Word of Encouragement (03/04/2022)

Another prayer of John Baillie’s to close out the week:

“O GOD, immortal, eternal, invisible, I remember with joy and Thanksgiving all that you have been to us:

Companion of the brave;

Supporter of the loyal;

Light of the wanderer;

Joy of the pilgrim;

Guide of the pioneer;

Helper of all whose work is heavy;

Refuge of the broken hearted;

Deliverer of the oppressed;

Relief of the tempted;

Strength of the victorious;

Ruler of rulers;

Friend of the poor;

Rescuer of the perishing;

Hope of the dying.

“Give me faith now to believe that you can be all in all to me, according to my need, if only I renounce all proud self-dependence and put my trust in you.

“Forbid it, O Father, that the sheer difficulty of honoring you in my life should ever tempt me to despair or give up trying. May I always keep in my mind that this human life was once divinely lived; that this world was once nobly overcome; and that this physical body, which so sorely troubles me now, was once made into your perfect dwelling place.

“Show your loving kindness tonight, O Lord, to all who are in need of your help. Be with the weak to make them strong and with the strong to make them gentle. Cheer the lonely with your company and the distracted with your solitude. Prosper your Church in the fulfillment of its mighty task, and grant your blessing to all who have worked hard today in Christ’s name. Amen.”

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