Word of Encouragement (11/04/2022)

Another beautiful and rich evening prayer of John Baillie’s to close out this week, which I’m sure will bless you very much!

“O ETERNAL Being, you live in everlasting light; now as the world’s light fades, I seek the brightness of your presence.

You never get weary; now as my limbs grow heavy and my spirit begins to flag, I commit myself to you.

You never sleep; now as I lie down to sleep, I cast myself into your care.

You keep watch eternally; now when I lie helpless, I rely on your love.

“Before I sleep, O God, I look back over today in the light of your eternity.

I remember with bitterness the duties I have avoided;

I remember with sorrow the hard words I have spoken;

I remember with shame the unworthy thought I have held in my mind.

Use these memories, O God, to save me, and then blot them out forever.

I remember with joy the beauties of the world today;

I remember with sweetness the kindness of others which I have seen today;

I remember with thankfulness the work you have enabled me to do and the truth you have enabled me to learn.

Use these memories, O God, to humble me, and then let them live forever in my soul.

“Before I sleep, let me spend this moment rejoicing in the love and friendships with which you have blessed my life. I rejoice in the dear memory of ____ and ____; knowing that though they have passed into the mystery beyond death, they have not passed beyond your love and care. I rejoice in my continued friendship with ____ and ____; I entrust them, along with myself, into your care through the hours of darkness. O Father, have compassion on all those who have nowhere to sleep, and those who, though lying down, cannot sleep for pain or anxiety. In the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.”

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