Word of Encouragement (09/23/2022)

Here is another evening prayer of John Baillie to finish the week:

“O LORD, you are the Lord of the night as you are of the day, and all the stars are obedient to your will. In this hour of darkness, I too submit my will to yours.

“O God, set me free—

from the stirrings of self will within my heart;

from the cowardly avoidance of the things I need to do;

from rebellious reluctance to face necessary suffering;

from discontentment with my place in life;

from jealousy of those whose place in life is easier;

from being dissatisfied with my talents yet hungry for more;

from the pride which sets human knowledge above your wisdom;

from undisciplined thought;

from being unwilling to learn and disinclined to serve.

“O God my Father, you are often closest to me when I am farthest from you, and you are near at hand even when I feel that you have abandoned me; mercifully grant that the defeat of my self-centeredness may be the triumph in me of your internal purpose.”

“To your care, O God, I commend my soul and the souls of all whom I love and who love me; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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