Word of Encouragement (10/11/2021)

Here is another morning prayer of John Baillie to keep in mind as we begin another week:

“GOD of my ancestors, I cry out to you. You have been the refuge of good and wise people in every generation. When history began you were the first to enlighten the minds of men and women, and your Spirit was the first to lead them to realize their full humanity. Throughout the ages you have been the Lord and giver of life, the source of all knowledge, and the fountain of all goodness.

The patriarchs, like Abraham, trusted you and were not put to shame;

The prophets, like Isaiah, sought you and you put your words on their lips;

The psalmists, like David, rejoiced in you and you were present in their songs;

The apostles, like Peter, waited for you and were filled with your Holy Spirit;

The martyrs, like Stephen, called upon you and you were with them in the flames;

This poor soul called, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.

“O God, you have always been there, you are with us now, and you endure forever; I thank you for this well-worn Christian path, a road beaten hard by the footsteps of saints, apostles, prophets, and martyrs. Thank you for the signposts and warning signals which are there at every corner and which I can understand through the study of the Bible, and history, and all the great literature of the world. Above all, I give you sincere and humble thanks for the great gift of Jesus Christ, the pioneer of our faith. I praise you that I have been born in an age and a land that have known his name, and that I am not called to face any temptation or trial which he did not first endure.

“Holy Lord, help me to profit from these great memories of the ages gone by, and help me to enter into the glorious inheritance which you have prepared for me; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.”

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