A Morning Prayer

O God, ever blessed, who hast given me the night for the rest and the day for labour and service, grant that the refreshing sheep of the night now past may be turned to Thy greater glory in the life of the day now before me. Let it breed no slothfulness within me, but rather send me to more diligent action and more willing obedience.

Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life to-day that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin.

Let me use disappointment as material for patience;

Let me use success as material for thankfulness;

Let me use suspense as material for perseverance;

Let me use danger as material for courage;

Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering;

Let me use praise praise as material for humility;

Let me use pleasures as material for temperance;

Let me use pains as material for endurance.

O Lord Jesus Christ, who for the joy that was set before Thee didst endure the cross, despising the shame, and art now set down at the right hand of the throne of God, let me consider Thee who didst endure such  contradiction of sinners against Thyself, lest I be wearied and faint in my mind.

'But that toil shall make thee

Some day all Mine own,-

And the end of sorrow

Shall be near My throne'

Holy God, I would remember before Thee all my friends and those of my own household, especially__________ and _______________, beeseching Thee that in Thy great love Thou wouldst keep them also free from sin, controlling all their deeds this day in accordance with Thy most perfect will.

Amen.

A Diary of Private Prayer
Twenty- fourth day