GlassX V ifrft Book — Copyright^ - COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. Prayers for The Quiet Hour By FLOYD W. TOMKINS, S. T.D., LL.D. Author of" My Best Friend," "Beacons on Life's Voyage" etc. 2! w s (A United Society of Christian Endeavor Boston and Chicago f y i A ? Copyright, 19 10, by the United Society of Christian Endeavor >CLA2?1 Dedicated to s The Comrades of the §>uiet Hour Preface THROUGH personal experience and through my conversations with those who regularly keep the " Quiet Hour " I am led to believe that, next to the Bible and to voluntary prayer, great help is afforded by simple prayers which can be read, and mentally prayed as read, in connection with the worship of the individual soul. Often the mind is too confused or weary to frame its own desires and emotions. Often the spirit needs a suggestion that shall lift it up towards God, and often the words of another who has had a common experience and struggle can bring peace when all else seems to fail. There are many books of prayers published, some of them most excellent, but they are largely a compilation of ancient prayers or collects, which, though beautiful, do not quite touch the needs and emotions of 5 6 Preface modern life. Therefore this little book is sent out with the belief, the hope, and the prayer that it may be of service in making the " Quiet Hour " real and blessed. These prayers were prayed as they were written. They are not literary productions, but the real and deep expression of the writer's feelings as he approached his Mas- ter. All of them have appeared in con- nection with Christian Endeavor meetings. Many of them were published in the Christian Endeavor World, and some in articles written on the u Topics " for the Philadelphia Public Ledger. The writer would suggest their being freely used as a part of the morning and evening devotion. It was at first suggested that one prayer should be given for each day in the year, but this seemed to run the risk of formality. For the same reason headings or titles are only generally used, as the prayers are the simple outpouring of a hungry heart to a loving Christ. The use of them is best left to the Christian as he has need, and feels the cry of his heart sat- isfied. Preface 7 May God graciously bless this little book to the comforting and strengthening of the dear Comrades of the Quiet Hour. Floyd W. Tomkins. Philadelphia, April i, lgio. Grouping of Prayers I. Prayers of Aspiration II. Confession of Sin and Weakness III. Prayers of Consecration IV. Prayers for Strength V. Prayers for Faith VI. Prayers for Peace VII. Prayers for Grace VIII. Prayers for ^Iappiness IX. Prayers Regarding the Bible X. Prayers for Church and Public Worship XI. Prayers for Home XII. Prayers for Our Country . XIII. Prayers for Missions . XIV. Prayers for Special Occasions ii 43 59 109 137 149 161 167 173 181 189 *95 199 211 I Prayers of Aspiration Prayers for The Quiet Hour Prayers of Aspiration DEAR GOD of love, my Friend, my Master, my King, my Christ, wilt Thou not grant me this greatest and best of gifts, even Thine own nature ? Thou alone canst give it, and it is dear to me because it comes from Thee. O, in the ways of my life which are often strange and hard, wilt Thou not cause Thy love to shine forth, that I may see and understand ? Come and breathe over the past, and wash away all that I tremble to remember, all the follies and failures of past years. In- spire me with courage that I may do my work and live my life for Thee and by Thee, whether men praise or blame. And make me, Thou Christ of love, a victor in J 3 14 Prayers for the Quiet Hour the battle, a conqueror in the strife, a child of Thine having but one allegiance and one desire, but one end and one purpose, that I may love Thee as Thou hast loved me. And may Thy love so work in me and by me that the world may profit by my life, and the hearts of men be drawn to Thee. I ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Saviour, lead Thou me on. Take the past and purify and bless it. Guide me into the future, and help me to meet its needs and its calls bravely. Step by step, hour by hour, may I walk with Thee. And if I lose sight of Thee through any peril or sin, still do Thou hold me fast, and keep me, until I enter that home where time shall be no more. Amen. Dear King, bring me to Thy holy hill and to Thy dwelling ! I turn my back on sin. I ask Thee to draw me from those who care not for Thee, for I know I must be separate. Open my eyes that I may see the way. Bind me yet more closely to Prayers of Aspiration 15 those who are journeying with me, and let us encourage one another. And at last open the gate — nay, my King, for Thou art the gate and the light — open Thine arms, and take me and my dear fel- low strugglers in ; and we shall all be safe and happy forever. Amen and amen. Dear Lord, I thank Thee for Thy love, a love so great that it can touch the heart and purify the life. Help me to love Thee much since Thou hast forgiven me much, And may my love for Thee be the comfort and inspiration of all my days. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I love Thy kingdom. I know it has not yet gained the victory, but I am ready to help in bringing the victory. O, take me and make me ready and earnest, loyal and loving. What a dear King Thou art, O Christ! I love Thee ! I love Thee ! Help me in my study of life. Help me when at last the graduation comes and I am a master. And, 1 6 Prayers for the Quiet Hour dear Jesus, I pray Thee lead men to know Thee and all the blessedness of Thy king- dom, so that they too may enter, and call Thee their King, and learn the sweet mys- teries of Thy service. Amen. Blessed Lord and God of us all, upon Thee would we build, and upon Thy love would we stand immovable. We praise Thee for the safety and the help which come from the knowledge of Thy eter- nal steadfastness. O Thou blessed rock, Thou mountain fastness, Thou eternal ref- uge, Thou headstone of the corner, let me press and cling and trust to Thee. Thy love can never fail. Thy mercy, O Christ, is as the dew. May all my works be founded on Thee; may my life grow up from Thee ; may I always be Thine. Amen. Ah, dear Lord, I cannot live unless I pray. Teach me to pray. Teach me how to talk to Thee and find in Thee all I need and all I long for. Thou art ever near, and to be alone with Thee, who only canst un- Prayers af Aspiration ij derstand, is peace. Thou art loving, and Thy love calms me when I am anxious and full of unrest. Thou art my only help, and from Thee alone comes the forgiveness which my soul craves. Open Thine arms, and receive me. Let not my faults cause Thy love to grow cold ; let not my igno- rance cause Thy pity to change to impa- tience. And let me never seek to find peace and comfort anywhere or in any- thing save at Thy feet. For Jesus' sake. Amen. My dear God, how my heart goes out to Thee with praises that I cannot utter ! The thought of Thy watchful care, of Thine un- ceasing guidance, is almost beyond expres- sion. I know how Thou dost love me, and I know, too, that Thy love is so big and great that it takes me up and recreates me. O, make me to act bravely even as I trust im- plicitly. Show me more and more Thy will and Thy way, that I may find it easy to understand how Thou art leading me. Even in darkness may I rejoice because I know Thou art making me a man through the 1 8 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour stress of experience, and may the knowl- edge of Thy never-failing care give me a calm courage and a brave endurance which shall make me persevere to the very end. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear King, at last to reign victorious over a perfect world, come near and give me comfort and inspiration. Though the way be long and the conflict fierce, let me not fall or falter. Though I die without the sight, yet, I beseech Thee, let the seed I sow in tears bring sometime and somewhere a harvest. Fill my work with Thy loving power. Make me love men as Thou didst and still dost love them. Keep ever before me the vision of righteousness. Then I can bear the struggle, however hard and long, for I know Thou wilt not fail at last to bring peace. Amen, Lord Jesus, amen. Blessed forever be Thy holy name, O my King and my God, for all Thou art to me and for all Thou hast done for me. I thank Thee for life and work, for friends Prayers of Aspiration 19 and for religion. Thou art good indeed to Thy child. But, Jesus, my best friend, I thank Thee most for the things which are hard, for the lonely way and for the aching heart ; I know they mean most for me here and hereafter. Help me to love Thee and trust Thee always. And then let me join in the endless praise which at last shall roll around Thy throne as Thy children with open eyes see at last how Thou hast loved with a wonderful love. Amen. Lord, I know not how to pray. My sins oppress me, and my ignorance frightens me, and my weakness holds me back. Yet I come and throw myself at Thy feet, know- ing that in spite of my sins and ignorance and weakness Thou wilt open Thine arms and welcome me. Let me rest near Thee for a while until I am quiet from these earthly alarms and free from these human fears. Take me, dear Jesus, not because I am worthy, — for I am most unworthy, — but because I am Thy child. Didst Thou not die for me ? Hast Thou not redeemed me with Thy precious blood ? Hast Thou not 20 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour given me a new name, which only Thou and I can know ? I would fain lie here and just look into Thy dear face, and call Thee Jesus, my Friend, my Saviour, my Christ Bless me, O bless me, that I may live and not die. Amen. Blessed Christ, how Thou dost arouse my desires by the sweetness of Thy message ! Can there be anything dearer than to love Thee, and to know that Thou dost love me ? O, let me live for Thee. May nothing hide Thee from me, but may all Thy gifts to me sound a harmony in which Thy name shall be praised and Thy goodness to Thy chil- dren be told. Amen. Dear Lord, I love Thee, I love Thee ! And I love Thee more for all the beauties of Thy world which tell of Thee. And I love Thee most for that Thou didst live on this earth and didst die amidst its flowers that I might enter the life which knows no ending. O, make me rejoice in the re- deemed life which through Thee I now Prayers of Aspiration 2 1 live. Teach me how endless and how ever more glorious my life is to be. Unite me with the tenderest of ties to my friends, since we are never to be separated ; and in all the beauty of this redeemed earth let me see Thee and hear Thy voice. Amen, my Christ, my Lord. Amen. Dear Lord, into Thy presence I come, and the sounds of earth's confusion grow dim, and the fears and pains of the struggle are forgotten, for I am alone with Thee. Help me to stand alone for Thee in the midst of the battle as well, and to know no will but Thine. Grant me courage and knowledge, that I may gain strength and power. And by whatsoever means it may please Thee to use, draw me into the secret of Thy peace. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Lord of nature, who hast made the flowers to praise and proclaim Thee, make me through their sweetness to see and know Thee better. Let me trust Thee to provide for me. Let me seek the beauty 22 Prayers for the Quiet Hour which Thy goodness nestling in my heart alone can give. Teach me from the multi- tude of lives to know Thine infinite care for each single life. And O, let me read a message, not of sadness, but of gladness, in the withering flower, which dies but for a while, and then comes back with a new song as from Thy very throne to tell me of Thy undying love. For Jesus' sake. Amen. O dear Lord, Thou art my all in all. To Thee I look ever for aid and blessing. With Thee I leave my past, to forgive and to finish ; in Thy hand I trust my future, for Thou knowest best. Only, O Father, keep me day by day near to Thyself until my last hour, and then take me to live with Thee, where years never end, and where night never comes. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear King of glory, let me see Thy glory now, even while I am on earth. Open my senses to all the pure joys which are now mine and which, because Thou dost send them, tell me of Thy care. Help me to Prayers of Aspiration 23 bring this dear world back to Thee, for Thou dost love it. Speak to me, for I know Thou art ever near, though these eyes of flesh are holden that I cannot see Thee. And show me how to find heaven on earth while I see the goodness and mercy that follow me and surround me. So shall I be fitted at last to go up higher and see Thee face to face. Amen, Lord Jesus, amen. Dear Lord of all men, in the love of Thy fatherhood let me learn the law of brother- hood. And in dealing with men, O teach me how to represent Thee on earth wor- thily and lovingly. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, teach me how to worship in spirit and in truth. I am human and know not how to approach Thee as Thou shouldst be approached. And yet I cannot fear, for Thou lookest at my heart and dost know how sincere I am. Teach me to be silent and to listen for Thy voice. Teach me to be unselfish and forget myself in the needs of 24 Prayers for the Quiet Hour others. Teach me to be consistent, that my life may be as earnest as my prayers. And 0, let me open my emotions with all my strength before Thee, that I may find rest in tears and songs alike, and know peace in answer to the crying hunger of my soul. Hear me, my Christ, in spite of all my failures, and bring me near to Thyself, and keep me there forever. Amen. How wonderful is Thy love for Thine erring and foolish child, O Christ ! It led Thee to die for me. It leads Thee to live in my life. It shines like the sunlight around me, and it glows like fire in my soul. I am Thy child ! That is enough for me. Unworthy though I am of Thy care and interest ; forgetful though I must be M since I am human, of Thy power ; yet will I rest me in Thy comfort and find my peace in Thy goodness. Only, dear Jesus let me not be content in Thy mercy with- out an effort to lead others to Thee. May my trust in Thee and Thine help given to me make me most diligent to reflect Thy glory upon the dark ways of the world. Prayers of Aspiration 25 May Thy care for me make me care for others, and Thy redeeming pity turn my heart to merciful dealings amongst my fel- lows. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord of heaven and earth and sea, I thank Thee for the waters which surround the world and for the glory of the ocean. It is Thine, for Thou hast made it, and Thou rulest its waves and in the storm speakest, " Peace, be still," to its ragings, and the still- ness comes. Teach me, dear Friend, how Thou dost unite Thy children to each other and to Thyself. Let Thy friendship make me glad, and Thy goodness cause me to know Thee. And O, as Thou art ever so loyal to me, Thine unworthy child, so make me loyal to Thee forever. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I thank Thee for all Thou art, and all Thou hast ever done and art still doing. For all the good things that come to me, for all the experiences of my life, whether of sunshine or shadow, for all the 26 Prayers for the Quiet Hour better things I anticipate, I bless Thee with my whole heart. Make my gratitude, dear Jesus, a part of my nature, so that I may in everything give thanks, and know that, how- ever disguised the gifts of Thy love may be, they are still always from Thee and filled with Thy dear truth. Amen. Dear Lord of life, my glorious Christ, before whom angels now sing in joy be- cause of Thy victory over sin and death, teach me how to rest in Thy way, and make me new in strength and courage through the many dear things which Thou dost grant me. Make me Thine indeed, that so my happiness may be well grounded. Help me to be glad, that I may work better for Thee. Guard me from false delights, and bring me nearer to Thyself in all that Thou givest of sunshine and cheer, so that, as Thou didst pass from the cries of " Hosanna " to the shouts of " Crucify/' and yet didst not falter, so I may pass through life's trials without fear because Thy light is on them all. For the sake of Thy dying love I ask this, my Jesus. Amen. Prayers of Aspiration 27 Dear Lord, King of nations, who makest the heathen to praise Thee, turn my face toward Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and let Thy dear face lighten my darkness. Give me hope and energy and love, that I may draw near to Thee and hear Thee even when the billows roll and the night is dark. For, as Thou dost call the peoples of the earth to new light, so I know Thou dost call me from the loneliness of error to the peace of Thy presence. Let me never lose sight of Thee, my King and my Sun ; but draw me even unto the gates of gold and the haven of rest. Amen. Dear Lord, wise Master-builder, chief worker of all, let me learn how to glorify Thee in my daily toil. Make me respon- sible and prompt, honest and systematic, in all that I do. Speak to me as I toil, lest I forget that Thou art near. Fill me with the joy of work, that joy which comes from knowing I am working for Thee and that Thou art working with me. Let me never grow tired or sad, but keep me hopeful and earnest, so that I may be amongst those 28 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour who at last, having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, shall serve Thee day and night in Thy temple. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Father, my Father, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, make me truly Thy child in spirit and in love, that I may with a clear heart know Thee in this Thy divine relationship to me. Let me be ashamed to be afraid of Thee or to doubt Thee. Let me rejoice in Thy holiness and Thy love, that I may share therein. Teach me Thy power and Thy fellowship, that I may not tremble in loneliness or in battle. And when at last Thou dost call me to come nearer, then let Thy Son and my Saviour take me by the hand and lead me to Thee as His redeemed one. For His sake I ask it. Amen. Dear God, my life, my days, my work, are Thine. Thou hast made me, and given me my years to live and my work to do. O, as I end each period of my life, and pass Prayers of Aspiration 29 each landmark that proves Thy love, and note each mile-stone that brings me nearer home, let me be fired with ever new en- thusiasm and vigor and devotion. May I work for Thee and journey towards Thee. May I seek to bring humanity and the world to Thee, and declare ever Thy truth. May my daily steps be joyful steps as I look upward and follow Thee, my blessed Leader. And at last, O dear Christ, at last may I enter Thy kingdom, and find time swallowed up in eternity, as I kneel before Thee and go no more out. Amen. Amen. O my dear Friend, my Maker, my Father, my Christ, I thank Thee that I, a poor human child, can commune with Thee, the infinite God. How dear is Thy pres- ence ! How precious are Thy words ! How glorious is Thy worship ! How constant Thy love ! Let my heart rest upon Thee al- ways. In the hurry and worry of my life call me near to Thee that I may have peace. In the pressure of temptation flood Thy glorious light about me that the sin may flee away. In the hours of my loneliness 30 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour let my ears be quick to hear Thy tender message, and in the days when my pain is great and my agony bitter, touch me, that I may know Thee near. And at last let the spiritual within me burn out the car- nal, that I may indeed be changed, and wake up eternally after Thy likeness. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I love Thee, I worship Thee, I praise Thee, I give thanks to Thee for all Thou art and for all Thou hast ever been to me. Nothing but praise can touch my lips when I think of all Thou hast said and done ; nothing but thanks can find speech when I hear to what Thou dost call me. I thank Thee for my life, that Thou didst call me out of space to exist forever as Thine own son. I thank Thee for friendships which bind Thy children together and make them one in love and service. I thank Thee for my work, that I may share Thy great creative power and enter into the fulness of the mystery of Thy holy toil. I thank Thee above all else for the revelation of Thyself to me, so that I can know Thee Prayers of Aspiration 31 and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. O may my heart this day be glad, even though perchance clouds and darkness may for a moment shadow me. Make me to be grateful because Thou dost call me to live for Thee. May my living create my praise, my life be one with my gratitude. And, dear Lord, as I see Thee, and hear Thee, and realize more and more Thy goodness, may my nature grow into the purity of Thy nature, and my heart be knit to Thine. For Jesus 1 sake. Amen. O blessed Spirit, I thank Thee for Thy guidance. Through the conflict and confu- sion of life Thou dost so quietly lead that I almost lose sight of Thee in the glory of the vision which Thou dost give me. Help me more and more to know my dear Lord. Open to me the very depths of the works of my God, that I may see Him and His love and His wisdom. Reveal in the dearest of books those rich things which shall make me a very part of my Father, entering into His counsel and knowing His truth. Teach me, O blessed Spirit, the secret of obedience, 32 Prayers for the Quiet Hour that no law or fear may compel me, but only the love of Him who thus asks me to draw near to Him. And may my life grow calm and rich and full and free through this divine friendship, so that I may walk with my God in peace and strength. For Jesus' sake. Amen. My best Friend, in whose friendship all other friendships become possible, I pray Thee teach me how to love. May the tenderness and the constancy of my affec- tion prove that it is from Thee. May its generous strength and its power to exalt impress with its divine nature. And O, whether I have many friends or few on earth, let me count Thee as my Friend, dear Lord, and seek, through Thee, to help and bless men everywhere. Amen. Dear, dear Lord, my strength, my stay, my comfort, how could I live without Thee, and how could I do anything unless Thou didst help me ? I bless and praise Thee, dear Father, for Thy goodness. O, may I Prayers of Aspiration 33 rely upon Thee more. Make me to realize my own emptiness, that Thou mayest fill me with Thine own might. Let me trust Thee always and everywhere, that I may never hurt Thee by doubts or fears. And make me to rejoice in Thy love, that out of this human living may burst the divine liv- ing which sings Thy praises unceasingly. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I would worship Thee, and Thee only. Take away all that seeks to usurp Thy place in my heart and life. Keep me from idols. Let not wealth or business or pleasure hide Thy dear face or dull my ears to Thy dear voice. Thee only would I serve. Therefore come Thou very near that in all I possess I may see Thy confidence and so use it for Thee ; that in all my work I may mark Thy call and so work with Thee ; that in all my pleasures I may feel Thy touch and so make the work happier through my own happiness. So shall I love Thee, and keep near to Thee, and at last see Thee, my Lord, my Master, my Christ, face to face. Amen. 34 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Blessed Lord, how dear to me is this life of preparation for greater tasks and larger opportunities ! Every effort I make seems to fit me for something richer and higher. The delight of my struggle is the knowl- edge that I have a nobler struggle yet be- fore me. For this sunshine of enthusiasm I thank Thee, dear Master. Help me to see more and more what life means. Grant me a real expression of all the truth Thou hast revealed to me. Make me full of loving friendship and hearty joy, and so fit me for ever dearer work for Thee here, and at last bid me come to Thy side and work con- sciously near Thee in Thine own home. Amen. Dear Father, ah, how can I tell Thee how I long for Thee, how my heart is rest- less away from Thee, and how my life finds its barrenness made rich only when I hold Thy dear hand and serve Thee ? Forgive me that I have not loved Thee as my God ought to be loved. Forgive me that I have measured Thy commands as if they were threats. Forgive me that I have been Prayers of Aspiration 35 peevish under restraints which were only meant to hold me till I could understand Thy ways better. May my life, through Jesus, be consecrated to Thee, and find in Thy care the sunshine and peace for which it pines, and may my heart always and everywhere be truly, only Thine. Amen. Amen. Dear Master, Thou meek and self- denying Jesus, make me like Thyself, for I cannot make myself like Thee. Take from me all poor self-consciousness torment- ing me with fear, and all despair causing me to forget my high calling. Fill me with great knowledge that in Thy blessed truth I myself may be hidden, and call me to Thy service that in doing Thy will self may be consumed and I may live only as Thou dost live in me. Let me learn to live as Thou didst live on earth, by the power of right- eous love. Make my life rich for others and towards Thee and poor in my own eyes. Yea, dear Christ, take self from me, and let me know nothing but Thee and Thy work. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 36 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour Dear Lord, I would hold Thee first, for Thou only art worthy. Let me always look upward to Thee, and rest upon Thee, and desire nothing and be restless for noth- ing save Thine approval. Give me in my living that order which shall place my Master first and all else second. Give me the power so to live that my days may press ever in one direction, even towards Thee and Thy righteous kingdom. And, O dear Jesus, keep my heart pure, that I may do all and work all for Thy sake and with a desire to forward Thy kingdom. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. O my Christ, I worship and love Thee as my Saviour, my Friend, my God ! What can I say to express my desire for Thee and my longing to become like Thee? How can I tell Thee as I would of my grati- tude for all Thou hast done and art ever doing for me and for the world? Make me, I pray Thee, Thine own child. Seek me when I wander ; save me from sin ; lead me in the right way. When I feel alone, then speak Thou, that I may be cheered by Prayers of Aspiration 37 Thy voice. When I am heavy-hearted, call me by name, that I may be assured of Thine unchanging confidence. When I am dis- heartened, touch me, that Thy virtue may enter into me and I may go forward. And let me never, never forget Thee or fail to love Thee, dear Lord. Amen. O dear Lord, I do thank Thee for all Thy countless mercies to me and mine, to my church, and to my land. But above all I thank Thee for Jesus Christ, who has told me of my Father and given me grace to love Him. Help me that my life may be a constant declaration of thanksgiving, and that I may try to do much for others, even as Thou hast done so much for me. Amen. Ah, Lord, Thou seest my emptiness, and how long I have sought to feed my hungry soul with human things, and in vain. Now fill me with Thyself, for only Thou canst satisfy. Pour into me the completeness of Thy nature, that I may not take the half, but the whole. Make me able to continue 38 Prayers for the Quiet Hour through the constancy of Thy grace. Make me good with Thine own goodness. And, O my Friend, keep me every day that I thirst no more nor hunger any more, but that, finding in Thee my joy, I may go on in the way that leads to Thee and Thy home. Amen. Blessed be Thy name forever, O Lord, for all Thy mercies to me and mine, to the land we love, and to the world we serve. For all Thou art and for all Thou hast done I yield Thee from my heart rich thanks and fitting praise. May my life join with my lips, and my days prove my gratitude, until at last I enter into the eternal sanctuary, and sing of Thee before Thy throne. Amen. Amen. How can I thank Thee, O my Jesus, that Thou hast made possible for me this blessed- ness of prayer ? In Thy name I come, pleading Thy love, Thy life, Thy cross ; and the door is opened to me, and my request is heard ! Let me pray with all the fervor of Prayers of Aspiration 39 my poor heart. Teach me to find relief in prayer, that I may rest in peace. Show me the fellowship of devotion, that I may love men more because Thou dost so love me. Give me power, that after I have prayed I may work without fear. Show me Thy glory that I may be content, and O, above all else, teach me how to pray, how to pour out my soul and my heart's desires before Thee, that I may live with Thee constantly on earth, and at last enter into heaven, and see Thee face to face. Amen and amen. O my Lord, my Friend, my divine and loved Physician, to Thee I come for healing. In my weariness and pain of mind and body and spirit I seek Thee, and I never seek in vain. Help me to try to do for others in my poor, weak way what Thou hast done for me. May Thy love and power and fellow- ship be the themes of my message whether I speak with my mouth to Thy children or touch them gently with my hand. Above all, let me know I am ministering to Thee in all I do. And at last let me hear Thee say — O dear Lord, let me hear Thee say — while I 40 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour hide my face and humbly fall at Thy feet, those precious words the sound of which alone will make heaven for me, " Thou didst it unto Me." Amen, my Lord, amen. Dear Father, eternal, everlasting, and yet dwelling in the hearts of Thy children, make me to know Thee even as Thou dost know me. Let me not banish Thee from my life or place Thee afar off. Let me not go on in a lonely struggle, when Thou art waiting to be my companion. In faith, in obedience, in friendship, let me hold Thy hand, and follow Thy will, and rejoice in Thy care, and at last enter into Thy home which Thou hast prepared for all who will come. For Jesus' sake. Amen. My King, my Master, my Christ, to whom shall I go save unto Thee ? Whom can I follow save Thee ? By what will can I find my way save Thy will? O, I would do — and here I tell Thee so with all the strength of my soul — I would do whatever Thou Prayers of Aspiration 41 wouldst have me do. Give me love that I may do it from the heart. Give me courage that I may do it without fear, let it cost what it may. Give me quickness of action that I weaken not my will by my slow body ; and grant me hope, that, seeing Thee always, hearing Thy voice, and knowing Thy power, and catching the strains of Thy victorious song, I may go forward after Thee, and never, never fail to walk in Thy steps. And so do Thou lead me until I see heaven, and Thee waiting at the golden gate to welcome me, and not me alone, but the world for which Thou didst die and which I have striven in Thy name to bless. Amen. Blessed God, Ruler and Father of things and of men, I adore Thee and thank Thee. Poor though my life may be, it finds its richness in Thy love. Weak though my deeds may be, they are a part of Thine eternal working. I praise Thee for all Thou hast given me in the world of joy and goodness and friendship. I praise Thee for my life, my manhood, my opportunity to serve. Above all I praise Thee for the most 42 Prayers for the Quiet Hour glorious work of redemption, that I may be saved through Christ, my King. May all things, all life, all manhood, all brave deeds of men, bring me nearer to Thee. And may I at last fall before Thee and adore Thee in that hymn of eternal praise which has long been waiting for Thy call to sing its endless joy before Thy face and in Thy heaven. For Jesus 1 sake. Amen. II Confession of Sin and Weakness II Confession of Sin and Weakness PRECIOUS MASTER, when I think of the poverty of my gifts, how little I have given, and how seemingly valueless that little is, I am ashamed to look into Thy face, for Thou didst give every- thing for me, and that everything of Thine was infinite in value. Yet let me not dis- trust Thee and think that Thou wilt turn away from me, for O, my Christ, Thou art my all, and without Thee I cannot live. Therefore help me. Give me so deep and true a generosity that all I possess, whether little or great, may bear Thine image and be counted Thine. Open my eyes to the dear beauty of Thy world, however the thorns of sorrow and the weeds of sin may seem to cover it. Show me Thy plan, that I may work with it. Grant me a vision of the glorious end for which Thou art calling me to serve, that I may answer that call. 45 46 Prayers for the Quiet Hour And let me live and labor and love only as seeing Thee, my Christ, everywhere and al- ways. Amen. O my Christ, pardon me that I have ever lost heart, when Thou hast loved me from the foundation of the world. Forgive me that I have ever hesitated when I sought to lead men to Thee who hast died in the glory of Thy love, and risen again to prove Thy power. Let Thy divine sympathy enfire my sympathy, Thy touch make warm my touch, Thy trust build up my trust. For truly Thou dost care for all Thy children, and I would follow after Thee and tell of Thy care, and draw men to righteousness through Thy cross. Amen. Ah, Lord God, truly I am a poor servant, for I am impatient, and careless, and even forgetful of Thee. Help me to watch for Thy coming. Help me to live as in Thy sight. May I be careful for nothing save Thine approval. May I live on earth the life of heaven, and serve Thee with the glad Confession of Sin and Weakness 47 freedom of the angels who never grow weary or fail. Then at Thy glorious coming Thou wilt find me ready, O Christ, and glad to greet Thee. Amen. Dear King, Thou knowest my weakness, and how often I hurt Thy cause by deeds and words which are not right. Pardon me, I pray Thee. And, that I may make men love Thee, give me Thy grace. Let me know what my life means, and bravely con- tinue in the way of service. Give me joy of heart in Thy precious gospel, Thy glad tid- ings, and make me fearless in the proclaim- ing of Thy name and Thy truth. Love me, for Thy love can hold me aright. Speak to me, for Thy voice can inspire me ; and finally bring Thy kingdom, O Lord my God ! Amen. O my Christ, I fear my influence for God and for Thee has been cheap and selfish. I have not gone out as I ought to make men believe; I have not with my whole heart urged Thy truth. Pardon Thy servant in 48 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour this thing. I plead with Thee for an in- spiration which shall make my testimony daring and strong. Let me point the world to Thee, no matter what the world may do to me. Fill me so full of Thy love that I cannot but tell the story. Show me Thy- self so plainly that I cannot but tell others of the vision. So shall I really live for a purpose, and make the world love and serve Thee. Amen. Amen. O my blessed Saviour, I tremble as I look at myself and realize how shame or pride has kept me from offering for Thy use what little I have. I have forgotten that only as Thou dost bless life and work can they be of any avail. Forgive me, and receive me now as I humbly kneel and bring all I have, small though the possession is, to Thee. Let me see how Thy power can make even weakness strong. Help me to know that when Thou dost touch even little things they become great like Thyself. Show me how Thou canst make my little life to be of some service in the world, and how Thy touch can make both me and my possessions Confession of Sin and Weakness 49 worthy. So shall I live indeed and work indeed. So shall life, even my life, be glorious, no matter how narrow its sur- roundings or poor its opportunities. And at last I shall see Thee, O ! I shall see Thee, and with all my fears and trials past I shall enter into Thy kingdom, never again to be alone or weak or tired or sad. Bless me now, O Lord, I pray, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. O my dear Master, evil seems so mighty that I tremble because of my feebleness. Show me what to do to help men and to remove temptation from them. And in Thine own good time bring Thy kingdom of righteousness when all men shall prove their love for Thee by living as brothers. May I labor for that great day and trust- fully anticipate it, dear Lord. Amen. Dear Lord, I know I am irreverent. I forget Thee often, and I use Thy dear name carelessly, and I fail to think of Thee as near me. Forgive me, I pray, and help me by 50 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour self-reverence, by reverence for all men, to be drawn to revere Thee, the Source of all, the dear God of all. O, teach me that Thou art a God here, not a God far away. And so even in discord may I hear Thy still voice, and in darkness listen to Thy message, and have always a deep happiness because Thou art never absent from me. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear King, living in glory, yet using ever that glory for Thy children's sake, I beg of Thee to keep me from boasting of anything I may hold as if it were mine own. I know well the danger of wealth in the hands and hearts of those who do not love Thee. I remember, even with tears, the horrors wrought in the name and power of gold whereby human souls were crushed and ruined in despair and bitterness. Ah, I remember, dear Lord, even mine own bitterness when Thou didst ask me for that which was Thine own, and I rebelled. For- give me that I too have placed Thee last, and my possessions, which Thou hast loaned to me, first. Let me, O my Master, Confession of Sin and Weakness 5 1 love Thee so, and so count Thee as my all in all, that I can never be tempted to hide Thee in Thy gifts or forget Thee in Thy generous treasures. Keep me ever near to Thee. Make my heart true. Make me live only for Thee. And then I shall use all Thou hast lent me for Thee and in ac- cord with Thy will, and so find the peace, the only true peace, which endureth forever. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I long to grow, but I cannot see my progress, and so I am discouraged. All through the years I have sought to add goodness to goodness, but I cannot see that my character has grown larger or richer. Help me to persevere. Make my efforts definite, that I may strive for some part of goodness every day. Lead me to use the means of grace, that so my life may be regular according to Thy divine system. Help me to be content to take the way a step at a time, if only I can keep my direc- tion right. And above all let me trust in Thee, for only as Thou dost bless can I gain a blessing. So at last shall I succeed ; 52 Prayers for the Quiet Hour and then, O Christ, Thou wilt open the kingdom, and let me see what has so long been hidden, the result of all my effort, the meaning of my struggle, the purpose of my life. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Lord, forgive me that I have often left Thee outside my heart while evil thoughts and intents rested within. Forgive me that I have so often, by my selfish sin and in- dulgence, put Thee to an open shame. For O, I do really love Thee, weak though I am. Let me not reject Thee again, and do not Thou, blessed Saviour, reject me at the last when I knock at heaven's gate. For Thine own blessed sake. Amen. Dear Lord and Master, Thou seest and knowest the evil against which I pray and strive. Yea, Thy purity can see even that which is hidden from my feeble eyes and ignorant brain. Show me what I can do to help in the battle, that Thy truth may not be impeded in Christian lands or amongst heathen people. Raise up great bodies of Confession of Sin and Weakness 5 3 devoted men and women with high ideals to work in Thy cause. Give me a deep con- ception of the importance of right living. And let me, with Thee, hasten the day of final righteousness, to bring which Thou, dear Christ, didst die. Amen. O my dear Jesus, it is unworthy and un- kind for me to turn from Thee and forget Thee when Thou hast done so much for me. Forgive me, and help me to live better. I know that Thou dost rightly expect from me love and trust. I know Thou wouldst have me work righteousness and serve Thee with quietness and joy. Guide me and lead me, that I may not disappoint Thee ; and, weak though I am, O, let me be loyal to Thee, Thou divine Friend, my Saviour and my Christ. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord of all, I know I have failed again and again. My selfishness, or my pride, or my doubt of Thee, has led me to fall behind in the race. Forgive me, and grant that, forgiven, I may recover my 54 Prayers for the Quiet Hour strength, and not fail utterly in the battle of life. May my failures only lead me to call upon Thee more earnestly. May my mis- takes drive me to Thee for pardon and courage. And at last let me hide my de- feat in Thy victory, and count Thy glorious conquest as mine, because Thou didst fight for me. Amen. O my dear Father, I know Thou dost love me, and I really love Thee, though often my poor life is unlovely and bad. Pardon my pining and complaining ; for- give my impatience and despair ; and make me hear Thee calling me upward and on- ward that so I may come towards Thee. Tell me again and again that at last I shall be perfect. Tell me again and again that at last my struggles shall end and the lone- liness of the growing-time pass away. Cheer me, even now in the midst of the battle, with Thy words of love, for they are sweet ; and draw me with the golden chain of desire. Then at last I shall see Thee, and be like Thee, and be satisfied. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Confession of Sin and Weakness $$ My Christ, when I think of how often and how freely Thou hast forgiven me, I am ashamed and afraid for the bitter thoughts that often crowd my heart and speak from my lips against my brothers. Pardon my unforgiving nature, O Thou Lord of forgiveness. Fill me with compas- sion. Let me remember ever my own weaknesses, that I judge not others too severely. Let me pray and work for mine enemies as Thou didst pray and work for me, and may Thy love rule me and lead me to be gentle and kind and forgiving. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I am afraid of myself, lest I condemn myself in condemning another. O, show me my own heart and let me see my own life as Thou dost know them, that so I may judge righteous judgment. Make me humble and loving that I may attract men not to myself, but to Thee. Make me reverent; for all men are Thy sons, and, though fallen, they are still in Thine image. Above all, O Master, give me true sym- pathy, that my cry may be " brother " and 56 Prayers for the Quiet Hour not " sinner," and that so out of my own hunger I may try to help another, and out of the stress of my own battle I may learn the meaning of all human conflict. Lord, let me judge as Thou dost judge me, with all tenderness and love. So shall I lead souls to Thee, and purify lives, and redeem the world for my Christ. Amen. Amen. O my Master, make me ready to meet Thee. May I know Thee better, and love Thee more deeply, and serve Thee more earnestly as the years go by, so that when at last Thou shalt come I may be ready and waiting and watching. Sometimes, dear Christ, the time seems long. Sometimes when I suffer, or when I am beaten by my passions, Thou seemest far away. Wilt Thou not call to me on the long way, that I may hear Thy voice and be patient ? Sometimes the old darkness does not seem to yield to any brightness, and the human cries of sorrow and pain are grievous. Wilt Thou not then send a gleam on the path to cheer and lift up my heart? Sometimes, O Lord, I do not feel that I am near Thee, Confession of Sin and Weakness §7 though I am trying so hard to meet Thee on Thy way. Mountains of work, dry fields of loneliness, rocks of doubt, and rushing streams of fear impede me. O Master, at such times stretch out Thy hand, and lead me, and bring me nearer. For I do trust Thee. Thou art my only hope and joy. I know that Thou art coming to me and that I am coming to Thee. Hasten the time when my eyes shall see Thee, and when the day that knows no night shall break ; and make the old world glow with the abiding majesty and sweetness of Thy presence, dear Lord. Amen. O Thou Christ of Galilee, who didst go into the homes and the hearts of many folk, and kindle there a light which has burned through all the centuries, make me a humble sharer of Thy glory and good- ness, that so I may find a purpose and meaning in my life. Teach me to speak and act so that I may cheer and help men. Grant me love for all, that I may everywhere see Thy children and heed their cries. Make me like Thee in all Thy great-hearted and 58 Prayers for the Quiet Hour divine beauty, that I may count it my high, my only privilege to win men from sin to goodness, and from wandering to Thee. So shall my gifts be twice blessed since they cheer men and serve Thee ; so shall I find comfort in earth's shadows by making the shadows less heavy for my friends. Amen, dear Lord. Amen. My dear Lord, make me holy. Let my consecration be not the outward show or declaration, but the inward love and the simple, serving life. May I see Thee, O Jesus, always and everywhere. May I know life as a simple doing of Thy will every day. Let me live for others, and prove my goodness to be Thine, and mine only as Thou dost give me grace. Above all, make me naturally kind and pure and true. Let me not strain after high things, but in lowly service lead me to think of others rather than of myself, that so Thou mayest find me ready to grow into Thy nature and willing to be all that Thou art willing to make me. For Thine own dear £ake. Arnep. Ill Prayers of Consecration Ill Prayers of Consecration OMY dear Friend, I know my weakness, and I am ashamed be- cause of my failures. Forgive me and teach me, that I may do better and live more nobly. Make me to endure hard- ness, that I may be strong. Give me cour- age to hate and rebuke wrong. May I submit myself to Thee alone as my Guide, and know myself only as Thy messenger. Then shall I not live in vain. Then shall I have the joy of turning many to Thee and of proving my love to Thee. I ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Father, give me the spirit of childhood, that I may never grow old or hard or selfish. I long for the days which seem so dear as now in my riper years I 61 62 Prayers for the Quiet Hour feel my heart less tender and my love less true. Touch me with Thy hand, call me with Thy voice, and bid me come back to the gentle graces which were mine when Thy breath was fresh on my lips, before sin had stained me. If Thou findest me dull of hearing, dear Lord, call again, for I cannot bear that Thou shouldst call me in vain. If my love has grown cold, O blessed Jesus, pour Thy love into me that I may feel as Thou dost feel and care as Thou dost care. And bring me back from the old narrow ways of manhood to the sweet open mead- ows of early years where Thy face was seen, and Thy sunshine felt, and Thy dear voice always heard. Amen. Dear Lord Jesus, let me never slight Thy gracious call. I know well how I have misunderstood Thee and unjustly feared Thee as hard. I know how my sins have made me ashamed and afraid to answer Thy gentle pleadings. So often have I heard and slighted Thy call that mine ears have grown hard of hearing. And, alas ! so often the cares and riches and pleasures Prayers of Consecration 63 of this life have engrossed me that I have missed Thy gentle voice. Forgive me. Leave me not, and cease not to plead with me, for O, I need Thee, and I will, by Thy grace, listen and obey. Amen. Dear Lord and Saviour, thanking Thee as I do most humbly and heartily for that Thou hast brought me to a knowledge of Thy grace, I ask Thee to arouse me to active and loving service in Thy name, that others may know and serve Thee. Help me to have ever in mind some one man who is not a Christian, that for him I may pray. Save me from weariness and dis- couragement, from foolishness and careless- ness in Thy service. And O, may my life have at least this meaning, that through me some soul has learned to love Thee. Amen. Dear Christ, Thou one and only hero who hast ever trodden the old earth, come to me and make me, poor coward that I am, to grow like Thee by serving and loving Thee. As I wait upon Thee, as I obey 64 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Thy call, as I patiently receive the prepara- tion Thou dost give, and as I take Thine own inspiration, may I give myself to Thee with a divine abandonment of consecration in whatever service Thou dost ask of me. Everywhere, anywhere, it matters not to me, dear Lord, if only I can follow Thee truly. And let my path lead me at last so close to Thee that into my humanity shall come Thy glory, and then I shall be satisfied. Amen and amen. My King and my Friend, teach me, that I may be really a Christian. Let me never be so foolish as to rely upon myself, but may I always rely upon Thee. Give me the wisdom and the will to devote myself to Thee and Thy dear world. Let me give all I have to the struggle, and look to Thee for the power which can never fail to bring what Thy children fervently ask for or to do what Thy children honestly seek to have done in Thy cause. So shall I find the glory of my religion, and manifest its glory to others ; but Thine alone shall be the praise. Amen and amen. Prayers of Consecration 6 5 My Christ, I thank Thee, as for all Thy laws, so especially for their helpfulness, their promise, and their declaration of Thy love and power. Teach me how I can help Thee in all Thy mighty conflict with sin. Show me how I too can bless and comfort and save men in their long and hard battle with trouble and sorrow and wrong. Let me speak words of sympathy. Let me give the cup of water to thirsty lips. Let me lift up the fallen. Let me bear the burdens of men. And then, all unworthy though I must ever be, because my best efforts are so imperfect, let me follow in Thy triumph and be near Thee when Thou comest in Thy glorious and perfect king- dom. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, Thou knowest my weak- ness, and my faults are not hid from Thee. Yet, I pray, help me to prove my sincere sorrow for sin, and my eager desire to turn from it, by a consecrated life. Keep me in the true attitude toward right and wrong. Give me such a love for men that I shall bring to them that which I know can help 66 Prayers for the ^tiiet Hour them. Make me active always in Thy cause, and may all my business mean ser- vice for Thee. And, I pray Thee, make me so to live that men may judge Thee and Thy truth aright. Let me reflect upon the world the light Thou hast caused to shine upon me. So shall I know, so will the world know, and so shall I prove to Thee, my dear Christ, that I am truly a penitent. Hear me and help me, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Keep me, dear Lord, from any action or word or emotion which can make any one less strong and brave and true than Thou wouldst have him be. Let me never by careless coldness or by active speech cause the path of life to be blocked for any man. Hold me from that dead uselessness which must make me an obstacle in the world's progress. And fill me with that tender love which shall make me see, even in chil- dren, Thine image and Thy work. May I follow Thee, dear Master, in leading to- wards happiness and peace. May no man find it harder to live because of me. May Prayers of Consecration 67 many find their path easier because I live, even as Thou, dear King, dost ever encour- age me, even as Thou, dear Christ, hast made my life possible by Thine own precious life. Amen. Dear Lord, teach me to give gladly, gen- erously, believingly. Consecrate all I have to Thine own use, and let me look upon my possessions as sacred trusts from Thee. Bless all I give, and let me think more of Thy blessing than of mine own benevolence. Keep me near to Thee, and fill me with Thine own spirit. And O, let me find my peace and my comfort, not in what I receive, but in the strength which goes out of me in my giving. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Jesus, as Thou hast given Thyself for me, so let me give myself for Thee. May I honor Thee by my faithfulness in the trust wherewith Thou hast honored me. May I use all I have and all I am for Thee, as a good steward. Help me to be so loyal that I shall keep nothing back from Thee, 68 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour And O, make me so like Thee that I may love the world as Thou didst and dost love it. So shall my stewardship, by Thy grace, be worthy ; and so at last shall I receive, O blessed comfort, Thy commendation. Amen. Amen. My King, I would follow Thee. Burn out of me all thought or care of self. Tear from me the miserly spirit which holds fast to things and is afraid of generosity. Make me give myself when I give. Grant me patience under the pain which must come to the true giver as it came to Thee, O Thou blessed Lord. Let me not be weary in well doing, and at last bring the bright day when hearts and lives shall be forever one in Thee. Amen and amen. Blessed Lord, Thou who alone canst order my unruly will and affections, teach me to learn of Thee the lessons Thou hast so clearly given. And O, may I be so true to Thy creation and to Thee, so bound by all the high and holy things with which Prayers of Consecration 69 Thou hast surrounded me, that no tempta- tion can hold me or carry me away. And, that I may indeed be safe, lead me to wor- ship Thee with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. My Saviour, fill me with zeal for Thee, and for Thy truth, and for Thy cause, and for Thy world for which Thou didst die. Let me hold to the Gospel story, and keep my trust in humanity, and follow a high ideal of Christian living. Above all, dear Lord, let me love Thee so truly and so deeply that nothing can ever bring a shadow between Thee and me. Amen. Dear Lord, make me generous. Drive far from me all those poor temptations which bid me care for myself. Fill me with all those blessed graces which shall make me care for others. Show me how I may give regularly as Thou dost so regularly give me life and strength and food. Teach me to give thoughtfully, with my heart jo Prayers for the £>uiet Hour touching the hearts of those I would help. May I count it a dear thing to deny myself for others' good. And O, dear Master, make me cheerful and glad in my giving, that it may prove my love, and so be ac- ceptable to Thee. And bless all I do or try to do, my Jesus, that I may not give or labor in vain. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Christ, Thou who didst enter so divinely into human necessities and human experiences, wilt Thou not teach me how to feel, and guide me, that I run not into ungoverned and meaningless excitement, nor sink into cold and heartless indiffer- ence, but remain ever Thy child, full of love and sympathy? Let me see Thee, and consecrate all my feelings and their expression to Thee. Let me delight to suffer with Thee, that I may serve with Thee. And so let me sanctify all I have and all I am that I shall act only on the motion of Thy will, and be what Thou wouldst have me be because striving to be what Thou art. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Prayers of Consecration 71 Dear Christ, Thou didst choose a thorny path indeed, and should I not fol- low Thee ? I do not desire hardness for its own sake, but for Thy sake. I would not choose pain that I may be a martyr, but only that I may be nearer to Thee. Surely where the need is greatest, there Thou, O Christ, art to be found. So I would follow Thee. Let me not choose an easy way, but a way of necessity, that I may do good. Let me not seek ease in life, but usefulness. Let me not seek peace, but seek Thee, and so find that per- fect peace which Thou only canst give, and which Thou wilt give to those who lovingly serve. In Thine own dear name, I pray. Amen. Dear Lord, give me true friendship, real and pure and enduring. Let no cheap imi- tation satisfy me. Let me not be deceived by that which men think to be love, which withers before the blast of pain or tempta- tion. But pour into me the fulness of Thine own living nature that I may bring comfort to all who are sad and inspiration J2 Prayers for the Quiet Hour to the many who are weary and dry in heart and endeavor. Above all, dear Jesus, make my own love for Thee to glow and burn with a lasting flame, such as no sorrow or burden or cloud can dull or extinguish. So shall I find peace by bringing peace ; so shall I have friendship born of my own friendliness. Amen. Help me, dear Lord, to work for Thee and with Thee, where Thou wilt and as Thou wilt ; that, being united to Thee in love and fellowship, I may grow like Thee and learn the blessedness of Thy service. I ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. I can do little, dear Lord, but that little I will do with my whole heart. When I see how much there is to be done, and then think of my feebleness, I am afraid. Yet when I hear Thy call, " Go work in My vineyard/' I dare not stand idle. Fill me with love, my Master, that I may be ready to do Thy will. Show me what I can do in my own home in dealing with those near Prayers of Consecration 73 me. Show me what I can do in my own city to bring Thy kingdom. Lead me to help in the lonely places of the earth, that Thy truth may be heard everywhere. And open a way, I pray Thee, for me to help forward towards righteousness and peace the people scattered all over this land. And so at last shall come the great day when America will be not only claimed but won for Thee, O Christ. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, I need Thee. Bring me near to Thee in any way Thou pleasest, so only I am kept near and wander not away. Let me feel myself near Thee in Thy dear church. O, speak to me and show me the delights of Thy worship, and grant me Thy peace. Let me find Thee in Thy great world, in the richness of Thy works and in the glory of Thy wonders, in flower and tree, in sea and mountain. But O, when I am in sorrow, when pain and loneliness oppress me and life seems drear, then come closest, my Friend, and speak to me in tones which shall calm my fears and assure me of Thy 74 Prayers for the 'Quiet Hour undying love. So shall I never wander away from Thee. And then, O my Christ, at last, when all these strange experiences are over, and Thou seest I am ready through Thy mercy, take me where I shall always be near Thee in heaven. Amen. Dear Jesus, show me Thy standards, and may they be mine. In my work, in my service amongst men, in my pleasure, let me see what Thou dost ask of me, and be what Thou hast a right to expect Thy child to be. And O, make me useful in the world, so that those led by the poor, weak standards of sin may see the glory of the standards which Thou hast proclaimed, and in following them find their freedom, their peace, and their power. Amen. Dear Lord, make me heroic, that I may do Thy work in Thy way. Rouse up in me all the qualities of heart and head and body which shall make me quick to hear Thee speak and to go where Thou wouldst send me. Let me live a life of service. Let me Prayers of Consecration 75 grow in all Thy graces, that through Thee I may have true manhood. And let me see ever the results of true heroism that I be not discouraged. Open before me the vision of a perfect world, and fire me with the sight, that my heart and my zeal may be with Thee in securing the redemption and the adoption of humanity. And at last let me have the beatific vision of Thine own blessed self, O my Christ, with Thy re- deemed about Thee. So shall I rejoice to rest forever in Thy presence. Amen. My Saviour, who hast redeemed me, help me to learn how to accept Thy redemp- tion. Teach me true penitence, dear Lord. I would acknowledge my sin and confess it. I would trust in Thy forgiveness. I would seek to restore what I have taken of good or comfort from another, and I would fain be brave in the struggle for righteousness. But in all this I can do nothing without Thee. Be Thou my all in all, dear Christ, and let me hide myself in Thee, and do Thou call me Thine own. Then I can per- severe unto the end. Amen. j 6 Prayers for the Quiet Hour O my Master and Friend, who hast given me the crowns of manhood and character, help me to keep them, that no evil may rob me of what Thou hast so generously- bestowed. Give me a keen sense of honor, that I go not into the ways of any wrong. Let me contend as a good soldier for the righteousness which Thou didst teach and practice. And O, bind to me these treas- ures, that they fall not from my head, where Thou hast placed them, to lie under my feet in shameful dishonor. So at last shall I stand before the throne, crowned still, though weary and almost spent ; and when there I know I shall be safe forever. Amen, my King. Amen. Dear Lord Jesus, come and change my heart that I may love aright, and my will that I may be one with Thee in my desires. May my mind find truth only in Thee, and lead my soul back to the dear God from whom it has wandered away. Then shall my life be full of peace and happiness, and so shall I serve Thee as Thou dost ask. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Prayers of Consecration yj O dear Father, I thank Thee for this day of rest. When my spirit is in heavi- ness and needs peace, there is sure comfort in this Sabbath which Thou hast established. Help me to keep it holy. May no earthly thoughts or earthly occupations steal from me these hours which are all too short for my heart's love and my desire. I rejoice that I can meet Thee in Thy church and find Thee near. I praise Thee that my whole nature can find new power in the rest Thy day gives. Grant, dear Lord, that men everywhere may hold sacred this day of days, and find therein peace and prosperity, health and brotherhood, rest and strength. And at last take us all to pass an endless Sabbath with Thee in heaven. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, pour into my heart that spirit of love and desire which shall make me quick to approach and care for any who are strangers. May I do my part in mak- ing my church a house of prayer indeed, that men may hear and see the welcome that awaits them. May I never depart from yS Prayers for the Quiet Hour Thy sanctuary without giving a kind word to some one whom I have not met before. May I lead laborers to the vineyard, that they may learn the bliss of service ; and may I speak to them of Thee, that they may love Thee. Ah, Lord God, make my religion so real that I cannot keep it shut away from a tired, hungry world ; cause it to shine in my eyes, to speak in my voice, and to lead wanderers to the everlasting home which Thou hast prepared for all Thy children. Amen. Dear Father, make me useful. It is my prayer above all else. I ask not honor, or human power, or great skill. I ask not for any single glory which shall make men wonder. I only ask that I may use all Thou hast given me, and use it for Thy glory and the good of my fellows. O, may I know myself, and use myself, and control myself so that my education may be pleas- ing to Thee. O, may I see human need, and feel for it, and give my strength to supply it, that my life may be profitable. Let no poor humility hold me back from Prayers of Consecration 79 service. Let no foolish pride spoil my work. But in all things may I seek to please Thee, in all things seek to grow like Thee, O my Christ, my Guide, my Friend. Amen. O Jesus, I would give my all to Thee, for Thou hast given all for me. Make me generous. Kill in me the vice of selfishness, of ease-loving, of blind satisfaction. Add to whatever other graces Thou hast given to me this grace also of hearty, intelligent, self-denying benevolence. And may my life be used always, only, all, for Thee. Amen. O my Lord, poor though I am in my life and imperfect in my deeds, keep me, O keep me true and real in character and in heart. May these blessings be mine. I care not for what men call success or honor. There is no rest for me in the glory of power or in the strength of achievement Only to live for others and for Thee, only to hold my eye fixed on the real and true, only 80 Prayers for the Quiet Hour to feel as Thou didst feel, and to suffer as Thou didst suffer — that is my desire. Stay Thou ever before me as my inspirer and guide, and at last when I, consciously un- worthy, kneel before Thee, say softly to me that one word, " Blessed " ; and, dear Lord, then I shall be satisfied. Amen. O Lord, teach me to pray with my heart as well as with my lips. Help me to pray without ceasing. And may I never forget that Thou art near, and that Thou lovest me. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. O my dear Lord, I do pray Thee with my whole soul, let my life be one of service to Thee and to the world. I am not great. I can do no great things. But if only I can see life as Thou dost see it, if only I can work hard to help even by rebuking error and upholding Thy blessed truth, if only I can be patient and calm and trusting, if only I can take pain as somehow associated with growth towards holiness, then I am Prayers of Consecration 8 1 sure I shall not have lived in vain. And these great things I can do and be only by Thy grace and merits and strength, my dear Christ, in whose name I pray and upon whom I rely. Amen. Dear Lord, keep me all my days. But in my hours of ease and rest come Thou es- pecially near, to keep me from harm and to make me truer and more loyal as Thy child. I praise Thee for Thy beautiful earth and for all that Thou hast given me to enjoy. Let me use Thy gifts aright. Grant me peace of heart. Let me lead others nearer to Thee, and at last take me to live where I can see Thy face always. Amen. O Thou King who honorest Thy chil- dren in loving them and asking them to love Thee, it is because Thou art so good, so perfect, that I covet the honor Thou dost give. O, may I covet nothing else. Help me to value all of human favor as of merit only as Thou dost send it. May I rejoice in that Thou hast made me, and 82 Prayers for the Quiet Hour named me, and placed me here. May I delight to love Thee and to be loved by Thee, and know all true human love only by this measure. May I be eager for the honor of waiting upon Thee, and believe that what I do for Thee and in Thy name is alone worthy of Thee and of me. And, my Christ, give me more and more of this honor which delights my heart because 1 know that it comes from Thee, the only perfect Friend, the eternal and true Leader, the righteous King. Amen. Blessed King of glory, coming on Thy way, let me not shut mine eyes to all Thou art doing ; but rather in holy devotion let me give myself to Thy service, that so with great cheer I may serve Thee, and sing, even in the dust of conflict, a song of vic- tory for the glory which is Thine. Amen. Blessed Lord, do with me as Thou wilt ; only let me not be a barren tree, a useless being. Guard me from pride, judgment of others, and selfishness. Help me to use all Prayers of Co?isecration 8 3 that comes of joy or sorrow, to fit myself by study, and above all to know that Thou art ever ready to bless. May my loyalty to Thee make me zealous ; may my love for my brethren make me full of sympathy. And at last, when the time of ingathering shall come, make me to rejoice in what Thou hast wrought through me. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Jesus, help me to be faithful in all things. Let me do everything for Thee because I love Thee. Shine on the simplest tasks, and make them beautiful. Open my eyes that I may see Thy will written on all my tasks, and make my heart so true to Thee that toil and work and duty may be- come pleasure and delight and privilege. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Blessed Master, make me earnest to fulfil my mission. Let me follow Thine example in seeking souls. Give me a brotherly spirit, persevering, true, so that I may, above all else, desire that men should 84 Prayers for the Quiet Hour know Thee as I know Thee, and have the peace which Thou hast given to me. And, O, keep me, dear Friend, from that dis- loyalty which shall make me ashamed to call Thee mine or to confess Thee as my King. Hear this, my prayer, for Thine own sake. Amen. Dear Lord of all, kneeling before Thee this day, I do decide to give myself to Thee and to righteousness as never before. Ac- cept my offering of myself, all I have and all I am, and bless me. I would fain follow Thee, O Christ, with greater zeal and deeper consecration. I am determined to turn from sin, and to do Thy will. I promise Thee to live not for myself, but for others in all the sunshine of glad and hopeful service. And I will hold fast to all Thou hast said and to all Thou hast done. Do Thou hold fast to me, dear Lord, and let me not fall away or be carried astray as I journey on ; and at last receive me into Thy kingdom, where struggle shall end in victory, and de- sire in fulfilment, and pain be transfigured into peace. For Thine own sake. Amen. Prayers of Consecration 8 5 Dear Lord, I will follow Thee. I am very weak, and I shall stumble. I am very foolish, and I shall make mistakes. I am very ignorant, and I shall question much. But, O Christ, my heart is right, for it is Thine. Guide me, teach me, bless me, un- til my path of life shall end in that glowing brightness in the midst of which I shall see Thee. Amen. Dear Saviour, make me a true steward. I am weak and ignorant ; O, help me to use Thy bounties wisely. And may I so re- joice in the confidence Thou hast in me, and in the opportunities Thou hast given me, that all I do may be freely and lovingly done, and that all my life may be sacred because it is Thine, not mine. Amen. Dear Lord, keep me from evil. I would be rich towards Thee. I would count all that I have as Thine, and use it under Thy direction. Keep me pure in heart, un- selfish, generous, thoughtful. And teach me 50 to use my talents that the world 86 Prayers for the Quiet Hour may be happier and better for my having lived. Even as Thou, dear Jesus, hast made the world so rich by the sacrifice of Thine own life. Amen. Dear Lord, give me character, that power of heart and mind and life which shall make me what Thou wouldst have me be. Help me to be myself, to imitate no one but Thee. Give me wisdom that I may know how to live, and courage that I may be glad to endure hardness. And above all give me Thyself in all Thy blessed fulness, that, Thou abiding in me, I may find my poor human character built up by Thy divine character, and my life made rich by Thy beautiful goodness. I ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear, dear Lord, I will myself, all alone, as Thy child, serve Thee. O, let me not choose to whom I shall speak, but choose Thou for me. Let me not plan for some won- derful work, but let me speak a word gently and loyally in Thy name. Make me to Prayers of Consecration 87 know that Thou art near, that I may not be afraid; and speak through me, that it may be Thy message, not mine. And ? dearest Lord, wilt Thou not grant me this greatest blessedness next to seeing Thee, that I may meet at last in Thy presence some child who has found heaven and Thee and peace through my service ? Amen. O my Master, when I remember Thy tears over Jerusalem, I am led to weep, not so much for the world as for myself, that I have done so little to make men know Thee. Every day little children and men and women about me are dying, and Thy name and Thy comfort are unknown to them. Show me, dear Christ, how I can help them. Show me what I can do to make the cities of my land Thy cities, loyal to Thee and to Thy righteousness. Lead me to influence each day some one for good. Let me brighten the dark places and ease the heavy burdens. Let me tell the story of Thy love and power. And grant that in Thine own time and way men may everywhere love and serve Thee. 88 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour For Thou art the only peace the world can ever find, and at last I know Thy new city shall come, a city of goodness and peace and joy and eternal light. Amen. Dear Lord, I would fain be Thy servant and serve as did Christ Thy children every- where. Let my will be wholly given to Thee, that so I may serve indeed. Help me to lead little children to know how the Lord loves them and needs them. May my money, my time, my affections, be wholly Thine ; and in all things may I read Thy will and Thy goodness. So shall my best be Thine, and so shall my worst be made better and my faults healed, until I am Thine in all things. So be it, dear Lord. Amen. O my dear Lord, I am all unworthy of what Thou dost promise, for I can do so little where Thou hast done so much ! Yet will I not go back from Thy service, for in it I find my life's meaning, in it I find my brother, in it lies peace; and every* Prayers of Consecration 89 where, as I serve, I see Thee. Let me serve Thee more. No matter how hard the task, how seemingly thankless the effort, O, call me to a yet more constant doing of good for Thy sake. And at last I shall be satisfied if Thou wilt call me Thy «' servant," even if Thou canst hardly say, " Well done/' or call me " good and faith- ful." For it is a joy to serve as Thou didst serve. Amen. Dear King, before Thee I bow, in shame that I have ever dared to hold myself above any man, in joy that I can go out and serve and exalt to Thee my friends for whom Thou hast died. O show me how foolish, how earthly, how weakly human, all our divisions and separations are. And fill me with a great spirit of love, that I may lead and help and suffer and sacrifice, and that joyfully and unconsciously, to lift men into the light where they can see Thee, and, becoming one with Thee, may become one in a blessed union of hearts and hands and lives in Thy service. Amen, my blessed King. Amen, 90 Prayers for the Quiet Hour O MY DEAR AND BLESSED KlNG, my Friend and Guide, fill me with Thyself and with Thy truth, that I may live indeed. Fill the Christian nations with the knowl- edge of Thee, that it may run through the earth and lighten all the dark places. Grant to me that revelation of Thyself which shall change me and make me like Thee. Give me true humility and a love for all men, that I may be the servant oi all, and so fit to be near Thee. And at last sound the glad call, and bring the sad old world to Thyself. Amen. Amen. Dear Father, whose arms are always outstretched, and whose home is ever open, and whose love can never fail, I thank Thee for all the comfort and inspiration Thou dost give. Help me to do my part, dear Lord, and so to prove my desire and my love. Let me not be satisfied with myself, but look for the perfection Thou dost promise. Let me be honest with myself and not blame others, and, O, not blame Thee, dear Father, for my faults. Help me to live and struggle, to go forward manfully, Prayers of Consecration 9 i and to turn my face ever homeward, towards Thee, my King, my Friend, for Thou art all I want, and in Thee only can I find peace. I ask these blessings for Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, break Thou all my evil hab- its. Whatsoever clings to me and hampers me in my growth and work, I beg of Thee to crush it and fling it from me, no matter how much it hurts. Save me from narrow- ness and meanness and passion and blind custom and a dead conservatism, which make me as a rock in the way for earnest men to stumble over. Let me know nature and love her, that I may know and love Thee who art nature's God. Let me work hard, and love sincerely, and pray unceas- ingly. For Jesus' sake. Amen. My Christ, Thee will I worship and love. Thy Book will I reverence and fol- low. Thy church will I enter, and through it do Thy work and receive Thy blessings. Thy will will I obey, and follow none but 92 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Thee. Yet in my weakness do Thou strengthen me, and in my falls lift me up, and in my sorrow comfort me, and in my foolishness forgive me. So at last through Thee I may enter heaven, a sinner, but saved by grace. Amen and Amen. Blessed Spirit, who hast guided the world since first Thou didst brood over its unformed earth and restless waters, I praise Thee for all Thou hast done and art still doing to make God known and loved in the earth. Give to me that spirit of consecration which shall lead me to unceasing endeavor in Thy cause. Bring me nearer to my fellow Christians in all the joy of that union which Christ created. Keep me true to the old faith. Make me eager for righteousness. Fill me with zeal for the world's salvation. Come, blessed Spirit, come into my cold heart, and so warm me by Thy love that I may join w T ith all Thy children in telling the story of Jesus and His salvation, until at last He shall come again to the earth and claim His kingdom. For Christ's sake. Amen. Prayers of Consecration 9 3 Dear Master, who lovest everybody and didst die for everybody, open my heart and life, that I may sow bountifully in Thy name. Let me give all, not a part. Let me give always and everywhere. And O, make me see Thy children and hear Thy cry in every human brother and sister I meet. I am so narrow and mean in my judgments, and so ungenerous in my gifts, dear Lord ! O, make me big-hearted and loving, my Christ, that I may do something for Thee as Thou wouldst have it done. Amen. My gracious Master, who didst work so divinely for thirty-three years on earth, and who art even now working for me in heaven, show me my life-work, and help me to do it as Thou wouldst have me do it. Let me have a clear vision of my task and an absorbing passion in its per- formance. Teach me how to sacrifice self, that my work may gain true vitality. Com- fort me with the assurance of blessedness here in the midst of the struggle, and of final blessedness when the harvest-time 94 Prayers for the ^utet Hour shall come. So from Thee shall I learn how to work, and so with Thee shall I rest at last. Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen. Blessed Lord, to Thee I trust all judg- ment. Only let me be true to Thee and Thy truth and Thy righteousness. Grant me the heroism of patience and godly en- thusiasm, the blessedness of hope and courage. Let me quietly do my work where Thou hast placed me, seeking ever to fulfil Thy will and to make the world for which Thou didst die a good and holy place over which at length Thou shalt reign. Grant me no ideals but those which are very high, and let me never faint nor fail in my following. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. O Father, let me throw myself unreserv- edly into Thy service, keeping nothing back. Take my all, little as it is, and make it much, even as Thou didst with the lad's few loaves and fishes, so that many may be fed. I ask not for honor or power or Prayers of Consecration 9 5 wealth or praise of men. I only ask to see Thy face and to know that Thou dost accept me. Help me to know Thee well. Teach me to do all things in Thy name. Accept any sacrifice I may make ; and O, dear Lord, make my life real and true and loyal in Thy sight. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Friend of friends, my Christ and my Elder Brother, out of Thine own blessed obedience pour grace into my life, that I may learn of Thee how to obey. Let the pain of Thy love for the sons of men set me an inspiring example, that I may live only to meet others' needs and to cheer their lives. Above all, teach me the secret of all obedience, namely, that love which is born of Thine own divine nature, that I may serve not as a necessity, but as a privi- lege. Give me more love for Thee, more love for men, more love of truth and good- ness and all pure things. And lift me up to Thy presence, so that I may serve Thee at last without weariness. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 96 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour O Thou loving Guide of Thy children, let me give myself to Thee in unreserved confidence. I know that Thou art near, for art not Thou my Father, my Saviour, my Friend ? Bless me with the richness of Thy promises. Hold me by Thy hand, and never let me go alone. Open mine eyes that I may see Thee, and mine ears that I may hear Thee. And lead me straight home, at last to enter the heavenly Jerusalem, safe, safe forever. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Life's meaning is too deep for me to measure, dear Christ, and its problems I cannot seem to solve. For centuries troubles have weighed heavily upon the hearts of Thy children, and through the years they seem to have grown no lighter. I bring them all to Thee. If Thou seest best, let me know the meaning of them all; or, if Thou countest me too ignorant and human to penetrate the mysteries of Thy love, then give me strength to grow through my daily working, content to believe though I have not seen. Only, O my Lord, let me Prayers of Consecration 97 not falter by the way, nor hang my hands in weakness, because I walk by faith and not by sight. Lighten the darkness of my soul, that I may see Thee, and, seeing Thee, may find rest for my soul. Then it will not matter whether I can explain strange things or not, for Thy hand shall lead me, and Thy light shine upon the path before me. Amen. O dear Lord, I can do so little, and of that little I am ashamed. I confess that I have not sought as I should to bring men to Thee, and so I have treated Thee as if I were ashamed of Thee. Forgive me, and help me to be true. Teach me to pray for those who are not Thy followers, and never to think any prayer worthy of Thee or of me which has not a petition for another. May my example prove Thy love, and may men see Thee in me. Make me so to do Thy work that men may believe and glorify Thee. And O, give me grace and wisdom to speak a word in season to those who know Thee not, and to bring them to Thee. For only as men find Thee can they find 98 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour peace. Only as they believe in Thee can they live. Let me no longer cumber the ground as a fruitless tree; but lead me, guide me, help me, Lord, to be Thy servant truly. And to Thee shall be given all the praise forever. Amen. Dear, dear Lord, I do long to be an in- fluence for good. I care not whether or not men remember me or honor me, but I do pray that they may be better for my living. Make me sincere and unselfish, hopeful and true to Thy leading. By word and deed, by example and character, may I commend Thee to men, so that, finding Thee, they may have peace. For, dear Lord, I can crave no greater influence than this, that I may lead men to give them- selves to Thee. Help me in this my desire, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, here I offer and present unto Thee myself, my soul and body, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto Thee. So only can I express my gratitude Prayers of Consecration 99 for all Thou hast done. O, make me really grateful, and may my lips and my life praise Thee without ceasing. Thou dear Lord, Thou blessed Christ, Thou art all the world's hope ! Wilt Thou not turn the world to Thee, that it may love and serve Thee ? Hasten Thy kingdom, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Blessed King, I thank Thee for the en- couragement Thou dost give Thy soldiers. Ah, how blessed to fight for Thee in whom I have unbounded trust ! Arm me, Lord, with Thy weapons. Give me words that I may speak, and wisdom that I may act aright ; and hasten the day when the final victory shall come. Even for His sake I ask it who died and rose again to assure me that the world and sin and death are over- come. Amen. O Lord, in the face of all earth's evil I am troubled. But do Thou help me to be pure myself, and to lead others to Thee, who art the source of all purity ; that so ioo Prayers for the Quiet Hour under Thy rule men may strive for mastery and live as brothers. Hasten Thy kingdom, dear Jesus, I pray Thee, the kingdom of temperance, purity, and peace. Amen and Amen. O Lord, make me generous and unself- ish. Fill me with love for Thee, that my gifts may be measured only by that love and prompted only by my heart's devotion. And may my offerings be blessed to the comfort of men and the spread of Thy kingdom. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. O my dear Lord, let my life be fruitful, useful, profitable to Thee and to the world. I pray Thee, keep me from living in vain. If only some soul may be led to Thee, if only some light may shine in a dark place, if only some heavy heart may take courage through me, I will praise Thee forever. But I can do nothing without Thy power. Wilt Thou not fill me, that all I do may be done for Thee and by Thy inspiration ? Prayers of Consecration 101 Wilt Thou not make me useful, that by my living others may find life easier ? Wilt Thou not help me to tell the glad message of a Father's love and a Saviour's forgive- ness ? And, above all, wilt Thou not send the fulness of the Spirit, that in my own nature Thy rich gifts may be found, and my heart be made wholly Thine ? I ask it for my Redeemer's sake. Amen. Fill me, O Christ, with a great and true ambition to grow like Thee and to live for Thee. I pray Thee, let no poor ambitions for things which are to perish, for wealth or fame, entice me ; but rather let the de- sire for the honor Thou dost bestow and the longing to serve Thee in serving the world make me full of energy and single- ness of heart. Enfire me with the glory of what Thou art. Excite me with a hunger for Thy words, " Well done." Keep me eager and alert to see Thee and bear Thy message. And at last, O my God, let me hear Thee say to me, even to me, " Them that honor Me I will honor." For Jesus' sake. Amen. 102 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour Dear Jesus, make me true and loyal to Thee and Thy message. Fill me so full of Thine own grace that my very life may tell people of Thee and make them long to love Thee. Help me to love the souls of men, and to love Thee that I may love them. Consecrate all my powers ; I wish nothing for myself, but all for Thee. And keep clearly before me the great end which is surely coming, that I lose not heart in my endeavor, but persevere in the assurance that at last the world shall worship Thee as King. Amen. Blessed Christ, take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee. Thou knowest my weakness and my fool- ishness; how sorely I am tempted to be unkind, bitter, critical, coarse, cruel in my language. Touch my tongue, and sanctify it. But, O, sanctify it not merely from bad things but to good things. Let me be clean in speech, dear Lord ; but let me also be true in speech, that I may tell how Thou dost love, how Thou hast died, how Thou dost call to righteousness. So shall I not Prayers of Consecration 103 speak in vain, but by my voice I shall glorify Thy name. And may I at last join that great multitude whose voices shall be lifted in eternal praise around Thy throne. Through Thee, O Christ, I ask it. Amen. O my Master, come and enter my heart, and make it Thy home, and never go away; for I can live only when Thou livest in me. Let me rejoice in Thy nearness, and know Thine influence, and respond to Thy power, and join in Thy blessed eternal work. Keep me, dear Lord, little and weak though I am, so near to Thyself that I may grow up into Thee and lose myself in Thee, and so truly find myself. For only as I am in Thee and Thou art in me can I understand and have peace. Amen, my Christ. Amen. Blessed Master who hast redeemed men, and who wouldst that men should know it, I thank Thee that I may serve Thee in proclaiming the message. Let me talk to Thee with open and loving heart. Let me bring all I have, and cast it before 104 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour Thee, that Thou mayest tell me what to do with it. Make me honest in all my deal- ings with Thee, and grant me more faith. So shall my prayers send light into dark- ness and bring peace where discord now reigns. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I have done so little that I am ashamed. And yet my heart is touched by the needs of men. Lead my emotion to active use, that I may feel for human need and give myself at its call. Forbid it, O my Christ, that I should live for pleasure or for gain. Show me the way to meet my brother's wants. And, as I struggle to help, do Thou inspire me. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, when I look at myself, I am afraid. When I look at Thee, I am at peace. Help me to forget myself in Thine own possession of me. I am not mine own. Hast Thou not bought me with a price ? Take me, then, as Thine own tired, weary child, and speak to me words of Prayers of Consecration 105 love. Soothe me, that my worries may be forgotten. Calm me, that my anxieties may die away. Cheer me, that my way henceforth may be light, and that I may hear the music of Thine angels instead of the discords of my foolish life. Yet let me, I pray Thee, dearest Friend, take with me much of Thy nature, that in some little way I may live the life of my Christ. Then I will not be ashamed of my life any more, for it will be hidden in Thine. Amen. O my God, early in the morning I lift my song to Thee, and at evening I draw near to tell Thee the story of the day. Thou knowest mine uprising and my resting. Through all the hours of light and dark- ness Thou art near. Keep me ever con- scious of Thy presence, dear Lord ; let me hear Thy voice, still and loving, in the heated concourse, in the battle, in the strug- gle of living. Speak to me in the hour of temptation, and let me hear Thee when I am troubled by fears and doubts. Whisper sweet words of peace when the day is 106 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour ended, and I am weary and heavy-hearted as I lie upon my bed. Pardon the weak- ness of my service, and complete my unfin- ished tasks by Thy touch of mercy. So may I go on, day and night alike, strong in the knowledge of Thy presence, until at last life's night is ended and I awake to an eternal day. For Jesus' sake. Amen. O my Christ, help me, help me to be so real in my service and trust that men may be comforted by Thee and through me. May Thy nature be so truly and deeply implanted in my humanity that I may live and find my joy in living only that I may show my friends the power and the good- ness and the love of Thine own nature. Make me trustful, that no doubt of mine may ever cause another to lose heart, but that my confidence may strengthen the despairing. Help me to be so honest that the beauty of truth may be apparent, and men may serve their fellows in all godly righteousness. And above all, dear Master, grant me such love that I may suffer through it, and feel it, and so make my own hun- Prayers of Consecration 107 ger the power to enable me to satisfy a starving world. And then at last I shall find peace, and friendship, and calmness of spirit in being always Thy child, in resting always upon Thee. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord and Master, I know my weakness and my failures, but I know too Thy tender love for Thy child. Thou look- est at my heart and my desire ; Thou know- est my struggle and my effort; Thou knowest that I long to be better and to live better. Let this be my pledge to Thee, unbroken through all my years. Then, whether I stand alone or with a multitude, whether men praise or blame, whether I suffer or dwell at peace, I shall be true to Thee. Keep me loyal. Give me Thy blessing. And at last let me serve Thee in heaven. For Jesus' sake. Amen. IV Strength IV Strength BLESSED MASTER, I come to hide myself in Thee. Thou art infinite, and I sink my finite life in Thine eternal years. Thou art loving, and I bury my harsh nature in the beauty of Thine over- flowing friendship. Thou art powerful, and my weakness is forgotten as I hold Thy hand. Thou art light, and my darkness is made brilliant as Thou dost look upon me. Thou art purity, and my sins are burned away as I fall before Thy glorious white- ness. I am not afraid of Thee, though Thou art so mighty, O Christ ; and, if I am ashamed, it is not from distrust of Thee, but because I know I am so unworthy. Stretch out Thine arms, and let me rest in them for a while. So shall I gain strength for my journey. Amen, my Lord, Amen. in 112 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Master, my work oppresses me, and my troubles weigh heavily upon me. There is so much to be done, and the way is hidden in shadows. My heart is lonely. Human affection has failed, and no man knows of the great bitterness of my spirit. But Thou knowest all better than I can tell Thee, and so I cast myself before Thee. Deal with me as Thou wilt ; only love me, love me, that my soul may be at peace. Is not my work Thy work ? Dost Thou not feel my troubles as if they were Thine own, O Thou who didst live the human life ? Didst Thou not travel a lonely way, misunderstood and rejected of men ? In Thy glorified human- ity I bury myself. Send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they may lead me. Inspire me with courage, that I may contend as one for whom the Almighty careth. Call me by my name, and I shall be content. Amen. O my Jesus, for whom I am watching, as Thou passest by wilt Thou not look for me and call me ? Thou knowest the obstacles keeping me so easily, alas ! from mastery. Strength 1 1 3 I have not much strength in myself, but rather am I feeble and lame and little, and not wise. I stand aghast and afraid in the face of life's great beating ways ; I tremble at human bitterness and the strife of tongues, which I cannot seem to escape ; and the waves of strange waters roll over me, and the clouds hide the light. Take my hand, O Thou dear Christ, and lead me. But do Thou more than that. Give me power to triumph over these distresses and make them serve Thy high purpose, rather than master me and keep me down. Let me face them and take them in honest, fearless hand, and change them to exultant wings upon which I shall rise ever higher, carrying the world with me, until the sun shall shine perpetually, and life's weaknesses and struggles end in the peace and calm and love and blessing of Thy presence. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear King of life, whose power alone can make me live, aid me that I may strive and faint not. Let me do, and be Thou the might to bring the doing to success. Show 114 Prayers for the Quiet Hour me how to exercise in Thy cause, and make Thou the banner to unfurl in victory when Thou pleasest. Only keep me earnest and active for righteousness, for truth, and for Thee, until at last the day of harvest shall come. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. O my dear Saviour, help me to grow. Blessed Spirit, lead me day by day, that I may live the life God would have me live. Let me neither be discouraged by failure, nor think lightly of my sin. But as by Thy blood, O Christ, my sins are washed away, so by Thy power make me brave and happy in following Thee. And at last bring me to the perfect life, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, hold me fast to Thee, that I may not yield to temptation. O, keep me from selling all the dear joy and peace and rest of eternity for the foolish glitter of an hour's sin. Make me spiritual, dear Lord, that my body and its passions may be con- trolled by my spirit. Make me true, that I Strength 115 may hate and abhor deceit. Help me to live in this present for the future, that the great- ness of the eternal weight of glory may ex- ceed in my sight and desire the light afflic- tion of the moment. Yea, dear Lord, keep Thou my birthright for me, that I lose it not. And then at last I shall receive it at Thy hand, when temptations are over and when struggle with sin is ended. For Thine own dear sake I ask it. Amen. O my Friend and Master, Thou know- est how sick I am. My body is full of pain, and my life is hard and my spirit lonely. Come and heal me. Speak the word, and I shall be well. I ask not for freedom from pain, but for strength and courage. I ask not for quiet and rest, but for peace in my soul. Do with me as Thou seest best ; let me be alone in the rush of the human contest, unheeded in the haste of human greed ; only let me not go on without Thy guiding hand and Thy dear, cheering voice, for I cannot live without Thee. All else can go, but Thou must never go. Speak, and let me hear Thee. 1 1 6 Prayers for the Qiiiet Hour Touch me, and let me feel Thine everlast- ing arms beneath me. Bless me, bless me, even now ; and then all shall be well, both now and forever. Amen and Amen. Dear Christ, help me to be bright and rich and happy in my life, that so others may be blessed and I myself may be of service to Thee. Teach me how to comfort men, and give me faith in Thee and in all Thy world, that I may lead souls nearer to Thee. Pour Thy spirit into my heart, that I may be a light in darkness and a stay in trouble, even as Thou art my Light and my Rock. And do this for me, dear Jesus, of Thine abundant mercy, which Thou didst show when Thou didst die for me. Amen. My Master, grant me Thy power, for without it I am weak indeed. I ask it, not that I may make a great show amongst men, nor yet that I may be free from the pain of struggle, but only that I may be filled with Thyself. I thank Thee that Thou art so ready and willing to give. I Strength 1 1 7 praise Thee, dear Friend, that Thou wilt listen to my prayer. And I beseech Thee help me to pray more earnestly, to count my work and my gifts as empty unless haloed in prayer, and to be brave enough to wait until Thy blessed will shall bring all I desire and long for. Hear me, O blessed Spirit, and guide me, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, make me free, for I cannot break my own chains. Lighten me with Thy truth ; fill me with Thy courage ; lead me into Thy sunshine. O, do not let me go bound through life, fettered by sin, by fear, by ignorance, by sorrow. Do not let me drag my feet to action, when Thou canst make them swift in Thy service. Do not let my heart beat in dull measure as bound by duty, when it can throb with delight at Thy touch. And, dearest Christ, let me do all things for Thee, that so Thy power may enter into me through Thy ser- vice. So shall I mount with wings as an eagle ; so shall I run and not be weary, and walk and not faint. Amen. 1 1 8 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour Dear Lord God, I long to help men. I am hungry to hear Thee tell me my life is not in vain. Wilt Thou therefore guide me, that I may indeed do something for my fellows ? Let me see the oneness of all work, and so have a conscious common purpose with men everywhere. Let there be in me that influence which shall make me know that I stand not alone, but in the lives of my brothers. Make me ready to guide others as Thou dost guide me. And, O dear Master, Thyself so full of sympa- thy, teach me how to feel tenderly and compassionately for all who are in the heat of human struggle. So shall I help and be helped, and the world will come nearer to Thee. Grant this, dear Lord, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Lord, I know Thou dost call me to greater zeal ; yet I am afraid and hesitate. What more can I do ? My resources are exhausted. But Thou art not exhausted ! Therefore let me bring my emptiness to Thee, that Thou mayest fill it. Let me look to Thee for guidance, that I lose not Strength 119 heart. And I beseech Thee to bless all I do and make it useful in the advancement of Thy dear kingdom. For, O Christ, the world does want Thee; it is lonely and erring without Thee. Come quickly and save, dear Lord. Amen. Dear Lord, grant me courage that I may do my share, and be faithful in the per- formance of the task Thou hast placed be- fore me. Open mine eyes, that I may see the many things which need to be done. Let me see Thee still working in Thy world and calling upon me to work with Thee. May the difficulties which present them- selves make me strive but the more earnestly to be true. And grant me ever new strength, through Thy precious promises, to fulfil my part in the salvation of men. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. O Thou Man of Nazareth, who didst come to earth to proclaim a glorious mes- sage which Thy people have been so slow Jo receive, give me of Thine own divine 120 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Spirit, that I may be a true worker, faint- ing not nor despairing. Grant me devotion and faith; give me patience and joy, that these may lead me to be strong and endur- ing, happy and brave. And do Thou so lead me to work and live that at last I may ascend to Thee and watch from on high the growing and the blossoming and the fruit-bearing of the seed I have planted. Amen. Dear Lord, in all my sorrows I come to Thee. Thou only canst help and teach and bless. I ask Thee to save me from bitter- ness and complaining, from despair and from weakness. Hold Thine own cross be- fore me, and I will be brave, dear Christ. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, make me heroic, that wher- ever I toil I may make men better and life purer. Give me great faith in humanity, that I may serve men because I know that Thou art in man. Let me be quick to see and know that which men most deeply need, Strength 121 that thus I may truly minister. And, above all else, O, let me give myself to the world in the most glorious self-sacrifice, so that my love and my life may enter into my ser- vice, even as Thy love and Thy life have entered into me and saved me. So shall the world be saved, and Thy kingdom come at last. Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen. Dear Lord, I can do little for Thee, but I will try to do all that Thou askest of me. Keep me from studying myself rather than Thyself. Hold me from fear and self-de- preciation, and make me strong in the con- sciousness of Thy strength. And when Thou callest, whether the duty be pleasant or unpleasant, hard or easy, little or great, let me quickly respond, " Here am I ; send me." For Jesus' sake I ask it. Amen. Dear Lord and Friend, I do not wish to be ashamed of Thee or Thy gospel. It is not my best self, but my worst, that trem- bles and is afraid. In my heart of hearts I do rejoice in Thee and in Thy message. 122 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Help me to assert that which I believe of Thee. Give me courage and wisdom to throw into all life the power of Thy gospel. Show me ajvisic i of what I shall be and of what the world shall be when we are re- deemed, and keep me loyal to Thee always, dear Christ. Amen and Amen. O my Jesus, who hast told me the story of my life, and then asked me to live it, press home to me, I pray Thee, the truth of my destiny. Let me be ready always to give an account to Thee of my trust. Let me live daily a clear and definite life. Show me heaven as my home, and cheer me with the sight of its beauty, that I may lead others to work for its coming, and to serve and love Thee. Then shall I indeed truly live, and at last, through Thee, enter into eternity. Amen. Dear, dear Lord, make me a brave, loving child. Thou knowest I am very weak, and it seems to me I can do nothing. Yet I would trust Thee, and remember Strength 123 Thee, and tell others of Thee. Give me Thy hand to hold, that I may remember Thee always. Speak to me, that I may speak Thy word to many people. Teach me, and make me brave to rebuke sin and to tell men of Thy love. And 0, dearest Jesus, give me happiness because I am Thy child, and make me full of joy always. Amen. Dear Master, unto Thee would I make my vows. Help me to keep them. May I rejoice in Thy need of me, and may my need of Thee keep me ever near Thee. May I rest ever on Thy promises, and find my strength in the assurance of Thy love. And at last may I come to the land of per- fect fulfilment, and rejoice in Thy presence. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, forgive my weakness, and make me strong. And, when I am strong, then let me give the glory to Thee. O, forbid it that the glory of strength should ever make me think of myself. Help 124 Prayers for the Quiet Hour me to use the strength Thou dost give in Thy service. Inspire me with Thine own might, and make me brave in my feebleness to call upon Thee. For Thou, dear Lord, art alone my strength. To Thee I fly ; to Thee I pray ; on Thee I rely. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. Dear Lord, I long to be a better child, and to do all that Thou hast given me to do with a larger strength. Fill me with divine enthusiasm, that I may be eager to serve. Show me how to use new ways to advance Thy glory. Enlighten my under- standing, and increase my devotion. And above all else send Thy blessing, and be with me always. So shall I grow because Thou dost grow within me ; so shall I do better work because Thou workest through me. Amen. Dear Master of health and life, con- queror of sin and pain and death, touch me, I pray Thee, as Thou didst so graciously touch men of old, and make me what Thou Strength 125 wouldst have me be. Give me true sight for my blindness, that I may see Thee. Grant me the power to walk in the heavenly way. Cure my disease that I sin no more > and give me everlasting life. So shall I understand Thy miracles of healing, being healed myself by Thee ; and so shall I go out to tell men of Thy goodness and power, that they, too, may live and be strong. Amen. Dear King of righteousness, I come to Thee, so conscious of my own weakness, so full of longing for Thy strength ! O, I can do nothing save as Thou dost teach me and lead me. Bring me to love sim- plicity, since Thou on earth didst live so humbly. Lead me to a bold statement of Thy truth and righteousness, and let me never be afraid. Teach me how I may really help men, and let me not leave empty hearts from which indeed the evil spirits have departed, but into which the spirit of love and of comfort has not entered. Lord, in the great evils which I deplore I look to Thee as my Leader and my Guide. Thou 126 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour only canst reform men. Thou only canst purify. Wilt Thou not arise, O King all glorious, and bring me out of the bondage of sin into Thine own blessed sunlight of purity and goodness ? Hear and answer, for Thine own precious sake. Amen. Blessed Jesus, my Captain and my Leader, it is good to fight under Thee. As I struggle, I see Thee ahead of me, and Thine eye is upon me. When I fall, I look, and Thine arm is stretched out to lift me up. When I am in doubt, I lift up my head and Thy saving hand points out the direction. O, let me be Thy true, loving, and proved soldier. Give me victory over myself and over the world, that I may share in the grand triumph at last, and stand with Thee complete. Amen. O my Friend, my patient Christ, know- ing my weakness and my many failings, draw me near to Thee, that I may partake of Thy victory and tremble not when pas- sions threaten and lure me. Keep clearly Strength 127 before me the dangers to body, mind, and soul which these unmastered passions may work; but keep even more clearly before me the power of my manhood when re- deemed and saved by Thee. Let me never give up the conflict, but do Thou cheer mine eyes with a vision of glory. Let me not forget my own need, and yet let me strive earnestly to help others in their need. And be Thou, O dear Christ, a strong beacon, leading me by Thy light to the haven of rest and the throne of victory. Amen. O Thou who didst triumph not by free- dom from suffering, but by changing suffer- ing to glory, teach me to follow Thee in this as in all other things. Hold me from weak complaining and selfish crying. Let me know my friends even in their disguise, and feel the strength which throbs through conflict. Show me the true meaning of victory, and make me triumphant in Thine own great triumph of love and salvation. So shall I find peace, and bring peace, and at last receive Thy blessing of peace. Amen, my Christ, Amen. 128 Prayers for the Quiet Hour O my dear Master, I would come to Thee and draw life and strength from Thee, for I am weak and hungry and weary. There is no food to be found on earth such as Thou canst give, and there is no help for my needy soul save in Thee. Feed me, I pray Thee, that I hunger not. Give me drink, that I thirst not. May my life be kept close to Thee, that I may draw all my comfort and power from Thee alone. And at last, through Thine own loving merits, call me to sit down at Thy table in Thy kingdom, never more to hunger, never more to go out from Thy dear presence. Amen. O my dear Christ, teach me how to endure in Thy way, not in my way. Give me calmness of spirit and of living; give me supreme confidence in Thee; give me great courage. Thou knowest how my heart aches for that which it has not. I ask not that Thou wouldst take the pain away, but that Thou wouldst help me to bear it patiently, and to draw from it strength for my service, so that I may give Strength 129 to others in some measure that which I long for myself. And O, dear Lord, keep me very near to Thee, that I may know Thy comfort and learn of Thee how to live and serve and endure. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, help me to count it a joy to follow Thee in temptations and trials, un- like Thee in that Thou didst never fail, yet like Thee as Thy victory becomes mine. Let me see how all these things work to- gether for good. Let me know that trials rightly met make perfect the character and the life. And O, let me hold Thy hand and hear Thy voice, that I faint not nor fail on the way. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. My Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end. Give me strength to perse- vere. Teach me to try, and I know my trying by Thy grace will succeed. Let me look to Thee for the only perfection I can ever hope to have. And make me strong 130 Prayers for the Quiet Hour by the very definite knowledge and effort of my life. If I must suffer, may my pain bring me nearer to Thee. If I must be lonely, let my loneliness reveal Thee to me as never before. And at last bring me to see Thy face, for that will be glory for me. Amen and Amen. Dear Lord, let me not be without char- acter, for so must my life be useless and my future hopeless. But hold up before me the glories of a manhood which is sin- cere and great and brave, and then let me see Thee, and hear Thee, and talk to Thee, that I may thus gain Thy graces and grow like Thee. O Christ, let not my life wither and die in uselessness and despair, but make me like Thee so that I may serve here and reign hereafter. Amen. Dear King of glory and life, come to my poor, empty, twisted nature, and fill it with Thy blessed life ; else I must die, for I cannot breathe or rest in my own poor way. Teach me to remember my immortality. Strength 131 Let me glory in service. Make me useful to Thee, and draw me near to Thee. Then I can breathe Thy breath, and satisfy my hunger at Thy table, and feel myself strong in Thy divine life, which Thou dost give even now through Thy Son Jesus Christ, and which Thou wilt give eternally to those who seek it here. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, who didst face evil and mas- ter it because Thou wast so true and so good, teach me to live in such fashion as to conquer. Let me share in Thy victory by following in Thy steps. Set me in the right place, and keep me there. Show me the way in which I should go. Give me a nature sanctified and true. And let me serve Thee with all my might. So wilt Thou hold me from falling, and redeem me with Thy love. Amen and Amen. Father of lights, guard me against all indulgence, I beseech Thee, lest my mind be dulled, and my soul scarred, and my life ruined. As the Master gave up even things 132 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour innocent, that His blessed work of redemp- tion might not suffer, so do Thou teach me to follow denial, that so I may be kept true and clean. O God, open men's eyes, that they may see the truth ; and make the way plain before their faces, that Thy people may struggle towards perfection, and at last, through the Redeemer, attain unto glory. For His dear sake. Amen. God, my Father, make me righteously zealous for Thee. Let no fear or weakness hold me from glad enthusiasm in Thy cause, which is the cause of eternity. If I am weary, then give me new power; if I am anxious, then inspire me, that I may see visions. And at . last bring me to Thy service in heaven. For Jesus' sake. Amen. O my King, my Christ, how clear Thou makest those things which are to me most perplexing ! I thank Thee. Help me to see myself truly as God's son ; help me to see and know God as my Father, and Thy- Strength 133 self as my Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as my Power, and let my life be full of service for Thee and the world for which Thou didst die, so that at last I may come to Thy joy and see Thee face to face. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. My dear Christ, I thank Thee for work. I can do little, but I will do all I can. I am human, but I will try to bring my humanity into touch with Thee, that I may grow divine some day. I am cowardly, but I ask Thee for courage. I am weary often, but I pray to Thee for strength. I hesitate now and then, and wonder how I can go forward ; but I hear Thy voice saying, " Come," and that is enough. O, let me work more and harder, and let me be happy in my toil, and bless me with a look which shall be worth all the trials. Amen, my Jesus, Amen. Yes, my Christ, this is my prayer, a prayer which is not only uttered with my lips, but sent as a cry from my heart. For I 34 Prayers for the Quiet Hour alas ! dear Lord, I feel my cowardice, and my nervous trembling that cannot learn to wait, and my coldness, which is suspicious and almost hates. Only as Thou dost come to me and live in me can I grow into the heroism that gladly lives to help, and into the patience that calmly trusts, and into the love that sees Thee everywhere and in everything. Enter my heart, therefore, O my dear Master, that I may be Thy child, ruled and led by Thee. And so shall I at last enter thy kingdom and see Thee face to face. Amen. Dear Lord, fill me with great zeal and with great love, that my heart sink not in weakness and my life fail not in devotion. Grant me obedience to Thy call, that in simple faith I may go on working and praying and giving for the world's salva- tion. Grant me that desire which flows out of a devoted spirit, so that I may keep in myself the joy of Thy truth. Fill me with hope, that the vision of a converted world ever may be with me to inspire and bless all my worship and my toil. And, Strength 135 above all else, do Thou, O blessed Master, stand ever before me, that I may follow Thee, and strive as Thou didst strive for the world's redemption. So at last will Thy prayer be answered, and all nations shall call Thee King. So at last shall the world own Thee conqueror, and look to Thee. Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen. My God, keep me. I am afraid. Life is so big, and I am so dependent ! Let me look to Thee alone for guidance. Make me clean in heart and purpose. Inspire me with love through the vision of a perfection to come ; and grant me perseverance ; O, let me not tire in the struggle. For Thou hast said that they who endure shall be saved. Amen, my Lord, Amen. Dear Lord, accept my vows. I am only a small part of Thy great kingdom, but I know that Thou dost love me and that Thou wilt help me to keep my promises. Show me more clearly the vision of a perfect world. Give me greater faith in the com- 136 Prayers for the Quiet Hour ing of that glorious day. And inspire me, that I may lead some one child of Thine into the light of Thy love. For Jesus' sake. Amen. V Faith V Faith BLESSED MASTER, show me how and when and where I may bear witness for Thee. O, I do love Thee; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Let me not be ashamed of that love, even as Thou art not ashamed of Thine own dear love for me, though I am so sinful and un- worthy. Grant me the believing heart, the tender touch, the earnest word, that I may do somewhat to lead men to know and love Thee. And may I be so true to Thee that my whole being may be consecrated to Thee, my lips, my hands, my life, my all ! Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, make me like those whom Thou didst bless of old because they kept their father's word and held to their vows. Let me vow unto Thee and keep it. Let me for Thy sake, for the world's sake, resist the x 39 140 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour temptations of the flesh, and so gain the power which is divine. Hasten the day when all men through denial shall learn to worship Thee. And let me pray and work that that day may come the more speedily. For Jesus' sake. Amen. O my Friend, I am grieved that I have ever doubted Thee. Forgive me, I pray Thee. And make me so full of love for Thee that nothing can ever disturb my peace. Let me rest in Thy greatness. When I am tired, let me remember how near Thou art. Give me the grace of comfort and the strength of patience which were Thine, my Christ, when Thou wast on earth. And after the battle give peace and joy, dear Lord, forever. Amen. Yea, my Master, I will trust Thee, and not be anxious or afraid. Thou knowest how weak I am, how often I am beset with burdensome fears and worries, which eat up my strength and sap my courage. Keep me from fretting. Give me calmness Faith 141 of heart and life, of speech and manner. Let me reason how all things must work to- gether for good if only I love Thee. Let me find peace by doing for others. Above all, let me look to Thee always, that my troubled spirit may sink into the calm of Thy greatness even as the troubled stream sinks into the vastness of the ocean. So shall I live my best life, and so shall I prove my love. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Jesus, help me to confess Thee truly in life as in speech. Let me remember that the faith Thou dost ask for is a daily ser- vice. O, keep me from lip-worship, while heart and life are far from Thee. And may I so earnestly speak Thy name and follow Thy example that my confession may please Thee and bless my fellow men. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. O my God, I thank Thee for all Thou dost ask of me, for Thou dost never ask without granting help to fulfil. Give me the grasp and knowledge of life which shall 142 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour make me submit all to Thee. Make me humble and patient, brave and believing, that amidst all human experiences I may never depart from Thee. And when at length the journey is ended, then do Thou, blessed Master, Thyself fold me in sleep, that I may awake in Thy presence, satisfied with Thy likeness, to live forever with Thee. Amen. Dear Lord, I cry to Thee. Thou know- est the fears and doubts. Thou knowest the despair and the crying, for Thou wast man on earth. O, hold me from gloom and sadness. Make me strong and trustful. Kill my doubts. Hold me near to Thee. Speak to me in words of cheer. Draw me out of the mire of sin and unbelief, and place my feet upon the rock of faith and love. Amen. Dear Lord, I thank Thee for Thy good- ness in teaching and leading me as a little child. Thou knowest my weakness, and so Thou dost gently draw me to Thyself, and Faith 143 dost tell me what to say to Thee. Thou knowest my hunger of soul, and Thou dost supply food which satisfies. Let me sing hymns to Thee, dear King, hymns of faith and love. Let my earthly life be filled with prayer and praise, and at last suffer me, un- worthy but redeemed, to worship Thee in heaven. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, give me confidence in Thee. Surely Thou hast spoken, and I cannot doubt Thee. I rest on Thy promises. I know Thy Spirit within bears witness with my spirit that I am a child of God. Let me rest in this, and not be afraid. O dear Lord, when doubts and fears assail, let me cling yet more closely to Thee. When the storms of passion rage, let me look to the Rock that is higher than I. When I seem so poor and unworthy, let me fix my eyes on Thy glory, and hear Thee say I am Thine. And when the struggle is over, when the growing-time is done, then, dear Christ, receive me, completely saved, into Thy home and mine. For Thy precious blood's sake. Amen. 144 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour Dearest Lord, Thou blessed promise, Thyself the prophecy of hope, O, make me strong in my faith and in my love, that I may do all I can to hasten the coming of Thy kingdom. I know Thou art true, and that all Thy promises will be fulfilled. I love Thy prophecies which tell of the progress and the glorious methods of Thy work for the world's salvation. Inspire me with Thy strength that I may never grow weary or weak. Fill me with divine hope, that I may catch the vision of Thy king- dom. And O, dear Jesus, keep me pure, that I may reflect Thy light and lead men to Thee. Amen and Amen. Dear Father, I thank Thee that I can come near to Thee and find in Thee all I need and all I can ever desire. Help me to be unselfish in my prayers, seeing in Thy glorious goodness the assurance of Thy help. May I love the silence through which Thou dost speak, and may I be quick to hear Thy still voice sounding in the tumult of human sound. And O, dear Christ, let me never, because of ig- Faith 145 norance or sin or doubt, turn away from Thee. For I know that only in Thee can I find rest and power and peace. Amen. Yes, Lord, I come, though late, to obey Thee. I have followed long enough my own way, and I have found it a way of loneliness and sorrow. Now I would fain follow Thy way. O, make me Thy willing, loving, believing servant, for I know Thou hast planned only good for me. Make me glad in my obedience, and through the clouds let me see the sunshine of Thy dear love, that I may never doubt Thee or leave Thy side. Amen and Amen. Dear Lord, give me faith and patience and love, that I may myself be aroused to newness of life, and that I may help in my church and in the Christian world to awaken men to the glorious cause of preaching the gospel. It is Thy work, and mine only be- cause Thine. I know that Thy kingdom will come. I know that at last every child of Thine will acknowledge Thee. But, 146 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Lord, I am weak and ignorant and per- plexed, and cannot see afar. Wilt Thou not guide me, helping me to work where Thou hast placed me with all joy and en- thusiasm, and bringing my work to such fruitage as Thou seest best ? Hear and answer, O Christ, for Thine own sake. Amen. Blessed Saviour, show me a vision of life, and then help me to serve as the vision bids me. Keep me from following poor, human standards of conduct and life. Keep me from littleness of faith and narrowness of service. Work Thou through me, and make me quick to respond to Thine in- spirations, so that I may have a share in the glorious work of redemption, and rejoice at last with Thee in the day of the new heavens and the new earth. Amen. My Jesus, in whom I have faith, and from whom my faith comes, increase my faith until it controls me and becomes my life. May it bring me to noble actions and Faith 147 high endeavor ; may it lead me to serve and persevere ; may it reveal to me the hidden things of Thy mercy and love ; and may it at last lead me to the golden gates, and then give place to immortal love as I enter in and see Thee on Thy throne. Amen. Dear Christ, I thank Thee for Thy gracious message. It is high, but I can attain unto it if Thou wilt help me. Grant me self-mastery in the noblest use of self and all its powers. Give me the tender grace of mercy, that I may care for all that lives. Inspire me with intelligence that I may know the truth, and with faith that I may truly believe. So shall I live aright, my Lord, and so only. Amen. VI Peace VI Peace DEAR LORD, grant me Thy peace. I do not ask for earthly peace which removes trouble or dulls the senses, but for that holy calm which never fails by day or by night, in joy or in sorrow, but ever lifts the soul to rest upon Thee. Thou wast so peaceful Thyself, dear Christ, in Thy life ! Haste and worry and anxiety were never Thine, but a blessed calm which told of mastery. May it not be mine also ? Speak to me, Lord. Bid the waves, which seem sometimes so big and threatening, to show themselves as under Thy loving control. Touch my wearied heart, that it sink not in despair. Make me glad and brave and joyous always in the knowledge that I am Thine. And in all my ways lead me by Thine own hand, and keep me in perfect peace. Amen. IS 1 152 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour O eternal God, who madest earth and man, and who carest and plannest for both of these, Thy wonderful creations, teach me to rest calmly on Thee. Show me my life in the large as Thou dost lighten it. Let my conscious weakness lead me to cling more closely to Thee, and through earth's struggles and sorrows bring me at last to Thy peace, for Christ's sake. Amen. Dear Lord and Father of us all, I thank Thee for the memories of childhood and for the good which is yet before me in the riper years. O, let not the strength and courage and hope of early years depart from me as I stand in the thick of the fight. Give me a dear peace, a quiet confidence, a sight of Thine own face. And as a little child let me enter at last the great and enduring life. For Jesus' sake. Amen. My Christ, Thou who didst come to tell the story, and to open the way, and to re- deem our hearts that they might fly unim- peded to the Father, teach me the meaning Peace 153 of all these unutterable longings of my heart. Let them not frighten me and cause me to sink in sorrow. Let them not grow ignoble because of my selfishness. But make them to be golden chains drawing me to Thee and Thy service, and grant me through them to find peace everlasting here, as I live and toil, and at last there, where I shall see Thee with these eyes and feel Thine arms about me forever. Amen. Blessed Lord of all, Thou dear Christ, who in Thine own human life didst meet and master all hindrances, turning even the cross into an eternal glory, hear me, as I call to Thee from the midst of my life full of contest and perplexity and care, and grant me courage and peace. Hold me from cowardice, and tell me how these ex- periences are a part of my education. Teach me to change my trials to blessings and to mount to success even, it may be, through failure. Keep me close to Thine own dear self, that in prayer I may be strengthened. And grant me such a clear knowledge of life, its end and its aim, that I may go right 154 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour onward, never flinching, never turning or looking backward, until I hear Thy great voice crying, " Welcome," and fall, exhausted but happy, to kiss Thy feet. Amen. Amen. Dear Spirit of God, Spirit of holiness and peace, enter my life, and leave it never more. Thou knowest my weakness ; make me earnest and full of zeal. Thou knowest my ignorance ; show me the truth. Reveal to my hungry heart the Christ who can lead and care for me. And, above all, grant me peace of soul, the quiet mind which fears not, but goes forward to do God's will in God's way. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, when I hide in Thee, I find calmness and peace and strength. Let me think of Thee as knowing and caring, that my trust may have a sure foundation. Let me drive away all anxiety and worry, that in Thee I may find a solution for all my questions and a help in all my struggle. Above all, let me seek Thee, love Thee, Peace 155 serve Thee first and best, that so through Thee I may come to those unspeakable joys which Thou hast prepared, even here, for Thine own, and which await me in a better land in unstinted measure. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Christ, I am afraid when I think of myself, but I am brave and strong when I think of Thee. O, I do so long to see Thee and hear Thy voice ! Wilt Thou not come near to me even now, dear Lord, and let me feel Thy presence ? Speak peace to my troubled soul. Speak courage to my faltering spirit. And may Thy presence be so real to me that, when at last I appear before Thee, I may know Thee and cry, " My Lord and my God ! " Hear me, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, help me to accept Thy sac- rifice, that Thou mayest indeed be my High Priest. I bring my sins that Thou mayest wash them away, and I bring myself that Thou mayest name me there before the 156 Prayers for the ^iiiet Hour throne, and I look to Thee that Thou mayest guide me always. Jesus, Thou art my only my beloved Priest. O, give me the bless- ing of peace, I pray Thee, forever and for- ever. Amen. Dear Lord, my wisdom and my guide, lead me, I pray Thee, in the right path, and bring me near to Thee. O, Thou knowest my foolishness, and my faults are not hid from Thee. As Thou didst die on the cross for my salvation, so bring me to the glory of Thy resurrection, and make me wise with Thine own wisdom, that I may find peace and calm and courage here, and at last heaven and Thee. Amen. Dear Saviour, how can I thank Thee for Thy rich love show r n in so many ways and having so many and countless messages ? Especially how can I praise Thee for the ministering servants whom Thou dost send to bless and guide and help me ? O, may I read the truth, and never forget it, that my life and struggle are known in heaven, that Peace 157 earth and heaven are all a part of God's blessed world where He reigns and loves. And as I look upward for aid, and lift mine eyes to my King, asking for comfort, may I find that peace which can come only when the child knows a Father's voice and feels a Father's touch. Amen. Dear Lord, help me to know and do and love Thy will. Let me learn obedi- ence, even though it be through suffering. It is so good to obey Thee, for Thou canst understand my desire, and feel for my weak- ness. Let Thy will be mine, and my will Thine, so that there will be no struggle in obedience, but only a glad following of my best friend. And, dear Lord, may this obedience make me quiet and peaceful, contented and strong, since to do Thy will is to be one with Thee. Hold me from the hard following of duty and from the lifeless keeping of law ; but lead me in glad, free service to give myself, all I have and all I am, to Thee. And then at last let me hear Thy blessed word, " Well done." For Jesus' sake. Amen. 158 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Dear King, my King, I worship Thee, and I rejoice in Thy rule. No authority but Thine can satisfy me. Let me learn the strength and the love and the peace of Thy reign, and may Thy kingdom be fixed in my heart. There may Thy throne be placed ; there may I find Thee and worship Thee ; and thither may I go to learn Thy will. In Thee, O perfect King, may I find peace. In Thee, rest. In Thee, all that my soul can desire. And at last I know I shall find perfection through Thee, for Thou wilt make me like Thyself in all Thy glory. Amen. Dear Lord, I do thank Thee for dark days. They make me stronger, and draw me nearer to Thee, and help me to know myself. And O, at the end there comes such a dear peace of heart that I know that Thou all the while hast been holding it for me. Dear, dear Christ, make me patient and brave when I am lonely and misunder- stood, when I am in pain or grief, when I cannot see rny way. Hold my hand tightly, and I will walk with Thee, whether I see Peace 159 Thee or not, knowing that " at evening time it shall be light," and that in the morning Thou wilt " stand on the shore." Amen. VII Grace VII Grace ODEAR LORD, this is my desire: I would grow in grace that I may please Thee. I would grow in grace that I may be like Thee. Wilt Thou not help me to do all Thou askest, that I may be fed by Thine appointed means? Wilt Thou not keep my eyes fixed on Thee, not on myself? Wilt Thou not teach me how the little things of my daily life are the measures of growth ? And, above all, dear Jesus, make love for Thee the power to inspire and direct me. So shall I gain Thy likeness in some feeble way even here, and at last I shall, with all my earthliness removed, see Thee face to face when I awake after Thy likeness. Amen. O my Lord, I know that Thou art ready to bless me above all that I can ask or think. Give me grace to approach Thee 163 164 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour sincerely, earnestly, constantly, and trust- ingly* that so I may obtain that which Thou seest best for me. And, whatever Thou in Thy love givest or withholdest, may I never cease to cling to Thee, my only hope and comfort and stay. For dear Jesus' sake. Amen. Blessed Christ, how Thou dost arouse my desires by the sweetness of Thy mes- sage ! Can there be anything dearer than to love Thee, and to know that Thou dost love me ? O, let me live to Thee. May nothing hide Thee from me, but may all Thy gifts to me sound a harmony, in which Thy name shall be praised and Thy good- ness to Thy children be told. Amen. Yes, my Christ, I will indeed serve Thee, if Thou wilt but give me patience and wisdom. Help me to feel for men and for Thee : for men wandering far from peace and goodness, for Thee who hast died and who art longing for Thy children's love. May no selfish desire for ease and rest Grace 165 bind me to idleness when there is so much to be done. May no fear of pain or suffer- ing or loneliness or misunderstanding hold me from this love and service. And grant, O my dear Jesus, that some souls may come near to Thee through my poor guid- ing, so that at last I may sit in Thy kingdom and see the light in Thy holy face as Thou dost welcome them, and know that I helped them to find Thee. Amen. O dear God, indeed I will let Thee keep me. I know only too well my un- worthiness and my sin, and that I have no claim save Thy Fatherhood. But since Christ came and declared it I live by that claim. I know that Jesus died for me that I might be reclaimed. I know that Thou hast opened life to me that I may go out and serve. O, may the assurance that Thou art ever with me make me brave, and may the vision of the glories to come make me earnest. For only as I think of Thee as loving me and calling me by name can I 1 66 Prayers for the Quiet Hour find courage ; only as I remember Thy presence can I be at rest. Amen. Dear Lord, I thank Thee that I can learn much from all whom I meet and all of whom I hear. Teach me to seek, that I may find ; to follow after, that I may grow ; to work, that I may achieve ; to be gentle, that I may be like Thee. And grant that those who know Thee not, and yet who have so rich a measure of Thy Spirit by nature, may at last fall before Thee and call Thee King and Redeemer. Amen. My Christ, Thou hast conquered indeed. Yet dost Thou wait, that I may share in Thy victory. Therefore let me go forth fearlessly to preach Thy truth and live Thy life. Teach me how to lay foundations that others may build thereon. Let me be brave in enduring hardship, that I may do a good work and not be ashamed. Grant me grace to persevere unto the end, and may I at last witness Thy final triumph when Thy kingdom shall come with power. Amen, my conquering Lord. Amen. VIII Happiness VIII Happiness DEAR LORD, make me happy. Nay, do Thou rather teach me how to find that true happiness which Thou art ever sending to Thy chil- dren and pleading with them to accept, when, alas ! they are blind and deaf and dumb. Let me keep the true from the false, Thy happiness from the world's. Show me how unselfish and lasting Thy pleasures always are. May they draw me ever nearer to Thee, and make me a better man. And at last crown them all with that greatest joy of all, the sight of Thee in Thine own heaven. Amen. Blessed Christ, I do believe that Thou hast redeemed the earth, even though the fulness of Thy redemption is not yet seen. Because Thou art God I know Thy prom- ises and assurances cannot fail. And with 169 170 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour great joy I see everywhere signs of the coming end when at last all men shall call Thee Lord, and sin shall be cast down for- ever. Aid me and inspire me, O Thou dear Christ, that I may rejoice in all my work, hearing, while I labor, the song of coming victory. Let me sing and be glad, no matter though the night be dark and trouble heavy. And at last, O my King, at last, let the day dawn and the shadows flee away. Amen. Amen. O my dear Master, help me to work diligently, that I may be profitable unto Thee ; lovingly, that I may be happy and make others happy; faithfully, that life may never suffer through my idleness; hopefully, that I may see the result of my toil. And do Thou work with me, and bless all I do, dear Jesus, for I do it in Thy name and for Thy sake. Amen. Dear Jesus, Thou knowest. O, I thank Thee that no secrets are hid from Thee. And Thou not only knowest, but Thou Happiness 171 carest, and Thou lovest, and Thou blessest, and Thou art ever near, and I can lean hard upon Thee. Keep me, my dearest Friend, from falling. Open the sanctuary of Thy love, and teach me how to work on, happily, lovingly, bravely, even unto the end. And then, my Christ, take me and give me rest, sweet rest. Amen and Amen. Dear Father, I thank Thee for my right to call Thee mine. I praise Thee that I can call myself Thy child. And I glorify Thee that Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, came to reveal Thee to me, and to make me worthy to enter into Thy pres- ence. O help me to live as Thy child. May I find my happiness in Thee. May I look to Thee for safety. May I grow daily as Thou wouldst have me grow. As a child may I keep close to Thee. As a child may I trust Thee. And O, as a Father be very tender and gracious, for I am only a weak child, wandering and easily frightened. Protect me here, hold me closely to Thyself, and at last let me see 172 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Thee and be with Thee forever. For Jesus' sake and through His love. Amen. Dear Lord, I would serve Thee with heart and happiness of spirit. Grant me intelligence that I may know life's mean- ing, and enthusiasm that I may be eager and active ; help me to see the vision of the end of all my work ; and above all help me to see Thee. Let me rejoice in voice and feeling, let me be glad in every act, that my life may be a symphony of praise, and that my soul may know the sweetest of pleasures, even the living for God. I ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen. IX The Bible IX The Bible DEAR SAVIOUR, I thank Thee for Thy book, my guide, my stay, my comfort. I know it is from Thee, and I know Thou speakest to me through its words. O may I prize it and use it ever more and more. Help me to reverence it, the book which Thou hast preserved through all the years with their troubles and dangers. Help me to find beauty in every line, since Thou hast guided the men who wrote it, and the men who translated it, and so hast made it rich with Thine own glory. But, O dear Jesus, above all else let me see Thee everywhere in this book, Thou Saviour and lover of men, who wast not content only to come Thyself, but hast left for our unceasing cheer this story of Thy mercy reaching from the beginning to the end of time, from earth to heaven. I thank Thee, Lord, for this Thy so great 1 75 176 Prayers for the Quiet Hour goodness, and I will hold to Thy Word for- ever. Amen. O my God, I thank Thee for the Book of books. It is indeed my guide and my stay, my light and my peace. Show me, dear Spirit, how to use it aright. Increase my faith in its power. Drive away from me all the doubts that poor human wisdom may bring. And, as I hold it near and dear to me, may I gain more and more of its rich- ness and peace, until at last I enter into Thy heaven and see Thee face to face. For Jesus' sake. Amen. My dear Lord, I thank Thee with all my heart for the gracious words that Thou hast spoken and art still speaking to me Thy child here on earth. Sometimes the way seems long and hard, and I am heart- sick and weary. Sometimes the confusion of life is so great that I sink down and am afraid. But I know that even then Thou art very near, and in quietness Thou dost speak precious words. Let me listen; let The Bible 177 me heed ; let me believe. And, as I repeat these messages again and again to myself, may I grow brave, and learn that, though much is lost, Thy truth is unchangeable and eternal. Hear me, my King, and lead me, and bless me, and comfort me. Amen. Dear Lord, keep Thou near to me, and keep me near to Thee, else I cannot really live. In prayer and Bible and service let me commune with Thee as Thou dost com- mune with me. Near Thee I find peace. In Thy voice there is joy. Holding Thy hand, I am safe. For this I thank Thee, my Friend and my God. Amen. Dear King, all glorious ! I thank Thee truly for Thy message of inspiration and comfort. I do indeed long to love Thee and to hear Thy voice guiding and leading. Make me quick to hear and obey. May my love for my heavenly Father bring me to the loving care, which Thou hast made an instinct in my nature, for my parents, for my brothers and sisters, for the world. 178 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour O let me live not for myself, but for those about me. Let me care not for any poor human praise, but for the honor that Thou wilt give to those who live as Thou dost ask. And, however tasks and troubles and sorrows may come in the midst of sunshine and delights and hours of peaceful com- munion with Thee, let me never forget that my life must gain its meaning from Thy life, and my love draw its power from Thine all-glorious and everlasting love. Amen. Amen. O blessed Spirit, I thank Thee for Thy guidance. Through the conflict and con- fusion of life Thou dost so quietly lead that I almost lose sight of Thee in the glory of the vision which Thou dost give me. O help me more and more to know my dear Lord. Open to the very depths the works of my God, that I may see Him and His love and His wisdom. Reveal in the dear- est of books those rich things which shall make me a very part of my Father, entering into His counsel and knowing His truth. Teach me, O blessed Spirit, the very secret The Bible 179 of obedience, that no law or fear may com- pel me, but only the love of Him who thus asks me to draw near to Him. And may my life grow calm and rich and full and free through this divine friendship, so that I may walk with my God in peace and strength. For Jesus' sake. Amen. X Church and Public Worship Church and Public Worship OMY GOD, my God, I thank Thee for Thy church. I could not live but for the peace and joy of Thy sanctuary. I love to meet Thee there, and it is the refuge for my soul till the storms of life are past. I sorrow that not all find this joy. O my Christ, help them to see that nothing can ever really keep them from Thy house if they really love Thee. Teach me how to thank Thee for Thy goodness and to praise Thee for Thy glory. Let me hear Thy word gladly, and show me how to tell Thee my needs. Grant me Thy peace, dear Lord, in Thy house, and then at last take me to that heavenly house where I can abide forever, no longer sad or weeping, but happy with an everlasting joy. Amen. Lord, unworthy though I am, I gladly pbey Thy call and come to Thy feast. l8 3 184 Prayers for the ^utet Hour Open mine eyes that I may see Thee ; purify my heart that I may love Thee ; temper my disposition that I may be kindly affec- tioned towards other men. And O com- fort and strengthen me for life's battle, I beseech Thee. Amen. O dear Lord, who didst establish Thy church that Thy children might have a spir- itual home on earth, help me to work ear- nestly for Thee, with love for all, and with patience, that at last all men may know Thee and call Thee their Saviour. I ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Blessed Master, Thou who didst come from heaven to dying men for their eternal healing, hear me as I bless Thee for the privilege I and my church have of serving Thee. May the same dear message which Thou didst proclaim be our message, for it is the only message of life. Keep me in reverence for Thy book, that I may glean from it all my teaching. Create in me that divine love which shall make all men dear Church and Public Worship 185 to me because they are Thy children. And let me see Thee and Thee alone in all that comes of harvest and fruit-bearing, and hide myself and my unworthy life in the great fulness of Thy far-reaching salva- tion. So shall I be a faithful preacher in Thy sight, and so at last shall Thy kingdom come. Amen, my Lord. Amen. I thank Thee, dear Lord, for the precious hymns in which I can sing Thy praise and utter my prayer. In my doubt may they bring me peace. In my sorrow may they comfort me. Let them lead me to the cross whereby I am saved, and fill me with the holy desire to serve Thee. So shall I at last be permitted to join in that new song which Thy children shall sing before Thy throne. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I thank Thee for the joys of Thy house and for the privilege of worship. Help me to love Thy church, and to serve Thee with all my powers. May I feel Thy presence when I go to Thy temple. May I 86 Prayers for the Quiet Hour I be full of the spirit of prayer and praise when the service begins, and ready to wor- ship with heart and voice. Make Thy church, O God, a might in the world. Pour out Thy Spirit, that Christian people may be awakened to new zeal ; and at last take me to the land where there will be no need of a temple, because Thou wilt be seen and known and loved perfectly. Amen. Amen. Dear Lord, forgive me that I have taken so low and poor a view oftentimes of these covenants by which Thou dost bind me in my weakness to Thine own glorious strength. Let me bravely take a stand in all righteous living, that I may be on the side of truth. Let me grow from pledge to pledge, that my nature may thus enter into larger freedom and deeper service. Help me to follow Thine own example, O blessed Jesus, by leading others to obedience by my own sub- mission to covenants. And, above all, make me to see how Thine hand is always stretched out to clasp mine in a holy as- surance that with Thee I am safe. And Church and Public Worship 187 then at last I shall come to Thee and need no longer any pledge or covenant, because temptation to wander will be gone when I see Thee face to face. Amen. Amen. My Lord, how lovely are Thy dwellings wherein Thou dost welcome Thy children, and how sweet the tie which Thou hast created to bind us to each other and to Thee ! I thank Thee for Thy church, and that Thou hast called me to partake of her joys. Show me ever more keenly the sacredness of her fellowship, the richness of her unity, and the glory of Thy presence never departing from her. And may I so serve Thee in this church militant that at last I may have a place in Thy church triumphant. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Master, Head of the family, O take me and make me what I long to be and what Thou only canst make me — a lov- ing member of Thy fold. May my life so make for peace that Thou mayst call me 1 88 Prayers for the Quiet Hour mother. May my work be so tenderly un- selfish that Thou mayst call me sister. May my struggles for holiness in the world be so brave that Thou mayst call me brother. Let no poor cowardice keep me from claiming my heritage, no poor sin hold me from cherishing Thy love. And at last take me and let me hear the Voice I have so longed to hear with these ears and see the Face mine eyes have been weary to behold, even Thy face and Thy voice, dear Lord Jesus. Amen. XI Home XI Home DEAR CHRIST, bless my home. Come and be my guest, for where Thou art there must be peace. Help me to make my house a sanctuary where Thou art lovingly worshipped. Make its influence felt, that men may be better when they come under my roof, and let all the sweet and tender things of life centre there. I ask not for wealth or ease or freedom from sorrow, but only for that faith which endures and that common affection which will not die. And then I know that the home here shall at last be transferred yonder, and made bright by the eternal Sun of Righteousness. Amen. Dear Jesus, how broad and yet how personal is Thy teaching ! Thy love seems so rich and full ; and by its side my little love grows mean, and shrinks to nothing. 191 192 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour Forgive me that I have prayed for the heathen more than I have prayed for my dear ones at home. Forgive me that I have thought of sin across the ocean while blind to sin at home. O make my motive so true and large that it cannot turn from any need, but may see the whole sphere of Thy kingdom. And may my ideal be so pure, and my struggle and sacrifice so honest that Thy kingdom may be brought a little nearer because I have lived. Amen. O my elder Brother, lift me up to the grand and high place where Thou dost stand, that I may see as Thou dost see and love as Thou dost love. Make me true in all the sacred associations of my family, full of gentleness and lasting affection. If I have any strength, may I use it to help the weak; if I am weak myself, may I loyally trust the strong. And out of my sacred fellowship with Thee may I come into a fellowship with all Thy children everywhere, loving all, knowing all, serv- ing all. So shall I be fitted for the great home where all shall be gathered about Home 193 Thee, and where all shall live with Thee forever. Amen. Dear Lord, who doest all things well, I thank Thee for the sacred power which Thou hast imparted to womanhood. Since Mary was Thy mother Thou hast taught, as from the beginning, the holiness of those to whom Thou givest many gifts. Let all know their power, and praise Thee for it by using it for Thy glory. I thank Thee for my mother. I thank Thee for all the holy influences that come through my sisters. And I pray that Thy kingdom in its coming may bring rich reward and plenteous compensation for all who comfort and guide and help and serve in this im- perfect world, reflecting Thy light in the darkness, and cheering heavy hearts on the way. For Jesus' sake. Amen. XII Our Country i XII Our Country LORD JESUS, bless my country, and bless me as one of her citizens. Let me read of all that Thou hast done in the past, that I may be wise to know Thy way. Let me be earnest in all efforts towards goodness and against evil, that I may honestly look towards Thee. Let me hold ever to the great truths that Thou Thyself hast uttered for human guid- ance. Above all else, let me be truly a Christian, that, loving my King with all my heart, I may serve Him by serving my brethren. O keep my land a Christian land, and help me to answer my own prayer by being myself Thine and by seek- ing to lead others to Thee. For Thine own dear sake I ask it. Amen. Dear Lord, I do thank Thee for my land. I love it. Help me to love it intel- ligently and to serve its needs with all my 197 198 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour heart. May I be loyal to my heritage be- cause I am grateful to Thee. May I be active in my duty because I know I am Thy son. And may my sympathy be so inspired by Thee that human need may never call in vain. God bless my land. Make her rulers righteous and her people true. And so hasten Thy kingdom. Amen. Dear Lord, let me so labor wherever Thou mayest place me, sympathetically amongst men, giving of my strength, my life, that Thy children may come to Thee. Grant me a sure confidence and a com- plete burial of self, if only Thy kingdom may come, if only I may make some soul happy, and may make life easier for my brothers. Help me to love my land and to labor to bring it to Thee. Christ, make America Thine. And show me how I may answer my prayer by my own dili- gence and consecration. Amen. XIII Prayers for Missions XIII Prayers for Missions DEAR LORD, when I think of Thy great continents here on earth, and of the children who live in them and do not know Thee, I am filled with a great desire to pray and give and labor. O, I thank Thee for the noble souls who have told, and are still telling, of Thy love to those in the far-away lands who have never heard of Thee. I bless Thee that Thou hast Thy saints still who are bravely giving their lives to Thee and Thy children. Make me more earnest in prayer. Give me larger faith and more enduring courage. Wash all Thy children in that precious blood which alone can make them white. Give me strength, even the strength of Thy love, which can never fail. Shine upon me, that Thy beauty may be seen even in things hard and bitter. And grant me Thy calm, which shall still all wild alarms and fears, and make me full of 201 202 Prayers for the Qiiiet Hour rest. And at last bring me to that land where Thou, the Light of lights, dost shine eternally, and where I shall be at peace for- ever. Amen. Dear Master, my heart is full as I pray to Thee. Full of love to Thee for what Thou hast done for me. Full of sorrow for the dear outcasts, hungry in body and spirit, sad and distressed, who are every- where. Full of a great desire to help and save. O grant me a pitying heart, that I may tenderly deal with Thy dear wander- ing children. Give me Thy words to speak to them, that I offend not with my human lips. And lead them home, dear Master, lead them home from the far-away places, that they may rest at Thy feet, and be happy forever. Amen and Amen. My dear Christ, whose message is for all, the heathen and the civilized, the peas- ant and the king, and whose mercy has brought the truth even to the far-off isles of the sea, I thank Thee for the good ex- Prayers for Missions 203 amples of all the noble missionaries who have labored in Thy cause. May I labor, too, as I may for the same holy end. Teach me my personal relationship to Thee. May my speech be sanctified by Thy truth. Let me bring all of myself, just as I am, to Thee for Thy use. And then let me find Thee and serve Thee everywhere and in every- thing. So shall the islands teach me Thy lesson, and the converted heathen enlarge my living and my love. For Jesus' sake. Amen. O my Christ, forgive me that in my self- ish life I have forgotten my brothers and sisters all over the world. Teach me to be consistent, to be true, to practise what I be- lieve. Help me to be a brother to all men, and never to suffer anything to break the bonds which Thou hast created by birth and by redemption. Let me hear their cries and pray for them, as by the products of their toil they are daily brought near to me; let me not eat and wear and enjoy, and yet forget ! Bless all men, I beseech Thee, and may they love Thee, and serve 204 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour Thee, and at last behold with joy Thy coming. So shall we reign with Thee, one people, one flock, one Shepherd, forever. Amen. Dear, dear Christ, it is sweet to min- ister unto others, for so we minister unto Thee. O open mine eyes and my heart, that I may see and feel; and make me brave, that I may act ; and make me lov- ing, that I may do all in Thy name. And may the world be a better place and hearts be happier because I have lived. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear, dear Jesus, who Thyself didst live a lonely life amongst men, that Thou might- est save them and make them a part of Thy great kingdom, bless all we try to do for Thee in bringing the heathen to Thee and to a knowledge of Thy love. Help me to live myself as one bound to Thee and nourished by Thee. Let me seek refuge in all storms and adversities under the shadow of Thy wings. Let me learn that Prayers for Missions 205 heavenly language that shall make clear to me all the workings of Thy dear wisdom. May my one desire in life be to bring men to Thee. However separated they may be in their lives, however beset by trials, how- ever ignorant and wicked, O may my life be spent in telling them of the Father, whose children they are, of the Christ who can save in all sorrows, of the Spirit who can teach the highest truth. Then at last all the world shall worship Thee, and the lives of men everywhere shall find fellow- ship and comfort and peace in Thee. Amen, dear Lord. Amen. Help me, dear Master, to be a mission- ary, drawn to Thy children by my desire to help. And, that my work may be blessed, help me to follow Thine example in all things, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord of the harvest, I thank Thee that Thou art still living and working amongst men. I know Thy kingdom is 206 Prayers for the Quiet Hour coming. And, while it may seem to me very slow in its progress, help me to see how Thou art working, and let me work with Thee. And then let me rejoice at last in that great feast of ingathering, when Thy saints shall be revealed and the angels shall sing " Harvest-home." Amen. Dear Master, make me a true Christian, living for others and serving my neighbors in their need. Let me follow Thy example, going from house to house, entering into the life and trials of my fellows, helping them and praying for them, and telling them the gospel story. So shall I forward Thy kingdom and save men, for Thee and through Thee, dear Christ. Amen. Dear Lord, who hast made of one blood all nations of men, teach me the sin of neglect, that I may not forget my duty to those from foreign lands who live near me. I thank Thee for our schools, and for those noble men and women who are glad to live in the midst of the needy. I thank Thee Prayers for Missions 207 for churches and worship, and all that manifests Thee to men. But O, teach me to give myself to the ignorant and home- less. Let me see what I myself can do to make men better. Then I am sure my words and my service will be of Thee and receive Thy blessing. Amen. Dear Lord, I do long for Thy kingdom, that all Thy children may have rest in knowing and loving Thee. O show me how my love may bring men to Thy love. Inspire all I do with Thy spirit of truth. And may all Thy children serve Thee with their whole heart. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Dear Christ, I thank Thee for the good examples of all Thy servants. By them Thou hast quickened my dull senses and my slow actions. Like them may I be quick to hear Thy call even at my own door and by my side. Let me do all things, for those near at hand and those far away, with a ready heart. Let me trust men, and trust 208 Prayers for the Quiet Hour Thee that I may find a ground for my con- fidence in men. So shall I do something for Thy kingdom's coming and my life shall not be a failure. Bless me, dear Lord, and guide me, for Thine own dear sake. Amen. O dear Lord, I love Thy message. Send me, I pray Thee, to deliver it. Whether to a large city or to some single soul, let me tell the old story of Thy love. And, that I may tell it rightly, fill me with love for Thee, that out of the abundance of my heart's joy I may speak a word in season. Amen. O dear Lord, I thank Thee for what is to be, for the better Christianity coming, for the stronger, truer followers who are to glorify Thee and seek to bring Thy king- dom. Grant me some share in the training that is fitting Thy children thus to serve Thee. May my religion be a deep love for Thee manifested in an earnest effort to has- ten the coming of Thy kingdom of right- Prayers for Missions 209 eousness. Teach me that true brotherhood of spirit which is to bind all men together. Make me eager to lead men to Thee, and to give all I have and all I am to Thy blessed service. And so make me one of Thy teachers, that Thy truth may be glori- fied amongst men throughout the world. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. Dear Lord, I would answer Thy call, and I thank Thee for Thy need of me. O let me be loyal to Thee and Thy standard. In all humility, yet in all bravery, let me work for Thee as I have never worked be- fore. Patient under criticism, calm in the heat of contest, trustful when the day seems lost, may I never lose sight of Thy cross going on before ; may I never stop or rest until Thy kingdom has come. For Thy help I pray ; for Thy guidance I plead ; for Thyself in me I implore. Amen. Amen. XIV Prayers for Special Occasions XIV Prayers for Special Occasions NEW YEAR'S DAY DEAR LORD, I am not afraid if I have Thee. I turn from the past because I leave it with Thee, for Thou only canst wash away its stain and make it beautiful, Thou only canst make its crooked efforts straight and its rough places smooth. I set Thee before me as I enter the year, untrodden as yet by human foot, but all full of the traces of Thy divine feet, and rich with the experiences Thou hast prepared for me. I fear not to go where Thou hast led the way. I rejoice to hasten out that I may feel Thee near in the sur- prises that Thou who hast gone before hast made ready for me. Only keep me, dear King and Master, full of faith, that I go not blindly; full of hope, that I toil not ig- norantly ; full of love, that my heart may be in all that I am and in all that I do. Make this year the best of all my years be- 213 214 Prayers for the Quiet Hour cause so richly consecrated. Make it a year of goodness and usefulness, that lonely hearts may be glad for my living, and sad hearts take courage from me, and sinful lives be redeemed by my efforts. And when all my earthly years are ended, take me to those eternal years where I shall still find Thee and rejoice in Thee forever. Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen. Dear Lord of the ages, and King of this new year, as I look to Thee, all things seem new, and even my old and worn and broken life seems transformed. I thank Thee for the new birth and the new life to which it leads. Grant me grace to keep my position always, even in the midst of press- ing evils and temptations. Give me a clearer vision of Thee and of all Thou hast for me to do. Mark my way plainly before me, and let me not be disappointed of my hope. Then, knowing myself to be Thine now and Thine forever, I will praise Thee and love Thee here and hereafter. Amen. Special Occasions 215 CHRISTMAS DAY Come, O Thou Prince of peace, enter my heart and quiet all these wild alarms. Let me know how Thou art working, and give myself in quietness to Thine eternal guid- ance. Pour into my soul Thy dear old Christmas message. Let me hear the anthem as it spreads over all the earth, and let me help the music onward, till the world echoes my heart's song, which echoes the angels' carol, which echoes Thy decree, Peace on the earth ! Amen, blessed Christ. Amen. O little Child of Bethlehem, come to me and tell me the story of life at this holy Christmastide. Take all I am and all I have, and make me like to Thyself. And, when these times of consecrated love are ended, let me see Thee still as my Brother and my Guide, leading me to Thy home and Thy joy. Amen. Dear Master, still the blessed Child of Bethlehem, though King of glory on Thy 2 1 6 Prayers for the Quiet Hour throne, I ask Thee to keep my spirit young and true, that all my days may be bright- ened by the glory from Thy wondrous birth. By all Thy love for me draw me to Thyself, and let me never forget Thee. Amen. GOOD FRIDAY Dear King and Saviour, my King and my Saviour, who hast redeemed me, how can I bless Thee for all Thy mercy ? I love to watch by the cross and see Thee as Thou dost work my salvation. Each moment is precious ; each word of Thine is a message to me. O, I do thank Thee for Thine in- terest in me, for Thy personal service in touching my sin-stained humanity, for Thy great and complete salvation, and for Thy rich providing for me that I go not astray again. Lord, I love Thy cross ; and, bow- ing beneath it, I here dedicate myself to Thee. I will, by Thy grace, serve others even as Thou hast served me. I will seek the sick and wounded and sad, and help them in Thy name. Give me Thy grace and Thy peace, that I may never forget Special Occasions 217 what Thou hast done. May Thy cross be my glory and my comfort all through life, and my song forever when I see Thee face to face. Amen. Amen. My Master and my Friend, I worship Thee and I bless Thee for all Thou hast done for me and for the world. I bow be- fore Thy cross, deep in adoration. For here I find my faith with its unfailing foun- dation ; here I learn to look up and see the vision ; here I find my heart growing tender and compassionate through Thine own abounding love ; and here I find my zeal enkindled to do the work Thou hast placed before me. O make Thy cross not only my hiding-place and the glory of my freedom from sin and grief and doubt, but also the inspiration to nobler living and more blessed service. I would take Thy cross with me, dear King. Bind it upon my shoulders, — I care not for its seeming weight, for it is light indeed, — and let me carry it after Thee, and let it glow with brightness until I come to Thy perfect day. Amen and Amen, 2 1 8 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour EASTER DAY My Lord and my God, Thou who hast died that Thou mightest conquer death, and who hast sent Thine angels to carry Thy message before Thee, open mine eyes and my heart this Easter Day, that I may sing and trust. Let Thine angel of Life lead me to new living. May Thine angel of Patience make me strong to endure. Send Thine angel of Pain when Thou wilt, for his wounds are precious ; and let Thine angel of Joy sing for me the anthems I am too feeble and ignorant to utter. Above all, O Jesus, rise Thou within me, and make my old, hard life leap to glory and strength. Be Thou my risen King now, and forevermore. Amen. O risen Christ, my Friend, my Re- deemer, let me rise with Thee into a new- ness of life from which all terror and sin and doubt shall depart. Give me new courage, new love for Thee, new strength to do my work, and new visions of heaven. Touch my eyes, that I may see the gates Special Occasions 219 of death opened, and my ears, that I may hear the songs of the redeemed ; and give me Thy blessing of peace now and for- evermore. Amen. O risen Christ, who hast gained the eternal victory of life over death, and in whom all men are victorious, I bless Thee for Thy goodness even as I adore Thee for Thy glory. Give me Thy victory over fear and bitterness. Grant me Thy victory over sorrow, that in it my poor sorrows may be hidden and I be comforted. Make me to rise with Thee, and from the other world may I hear united with Thy voice the voices of those who have risen to life through Thee and who can die no more. So do Thou be my Easter comfort and my Easter joy, dear Jesus. Amen. Dear King of glory, I worship Thee and rejoice in Thee this day. Thou hast made life possible by Thy victory over the grave, Thou hast touched each one and 220 Prayers for the Quiet Hour called him to rise with Thee. With Thee, Christ, I would arise indeed, to newness of life. I beseech Thee, make all things new to me. Let the old duties, the old work, the old burdens, the old friendships be transfigured as Thou dost touch them. Let this Easter joy lift me from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness, nevermore to die away. I would fain live the risen life, my Jesus. Help me by Thy call, by Thy mes- sage, by Thy beauty, by Thy goodness, to be Thy true child, looking to Thee and serving Thee, until at last I see Thee face to face. Amen. Amen. O my risen Christ, I can but fall at Thy precious feet and worship. Thou hast risen. All Thy dear story is new as I read it. I see Thee as Thou dost leave the tomb. I see Thee as Thou dost greet Mary. I hear Thy voice as Thou dost say to Thy disciples, " Peace be unto you." Lift me up with Thine own rising, dear Master. Let me know the fulness of life ; let me know the glorious hope ; let me live Special Occasions 221 in the new way Thou hast opened. Keep me in peace and gladness, in faith and trust, in calmness and courage. And when at last Thou dost call me, let me be ready to meet a Christ I have already known and to live a life I have already begun. Amen. THANKSGIVING DAY Blessed King, eternal, loving God, I praise and thank Thee for all Thou art and for all Thou doest. For harvests, for nature's nearness and dearness, for Thine own lasting goodness, I would fain magnify Thee. Yea, and for the shadows which have rested on my way, for my hours of grief and loneliness, for my pain and hunger of soul, I praise Thee most of all ; for out of these have come at length Thy gentlest voice and Thy tenderest smile. Let me come ever nearer to Thee as Thou art near to me, and make me grateful in spirit and life, even as I express my gratitude in poor human speech. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 222 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour A BIRTHDAY My Father, for all that Thou hast done I bless Thee. On this anniversary I look backward, and lo ! Thou wert there in those past years, though I knew it not. I look forward into the days to come, and I hear Thy voice saying, " Be not afraid." I thank Thee for all the past. For the future I praise Thee. And for the present I ask Thy help, that through my workings and Thy blessings it may form a part of that completeness which Thou wilt bring at last. For Thou, O Christ, hast died, and in Thy will and power all is already finished. Amen, my King. Amen. SEP 16 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: August 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township PA 16066 (724) 779-21 1 1 26° One copy del. to Oat. Div.