rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea. William Whiting, 182S-1878. JESUS, Savior, pilot me, Over life's tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal; Chart and compass came from Thee: Jesus, Savior, pilot me. As a mother stills her child. Thou canst hush the ocean wild; Boisterous waves obey Thy will When Thou sayst to them, "Be still!" Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me. When at last I near the shore. And the fearful breakers roar 206 PRAYERS IN VERSE Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on Thy breast. May I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee!" Edward Hopper. MAY He our actions deign to bless. And loose the bonds of wickedness; From sudden falls our feet defend. And guide us safely to the end. May faith, deep rooted in the soul. Subdue our flesh, our minds control: May guile depart, and discord cease, And all within be joy and peace. 0, hallowed thus by every day; Let meekness be our morning ray. Our faith like noontide splendor glow. Our souls the twilight never know. Translated from the Latin by J. Chandler, 1806- 1876. AWAKE, my soul, stretch every nerve, And press with vigor on; A heavenly race demands thy zeal. And an immortal crown. 207 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER A crowd of witnesses around Holds thee in full survey; Forget the steps already trod, And onward urge thy way. 'Tis God's all-animating voice That calls thee from on high; 'Tis His own hand presents the prize To thine aspiring eye. . . . Blest Savior, introduced by Thee, Have I my race begun; And, crowned with victory, at Thy feet I'll lay my honors down. Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751. OFT in danger, oft in woe, Onward, Christians, onward go; Fight the fight, maintain the strife, Strengthened with the bread of life. Onward, Christians, onward go; Join the war and face the foe; Will ye flee in danger's hour? Know ye not your Captain's power? Let your drooping hearts be glad; March in heavenly armor clad; 208 PRAYERS IN VERS^ Fight, nor think the battle long. Victory soon shall tune your song. Let not sorrow dim your eye; Soon shall every tear be dry; Let not fears your course impede, Great your strength, if great your need. Onward, then, in battle move; More than conquerors ye shall prove; Though opposed by many a foe. Christian soldiers, onward go. H. K. White, 1785-1806, and F, S. Colquhoun, 1809-1877. FATHER, hear the prayer we offer; Not for ease that prayer shall be But for strength that we may ever Live our lives courageously. Not forever in green pastures Do we ask our way to be; But the steep and rugged pathway May we tread rejoicingly. Not forever by still waters Would we idly rest and stay; But would smite the living fountains From the rocks along our way. 209 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Be our Strength in hours of weakness. In our wanderings be our Guide; Through endeavor, failure, danger, Father, be Thou at our side. L. M. Willis. HE leadeth me! blessed thought, words with heavenly comfort fraught; Whate'er I do, where'er I be, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom, Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom, By waters still, o'er troubled sea. Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine. Nor ever murmur nor repine; Content, whatever lot I see. Since 'tis my God that leadeth me. And when my task on earth is done, When, by Thy grace, the victory's won. E'en death's cold wave I will not flee, Since God through Jordan leadeth me. /. H. Gilmore. 210 PRAYERS IN VERSE LEAD, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom. Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou Shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on. I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years. So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it still Will lead me on, O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent till The night is gone; And with the morn those angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.* /. H, Newman, 1801-1891. ^ This is not — as is often supposed — a funereal hymn, hut was written by Newman at the age of twenty-three at a time of deep concern and much prayer about his life work. 211 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER I WORSHIP Thee, sweet Will of God! And all Thy ways adore. And every day I live I seem To love Thee more and more. . . . When obstacles and trials seem Like prison-walls to be, I do the little I can do. And leave the rest to Thee. . . . I have no cares, blessed Will ! For all my cares are Thine; I live in triumph. Lord! for Thou Hast made Thy triumphs mine. . . . He always wins who sides with God, To him no chance is lost; God's will is sweetest to him when It triumphs at his cost. Ill that He blesses is our good, And unblest good is ill; And all is right that seems most wrong, If it be His sweet will. Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863. THOU didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown When Thou camest to earth for me; 212 PRAYERS IN VERSE But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room For Thy holy nativity: Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee. Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang. Proclaiming Thy royal degree; But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth, And in great humility: Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee. The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest. In the shade of the forest tree; But Thy couch was the sod, Thou Son of God, In the deserts of Galilee. Oh, come to my heart. Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee. Thou camest, Lord, with the living word That should set Thy people free; But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn, They bore Thee to Calvary. Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, Thy cross is my only plea. 213 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing At Thy coming to victory. Let Thy voice call me home, saying, "Yet there is room, There is room at My side for thee." And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus, When Thou comest and callest for me. Emily E, S. ElliotL JESUS, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far Thy face to see And in Thy presence rest. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor can the memory find A sweeter sound than Thy blest name, Savior of mankind! Hope of every contrite heart, Joy of all the meek, To those who ask, how kind Thou art! How good to those who seek! But what to those who find? Ah, this Nor tongue, nor pen can show; The love of Jesus, what it is. None but His loved ones know. 214 PRAYERS IN VERSE Jesus, our only joy be Thou, As Thou our prize wilt be; In Thee be all our glory now, And through eternity. Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153. OUR blest Redeemer, ere He breathed His tender, last farewell, A Guide, a Comforter, bequeathed With us to dwell. He comes, sweet influence to impart, A gracious, willing Guest, While He can find one humble heart Wherein to rest. And His that gentle voice we hear, Soft as the breath of even. That checks each fault, that calms each fear. And speaks of heaven. And every virtue we possess, And every victory won, And every thought of holiness Are His alone. 215 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Spirit of purity and grace, t Our weakness, pitying, see: O make our hearts Thy dwelling-place, And worthier Thee. Harriet Auher, 1773-1862. ROCK OF AGES, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood. From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Cleanse me from its guilt and power. Not the labors of my hands Can fulfil Thy law's demands; Could my zeal no respite know. Could my tears forever flow. All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the Fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die! 216 PRAYERS IN VERSE While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyelids close in death. When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment- throne; Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. A. M. Toplady, 1740-1778. MY faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray. Take all my guilt away, let me from this day Be wholly Thine. May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As Thou hast died for me, 0, may my love to Thee / Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire. While life's dark maze I tread. And griefs around me spread. Be Thou my guide; 217 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away, Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside. When ends life's transient dream. When death's cold, sullen stream Shall o'er me roll. Blest Savior, then, in love. Fear and distrust remove; 0, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul. Ray Palmer, 1808. JESUS, Thou Joy of loving hearts. Thou Fount of Life, Thou Light of men. From the best bliss that earth imparts We turn unfilled to Thee again. Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; Thou savest those that on Thee call; To them that seek Thee, Thou art good, To them that find Thee, All in all! We taste Thee, Thou living Bread, And long to feast upon Thee still; We drink of Thee, the Fountain-head, And thirst our souls from Thee to fill. 218 P RAYERS IN VERSE Our restless spirits yearn for Thee, Where'er our changeful lot is cast; Glad, when Thy gracious smile we see. Blest, when our faith can hold Thee fast. Jesus, ever with us stay. Make all our moments calm and bright: Chase the dark night of sin away, Shed o'er the world Thy holy light. Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153. MASTER, let me walk with Thee In lowly paths of service free; Tell me Thy secret; help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care. Help me the slow of heart to move By some clear, winning word of love; Teach me the wayward feet to stay. And guide them in the homeward way. Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee In closer, dearer company. In work that keeps faith sweet and strong. In trust that triumphs over wrong; In hope that sends a shining ray Far down the future's broadening way; In peace that only Thou canst give. With Thee, Master, let me live. Washington Gladden. 219 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER NOW the day is over. Night is drawing nigh, Shadows of the evening Steal across the sky. Jesus, give the weary Calm and sweet repose; With Thy tenderest blessing May our eyelids close. Grant to little children Visions bright of Thee; Guard the sailors tossing On the deep, blue sea. Comfort every sufferer Watching late in pain; Those who plan some evil From their sins restrain. Through the long night-watches May Thine angels spread Their white wings above me. Watching round my bed. When the morning wakens. Then may I arise Pure and fresh and sinless In Thy holy eyes. S. Baring-Gould. 220 PRAYERS IN VERSE AT even, ere the sun was set, The sick, Lord, around Thee lay; Oh, in what divers pains they met! Oh, with what joy they went away! Once more 'tis eventide, and we Oppressed with various ills, draw near. What if Thy form we cannot see? We know and feel that Thou art here. Savior Christ, our woes dispel; For some are sick, and some are sad. And some have never loved Thee well. And some have lost the love they had. And none, Lord, have perfect rest. For none are wholly free from sin; And they who fain would serve Thee best Are conscious most of wrong within. Savior Christ, Thou too art Man; Thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried; Thy kind but searching glance can scan The very wounds that shame would hide! Thy touch has still its ancient power; No word from Thee can fruitless fall; Hear in this solemn evening hour, And in Thy mercy heal us all. Henry Twells. 221 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER OLOVE that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be. Light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to Thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray. That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day May brighter, fairer be. Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee; 1 trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be. Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from Thee; 1 lay in dust life's glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be. George Matheson. THROUGH the day Thy love has spared us; Now we lay us down to rest; Through the silent watches guard us, 222 P RAYERS IN VERSE Let no foe our peace molest: Jesus, Thou our Guardian be. Sweet it is to trust in Thee. Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers. Dwelling in the midst of foes; Us and ours preserve from dangers. In Thine arms may we repose, And, when life's brief day is past, Rest with Thee in heaven at last. T. Kelly, 1769-1855. TT^OR all the saints who from their labors -*- rest. Who Thee by faith before the world confessed. Thy name, Jesu, be forever blest. Alleluia ! Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; Thou in the darkness drear their one true light. Alleluia ! O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold. Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, And win, with them, the victor's crown of gold. Alleluia! 223 THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER blest communion! fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! C35 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long Steals on the ear the distant triumph-song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia! The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest; Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia! But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia! From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast. Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Alleluia! Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. 224 DATE DUE DEMCO 38-29^ il 026 6627