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LEAVES OF LIFEFOR DAILY INSPIRATIONBYMARGARET BIRD STEINMETZ1914 1914 The Bible text used in this book is taken from the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible, copyright, 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and is used by permission. The Bible text used in this book comes from the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and is used with permission. DEDICATED Devoted TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED IN GATHERING THESE LEAVES—AND TO THOSE WHO MAY GATHER SOMETHING FROM THEM. TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED IN GATHERING THESE LEAVES—AND TO THOSE WHO MAY GATHER SOMETHING FROM THEM.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Macmillan Company, New York, N. Y. The Macmillan Company, New York, NY. JANUARY
Janus am I; oldest of potentates; I am Janus, the oldest of rulers; Forward I look, and backward, and below I look ahead, behind, and down. I count, as god of avenues and gates, I consider myself the god of streets and entrances, The years that through my portals come and go. The years that pass through my doors come and go. I block the roads, and drift the fields with snow; I block the roads and drift across the snowy fields; I chase the wild fowl from the frozen fen; I chase the wild birds from the frozen marsh; My frosts congeal the rivers in their flow, My frosts freeze the rivers in their flow, My fires light up the hearths and hearts of men. My fires brighten the homes and hearts of people. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. JANUARY FIRST
Old things need not be therefore true, Just because something is old doesn’t mean it's true, O brother men, nor yet the new; O brother men, not yet the new; Ah! still awhile the old thought retain, Ah! hold onto the old thought for a little while longer, And yet consider it again! And yet think about it again! We! what do we see? each a space We! What do we see? Each a space. Of some few yards before his face; A few yards in front of him; Does that the whole wide plan explain? Does that explain the entire overall plan? Ah, yet consider it again! Ah, think about it again! Alas! the great world goes its way, Unfortunately, the world keeps moving forward,
And takes its truth from each new day; And finds its truth in each new day; They do not quit, nor can retain, They don’t give up, nor can they hold on, Far less consider it again. Much less consider it again. —Arthur Hugh Clough. —Arthur Hugh Clough. There are two sorts of content; one is connected with exertion, the other habits of indolence. The first is a virtue; the other a vice. There are two types of content; one is related to effort, the other to laziness. The first is a virtue; the second a vice. —Maria Edgeworth. —Maria Edgeworth. Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me: Oh send out your light and your truth; let them guide me: Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, Let them bring me to your holy hill, And to thy tabernacles. And to your places of worship. —Psalm 43. 3. —Psalm 43:3. Almighty God, lead me in the search for life. Teach me what is important and what is unimportant; what is false, and what is true. Remove the hindrances that keep me from the worthiest deeds, and grant that I may have the peace that comes with surrender of self to thy will. Amen. Almighty God, guide me in my journey for life. Show me what truly matters and what doesn’t; what’s false and what’s true. Remove the obstacles that prevent me from achieving the best actions, and help me find the peace that comes with surrendering to your will. Amen. JANUARY SECOND
To what profit we could use the time for our present task that we spend in impatient waiting and wondering over the future! So often the future is just one step up from the present, but some of us miss it by preferring to wait for an elevator. To what benefit could we use the time for our current task that we spend in impatient waiting and worrying about the future! So often the future is just one step away from the present, but some of us miss it by choosing to wait for an elevator. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. Prepare to live by all means, but for heaven's sake do not forget to live. You will never have a better chance than you have at present. You may think you will have, but you are mistaken. Prepare to make the most of life, but for goodness' sake, don’t forget to actually live. You won’t get a better opportunity than you have right now. You might think you will, but you’re wrong. —Arnold Bennett. —Arnold Bennett. He that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night; while laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him. He that lives on hope will die fasting. He who wakes up late has to rush all day and will hardly catch up on his work by night; meanwhile, laziness moves so slowly that poverty quickly catches up. Someone who lives on hope will end up hungry. —Benjamin Franklin. —Benjamin Franklin. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your strength, because there is no work, no plan, no knowledge, and no wisdom in Sheol, where you're going. —Ecclesiastes 9. 10. —Ecclesiastes 9:10. Gracious Father, my heart burns with shame when I think how much I claim, and how little I am. I pray that my body may not cast a shadow to-day, and cloud the light of my life to-morrow. Cleanse the windows of my soul that I may take in thy glory. Amen. Gracious Father, I feel deep shame when I reflect on how much I say I am, and how little I actually am. I pray that my body doesn't cast a shadow today and cloud the brightness of my life tomorrow. Purify the windows of my soul so I can embrace Your glory. Amen. JANUARY THIRD
To be continually advancing in the paths of knowledge is one of the most pleasing satisfactions of the human mind. These are pleasures perfect consistent with every degree of advanced years. To continually progress in the pursuit of knowledge is one of the greatest joys of the human mind. These pleasures remain fulfilling at every stage of life. —Cicero. —Cicero. Fidelity in small things is at the base of every great achievement. We too often forget this and yet no truth needs more to be kept in mind particularly in the troubled eras of history and in the crises of individual life. In shipwreck a splintered beam, an oar, any scrap of wreckage saves us. To despise the remnants is demoralization. Fidelity in small things is the foundation of every great achievement. We often overlook this, but no truth is more important to remember, especially during troubled times in history and personal crises. In a shipwreck, a broken beam, an oar, or any piece of wreckage can save us. Disregarding the remnants is a path to demoralization. —Charles Wagner. —Charles Wagner. He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much. Whoever is trustworthy in just a small amount is also trustworthy in a lot, and whoever is dishonest in a small amount is also dishonest in a lot. —Luke 16. 10 —Luke 16:10 Almighty God, may I understand that thou art in everything and that I cannot hide from thee, for thou boldest me though I know it not. Give me the desire, and help me to learn of thy laws, that I may know that even in the least of things, I have the liberty to obtain happiness by obeying them. Amen. Almighty God, may I understand that you are in everything and that I cannot hide from you, for you hold me even though I don’t realize it. Give me the desire and help me learn your laws, so that I may know that even in the smallest things, I have the freedom to find happiness by following them. Amen. JANUARY FOURTH
Years rush by us like the wind, we see not whence the eddy comes, nor whitherward it is tending, and we seem ourselves to witness their flight without a sense that we are changed: and yet time is beguiling man of his strength, as the winds rob the trees of their foliage. Years fly by us like the wind; we don't see where the breeze comes from or where it’s going, and we feel like we’re watching their passage without realizing how we’ve changed. Yet, time is taking away a person’s strength, just as the winds strip the trees of their leaves. —Sir Walter Scott. —Sir Walter Scott. The bell strikes one. We take no note of Time The clock strikes one. We don't pay attention to time. But from its loss. To give it, then a tongue But from its loss. To give it a voice then Is wise in man; as if an angel spoke Is wise in a person; as if an angel were speaking. I feel the solemn sound. If heard aright I sense the serious tone. When truly heard It is the knell of my departed hours: It marks the end of my lost time: Where are they? Where are they? —Edward Young. —Edward Young. Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding. It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice. Days should talk, and many years should teach wisdom. The breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. It's not just the great who are wise, nor the old who understand justice. —Job 32. 7, 9. —Job 32:7, 9. Lord God, help me to see my mistakes, and bring me to the realization of my life. Grant that I may no longer use the time that thou gavest me to learn in, heedlessly, but to give it my best thought and care. Amen. Lord God, please help me recognize my mistakes and understand my life. Allow me to no longer waste the time you’ve given me to learn without thought, but to dedicate it to my best consideration and effort. Amen. JANUARY FIFTH
Let me go where'er I will, Let me go wherever I want, I hear a sky-born music still: I still hear a music that comes from the sky: It sounds from all things old, It seems to come from everything old, It sounds from all things young, It sounds youthful in every way, From all that's fair, from all that's foul, From everything good and everything bad, Peals out a cheerful song. Sings a cheerful song. It is not only in the rose, It's not just in the rose, It is not only in the bird, It's not just in the bird, Not only where the rainbow glows, Not only where the rainbow shines, Nor in the song of woman heard, Nor in the song of a woman heard, But in the darkest, meanest things But in the darkest, most unpleasant things There alway, alway something sings. There's always something singing. 'Tis not in the high stars alone, It's not just in the high stars alone, Nor in the cup of budding flowers, Nor in the cup of blooming flowers, Nor in the redbreast's mellow tone, Nor in the robin's soft voice, Nor in the bow that smiles in showers, Not in the bow that smiles in the rain, But in the mud and scum of things But in the dirt and grime of life There alway, alway something sings. There's always something singing. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork. The heavens show off the glory of God; and the sky reveals His craftsmanship. —Psalm 19. 1. —Psalm 19:1. Almighty God, grant that my life may no longer be a noise, but be kept in tune with the sublimest melodies, that wherever I am, there may be no discords in the songs of my soul. Through thy loving-kindness may my songs resound. Amen. Almighty God, help me to ensure that my life is no longer just noise, but is in harmony with the most beautiful melodies, so that wherever I am, there are no dissonances in the songs of my soul. Through your kindness, may my songs echo. Amen. JANUARY SIXTH
'Twas even so! and thou the shepherd's child, It was just as I said! And you, the shepherd's child, Joanne, the lowly dreamer of the wild! Joanne, the humble dreamer of the wild! Never before and never since that hour Never before and never again in that moment Hath woman, mantled with victorious power, Has woman, cloaked in victorious power, Stood forth as thou beside the shrine didst stand, You stood there beside the shrine, Holy amidst the knighthood of the land. Holy among the knights of the realm. —Mrs. Felicia Hemans. —Mrs. Felicia Hemans. Every one must recognize the splendid work which has been done by women in social and educational fields. And it will, I believe, come more and more to be recognized that in some respects women are specially fitted for government and for official-municipal life. Everyone must acknowledge the impressive work that women have done in social and educational fields. I believe it will increasingly be recognized that, in some ways, women are particularly suited for government and official municipal roles. —Sir Oliver Lodge. —Sir Oliver Lodge. Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill-country of Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. Now Deborah, a prophetess and the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She lived under the palm tree of Deborah, located between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel would come to her for judgment. —Judges 4. 4, 5. —Judges 4:4-5. My Father, help me to be thoughtful and just. May I consider the great truths and broader visions that may not be seen from where I stand. May I be willing to accept a better view. Grant that I may realize that the battle of life is not a sham battle, but a struggle for the advancement of life. Amen. My Father, help me to be thoughtful and fair. May I take into account the important truths and bigger perspectives that I might not see from my current position. May I be open to accepting a clearer view. Allow me to understand that the challenges of life are not fake but a genuine fight for progress. Amen. JANUARY SEVENTH
Opportunities fly in a straight line, touch us but once and never return, but the wrongs we do others fly in a circle; they come back from the place they started. Opportunities come at us in a straight line, touch us only once, and never come back, but the wrongs we do to others come back around; they return from where they began. —T. DeWitt Talmage. —T. DeWitt Talmage. Our share of night to bear, Our share of the night to endure, Our share of morning, Morning share, Our blank is bliss to fill, Our blank is a joy to fill, Our blank is scorning. Our goal is dissing. Here a star, and there a star, Here’s a star, and there’s a star, Some lose their way, Some lose their path, Here a mist, and there a mist, Here a fog, and there a fog, Afterwards—day! After the day! —Emily Dickinson. —Emily Dickinson. Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your resting-place. Arise and leave; this is not your resting place. —Micah 2. 10. —Micah 2:10. Lord God, give me the desire to be persistent in service, while I have health and strength. May I experience the sweetness that comes in doing the thing that I ought to have done, as well as that in which I took the most pleasure. Help me to so live that my days may be useful, and be recalled with bright and happy recollections. Amen. Lord God, please give me the motivation to keep serving while I have my health and strength. Let me feel the joy that comes from doing what I should do, as well as what I enjoy the most. Help me live in a way that makes my days meaningful and remembered with happy thoughts. Amen. JANUARY EIGHTH
A blue bird built his nest A bluebird built its nest Here in my breast. Here in my heart. "O bird of Light! Whence comest thou?" "O bird of Light! Where do you come from?" Said he, "From God above: Said he, "From God above: My name is Love." "My name is Love." A mate he brought one day, One day, he brought a friend, Of plumage gray. Gray feathers. "O bird of Night! Why comest thou?" "O bird of Night! Why have you come?" Said she: "Seek no relief! She said: "Seek no relief! My name is Grief." My name is Grief. —Laurence Alma-Tadema. —Laurence Alma-Tadema. It is not so much resolution as renunciation, not so much courage as resignation, that we need. He that has once yielded thoroughly to God will yield to nothing but God. It’s not really about resolution but about letting go; it’s less about courage and more about acceptance that we need. Someone who has truly committed to God will submit to nothing but God. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, Neither will he uphold the evildoers. He will yet fill thy mouth with laughter, And thy lips with shouting. Behold, God will not reject a righteous person, nor will He support the wrongdoers. He will surely fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with joy. —Job 8. 20, 21. —Job 8:20-21. Almighty God, help me to understand that peace does not come in rebellion or grieving, but is obtained through the calm of the soul. Grant that if I may be perplexed or worried to-day, I may have the power to control myself and wait in thy strength. Amen. Almighty God, help me to understand that peace doesn’t come from rebellion or sorrow, but is found in the tranquility of the soul. Grant that if I feel confused or anxious today, I may have the strength to control myself and wait in your power. Amen. JANUARY NINTH
Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness altogether past calculation its powers of endurance. Efforts to be permanently useful must be uniformly joyous—a spirit of all sunshine. Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness beyond measure, its powers of endurance. Efforts to be consistently useful must be filled with joy—a spirit full of sunshine. —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting. Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a cheerful gathering. —Washington Irving. —Washington Irving. A laugh is worth a hundred groans in any market. A laugh is worth a hundred groans in any marketplace. —Charles Lamb. —Charles Lamb. A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. A happy heart makes a cheerful face; but a broken spirit comes from a sorrowful heart. Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Better a meal of vegetables where there’s love than a fattened ox with hatred. —Proverbs 15. 13, 17. —Proverbs 15:13, 17. Gracious Father, if I am sorrowing over disappointment and am forgetful, grant that I may see the things thou hast made, for which I should be thankful. Help me to so live that I may have a right to claim a cheerful heart. Amen. Gracious Father, if I'm feeling sad about disappointment and getting forgetful, help me to see the things you've created that I should be grateful for. Assist me in living in a way that gives me the right to have a cheerful heart. Amen. JANUARY TENTH
Shall I hold on with both hands to every paltry possession? All I have teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. Shall I cling tightly to every insignificant possession? Everything I have teaches me to trust the Creator for everything I haven’t seen. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. The practical weakness of the vast mass of modern pity for the poor and the oppressed is precisely that it is merely pity; the pity is pitiful but not respectful. Men feel that the cruelty to the poor is a kind of cruelty to animals. They never feel that it is injustice to equals; nay, it is treachery to comrades. The real problem with the widespread sympathy for the poor and oppressed today is that it's just sympathy; it’s heartfelt but not truly respectful. People see the mistreatment of the poor as a sort of cruelty towards animals. They don't recognize it as injustice toward equals; in fact, it’s betrayal to fellow human beings. —G. K. Chesterton. —G. K. Chesterton. Be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing. Be all of one mind, compassionate, and loving like family, kind-hearted, and humble: not retaliating with evil for evil, or insults for insults; but instead, blessing one another. —1 Peter 3. 8, 9. —1 Peter 3:8-9. God of justice, may I pause to remember that while I may do a mean act and keep it hidden from others, I cannot keep it hidden from myself, nor from thee. Help me to have a nobler sense of the quality of life, and less anxiety for the quantity, that I may avoid harshness and selfishness, and be given to tenderness and justice. Amen. God of justice, I take a moment to remember that even if I commit a wrong act and keep it hidden from others, I can’t hide it from myself or from you. Help me to focus more on the quality of life rather than the quantity, so I can steer clear of harshness and selfishness, and embrace tenderness and justice. Amen. JANUARY ELEVENTH
The paternal relation to man was the basis of that religion which appealed directly to the heart; so the fraternity of each man with his fellow was its practical application. The fatherly connection to humanity was the foundation of that religion which spoke directly to the heart; thus, the brotherhood of every man with his peers was its practical expression. —Bayard Taylor. —Bayard Taylor. It is indeed a remarkable fact that sufferings and hardships do not, as a rule, abate the love of life; they seem on the contrary, usually to give it a keener zest; and the sovereign source of melancholy is repletion. Need and struggle are what excite and inspire. Our hour of triumph is what brings the void. It’s a fascinating truth that pain and hardships generally don’t lessen our love for life; instead, they often make it even more intense. The real source of sadness comes from having too much. It's the challenges and struggles that energize and motivate us. Our moments of victory are what leave us feeling empty. —William James. —William James. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him. Blessed is the person who perseveres through temptation; for when they have been tested, they will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him. —James 1. 12. —James 1:12. Lord God, I come to thee for help that the small things may not force themselves into my life, and keep me from pursuing the larger things which are continually open to me. May I not be blind to what I may have and be, through inspiration and work. Grant that I may not be satisfied to remain in that in which I have triumphed, but climb to greater endeavors. Amen. Lord God, I come to you for help so that the small things don’t overwhelm my life and distract me from pursuing the bigger opportunities that are always available to me. Help me not to be blind to what I can achieve and become through inspiration and hard work. Let me not be content to stay in the comfort of what I’ve already accomplished, but strive for greater challenges. Amen. JANUARY TWELFTH
Show the thing you contend for to be reason; show it to be common sense; show it to be the means of attaining some useful end. The question with me is not whether you have a right to render your people miserable, but whether it is your interest to make them happy. Show that what you argue for is based on reason; show it to be common sense; show it to be a way to achieve something useful. My concern isn't whether you have the right to make your people unhappy, but whether it's in your best interest to make them happy. —Edmund Burke. —Edmund Burke. Like the star Like a star That shines afar, That shines from afar, Without haste No rush And without rest, And without a break, Let each man wheel with steady sway Let each person move with a steady rhythm Round the task that rules the day, Focus on the task that dominates today, And do his best. And do his best. —Goethe. —Goethe. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Love is patient and kind; love doesn’t envy; love doesn’t brag or get arrogant. —1 Corinthians 13. 4. —1 Corinthians 13:4. Gracious Father, cause me to be critical of my life, that I may not be deceived in myself. Help me to look into my soul and see what thou dost find there; and with humility may I acknowledge what I am to thee, and seek thy wisdom and love. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to examine my life critically so I’m not misled by my own views. Guide me to look deep into my soul and understand what you see there; and with humility, may I recognize who I am to you and seek your wisdom and love. Amen. JANUARY THIRTEENTH
Have thy soul feel the universal breath Let your soul feel the universal breath With which all nature's quick, and learn to be With everything in nature alive, and learn to be Sharer in all that thou dost touch or see; Share in everything you touch or see; Break from thy body's grasp thy spirit's trance; Break free from your body's hold, your spirit's trance; Give thy soul air, thy faculties expanse; Give your soul some air, and let your mind roam free; Love, joy, even sorrow,—yield thyself to all! Embrace love, joy, and even sorrow—allow yourself to experience them all! They make thy freedom, groveling, not thy thrall. They create your freedom by making you beg, not by enslaving you. Knock off the shackles which thy spirit bind Break off the chains that bind your spirit. To dust and sense, and set at large the mind! To clear the dust and awaken the senses, and free the mind! Then move in sympathy with God's great whole, Then align yourself with God's grand plan, And be like man at first, a Living Soul. And be like man at first, a Living Soul. —Richard Henry Dana. —Richard Henry Dana. I was deeply impressed by what a gardener once said to me concerning his work. "I feel, sir," he said, "when I am growing the flowers or rearing the vegetables, that I am having a share in creation." I thought it a very noble way of regarding his work. I was really struck by what a gardener once told me about his work. "I feel, sir," he said, "when I'm growing flowers or raising vegetables, that I'm taking part in creation." I thought it was a very admirable way to look at his work. —J. H. Jowett. —J. H. Jowett. For we are God's fellow workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building. —1 Corinthians 3. 9. —1 Corinthians 3:9 Creator of all, help me to see what there is for me to do; and help me to know that I cannot be productive if I am hovering in the choice of my work. May I learn from thy great works of heaven and earth the ways of selection and steadfastness. Give me the desire to work and the confidence that is needed to carry on my work. Amen. Creator of all, help me see what I need to do, and help me understand that I can't be productive if I'm unsure about my work. May I learn from your amazing creations in heaven and earth how to choose wisely and stay committed. Give me the motivation to work and the confidence I need to keep going. Amen. JANUARY FOURTEENTH
Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute Are you serious? Take this moment right now. What you can do, or dream you can; begin it; Whatever you can do or dream you can do, start it; Boldness has genius, power magic in it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated; Just engage, and then the mind gets fired up; Begin and then the work will be completed. Begin, and the work will be finished. —Goethe. —Goethe. Were half the power that fills the world with terror, If only we had half the power that fills the world with fear, Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and courts, If half the wealth given to camps and courts, Given to redeem the human mind from error, Given to free the human mind from mistakes, There were no need of arsenals or forts. There was no need for arsenals or forts. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. Choose you this day whom ye will serve;... but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah. Choose today whom you will serve;... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. —Joshua 24. 15. —Joshua 24:15. Almighty God, help me to appreciate the sacredness of work while I have it to do. Grant that I may be spared the wretchedness that comes from working with fragments from idleness. May I do my part, even if it be in obscurity and the night overtakes me before it is done. Amen. Almighty God, help me to value the importance of work while I have the chance. Please save me from the unhappiness that comes from laboring with bits and pieces from inactivity. May I do my part, even if it’s unnoticed and the night arrives before I finish. Amen. JANUARY FIFTEENTH
The sun withholds his generous beam; The sun holds back its generous light; Athwart my soul the shadows stream; Across my soul, shadows flow; The weird winds boisterously blow, The strange winds blow loudly, And drift the melancholy snow. And let the sad snow fall. When I, in sorrow and despair, When I am filled with sadness and hopelessness, Expect the storm, with tender care Expect the storm, with gentle care. He rends the clouds and through the blue He tears through the clouds and into the blue The glorious sun breaks forth anew. The glorious sun rises again. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. So with the wan waste grasses on my spear, With the dried-out grasses on my spear, I ride forever seeking after God. I keep riding endlessly in search of God. My hair grows whiter than my thistle plume My hair turns whiter than my thistle plume And all my limbs are loose; but in my eyes All my limbs are relaxed; but in my eyes The star of an unconquerable praise; The star of unstoppable praise; For in my soul one hope forever sings, For in my soul, one hope always sings, That at the next white corner of the road At the next white corner of the road My eyes may look on Him. I can look at Him. —G. K. Chesterton. —G. K. Chesterton. He brought me forth also into a large place; He also brought me into a wide area; He delivered me, because he delighted in me. He saved me because he took pleasure in me. —Psalm 18. 19. —Psalm 18:19. Loving Father, if I may be discouraged to-day, strengthen my faith. May I not weary of waiting for thee, but trust in thy promises. Amen. Loving Father, if I'm feeling discouraged today, please strengthen my faith. Help me not to get tired of waiting for you, but to trust in your promises. Amen. JANUARY SIXTEENTH
But lovely concord, and most sacred peace, But beautiful harmony and the most sacred peace, Doth nourish vertue, and fast friendship breeds; Nurtures virtue, and strong friendships grow; Weake she makes strong, and strong thing does increase, She weakens what is strong, and strong things grow. Till it the pitch of highest praise exceeds. Until it surpasses the highest level of praise. —Edmund Spenser. —Edmund Spenser. Perfect good-breeding is the result of nature and not of education; for it may be found in a cottage, and may be missed in a palace. 'Tis the genial regard for the feeling of others that springs from an absence of selfishness. Perfect good breeding comes from nature, not education; it can be found in a cottage and missing in a palace. It's the heartfelt consideration for the feelings of others that comes from a lack of selfishness. —Disraeli. —Disraeli. Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet. Can a fig tree, my friends, produce olives, or can a vine produce figs? Neither can salty water produce sweet water. —James 3. 12. —James 3:12. Heavenly Father, help me to value my thoughts, words, and deeds. If at the close of the day, there may be one who has been wounded by my injustice, may I be willing to make quick atonement. May I avoid the ways and words that hurt; and not only wish rightly and work rightly, but speak to enrich others with tenderness. Amen. Heavenly Father, help me to appreciate my thoughts, words, and actions. If at the end of the day, someone has been hurt by my unfairness, let me be ready to make amends quickly. May I steer clear of actions and words that cause pain; and not just hope for the best and do the right thing, but also speak to uplift others with kindness. Amen. JANUARY SEVENTEENTH
Employ thy time well if thou meanest to gain leisure; and since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour! Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; a life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things. Make good use of your time if you want to enjoy leisure; and since you can’t be sure of a single minute, don’t waste an hour! Leisure is time to do something worthwhile; a hardworking person will achieve this leisure, but a lazy person never will; a life of leisure and a life of laziness are two different things. —Benjamin Franklin. —Ben Franklin. There is nothing to gain and everything to lose by despising the example of nature, and making arbitrary rules for oneself. Our liberty wisely understood is but a voluntary obedience to the universal laws of life. There’s nothing to gain and everything to lose by ignoring nature’s example and setting arbitrary rules for ourselves. Our freedom, when understood correctly, is just a conscious choice to follow the universal laws of life. —Amiel. —Amiel. I will meditate on thy precepts, I will reflect on your teachings, And have respect unto thy ways. And respect your ways. —Psalm 119. 15. —Psalm 119:15. My Father, help me to understand the power of nature, that I may be willing to obey her laws. I pray that I may so live that my life will proclaim itself without need of boasting or deception. Forbid that I should spend my life in perfecting trifles, and have no leisure to enjoy thy great gifts. Amen. My Father, help me understand the power of nature so that I’m willing to follow her laws. I pray that I live in a way that my life speaks for itself without needing to boast or deceive. Please don’t let me spend my life perfecting unimportant things and miss out on enjoying your great gifts. Amen. JANUARY EIGHTEENTH
We would leave for the consideration of those who shall occupy our places some proof that we hold the blessings transmitted from our fathers in just estimation; some proof of our attachment to the cause of good government and of civil and religious liberty; some proof of a sincere and ardent desire to promote every thing which may enlarge the understanding and improve the hearts of men. We want to leave behind some evidence for those who come after us that we appreciate the blessings passed down from our ancestors; some proof of our commitment to good government and to civil and religious freedom; some proof of our genuine and passionate desire to support everything that can expand people's understanding and uplift their hearts. —Daniel Webster. —Daniel Webster. Brother and friend, the world is wide, Brother and friend, the world is vast, But I care not whether there be But I don't care whether there is The soothing song of a summer tide The calming sound of a summer wave Or the thrash of a wintry sea, Or the crash of a wintery ocean, If but through shimmer and storm you bide, If you endure through shine and storm, Brother and friend, with me. Bro and friend, with me. —Percy C. Ainsworth. —Percy C. Ainsworth. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King. Honor everyone. Love your community. Respect God. Honor the King. —1 Peter 2. 17. —1 Peter 2:17. Almighty God, I thank thee for all the tender influences of life; for all the gentleness and strength that may be given and received through friendship. Help me to be careful of what I do, for my sake, and for the sake of those who may follow me. Amen. Almighty God, I thank you for all the kind influences of life; for all the gentleness and strength that can be given and received through friendship. Help me to be mindful of my actions, for my sake and for the sake of those who may follow me. Amen. JANUARY NINETEENTH
I stand amid the roar I stand in the noise Of a surf-tormented shore, Of a surf-tossed shore, And I hold within my hand And I hold in my hand Grains of the golden sand— Golden sand grains— How few! Yet how they creep How few they are! Yet how they sneak around. Through my fingers to the deep, Through my fingers into the deep, While I weep—while I weep! While I cry—while I cry! O God, can I not save O God, can I not save One from the pitiless wave? One from the harsh wave? Is all that we see or seem Is everything we see or perceive But a dream within a dream? But a dream inside a dream? —Edgar Allan Poe. —Edgar Allan Poe. Do not train up your children in hostility to the government of the United States. Remember that we are one country now. Dismiss from your mind all sectional feeling, and bring them up to be Americans. Do not raise your children to be against the government of the United States. Remember, we are one country now. Let go of any regional biases and teach them to be Americans. —Robert E. Lee. —Robert E. Lee. Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah. Wait for the Lord: Be strong, and let your heart be courageous; Yes, wait for the Lord. —Psalm 27. 14. —Psalm 27:14. Lord God, I pray that if I have struggled for the wrong, and have worked with weak hands, thou wilt forgive me for my lost strength. Give me more light to shine upon my work, upon thy promises, and upon my duties; and with thy wisdom may I search for the truth that is behind every wrong, and for the purpose that is beyond all journeyings. Amen. Lord God, I pray that if I have fought for the wrong reasons and have worked ineffectively, you will forgive me for my lost strength. Give me more clarity to illuminate my work, your promises, and my responsibilities; and with your wisdom, help me seek the truth behind every mistake and the purpose beyond all journeys. Amen. JANUARY TWENTIETH
How like a mounting devil in the heart How like a rising demon in the heart Rules the unreigned ambition! Let it once Let ambition run wild! Just let it once But play the monarch, and its haughty brow But act like a ruler, and its arrogant expression Glows with a beauty that bewilders thought Shines with a beauty that confuses the mind. And unthrones peace forever. Putting on And removes peace forever. Putting on The very pomp of Lucifer, it turns The grand display of Lucifer, it turns The heart to ashes. The heart to ashes. —Nathaniel P. Willis. —Nathaniel P. Willis. Temperance, in the nobler sense, does not mean a subdued and imperfect energy; it does not mean a stopping short in any good thing, as love or in faith; but it means the power which governs the most intense energy, and prevents its acting in any way but as it ought. Temperance, in a more meaningful way, doesn’t mean a stifled or flawed energy; it doesn’t mean holding back in anything good, like love or faith; rather, it represents the ability to control the most powerful energy and ensures it acts only as it should. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. And thy gentleness hath made me great. And your kindness has made me great. —Psalm 18. 35. —Psalm 18:35. Gracious Father, I pray that I may be willing to profit by the experience of great teachers, and appreciate the value of strong principles. May I too live for the higher ideals of life, and through a sympathetic response add power and virtue to other lives, while gaining strength for my own. Amen. Gracious Father, I pray that I can learn from the experience of great teachers and recognize the importance of strong principles. May I also strive for the higher ideals of life, and by being empathetic, contribute strength and goodness to others' lives while gaining strength for myself. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-FIRST
So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by others I would almost say that we are indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend. As long as we love, we serve; as long as we are loved by others, I would even say that we are essential; and no one is useless while they have a friend. —Robert L. Stevenson. —Robert L. Stevenson. So to the calmly gathered thought So to the peacefully collected idea The innermost of life is taught, The deepest lessons of life are learned, The mystery dimly understood, The mystery vaguely understood, That love of God is love of good: That love of God is a love for what is good: That to be saved is only this— The only thing that matters for salvation is this— Salvation from our selfishness. Freedom from our selfishness. —John Greenleaf Whittier. —John Greenleaf Whittier. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed. Love does no harm to others; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. And this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to wake up from your sleep: for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. —Romans 13. 10, 11. —Romans 13:10-11. Tender Father, may I not attempt to serve life for my own gratification. May I not interpret love through vanity, but from reality. Make me worth while, that I may be relied upon for my pledges, and needed for my services. Amen. Tender Father, please help me not to serve life just for my own enjoyment. Let me not see love through a lens of vanity, but through the truth. Help me to be someone others can count on for my promises and to be valuable for my help. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-SECOND
Father of light! to thee I call, Father of Light! I reach out to you, My soul is dark within: My soul is dark inside: Thou who canst mark the sparrow's fall, You who can see the fall of a sparrow, Avert the death of sin, Prevent the death of sin, Thou who canst guide the wandering star, You who can guide the wandering star, Who calm'st the elemental war, Who calms the elemental war, Whose mantle is yon boundless sky, Whose cloak is that endless sky, My thoughts, my words, my crimes forgive; Forgive my thoughts, my words, my wrongdoings; And since I soon must cease to live, And since I will soon have to stop living, Instruct me how to die. Instruct me on how to die. —Lord Byron. —Lord Byron. Knowledge, whether it descend from divine inspiration or spring from human sense, would soon perish and vanish to oblivion if it were not preserved in books, traditions, conferences, and places appointed. Knowledge, whether it comes from divine inspiration or human understanding, would quickly fade away and be forgotten if it weren't preserved in books, traditions, discussions, and designated places. —Francis Bacon. —Francis Bacon. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein. Blessed is the one who reads, and those who listen to the words of the prophecy, and follow what is written in it. —Revelation 1. 3. —Revelation 1:3 Almighty God, I would have thy counsel as I read the words and follow the deeds of helpful lives, that I may be inspired to nobler activities. Give me the desire to know more of thy holy word, that I may have a better knowledge of life. Amen. Almighty God, I seek your guidance as I read the words and follow the actions of those who live to help others, so that I may be inspired to pursue greater endeavors. Grant me the desire to learn more of your holy word, so I can gain a deeper understanding of life. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-THIRD
Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair sky, every fair flower, and thank Him for it, who is the fountain of all loveliness. Never miss a chance to see something beautiful. Embrace it in every lovely face, every beautiful sky, every pretty flower, and be grateful to Him, who is the source of all beauty. —Charles Kingsley. —Charles Kingsley. Nature never did betray Nature never betrayed The heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege The heart that loved her; it’s her right. Through all the years of this life, to lead, Throughout all the years of this life, to lead, From joy to joy; for she can so impress From joy to joy; because she can be so impressive. With quietness and beauty, and so feed With tranquility and beauty, and so nourish With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues, With high-minded thoughts, that neither malicious speech, * * * * * * * * * * Nor all the dreary intercourse of daily life, Not all the dull everyday interactions, Shall e'er prevail against us or disturb Will ever succeed in opposing us or cause disruption Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold Our joyful belief is that everything we see Is full of blessings. Is full of blessings. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. Is not God in the height of heaven? Isn't God in the heights of heaven? And behold the height of the stars, how high they are! Look at the height of the stars, how high they are! And thou sayest, What doth God know? And you say, What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness? Can he see through the thick darkness? —Job 22. 12, 13. —Job 22:12-13. Lord God, I pray that I may not overlook thy blessings of beauty while endeavoring to perform my duties. Guide me that I may not struggle to be where thou wouldst not have me go. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I do not miss your blessings of beauty while trying to do my duties. Guide me so that I don't try to go where you wouldn't want me to be. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-FOURTH
The great Gods pass through the great Time-hall, The great Gods move through the great Time-hall, Stately and high; Elegant and tall; The little men climb the low clay wall The little men climb the low clay wall. To gape and spy; To stare and observe; "We wait for the Gods," the little men cry, "We're waiting for the Gods," the little men shout, "But these are our brothers passing by." "But these are our brothers walking by." The great Gods pass through the great Time-hall; The great Gods move through the grand Time-hall; Who can see? Who can view? The little men nod by the low clay wall, The little men nod by the low clay wall, So tired they be; So tired they are; '"Tis weary waiting for Gods," they yawn, "It’s tiring waiting for the Gods," they yawn, "There's a world o' men, but the Gods are gone." "There's a world full of men, but the Gods are gone." —A. H. Begbie. —A. H. Begbie. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. —Luke 24. 16. —Luke 24:16. My Father, may I be careful of getting weary and missing the best through the need of rest. Intensify my desire for the songs and glorious ways, that I may not settle into dullness and slumber, while others pass on in the light. I pray for a keener sense of the possessions made possible by the deeds and cares of noble men and women. Amen. My Father, help me be mindful not to grow tired and miss out on the best things while seeking rest. Increase my longing for joy and beautiful experiences, so I don't fall into boredom and sleepiness while others move forward in the light. I ask for a sharper awareness of the blessings made possible by the actions and concerns of great men and women. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-FIFTH
When ranting round in pleasure's ring When going around in a circle of fun Religion may be blinded: Religion can be blinding: Or if she gie a random sting, Or if she gives a random sting, It may be little minded: It may be narrow-minded: But when on life we're Tempest-driv'n— But when in life we're driven by storms— A conscience but a canker, A conscience but a burden, A correspondence fixed wi' Heav'n, A message fixed with Heaven, Is sure a noble anchor. Is definitely a noble anchor. —Robert Burns. —Robert Burns. Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever; Be good, sweet maid, and let whoever wants to be clever; Do noble things, not dream them, all day long: Do great things, not just dream about them, all day long: And so make life, death, and that vast forever And so create life, death, and that endless forever. One grand sweet song. One beautiful sweet song. —Charles Kingsley. —Charles Kingsley. O Lord, by these things men live; O Lord, people live by these things; And wholly therein is the life of my spirit: And completely within that is the life of my spirit: Wherefore recover thou me, and make me to live. So please bring me back to life and let me live. —Isaiah 38. 16. —Isaiah 38:16. Gracious Father, grant that I may not be willing to spend my life for trivial needs, for thou dost measure me for what I am, and boldest me for what I lose in waste. Be with me in my judgment of what is best, that I may make the most of my life. Amen. Gracious Father, help me not to waste my life on trivial things, for You see me for who I am and judge me for what I squander in waste. Be with me as I decide what is best, so I can make the most of my life. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-SIXTH
Ave Maria! blessed be the hour, Hail Mary! Blessed be the hour, That time, the clime, the spot, where I so oft That time, that place, where I often Have felt that moment in its fullest power Have experienced that moment in its entirety. Sink o'er the earth so beautiful and soft, Sink over the earth, so beautiful and gentle, While swung the deep bell in the distant tower As the deep bell in the distant tower rang Or the faint dying day-hymn stole aloft, Or the soft, fading song of the day rose up, And not a breath crept through the rosy air, And not a single breath passed through the fragrant air, And yet the forest leaves seemed stirred with And yet the leaves in the forest appeared to be stirred with prayer. prayer. —Lord Byron. —Lord Byron. I am quite happy, thank God, and like Lawrence, I have tried to do my duty. I’m really happy, thank God, and like Lawrence, I’ve tried to do my part. —General Gordon (just before death). —General Gordon (just before he died). For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly For in times of trouble, he will keep me safe. in his pavilion: in his tent: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; In the shelter of his tent, he will hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock. He will lift me up onto a rock. —Psalm 27. 5. —Psalm 27:5. Heavenly Father, teach me how to breathe in the sweetness of life. Reveal to me the life that will bring peace to the soul. May I not be dismayed, but find the "Peace that passeth all understanding," the perfect peace that comes from thee. Amen. Heavenly Father, help me appreciate the sweetness of life. Show me the path that will bring peace to my soul. May I not be discouraged, but find the "Peace that surpasses all understanding," the perfect peace that comes from you. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-SEVENTH
To keep young, every day read a poem, hear a choice piece of music, view a fine painting, and, if possible, do a good action. Man's highest merit always is, as much as possible, to rule external circumstances, and as little as possible to let himself be ruled by them. To stay youthful, read a poem every day, listen to a great piece of music, admire a beautiful painting, and, if you can, do something good. A person's greatest achievement is to control their surroundings as much as possible and to let those surroundings control them as little as possible. —Goethe. —Goethe. Let us not always say, Let’s not always say, "Spite of this flesh to-day "Despite this flesh today" I strove, made head, gained ground upon the whole!" I worked hard, made progress, and gained ground overall! As the bird wings and sings, As the bird flies and sings, Let us cry, "All good things Let’s shout, "All good things Are ours, nor soul helps flesh more now than flesh helps soul!" "Neither do our souls help our bodies more now than our bodies help our souls!" —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Surely goodness and loving-kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. Surely, goodness and kindness will be with me all the days of my life. —Psalm 23. 6. —Psalm 23:6 Loving Father, help me to foresee that it is what I care for to-day that determines how I will find old age. May I not bring my closing years to weariness and lonesomeness, but may I have the restfulness that comes with communing with thee. Amen. Loving Father, help me to realize that what I value today shapes how I will experience old age. May I not enter my later years in weariness and loneliness, but may I find the peace that comes from connecting with you. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-EIGHTH
He only is advancing in life whose heart is getting softer, whose blood warmer, whose brain quicker, and whose spirit is entering into living peace. And the men who have this life in them are the true lords and kings of the earth—they, and they only. He is the only one moving forward in life whose heart is becoming softer, whose blood is warmer, whose mind is sharper, and whose spirit is finding true peace. The people who have this life within them are the real leaders and rulers of the earth—they, and they alone. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Just where you stand in the conflict, It's important to know where you stand in the conflict, There is your place! Here's your spot! Just where you think you are useless, Just when you think you’re useless, Hide not your face! Don't hide your face! God placed you there for a purpose, God put you there for a reason, What e'er it be; Whatever it is; Think you he has chosen you for it: Do you think he has chosen you for it? Work loyally. Work hard. —Anonymous. —Anonymous. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! O the depth of the riches of both the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways beyond finding out! —Romans 11. 33. —Romans 11:33. My Father, I thank thee that thou hast endowed me with a will; help me to use it aright. May I have the knowledge of what thou dost demand of my soul, that I may do my best with what thou hast given me. Help me that I may reach out for the highest ideals of life. Amen. My Father, I thank you for giving me a will; help me to use it wisely. Please let me understand what you ask of my soul, so I can do my best with what you’ve given me. Help me to strive for the highest ideals of life. Amen. JANUARY TWENTY-NINTH
God will keep no nation in supreme place that will not do supreme duty. God will not keep any nation in a position of power that does not fulfill its highest responsibilities. —William McKinley. —William McKinley. Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and the angels know of us. Reputation is how people see us; character is what God and the angels truly know about us. —Thomas Paine. —Thomas Paine. The reward of one duty is the power to fulfill another. The reward for one task is the ability to accomplish another. —George Eliot. —George Eliot. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, Let your hand be on the man at your right hand, Upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. Upon the Son of Man whom you made strong for yourself. So shall we not go back from thee: So we won’t turn away from you: Quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name. Quickly come to us, and we will call on your name. —Psalm 80. 17, 18. —Psalm 80:17, 18. My Father, I pray that I may be just and be given to kindness. May I be conscious of my virtues, and use them to overcome my faults. May I hear clearly thy call that I may be sure of the way as I lead others to duty and happiness. Amen. My Father, I pray that I may be fair and kind. Help me to be aware of my strengths and use them to overcome my weaknesses. May I hear your call clearly so I can be sure of the path as I guide others toward their responsibilities and happiness. Amen. JANUARY THIRTIETH
Why, why repine, my pensive friend, Why, why feel sad, my thoughtful friend, At pleasures slipped away? Are pleasures fading away? Some the stern fates will never lend, Some harsh fates will never offer, And all refuse to stay. And they all refuse to stay. I see the rainbow in the sky, I see the rainbow in the sky, The dew upon the grass; The dew on the grass; I see them and I ask not why I see them and I don't ask why. They glimmer or they pass. They shine or they fade. With folded arms I linger not I won’t stick around with my arms crossed. To call them back; 'twere vain; To call them back would be useless; In this, or in some other spot, In this location, or in another place, I know they'll shine again. I know they'll glow again. —Walter Savage Landor. —Walter Savage Landor. When disappointment comes meet it, but do not carry it along with you; nor fetter your spirit by changeless haste. "Memory will always pursue some precious instance of itself," which will bring either renewed confidence or resignation. When disappointment arrives, face it, but don’t drag it along with you; and don’t trap your spirit with constant rush. “Memory will always chase after some cherished moment of itself,” which will either restore your confidence or lead to acceptance. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. For thou shalt forget thy misery; For you will forget your misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are passed away. You will remember it like the waters that have gone by. —Job 11. 16. —Job 11:16. Gracious Father, help me to "Lift mine eyes unto the hills" that glorify the discouraging ways. May I appreciate thy great love, and from my limitations find the possibilities that are limitless. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to "Lift my eyes to the hills" that highlight the discouraging paths. May I recognize your vast love, and from my limitations discover the endless possibilities. Amen. JANUARY THIRTY-FIRST
Nature demands that man be ever at the top of his condition. He who violates her laws must pay the penalty, though he sit on a throne. Nature requires that people always be at their best. Those who break her rules must face the consequences, even if they are on a throne. —James G. Elaine. —James G. Elaine. Dig channels for the streams of love, Create pathways for the flows of love, Where they may broadly run; Where they can generally run; And love has overflowing streams And love has endless streams To fill them every one. To fill each one. For we must share if we must keep We have to share if we want to keep. The good things from above; The good things from above; Ceasing to give, we cease to have— When we stop giving, we stop having— Such is the law of love. That's just how love works. —R. C. Trench. —R. C. Trench. And thy life shall be clearer than the noonday; And your life will be clearer than midday; Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning. Even though there is darkness, it will be like the morning. —Job 11. 17. —Job 11:17. My Father, I would remember that it is mostly from my inspirations that I conceive life. Take away hatred and vanity that keep me in faults, and awake in me the thoughts that are responsible for visions that lead to high ideals. Amen. My Father, I want to remember that it's mostly from my inspirations that I understand life. Remove hatred and vanity that cause my flaws, and awaken in me the thoughts that create visions leading to higher ideals. Amen. FEBRUARY
Then came old February, sitting Then came February, sitting In an old wagon, for he could not ride, In an old wagon, since he couldn’t ride, Drawn of two fishes for the season fitting, Illustrated with two fishes suitable for the season, Which through the flood before did softly slide Which gently glided through the flood before And swim away; yet he had by his side And swim away; yet he had by his side His plow and harness fit to till the ground, His plow and harness are ready to work the land, And tools to prune the trees, before the pride And tools to trim the trees, before the pride. Of hasting prime did make them bourgeon wide. The early rush made them bloom broadly. —Edmund Spenser. —Edmund Spenser. FEBRUARY FIRST
It is not growing like a tree It's not growing like a tree. In bulk, doth make man better be; In large quantities, it makes a man better; Or standing long an oak, three hundred year, Or standing by an oak for three hundred years, To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere: To finally cut down a log that is dry, bare, and withered: A lily of a day A day lily Is fairer far in May, Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night— Even if it falls and dies that night— It was the plant and flower of Light. It was the plant and flower of Light. In small proportions we just beauties see; In small amounts, we only see beauty; And in short measure life may perfect be. And in a short time, life can be complete. —Ben Jonson. —Ben Jonson. There are four things which are little upon the earth, There are four small things on the earth, But they are exceeding wise: But they are super wise: The ants are a people not strong, The ants are a community that is not strong, Yet they provide their food in the summer; However, they supply their food during the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, The rabbits are just a weak group, Yet make they their houses in the rocks; But they build their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, The locusts have no leader, Yet go they forth all of them by bands; Yet they all go out in groups; The lizard taketh hold with her hands, The lizard grabs hold with her hands, Yet is she in king's palaces. Yet she is in the king's palaces. —Proverbs 30. 24-28. —Proverbs 30:24-28. Creator of all, lead me to see the light, and instruct me that I may be able to reason. Guard me against spectacular endeavors, that I may be genuine. Amen. Creator of all, help me see the light and teach me to think clearly. Protect me from chasing after flashy things, so I can stay true to myself. Amen. FEBRUARY SECOND
'Twas doing nothing was his curse— Doing nothing was his curse— Is there a vice can plague us worse? Is there a vice that can afflict us more? The wretch who digs the mine for bread, The unfortunate person who digs in the mine for their bread, Or plows, that others may be fed, Or plows, so that others can be fed, Feels less fatigue than that decreed Feels less tired than what's expected To him who cannot think, or read. For those who can't think or read. Not all the peril of temptations, Not all the dangers of temptations, Not all the conflict of the passions, Not all conflicts of emotions, Can quench the spark of Glory's flame, Can extinguish the spark of Glory's flame, Or quite extinguish Virtue's name. Or completely erase Virtue's name. —Hannah More. —Hannah More. Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife! Sound the clarion, play the fife! To all the sensual world proclaim, To everyone in the sensual world, declare, One crowded hour of glorious life One busy hour of wonderful life Is worth an age without a name. Is worth a lifetime without a name. —Sir Walter Scott. —Sir Walter Scott. He went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard. He went out and found others standing there, and he said to them, “Why are you standing here all day doing nothing?” They answered him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You go into the vineyard, too.” —Matthew 20. 6, 7. —Matthew 20:6-7. Eternal God, who hath weighed the mountains and measured the seas, I pray that I may not be satisfied to wait in idleness, and let thy wisdom pass away from me as the days. Steady me in my weakness, and reveal to me my strength as I draw near and ask of thee. Amen. Eternal God, who has weighed the mountains and measured the seas, I pray that I may not be satisfied to wait in idleness and let your wisdom slip away from me as the days go by. Steady me in my weakness and reveal my strength as I come closer and ask of you. Amen. FEBRUARY THIRD
My soul is sailing through the sea, My spirit is gliding across the ocean, But the past is heavy and hindereth me. But the past is weighty and holds me back. The past hath crusted cumbrous shells The past has layered heavy shells. That hold the flesh of cold sea-mells That hold the flesh of cold sea-mells About my soul. About my spirit. The huge waves wash, the high waves roll, The massive waves crash, the tall waves surge, Each barnacle clingeth and worketh dole Each barnacle clings and works hard. And hindereth me from sailing. And keeps me from sailing. —Sidney Lanier. —Sidney Lanier. To stand with a smile upon your face, against a stake from which you cannot get away—that no doubt is heroic. True glory is resignation to the inevitable. But to stand unchained, with perfect liberty to go away held only by the higher chains of duty, and let the fire creep up to the heart—that is heroism. To stand with a smile on your face, tied to a stake you can't escape from—that's definitely heroic. True glory is accepting what you can't change. But to stand free, with the choice to walk away limited only by a deeper sense of duty, and let the flames get closer to your heart—that's real heroism. —F. W. Robertson. —F. W. Robertson. We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed. We are surrounded on all sides, yet not restricted; confused, yet not in despair; chased, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed. —2 Corinthians 4. 8, 9. —2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Gracious Father, thou knowest what I am and the condition of my life. May I seek thy will for me. Grant that I may never struggle for consolation through indulgence and indolence, but in my sorrow and failure may I reach out for thy enduring comfort. Amen. Gracious Father, you know what I am and the state of my life. May I seek your will for me. Grant that I may never look for comfort through indulgence and laziness, but in my sorrow and failure may I reach out for your lasting comfort. Amen. FEBRUARY FOURTH
Life is not a May-game, but a battle and a march, a warfare with principalities and powers. No idle promenade through fragrant orange groves and green flowery spaces, waited on by coral muses, and the rosy hours; it is a stern pilgrimage through the rough, burning, sandy solitudes, through regions of thick-ribbed ice. Life isn’t a walk in the park; it’s a battle and a journey, a fight against forces and challenges. It’s not a leisurely stroll through fragrant orange groves and blooming meadows, accompanied by charming muses and pleasant moments; it’s a tough trek through harsh, scorching deserts and areas of solid ice. —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. For all sweet and pleasant passages in the great story of life men may well thank God; for leisure and ease and health and friendship may God make us truly and humbly grateful; but our chief song of thanksgiving must be always for our kinship with him, with all that such divinity of greatness brings of peril, hardship, toil, and sacrifice. For all the sweet and enjoyable moments in the amazing story of life, we should definitely thank God; for our free time, comfort, health, and friendships, may God make us truly and humbly grateful; but our main song of thanks should always be for our connection with Him, along with all the challenges, struggles, hard work, and sacrifices that such greatness brings. —Hamilton Mabie. —Hamilton Mabie. Thy bars shall be iron and brass; Your bars will be made of iron and brass; And as thy days, so shall thy strength be. Your strength will match your days. —Deuteronomy 33. 25. —Deuteronomy 33:25. My Father, help me to choose the road that leads to my work, and may I not fail to reach it, by wandering away from it. Keep me in touch with the human side of life, holding in mind that "Truth and honesty are the noblest works of God." Amen. My Father, help me choose the path that leads to my work, and may I not stray from it. Keep me connected to the human side of life, remembering that "Truth and honesty are the highest works of God." Amen. FEBRUARY FIFTH
When a great man dies, then has the time come for putting us in mind that he was alive! When a great person dies, then it's time to remind us that they were here! —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. If I practice one day, I can see the result. If I practice two days, my friends can see it. If I practice three days, the great public can see it. If I practice for one day, I can notice the improvement. If I practice for two days, my friends notice it. If I practice for three days, the wider audience notices it. —Ole Bull. —Ole Bull. Those who say they will forgive but can't forget an injury simply bury the hatchet while they leave the handle out, ready for immediate use. Those who claim they can forgive but can't forget a hurt are just hiding the hatchet while keeping the handle exposed, ready for instant use. —Dwight L. Moody. —Dwight L. Moody. But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course. But I don’t value my life so much that I won't finish my journey. —Acts 20. 24. —Acts 20:24. Almighty God, if I am uncertain, and tremble at the crossroads in doubt of the right way, may I wait and be led by thee, and follow on, even if the way be dark and rough. May I be faithful and have thy presence as thou promised at the end. Amen. Almighty God, if I feel unsure and hesitate at the crossroads, doubting which path to take, please help me wait and be guided by you, and continue on, even if the path is dark and tough. Help me stay faithful and feel your presence as you promised in the end. Amen. FEBRUARY SIXTH
Nothing earthly will make me give up my work in despair. I encourage myself in the Lord my God and go forward. Nothing on this earth will make me give up my work in despair. I uplift myself in the Lord my God and move ahead. —David Livingstone. —David Livingstone. To expect defeat is nine tenths of defeat itself. To expect failure is almost the same as failing itself. —Marion Crawford. —Marion Crawford. I do not see how any man can afford, for the sake of his nerves and his nap, to spare any action in which he can partake. I don’t understand how any guy can afford to skip any activity he can be involved in for the sake of his nerves and his sleep. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Art is a jealous mistress, she requires the whole man. Art is a jealous mistress; she demands your entire being. —Michael Angelo. —Michelangelo. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Watch yourselves, stay firm in your faith, act like men, and be strong. —1 Corinthians 16. 13. —1 Corinthians 16:13. Almighty God, help me to have true conceptions, that my life may not be secured to needless purposes. May my soul be influenced by high ideals, and my work be the production of truth and not of selfishness. Protect me from evil that I may be kept pure and strong for my work. Amen. Almighty God, help me to have genuine understanding, so my life isn't tied to pointless goals. May my soul be guided by noble ideals, and may my work reflect truth rather than selfishness. Protect me from evil so I can remain pure and strong for my work. Amen. FEBRUARY SEVENTH
Let no man turn aside ever so slightly, from the broad path of honor, on the plausible pretense that he is justified by the goodness of his end. All good ends can be worked out by good means. Let no one diverge even slightly from the broad path of honor, under the convincing excuse that their good intentions justify their actions. All good outcomes can be achieved through good methods. —Charles Dickens. —Charles Dickens. If evils come not, then our fears are vain; If bad things don't happen, then our fears are pointless; And if they do, fear but augments the pain. And if they do, fear just makes the pain worse. —Sir Thomas More. —Sir Thomas More. A human heart knows aught of littleness, A human heart knows anything of smallness, Suspects no man, compares with no one's ways, Trust no one, and don't judge by anyone else's standards, Hath in one hour most glorious length of days, Has in one hour the most glorious length of days, A recompense, a joy, a loveliness; A reward, a happiness, a beauty; Like eaglet keen, shoots into azure far, Like a young eagle, it soars into the blue sky, And always dwelling nigh is the remotest star. And always nearby is the farthest star. —William Ellery Channing. —William Ellery Channing. Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; Teach me your way, O Jehovah; I will walk in thy truth: I will walk in your truth: Unite my heart to fear thy name. Unite my heart to respect your name. —Psalm 86. 11. —Psalm 86:11. Gracious Father, I pray that thou wilt control my impulses, and protect me from false interpretations. May I have wisdom, and search for the high and holy ways. Help me to be patient for thy purposes, and may my relations to life be triumphant in thy standards. Amen. Gracious Father, I pray that you will control my impulses and protect me from misunderstandings. Please grant me wisdom as I seek the high and holy paths. Help me to be patient for your purposes, and may my approach to life be successful according to your standards. Amen. FEBRUARY EIGHTH
If you want knowledge, you must toil for it; and if pleasure, you must toil for it. Toil is the law. Pleasure comes through toil, and not by self-indulgence and indolence. When one gets to love work his life is a happy one. If you want knowledge, you have to work hard for it; and if you want pleasure, you have to work hard for that too. Hard work is the rule. Pleasure comes from hard work, not from being self-indulgent and lazy. When you learn to enjoy working, your life becomes happy. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Whatever sceptic could inquire for, Whatever skeptic could ask for, For every why he had a wherefore. For every reason he had an explanation. —Samuel Butler. —Samuel Butler. Through love to light! O wonderful the way, Through love to light! Oh, what a wonderful path, That leads from darkness to the perfect day! That goes from darkness to a perfect day! From darkness and from sorrow of the night From darkness and the sadness of the night To morning that comes singing o'er the sea. To the morning that arrives singing over the sea. Through love to light! through light O God to Thee! Through love to light! Through light, O God, to You! Who art the love, the eternal light of light! You are the love, the everlasting light of lights! —Richard Watson Gilder. —Richard Watson Gilder. We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. We have to do the work of the one who sent me while it’s still day; night is coming when no one can work. —John 9. 4. —John 9:4. My Father, I pray that I may not weight my life with worthless efforts. May I be guided to the right work, and through the love of it find strength for my soul. Amen. My Father, I pray that I won't burden my life with meaningless actions. Please guide me to the right work, and through my love for it, may I find strength for my soul. Amen. FEBRUARY NINTH
A man's own observation, what he finds good of, and what he finds hurt of, is the best physic to preserve health. But it is a safer conclusion to say, "This agreeth not well with me, therefore I will not continue it"; than to say, "I find no offense of this, therefore I may use it." For strength of nature in youth passeth over many excesses, which are owing a man till his age. A man’s own observations about what benefits him and what harms him are the best way to maintain health. However, it’s safer to conclude, “This doesn’t agree with me, so I won’t keep it up” than to say, “I see no harm in this, so it’s fine to use it.” The vigor of youth can overlook many excesses, which will catch up to a person as they age. —Francis Bacon. —Francis Bacon. Though man a thinking being is defined, Although mankind is defined as a thinking being, Few use the grand prerogative of mind. Few take advantage of the great power of the mind. How few think justly of the thinking few! How few people truly appreciate the thoughtful few! How many never think, who think they do! How many people think they think, but actually don’t! —Jane Taylor. —Jane Taylor. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life. Blessed is the person who endures temptation; because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life. —James 1. 12. —James 1:12. Almighty God, I would learn that while thou art a forgiving Lord, nature has no mercy on them that break her laws. Forgive me for all my neglect, and help me to see the way in which thou hast through mercy led me. Give me the power to endure and the strength to resist temptation. May I seek to understand thy laws, that I may not fail through ignorance. Amen. Almighty God, I want to understand that even though you are a forgiving Lord, nature has no mercy on those who break her laws. Forgive me for all my negligence, and help me see the way you have guided me with your mercy. Give me the strength to endure and the ability to resist temptation. May I strive to understand your laws so that I don’t fail due to ignorance. Amen. FEBRUARY TENTH
Never let the most well-intended falsehood escape your lips; for Heaven, which is entirely Truth, will make the seed which you have sown of untruth to yield miseries a thousandfold. Never let a well-intended lie slip from your mouth; because the divine, which is all about Truth, will cause the seeds of untruth you've sown to bring back sorrows a thousand times over. —Charles Lamb. —Charles Lamb. We cannot command veracity at will; the power of seeing and reporting truly is a form of health that has to be distinctly guarded, and as an ancient rabbi has solemnly said, "The penalty of untruth is untruth." We can't make truth happen whenever we want; the ability to see and report accurately is a kind of health that needs careful protection, and as an ancient rabbi wisely put it, "The penalty for lying is more lying." —George Eliot. —George Eliot. The bat hangs upside down and laughs at a topsy-turvy world. The bat hangs upside down and laughs at a chaotic world. —Unknown. —Unknown. The lip of truth shall be established for ever; The truth will be established forever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment. But a lying tongue lasts only for a short time. —Proverbs 12. 19. —Proverbs 12:19. Lord God, give me the will to hold to the truth and the strength to help keep the world true; and may I help others to look up and catch the truth from the purest light. Amen. Lord God, give me the will to stick to the truth and the strength to help keep the world honest; and may I help others to look up and see the truth from the clearest light. Amen. FEBRUARY ELEVENTH
Few, in the days of early youth, Few, in the early days of youth, Trusted like me in love and truth. Trusted like I am in love and truth. I've learned sad lessons from the years; I've learned painful lessons over the years; But slowly and with many tears; But gradually and with a lot of tears; For God made me to kindly view For God created me to look upon kindly The world that I was passing through. The world that I was going through. And all who tempt a trusting heart And everyone who takes advantage of a trusting heart From faith and hope to drift apart, From faith and hope to grow distant, May they themselves be spared the pain May they be spared from the pain. Of losing power to trust again! Of losing the ability to trust again! God help us all to kindly view May we all be helped by God to view kindly. The world that we are passing through! The world we are experiencing! —Lydia M. Child. —Lydia M. Child. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. For you will go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will break into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. —Isaiah 55. 12. —Isaiah 55:12. Lord God, I pray that I may not rest my hope in self alone, but know that the greatest joy is in the hope of the world. Help me to have faith in mankind; and with a loyal heart and a brave spirit be as kind to the world as I can. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I don’t rely on myself alone, but understand that the greatest joy comes from the hope for the world. Help me to have faith in humanity; and with a loyal heart and a brave spirit, let me be as kind to the world as I can. Amen. FEBRUARY TWELFTH
With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds, ... to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. With no hatred towards anyone, with kindness for all, and with determination to do what is right as we understand it, let's keep working to complete what we started; to heal the nation's wounds, ... to do everything we can to achieve and maintain a fair and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. —Abraham Lincoln. —Abraham Lincoln. The great moral combat between human life and each human soul must be single.... When a soul arms for battle she goes forth alone. The significant moral struggle between human life and each individual soul must be solitary.... When a soul prepares for battle, she steps out on her own. —Owen Meredith. —Owen Meredith. According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I laid a foundation; and someone else builds on it. —1 Corinthians 3. 10. —1 Corinthians 3:10. Almighty God, I thank thee for the courage that comes with a great life. Help me to be brave, even if it is only that others may be blest. May I lay a careful foundation and plan to build the best that I can afford. Amen. Almighty God, I thank you for the courage that comes with a great life. Help me to be brave, even if it's just so others may be blessed. May I lay a careful foundation and plan to build the best that I can afford. Amen. FEBRUARY THIRTEENTH
A man is not his hope, nor yet his despair, nor yet his past deed. We know not yet what we have done; still less what we are doing. Wait till evening, and other parts of our work will shine than we had thought at noon, and we shall discover the real purport of our toil. A man is not just his hopes, nor his despair, nor his past actions. We don’t fully understand what we’ve done yet; even less what we’re doing. Wait until evening, and parts of our work will be clearer than we thought at noon, and we’ll realize the true purpose of our efforts. —Henry D. Thoreau. —Henry D. Thoreau. When you make a mistake don't look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind, and look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom.... The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. When you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it too long. Understand the reason behind it and move on. Mistakes are valuable lessons... The past can’t be changed. The future is still in your hands. —Hugh White. —Hugh White. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, Who goes out and cries, carrying seed to plant, Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Will surely return with joy, bringing his harvest with him. —Psalm 126. 6. —Psalm 126:6. My Father, help me to survey my life. Make me compassionate and considerate, that I may be qualified to promote that which is helpful. May I appreciate that what is worth keeping I can obtain from thee. Amen. My Father, help me reflect on my life. Make me kind and thoughtful, so that I can support what is beneficial. May I understand that what is worth holding onto comes from you. Amen. FEBRUARY FOURTEENTH
Oh! little loveliest lady mine, Oh! my sweetest lady, What shall I send for your valentine? What should I send you for your Valentine? Summer and flowers are far away; Summer and flowers feel distant; Gloomy old Winter is king to-day; Gloomy old Winter is king today; Buds will not blow, and sun will not shine: Buds won’t bloom, and the sun won’t shine: What shall I do for a valentine? What should I do for a Valentine's Day gift? I've searched the gardens all through and through I've searched the gardens inside and out For a bud to tell of my love so true; For a flower to express my genuine love; But buds are asleep and blossoms are dead, But the buds are dormant and the blossoms are gone, And the snow beats down on my poor little head: And the snow falls heavily on my poor little head: So, little loveliest lady mine, So, my sweetest little lady, Here is my heart for your valentine. Here is my heart for your Valentine. —Laura E. Richards. —Laura E. Richards. Oh rank is gold, and gold is fair, Oh rank is valuable, and value is good, And high and low mate ill; And high and low, I get along poorly; But love has never known a law But love has never followed a law Beyond its own sweet will! Beyond its own sweet choice! —John G. Whittier. —John G. Whittier. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God. Beloved, let’s love one another, because love comes from God. —1 John 4. 7. —1 John 4:7 Loving Father, may I not fall to nodding in the balmy air of luxury and miss the messages of love. Arouse me, that I may give and take in the treasures of love as they come my way, and that they may not pass unnoticed. Amen. Loving Father, help me not to zone out in the soothing air of comfort and miss the signs of love. Wake me up, so I can both give and receive the gifts of love as they come my way, and so they don’t go by unnoticed. Amen. FEBRUARY FIFTEENTH
The night I know is nigh at hand, The night I know is almost here, The mists lie low on hill and bay, The fog hangs low over the hills and the bay, The autumn sheaves are brown and dry, The autumn bundles are brown and dry, But I have had the day. But I've had my day. Yes, I have had, dear Lord, the day. Yes, I have had, dear Lord, the day. When at thy call I have the night When you call, I have the night Brief be the twilight as I pass Short is the twilight as I move through From light to dark, from dark to light. From light to dark, and from dark back to light. —S. Weir Mitchell. —S. Weir Mitchell. If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small—too small to be worth talking about, for the day of adversity is its first real opportunity. If you give up in tough times, your strength is limited—so limited that it’s not even worth mentioning, because tough times are its first true chance to prove itself. —Maltbie Babcock. —Maltbie Babcock. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. No, in all these things we are more than winners through him who loved us. —Romans 8. 37. —Romans 8:37. My Father, may my daily work not be the means of separating me from thee, but may I have thee for my companion through my work. Forbid that I should ever submit to despair from weakness of body, but that I may be blest and grow strong as my spirit lives in thee. Amen. My Father, may my daily work not keep me away from you, but may I have you as my companion throughout my work. Please prevent me from ever giving in to despair because of physical weakness, but instead let me be blessed and grow strong as my spirit lives in you. Amen. FEBRUARY SIXTEENTH
Thy love shall chant its own beatitudes Your love will sing its own blessings. After its own life working. A child's kiss After its own life of labor. A child's kiss Set on thy sighing lips shall make thee glad. Set on your sighing lips will make you happy. A poor man served by thee shall make thee rich; A poor man you help will make you rich; A sick man helped by thee shall make thee strong; A sick man you help will make you stronger; Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense You will be served by every sense. Of service which thou renderest. Of the service you provide. —Elizabeth B. Browning. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Ask nothing more of me, sweet; Ask nothing more of me, my dear; All I can give you I give. Everything I can offer you, I offer. Heart of my heart, were it more, Heart of my heart, if it were more, More would be laid at your feet: More would be placed at your feet: Love that should help you to live, Love that should support your life, Song that should help you to soar. A song that should help you rise up. —Algernon Charles Swinburne. —Algernon Charles Swinburne. All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them. All the things you want people to do for you, do those same things for them. —Matthew 7. 12. —Matthew 7:12. Lord God, I pray that I may not neglect the help and happiness that I may give with compassion and love. Make me strong in all the senses that answer to the call of humanity. Help me to guide and protect little children, and to care for the comforts of the old. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I don’t overlook the support and joy I can offer through compassion and love. Make me strong in every way that responds to the needs of others. Help me to guide and protect little children, and to care for the comforts of the elderly. Amen. FEBRUARY SEVENTEENTH
It is not much Not a big deal To give a gentle word or kindly touch To offer a kind word or a gentle touch To one gone down To someone who has passed Beneath the world's cold frown, Under the world's cold glare, And yet who knows And yet, who knows? How great a thing from such a little grows? How amazing is it that something so small can become so big? O, oftentimes, Oh, sometimes, Some brother upward climbs Some brother climbs up And hope again And hope again Uplifts its head, that in the dust had lain, Lifts its head, which had been lying in the dust, Gives place to morning's light. Welcomes the morning light. —E. H. Divall. —E. H. Divall. I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. I will find what was lost, bring back what was taken away, heal what was broken, and strengthen what was weak. —Ezekiel 34. 16. —Ezekiel 34:16. My Father, may I not sorrow so that I fail to comfort the sorrowing, and may I not be so happy that I fail to see that others need to be glad. I thank thee for thy providences. May I serve thee in helping others to brighter lives. Amen. My Father, may I not be so sad that I can't comfort those who are hurting, and may I not be so happy that I overlook those who need joy. I thank you for your kindness. May I serve you by helping others have better lives. Amen. FEBRUARY EIGHTEENTH
A mighty fortress is our God, A powerful fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing: A steadfast protector: Our helper he amid the flood Our helper is with us in the flood. Of mortal ills prevailing. Of life's troubles dominating. For still our ancient foe For still our old enemy Doth seek to work us woe; Seeks to bring us trouble; His craft and power are great: His skills and strength are impressive: And, armed with cruel hate, And, armed with fierce hate, On earth is not his equal. There’s no one on earth who is his equal. —Martin Luther. —Martin Luther. Let us stand by our duty fearlessly and effectively. I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to the light that I have. Let’s stand by our duty boldly and efficiently. I'm not obligated to win, but I am obligated to be honest. I'm not obligated to succeed, but I am obligated to live up to the knowledge I have. —Abraham Lincoln. —Abraham Lincoln. Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; Jehovah is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge. My God, my strength, in whom I will seek shelter. —Psalm 18. 2. —Psalm 18:2. Lord God, help me to lay my life in the rocks of thy foundation, and not in moving sands which are tossed from shore to shore. May I cling to the rock that was cleft for me and trust for thy care. Amen. Lord God, help me to build my life on the solid foundation of your truth, and not on shifting sands that are swept away. May I hold on to the rock that has been broken for me and trust in your care. Amen. FEBRUARY NINETEENTH
So mine are these new fruitings rich, So here are my new fruits that are abundant, The simple to the common brings; The straightforward leads to the usual; I keep the youth of souls who pitch I hold onto the youthful spirits of those who strive Their joy in this old heart of things; Their joy in this old essence of life; Full lasting is the song, though he The song is fully enduring, even though he The singer passes; lasting too, The singer passes; lasts too, For souls not lent in usury, For souls not borrowed in interest, The rapture of the forward view. The excitement of looking ahead. —George Meredith. —George Meredith. All deep things are Song. It seems, somehow, the very central essence of us, Song; as if all the rest were wrappages and hulls! the primal element of us; of us, and all things. All deep things are Song. It feels like, in some way, the very core of our being is Song; as if everything else is just layers and shells! It’s the fundamental element of us; of us, and everything else. —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. Ye shall have a song as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come unto the mountain of Jehovah. You will have a song like in the night during a holy celebration; and joy in your heart, like when someone plays a tune on a pipe while heading up to the mountain of the Lord. —Isaiah 30. 29. —Isaiah 30:29. Lord God, help me to feel the power of praise. "As words without thoughts never to heaven go," so the highest praises are never sung alone, but rendered with service and love. May I have the heart to sing thy praises far and near, and rejoice in him from whom all blessings flow. Amen. Lord God, help me to feel the power of praise. "Words without thoughts never reach heaven," so the greatest praises are never sung alone, but offered with service and love. May I have the heart to sing your praises everywhere, and rejoice in the one from whom all blessings flow. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTIETH
Who serves his country well has no need of ancestors. Whoever serves their country well doesn’t need ancestors. —Voltaire. —Voltaire. Lo, Spring comes forth with all her warmth and Look, Spring arrives with all her warmth and love, love, She brings sweet justice from the realms above; She brings sweet justice from the heavens; She breaks the chrysalis, she resurrects the dead; She breaks free from the chrysalis, bringing the dead back to life; Two butterflies ascend encircling her head. Two butterflies rise, circling around her head. And so this emblem shall forever be And so this emblem will always be A sign of immortality. A symbol of immortality. —Joseph Jefferson. —Joseph Jefferson. Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, You will guide me with your advice, And afterward receive me to glory. And then bring me into your glory. —Psalm 73. 24. —Psalm 73:24. Lord God, I pray that I may not neglect my soul in trying to fathom immortal life. If I may be hesitating between comfort and work, remind me of the greatness of the place which I started to reach. May I not grow weary of climbing and falter on the stair. Breathe upon me thy inspiration and love, that I may continue in faith all the way. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I don’t neglect my soul while trying to understand eternal life. If I find myself torn between comfort and effort, remind me of the amazing goal I set out to achieve. May I not get tired of climbing or stumble on the way. Breathe your inspiration and love into me, so I can keep my faith all the way. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-FIRST
Prune thou thy words, the thoughts control Trim your words; control your thoughts. That o'er thee swell and throng; That swell and crowd over you; They will condense within thy soul, They will gather within your soul, And change to purpose strong. And change to a strong purpose. —John H. Newman. —John H. Newman. Think truly, and thy thoughts Think deeply, and your thoughts Shall the world's famine feed; Shall the world's famine nourish; Speak truly, and each word of thine Speak truthfully, and each word of yours Shall be a fruitful seed; Will be a fruitful seed; Live truly, and thy life shall be Live authentically, and your life will be A great and noble creed. A great and noble belief. —Horatio Bonar. —Horatio Bonar. We ought to love everybody and make everybody love us. Then everything else is easy. We should love everyone and make sure everyone loves us. Then everything else will be easy. —Alice Freeman Palmer. —Alice Freeman Palmer. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy healing shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of Jehovah shall be thy rearward. Then your light will shine like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly; your righteousness will lead the way for you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. —Isaiah 58. 8. —Isaiah 58:8. Almighty God, look upon me with pity; so often I have obeyed the thoughts that have been misleading and profitless. Make me more careful of what I think and say, and may I learn from my mistakes the forbidden paths. Help me to keep my mind in unity with thy will. Amen. Almighty God, please have mercy on me; I have frequently followed thoughts that are deceptive and unhelpful. Help me to be more mindful of what I think and say, and may I learn from my mistakes the wrong paths. Guide me to keep my mind aligned with Your will. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-SECOND
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience. Work to keep alive in your heart that little spark of divine fire called conscience. —George Washington. —George Washington. Life is a sheet of paper white Life is a blank sheet of paper Whereon each one of us may write Where each of us can write His word or two, and then comes night. Just a word or two, and then night falls. Greatly begin! though thou hast time Start strong! Even though you have time. But for a line, be that sublime. But for a line, let it be exceptional. Not failure, but low aim is crime. It's not failure that is a crime, but having low ambitions. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. God keep us through the common days, May God watch over us during our ordinary days, The level stretches white with dust, The ground stretches white with dust, When thought is tired, and hands upraise When the mind is exhausted, and hands are lifted up Their burdens feebly since they must; Their burdens weakly since they have to; In days of slowly fretting care In times of gradually growing worry Then most we need the strength of prayer. Then most of all, we need the power of prayer. —Margaret E. Sangster. —Margaret E. Sangster. Make level the path of thy feet, Make the path of your feet even, And let all thy ways be established. And may all your paths be set. —Proverbs 4. 26. —Proverbs 4:26. Lord God, help me to realize the influence of the individual life. And as I would care for my own, may I seek to do for others; and may I not criticize, but help all who are trying to make the world better. Amen. Lord God, help me understand the impact of each person's life. Just as I care for my own, may I strive to help others; and instead of criticizing, may I support everyone who is working to improve the world. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-THIRD
Labor is life! 'tis the still water faileth; Work is life! It's the still water that runs dry; Idleness ever despaireth, bewaileth: Idleness always brings despair. Keep the watch wound, or the dark rust assaileth; Keep the watch wound, or the dark rust will attack; Flowers droop and die in the stillness of noon. Flowers wilt and perish in the quiet of noon. Labor is glory! the flying cloud lightens; Work is glorious! The flying cloud brightens; Only the waving wing changes and brightens, Only the waving wing changes and brightens, Idle hearts only the dark future frightens, Only the dark future scares idle hearts, Play the sweet keys, wouldst thou keep them in tune. Play the sweet keys; will you keep them in tune? —Frances S. Osgood. —Frances S. Osgood. KEATS KEATS Palled death, with kisses ghostly, Pale death, with ghostly kisses, Wooed and won him while too young, Won him over when she was too young, And the world reveres him mostly, And the world mostly respects him, For the songs he might have sung. For the songs he could have sung. —Samuel A. Wood. —Samuel A. Wood. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. Enlarge the area of your tent, and let them extend the curtains of your dwellings; hold back nothing: lengthen your ropes, and strengthen your stakes. —Isaiah 54. 2. —Isaiah 54:2. Almighty God, I pray for the will to do my finest work. Disclose to me if I am being detained by serving selfishness in myself or in others. Lead me to what is right for me to do; and may I diligently tarry in it. Amen. Almighty God, I ask for the strength to do my best work. Show me if I'm being held back by my own selfishness or that of others. Guide me to what is right for me to do, and help me to stay committed to it. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-FOURTH
'Tis not to enjoy that we exist, We don't exist just to enjoy life, For that end only; something must be done; For that purpose; something needs to be done; I must not walk in unreproved delight I shouldn't walk in unchallenged joy These narrow bounds, and think of nothing more, Stay within these narrow limits and don't think about anything else. No duty that looks further and no care. No responsibility that considers more and no concern. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. We weave our thoughts into heart-spun plans, We shape our thoughts into heartfelt plans, And weave secure for a fitful day, And prepare carefully for a restless day, But lose in the web of earthly things But get lost in the web of worldly matters The pattern of sublimity. The essence of greatness. Shall days spring up as wild vines grow, May days arise as wild vines do grow, Unheeding where they climb or cling? Unaware of where they're climbing or holding on? Consider, child, before you sow, Think, kid, before you plant, And wait not until harvesting. And don't wait until harvesting. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. Jehovah is my strength and my shield; Jehovah is my strength and my protection; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: My heart has trusted in him, and I have been helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; Therefore my heart rejoices greatly; And with my song will I praise him. And with my song, I will praise him. —Psalm 28. 7. —Psalm 28:7. Loving Father, command my judgment for the influences which I permit to come into my life. Grant that I may not delay my purposes for the lack of comforts which are so often made more than life. With thy strength may I be steadfast in what I would achieve. Amen. Loving Father, guide my decisions regarding the influences I allow in my life. Help me not to postpone my goals for the sake of comforts that often become more important than life itself. With your strength, may I be determined in what I want to accomplish. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-FIFTH
In general, pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes. All other passions do occasionally good; but wherever pride puts in its word everything goes wrong. In general, pride is the root of all major mistakes. All other emotions can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, but whenever pride speaks up, everything goes awry. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. He that is proud eats up himself: pride is his own glass, his own trumpet, his own chronicle; and whatever praises itself but in the deed, devours the deed in the praise. A proud person ends up destroying themselves: pride is their own mirror, their own trumpet, their own story; and anything that boasts about itself without actions feeds on those actions in the boasting. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Save me alike from foolish pride Rescue me from foolish pride. Or impious discontent; Or disrespectful discontent; At aught Thy wisdom hath denied, At anything Your wisdom has denied, Or aught Thy wisdom lent. Or anything Your wisdom provided. —Alexander Pope. —Alexander Pope. A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor. A man's pride will lead to his downfall, but those who are humble will be honored. —Proverbs 29. 23. —Proverbs 29:23. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may not let pride keep me down when it may be mine to be carried to the heights. With tenderness take me out of myself, that I may see how pride deceives, and destroys an humble spirit. Help me to master both stubbornness and pride. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that I won’t let pride hold me back when I could be lifted up. Gently help me step outside myself so I can see how pride misleads and destroys a humble spirit. Assist me in overcoming both stubbornness and pride. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-SIXTH
When I go down to the grave I can say, like so many others, I have finished my work; but I cannot say I have finished my life; my day's work will begin again the next morning. My tomb is not a blind alley; it is a thoroughfare. It closes in the twilight to open in the dawn. When I go down to the grave, I can say, like so many others, I have finished my work; but I can't say I have finished my life; my day's work will start again the next morning. My tomb is not a dead end; it’s a passage. It closes in the evening to open in the morning. —Victor Hugo. —Victor Hugo. There's nothing bright above, below, There's nothing bright above, below, From flowers that bloom to stars that glow, From blooming flowers to glowing stars, But in the light my soul can see But in the light, my soul can see Some feature of the Deity. Some attribute of the Deity. There's nothing dark below, above, Nothing dark below or above, But in its gloom I trace God's love, But in its darkness, I see God's love, And meekly wait that moment when And patiently wait for that moment when His truth shall turn all bright again. His truth will make everything bright again. —Thomas Moore. —Thomas Moore. Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his servants; Jehovah redeems the soul of His servants; And none of them that take refuge in him shall be And none of those who take refuge in him shall be condemned. condemned. —Psalm 34. 22. —Psalm 34:22. Lord God, may I not only feel the need of thee when I am burdened with sorrow and care, but may I have need of thee in my pleasures and joys. I thank thee for thy gracious kindness, thy mercy and thy protection. Amen. Lord God, may I not only feel the need for you when I'm overwhelmed with sorrow and worry, but may I seek you in my pleasures and joys as well. I thank you for your gracious kindness, your mercy, and your protection. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-SEVENTH
Lives of great men all remind us Lives of great people remind us We can make our lives sublime, We can make our lives amazing, And, departing, leave behind us And, when we leave, stay behind us Footprints on the sands of time— Footprints in the sands of time— Footprints that perhaps another, Footprints that maybe someone else, Sailing o'er life's wintry main, Sailing over life's wintry sea, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, A lost and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Seeing it will bring hope again. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. They are slaves who fear to speak They are people who are afraid to speak. For the fallen and the weak; For those who have fallen and those who are vulnerable; They are slaves who will not choose They are slaves who have no choice. Hatred, scoffing, and abuse, Hatred, mockery, and abuse, Rather than in silence shrink Instead of shrinking in silence From the truth they needs must think; They must believe in the truth; They are slaves who dare not be They are slaves who don't dare to be In the right with two or three. To the right with two or three. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Even so, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven. —Matthew 5. 16. —Matthew 5:16. Merciful Father, help me to know that my shadow cannot fall without me, and that my footprints cannot be found where I have never trodden. I pray that thou wilt make me so familiar with the right path that it may be mine to have the privilege of leading others to the right places. Amen. Merciful Father, help me to understand that my shadow can't fall without me, and that my footprints can't be found where I've never walked. I pray that you will make me so familiar with the right path that I'll have the privilege of guiding others to the right places. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-EIGHTH
Soul, rule thyself; on passion, deed, desire, Soul, govern yourself; regarding passion, action, desire, Lay thou the laws of thy deliberate will. Set the rules of your careful choices. Stand at thy chosen post, Faith's sentinel: Stand at your chosen post, Faith's guard: Though Hell's lost legions ring thee round with fire, Even if the lost legions of Hell surround you with fire, Learn to endure. Learn to persevere. —Arthur Symonds. —Arthur Symonds. The confidence in another man's virtue is no slight evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence. The belief in another person's integrity is a strong indication of one's own, and God gladly supports that belief. —Montaigne. —Montaigne. Though a host should encamp against me, Even if an army sets up camp against me, My heart shall not fear: I won't be afraid: Though war should rise against me, Even if war rises against me, Even then will I be confident. Even then, I will be confident. —Psalm 27. 3. —Psalm 27:3. My Father, may I ever be kept in remembrance of my virtue, and may I be sensitive to its strength. As I go on my way, keep me within control of the impetuous desires of my nature, and in call of the duties and obligations of my daily life. Amen. My Father, may I always remember my good qualities, and may I be aware of their power. As I continue on my path, help me stay in control of my strong impulses and attentive to the responsibilities of my everyday life. Amen. FEBRUARY TWENTY-NINTH
Happy is he and more than wise He is happy and wiser than most. Who sees with wondrous eyes and clean Who looks with amazed eyes and clarity This world through all the gray disguise This world behind all the gray disguise Of sleep and custom in between. Of sleep and tradition in between. —G. K. Chesterton. —G. K. Chesterton. In the morning, when thou findest thyself unwilling to rise, consider with thyself presently, if it is to go about a man's work that I am stirred up. Or was I made for this, to lay me down, and make much of myself in a warm bed. In the morning, when you find yourself reluctant to get up, consider for a moment whether it's really worth it to go about a man's work. Or was I created for this—to just lie down and indulge myself in a cozy bed? —Marcus Aurelius. —Marcus Aurelius. Arise and be doing, and Jehovah be with thee. Get up and get to work, and may the Lord be with you. —1 Chronicles 22. 16. —1 Chronicles 22:16. Gracious Father, help me to take of the wealth of my day, while it is in season, and accessible. May I not be ignorant of the abundance in which I live, and be found in overwhelming regret. Forgive me for all that I have missed in life, and make me more watchful of that which is to come. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to make the most of the opportunities in my life while they are available. May I not overlook the abundance around me and end up filled with regret. Forgive me for everything I've missed in life, and help me to be more attentive to what lies ahead. Amen. MARCH
Spring still makes spring in the mind, Spring still brings spring to the mind, When sixty years are told; When sixty years are shared; Love makes anew this throbbing heart, Love rejuvenates this beating heart, And we are never old. And we are never old. Over the winter glaciers, In the winter glaciers, I see the summer glow, I see the summer vibe, And through the wild-piled snowdrift And through the snowy drift The warm rosebuds below. The warm rosebuds below. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. MARCH FIRST
Thy soul shall enter on its heritage Your soul will inherit its legacy. Of God's unuttered wisdom. Thou shalt sweep Of God's unspoken wisdom. You shall sweep With hand assured the ringing lyre of life, With steady hands, play the ringing lyre of life, Till the fierce anguish of its bitter strife, Until the intense pain of its harsh conflict, Its pain, death, discord, sorrow, and despair, It’s pain, death, conflict, sadness, and hopelessness, Break into rhythmic music. Thou shalt share Break into rhythmic music. You will share The prophet-joy that kept forever glad The joy of the prophet that remained joyful forever God's poet-souls when all a world was sad. God's poet-souls when the whole world was unhappy. Enter and live! Thou hast not lived before. Come in and live! You haven't truly lived before. —S. Weir Mitchell. —S. Weir Mitchell. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; Return to your rest, O my soul; For Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with thee. For Jehovah has treated you generously. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, For you have saved my soul from death, Mine eyes from tears, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling. And my feet from tripping. —Psalm 116. 7, 8. —Psalm 116:7, 8. Almighty God, grant that I may never be so discouraged that I feel my life has been spent. Help me to so live, that I may not follow into hopeless days, but look for the bright and beautiful in to-morrow. Forgive me for all that I have asked for and accepted through willful judgment, and make me more careful in selecting my needs. Amen. Almighty God, please help me never to feel so discouraged that I think my life has been wasted. Guide me to live in a way that I don't fall into hopeless days but instead look forward to the bright and beautiful things tomorrow will bring. Forgive me for everything I've asked for and accepted through my own poor judgment, and help me to be more thoughtful about my needs. Amen. MARCH SECOND
Nature never says one thing, Wisdom another. Nature never says one thing and Wisdom says another. —Juvenal. —Juvenal. By all means, use some times to be alone; Feel free to take some time for yourself; Salute thyself—see what thy soul doth wear; Greet yourself—observe what your soul is dressed in; Dare to look in thy chest, for 'tis thine own, Dare to look in your chest, because it’s yours, And tumble up and down what thou findest there. And roll around with whatever you find there. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. Lonesomeness is part of the cost of power. The higher you climb, the less can you hope for companionship. The heavier and the more immediate the responsibility, the less can a man delegate his tasks or escape his own mistakes. Lonesomeness is part of the price of power. The higher you go, the less you can expect companionship. The greater and more urgent the responsibility, the less a person can delegate their tasks or avoid their own mistakes. —Shailer Mathews. —Shailer Mathews. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee. But you, when you pray, go into your room and shut your door. Pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. —Matthew 6. 6. —Matthew 6:6 My Father, I pray that thou wilt take care of my thoughts when I am alone and tired, and keep them strong and clean. Grant that while I commune with thee I may yield to my needs and be restored with keener energy for worthier deeds. May I ask of thy wisdom every day. Amen. My Father, I pray that you will take care of my thoughts when I am alone and tired, and keep them strong and clean. Grant that while I spend time with you, I may acknowledge my needs and be filled with renewed energy for better deeds. May I seek your wisdom every day. Amen. MARCH THIRD
Pitch thy behaviour low, thy projects high, Keep your behavior humble, but your ambitions high, So shalt thou humble and magnanimous be; Be humble and generous. Sink not in spirit: who aimeth at the sky, Don't lose hope: those who aim for the sky, Shoots higher than he that means a tree. Shoots higher than someone who aims for a tree. —George Herbert. —George Herbert. We and God have business with each other; and in opening ourselves to his influence our deepest destiny is fulfilled. We have a connection with God, and by being open to his influence, we fulfill our deepest purpose. —William James. —William James. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. While we don’t focus on what we can see, but on what we can’t see; because what we see is temporary, but what we can’t see is eternal. —2 Corinthians 4. 18. —2 Corinthians 4:18. Almighty God, help me to remember that "the power of character is the highest point of success," and that thou hast put within reach of all the choice ideals of life. May I have the desire to cultivate strong purposes, and strive for high endeavors, that I may not aim for the low. Amen. Almighty God, help me remember that "the power of character is the highest point of success," and that you've placed the choice ideals of life within everyone's reach. May I have the desire to develop strong purposes and strive for high goals, so I won't aim for the low. Amen. MARCH FOURTH
It is perfectly obvious that men do necessarily absorb, out of the influences in which they grow up, something which gives a complexion to their whole after-character. It’s completely clear that men inevitably take in from the influences they grow up with, something that shapes their entire character moving forward. —Anthony Froude. —Anthony Froude. All common things, each day's events All everyday things, events of each day That with the hour begin and end, That with the hour start and finish, Our pleasures and our discontents Our joys and our sorrows Are rounds by which we may ascend. There are steps we can take to rise up. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt. I Our doubts are traitors, and they make us lose the good we could often gain by being afraid to try. I —Shakespeare. —Shakespeare. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. And David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, hitting the Philistine in the forehead; the stone embedded itself in his forehead, and he fell face down to the ground. —1 Samuel 17. 49. —1 Samuel 17:49. My Father, I would remember that my life may decline from the neglect of small things; for as thou dost nourish the wheat from flakes of snow, and supply the springs from drops of rain, so thou wilt strengthen my soul from every little blessing. I pray that I may not forget to watch my habits, and keep track of the hours that culture and sustain my life. Amen. My Father, I remember that my life can suffer from neglecting small things; just as you nourish the wheat from snowflakes and provide springs from raindrops, so you will strengthen my soul with every little blessing. I pray that I won’t forget to pay attention to my habits and keep track of the moments that nurture and sustain my life. Amen. MARCH FIFTH
When I have the time so many things I'll do, Whenever I have the time, there are so many things I want to do, To make life happier and more fair To make life more enjoyable and equitable For those whose lives are crowded now with care, For those whose lives are currently filled with worries, I'll help to lift them from their low despair I’ll help raise them up from their deep despair. When I have time. When I have free time. When I have time the friend I love so well When I have time, I cherish the friend I love so much. Shall know no more the weary, toiling days; Will no longer endure the exhausting, hard-working days; I'll lead his feet in pleasant paths always, I'll guide his feet on enjoyable paths always, And cheer his heart with words of sweetest praise, And uplift his spirits with words of the sweetest praise, When I have time. When I have a moment. Now is the time! Speed, friend; no longer wait Now is the time! Hurry, my friend; don't wait any longer. To scatter loving smiles and words of cheer To spread loving smiles and words of encouragement To those around whose lives are drear; To those whose lives are dull; They may not need you in the far-off year: They might not need you in the distant year: Now is the time. Now's the time. —Unknown. —Unknown. Behold now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Behold, now is the right time; look, now is the day of salvation. —2 Corinthians 6. 2. —2 Corinthians 6:2. Lord God, teach me this day to know that the veriest trifle often keeps happiness alive, and that the smallest trifle often may kill it. I pray that now thou wilt put within my heart that touch of love, which brings consideration for others, and the care that brings the greatest happiness. Amen. Lord God, teach me today to understand that even the smallest things can keep happiness alive, while tiny matters can also destroy it. I ask that you fill my heart with love, which leads to kindness for others, and the care that brings the greatest happiness. Amen. MARCH SIXTH
Beloved, let us love so well Dear friends, let's love deeply. Our work shall still be better for our love, Our work will still be improved by our love, And still our love be sweeter for our work: And yet our love is even sweeter because of our efforts: And both commended for the sake of each And both praised for the benefit of each. By all true workers and true lovers born. By all genuine workers and true lovers born. —Elizabeth B. Browning. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Earth saddens, never shall remove, Earth mourns, never shall remove, Affections purely given; Genuine feelings shared; And e'en that mortal grief shall prove And even that human sorrow will show The immortality of love, The eternal nature of love, And heighten it with heaven. And elevate it with heaven. —Elizabeth B. Browning. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. And if I give away all my possessions to help the poor, and if I sacrifice my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it means nothing to me. —1 Corinthians 13. 3. —1 Corinthians 13:3. Loving Father, I pray that I may not try to change the standard of love by grafting on my own selfishness and infirmities. May I remember that it is mostly for gratification that love is held to the base in life; may I follow it to the summits, where it is divine. Amen. Loving Father, I pray that I don’t try to alter the true standard of love by adding my own selfishness and weaknesses. Help me remember that love is often reduced to mere gratification in life; may I strive to reach its highest form, where it is truly divine. Amen. MARCH SEVENTH
Earth gets its price for what it gives us; The Earth has a cost for what it provides us; The beggar is taxed for a corner to die in, The beggar is charged for a spot to die in, The priest has his fee who comes and shrives us, The priest has his fee for coming and hearing our confessions, We bargain for the graves we lie in; We negotiate for the graves we end up in; At the devil's booth are all things sold, At the devil's booth, everything is for sale, Each ounce of dross costs its ounce of gold; Every ounce of waste costs an ounce of gold; For a cap and bells our lives we pay, We pay for our lives with a cap and bells, Bubbles we buy with a whole soul's tasking; Bubbles we purchase with a full commitment of our soul; 'Tis heaven alone that is given away, Only heaven is given away, 'Tis only God may be had for the asking. Only God can be received by simply asking. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. We are our own fates. Our own deeds We control our own destinies. Our own actions. Are our doomsmen. Man's life was made Are our doom-bringers. Human life was created Not for men's creeds, Not for men's beliefs, But men's actions. But what men do. —Owen Meredith. —Owen Meredith. The free gift of God is eternal life. The free gift from God is eternal life. —Romans 6. 23. —Romans 6:23 Gracious Father, may the world speak to me of thy love, and of thy gifts of peace and power, which it freely offers. May I not pass by its great values, and prefer to purchase at a great cost my indolence and dissipation. Gracious Father, may the world show me your love and the gifts of peace and power that it offers freely. May I not overlook its great values and choose instead to pay a high price for my laziness and wastefulness. —Amen. —Amen. MARCH EIGHTH
O boundless self-contentment voiced Oh limitless self-satisfaction expressed In flying air-born bubbles! In flying airborne bubbles! O joy that mocks our sad unrest, Oh joy that taunts our troubled minds, And frowns our earth-born troubles! And frowns our earthly troubles! The life that floods the happy fields The life that fills the joyful fields With song and light and color, With music, light, and color, Will shape our lives to richer states Will shape our lives into richer experiences And heap our measures fuller. And fill our measures more. —C. P. Cranch. —C. P. Cranch. One may secure and preserve that repose in the turbulence of a great city—as Shakespeare surely found and preserved it in the London of the sixteenth century. For repose does not depend on external conditions; it depends on sound adjustment to tasks, opportunities, pleasures, and the general order of life. One can find and maintain peace amid the chaos of a big city—just as Shakespeare likely did in the London of the sixteenth century. Peace isn’t reliant on outside circumstances; it comes from a good balance between work, opportunities, enjoyment, and the overall rhythm of life. —Hamilton Mabie. —Hamilton Mabie. That we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in godliness and gravity. That we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in a way that is respectful and serious. —1 Timothy 2.2. —1 Timothy 2:2. Gracious Father, help me to understand that peace cannot abide in misery, nor can it stay with every mood. May I be able to overcome the depression that may keep me in sadness and isolation, and have delight in the gladness of friends, and live in the peace of strong resolutions. Amen. Gracious Father, help me understand that peace can't exist in misery, nor can it stick around with every mood. Please give me the strength to overcome the depression that keeps me feeling sad and alone, and let me find joy in the happiness of friends, living in the peace of strong resolutions. Amen. MARCH NINTH
Yet nerve thy spirit to the Proof, and blanch not at thy chosen lot; Yet strengthen your spirit for the challenge, and don’t shy away from your chosen path; The timid good may stand aloof, the sage may frown—yet faint thou not; The shy and good-hearted may keep their distance, and the wise may disapprove—but don’t lose heart; Nor heed the shaft too surely cast, the foul and hissing bolt of scorn; Don't pay too much attention to the arrow that's been shot with certainty, the nasty and hissing bolt of contempt; For with thy Side shall dwell, at last, the victory of endurance born. For with your side will finally lie the victory that comes from perseverance. —William C. Bryant. —William C. Bryant. You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one. You can't just imagine yourself as a character; you have to work hard and shape yourself into one. —James Anthony Froude. —James Anthony Froude. Can thy heart endure, or can thy hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? Can your heart handle it, or can your hands be strong, during the days that I will deal with you? —Ezekiel 22.14. —Ezekiel 22:14. Loving Father, search me, and if there be any evil ways in me, correct them, and lead me into the ways everlasting. I pray that I may not be deformed from selfishness, but with a lowly and expectant heart run with patience and triumph the race that is set before me. Amen. Loving Father, examine me, and if there are any wrong ways in me, fix them, and guide me toward everlasting paths. I pray that I may not be driven by selfishness, but with a humble and hopeful heart, I can patiently and successfully run the race that is set before me. Amen. MARCH TENTH
So he died by his faith. That is fine— So he died because of his faith. That's okay— More than the most of us do. More than most of us do. But stay. Can you add to that line But wait. Can you add to that line That he lived for it too? That he lived for it as well? It is easy to die. Men have died It's easy to die. People have died For a wish or a whim— For a wish or a desire— From bravado or passion or pride. From confidence, enthusiasm, or pride. Was it hard for him? Was it tough for him? But to live: every day to live out But to live: to experience life every day. All the truth that he dreamt, All the truth he dreamed, While his friends met his conduct with doubt, While his friends questioned his behavior, And the world with contempt. And the world with disdain. Was it thus that he plodded ahead, Was that how he trudged forward, Never turning aside? Never backing down? Then we'll talk of the life that he led. Then we'll discuss the life he lived. Never mind how he died. Forget how he died. —Ernest Crosby. —Ernest Crosby. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live. For I take no pleasure in anyone's death, says the Lord God: so turn back and live. —Ezekiel 18. 32. —Ezekiel 18:32. Almighty God, help me to live an upright life. Give me courage to abandon useless customs, and seeming duties that keep me from perfecting my life. Amen. Almighty God, help me to live a good life. Give me the courage to let go of pointless traditions and false responsibilities that prevent me from improving myself. Amen. MARCH ELEVENTH
There is nothing that is puerile in nature; and he who becomes impassioned of a flower, a blade of grass, a butterfly's wing, a nest, a shell, wraps around a small thing that always contains a great truth. To succeed in modifying the appearance of a flower is insignificant in itself, if you will; but reflect upon it for however short a while and it becomes gigantic. There’s nothing childish about nature; when someone becomes passionate about a flower, a blade of grass, a butterfly's wing, a nest, or a shell, they're connecting with something small that always holds a great truth. Changing how a flower looks may seem trivial at first, but if you think about it for even a moment, it turns into something monumental. —Maurice Maeterlinck. —Maurice Maeterlinck. O world, as God has made it! All is beauty: O world, as God has created it! Everything is beautiful: And knowing this, is love, and love is duty: And knowing this is love, and love is a responsibility: What further may be sought for or declared? What else can be requested or stated? —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they don’t labor or spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory wasn’t dressed like one of these. —Matthew 6. 28, 29. —Matthew 6:28-29. Creator of all, I do know that if I may hold myself close enough, I can hear restful music through the breeze, and find secrets in the flowers and leaves. I rejoice that thou hast made the woods and rivers that thou dost love, so I too might possess them, and not be a tenant of them only. May I look and study deeper the things which bring me closer to thee. Amen. Creator of all, I know that if I hold myself close enough, I can hear soothing music in the breeze and discover secrets in the flowers and leaves. I rejoice that you have created the woods and rivers that you love, so I too can claim them as my own and not just be a visitor. May I look deeper into the things that bring me closer to you. Amen. MARCH TWELFTH
Among the happiest and proudest possessions of a man is his character. It is a wreath, it is a bank in itself. What is the essence and life of character? Principle, integrity, independence. Among the happiest and proudest possessions of a person is their character. It’s like a crown, it’s an asset in itself. What is the core and essence of character? Values, honesty, autonomy. —Bulwer Lytton. —Bulwer-Lytton. No great genius was ever without some mixture of madness, nor can anything grand or superior to the voice of common mortals be spoken except by the agitated soul. No great genius has ever been without a bit of madness, and nothing truly grand or superior to what ordinary people say can be expressed except by a restless spirit. —Aristotle. —Aristotle. Handsome is that handsome does. Handsome is as handsome does. —Oliver Goldsmith. —Oliver Goldsmith. Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life. Since you have been valuable in my sight, and esteemed, and I have loved you; therefore, I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life. —Isaiah 43. 4. —Isaiah 43:4. Lord God, forbid that I should try to supplant character with manners and worldly goods. May I remember that thou seest me, and knowest me, and I need no shield from thee. Help me that I may be found acceptable while thou dost search me to the depths of the soul. Amen. Lord God, please don’t let me replace character with manners and material things. Help me remember that you see me and know me, and I don’t need a shield from you. Help me be found worthy as you examine the depths of my soul. Amen. MARCH THIRTEENTH
If stores of dry and learned lore we gain If we acquire stores of dry and learned knowledge, We keep them in the memory of the brain; We hold them in our memory; Names, things, and facts—whate'er we knowledge call, Names, things, and facts—whatever we refer to as knowledge, There is the common ledger for them all; There is a shared ledger for everyone; And images on this cold surface traced And images on this cold surface were depicted Make slight impressions and are soon effaced. Make slight impressions and quickly fade away. But we've a page more glowing and more bright But we have one more page that is more glowing and brighter. On which our friendship and our love to write; On which our friendship and our love are based; That these may never from the soul depart, May these never leave the soul, We trust them to the memory of the heart. We hold them in our heart's memory. There is no dimming—no effacement here; There is no fading—no erasure here; Each pulsation keeps the record clear; Every pulse keeps the record clear; Warm golden letters all the tablet fill, Warm golden letters fill the entire tablet, Nor lose their luster till the heart stands still. Nor lose their shine until the heart stops beating. —Daniel Webster. —Daniel Webster. I often wonder why it is that we are not all kinder than we are. How much the world needs it! How easily it is done! How instantaneously it acts! How infallibly it is remembered! I often wonder why we aren't all kinder than we could be. The world needs it so much! It's so easy to do! It has an immediate impact! And it’s always remembered! —Henry Drummond. —Henry Drummond. Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Cast your bread upon the waters; for you will find it after many days. —Ecclesiastes 11. 1. —Ecclesiastes 11:1. My Father, thou hast taught me through the gifts of life, that there is no labor or price too dear to pay for love. I pray to love thee more that I may have more love to bestow on others. Amen. My Father, you have taught me through the gifts of life that there is no effort or cost too great to pay for love. I ask to love you more so that I can have more love to give to others. Amen. MARCH FOURTEENTH
Rivers to the ocean run, Rivers flow to the ocean, Nor stay in all their course; Nor remain in all their path; Fire ascending seeks the sun; Fire rising seeks the sun; Both speed them to their source; Both rush them to their source; So a soul that's born of God, A soul that is created by God, Pants to view his glorious face, Pants to see his magnificent face, Upward tends to his abode, Upward heads to his place, To rest in his embrace. To rest in his arms. —Robert Seagrave. —Robert Seagrave. As the bird trims her to the gale As the bird adjusts herself to the wind I trim myself to the storm of time; I adapt myself to the challenges of time; I man the rudder, reef the sail, I steer the boat and adjust the sail, Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime; Follow the voice in the evening as you would in the morning; Lowly faithful, banish fear, Stay faithful, cast out fear, The port well worth the cruise is near The port that's definitely worth cruising to is nearby. And every wave is charmed. And every wave is magical. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, As the deer longs for the water streams, So panteth my soul after thee, O God. So my soul longs for you, O God. —Psalm 42. 1. —Psalm 42:1. My Father, I pray that if I meet with difficulty, I may not go backward, nor stand still, and fear to go forward. Unfold to me the depth and breadth of the ideal and beautiful, that I may not be content to succeed in the shallowness of life: but may I aspire to the height of the soul, even if I fail to acquire great things. Amen. My Father, I pray that if I face challenges, I won’t go backward, stand still, or be afraid to move forward. Show me the depth and breadth of what is ideal and beautiful, so I won’t settle for just getting by in life; instead, I want to strive for the greatness of the soul, even if I don’t achieve big things. Amen. MARCH FIFTEENTH
I will take the responsibility! I'll take responsibility! —Andrew Jackson. —Andrew Jackson. What ought to be possible for everyone is to arrive at a sort of harmony of life, to have definite things that they want to do.... The people whom it is hard to fit into any scheme of benevolent creation are the vague, insignificant, drifting people, whose only rooted tendency is to do whatever is suggested to them. What should be possible for everyone is to achieve a kind of life harmony, to have clear goals they want to pursue.... The people who are difficult to fit into any plan of good creation are the unclear, inconsequential, aimless individuals, whose only consistent behavior is to do whatever is recommended to them. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Heard are the voices, Voices are heard, Heard are the sages, Hear the sages, The worlds, and the ages; The worlds and the eras; Choose well! your choice is Choose wisely! your choice is Brief and endless. Short and timeless. —Goethe. —Goethe. Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law.... Only be strong and very brave, and make sure to follow all the laws... —Joshua 1. 7. —Joshua 1:7 Gracious Father, I pray that thou wilt free me from evil thoughts before they become a habit. Create in me that freedom which makes me not ashamed to acknowledge the wrong, and which will enable me to stand for the right. Quicken my thoughts, that they may keep my heart inspired. Amen. Gracious Father, I pray that you will free me from evil thoughts before they become a habit. Create in me that freedom which makes me unashamed to acknowledge the wrong and enables me to stand for what is right. Inspire my thoughts so that they keep my heart motivated. Amen. MARCH SIXTEENTH
If we live truly we shall see truly. It is as easy for the strong man to be strong as it is for the weak to be weak. When we have new perception we shall gladly disburthen the memory of the hoarded treasures as old rubbish. When a man lives with God his voice shall be as sweet as the murmur of the brook and the rustle of the corn. If we live authentically, we will see clearly. It's just as easy for a strong person to be strong as it is for a weak person to be weak. When we gain new insight, we'll happily let go of the memories of our accumulated treasures as if they were just old junk. When someone lives with God, their voice will be as sweet as the sound of a flowing stream and the whisper of the corn. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. The tissue of the life to be, The fabric of the life to come, We weave with colors all our own, We create with colors that are uniquely ours, And in the field of Destiny And in the realm of Destiny We reap as we have sown. We harvest what we plant. —Raphael. —Raphael. Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Now when they saw the confidence of Peter and John, and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. —Acts 4. 13. —Acts 4:13. Lord God, quiet me if I am not calm, that my soul may be able to contemplate and have an opportunity to grow. Help me, that I may be able even in discouragements to have the true perception of life. Amen. Lord God, calm me if I'm not at peace, so my soul can reflect and have a chance to grow. Help me to see life clearly, even in times of discouragement. Amen. MARCH SEVENTEENTH
What is really wanted is to light up the spirit that is within a child. In some sense and in some effectual degree there is in every child the material of good work in the world; and in every child, not only in those who are brilliant, not only in those who are quick, but in those who are stolid, and even in those who are dull. What we really want is to ignite the spirit that lives within a child. In some way and to a certain extent, every child has the potential for good in the world; and in every child—not just in those who are smart, not just in those who are quick, but also in those who are slow to respond, and even in those who seem dull. —William Gladstone. —William Gladstone. If you make children happy now, you will make them happy twenty years hence by the memory of it. If you make kids happy now, you'll make them happy twenty years later when they remember it. —Kate Douglas Wiggin. —Kate Douglas Wiggin. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And these words that I command you today should be on your heart; you should teach them diligently to your children, and talk about them when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. —Deuteronomy 6. 6, 7. —Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Lord God, may I be diligent for the progress of little children. Show me how I may minister unto them; and grant that I may be able to see the necessity of giving, more than I do the pleasure of receiving. Amen. Lord God, help me to be devoted to the growth of little children. Show me how I can serve them, and help me to understand the importance of giving more than I enjoy receiving. Amen. MARCH EIGHTEENTH
My minde to me a kingdom is: My mind is a kingdom to me: Such perfect joy therein I finde I find such perfect joy in it. As far exceeds all earthly blisse Far surpasses all earthly bliss That God or nature hath assignede. That God or nature has assigned. —William Byrd. —William Byrd. Teach your proud will to make those nobler choices Teach your proud will to make better choices Which bring to soul and heart enduring health. Which brings lasting health to the soul and heart. Deafen your ears to those contending voices, Ignore the opposing voices, Look in your heart, learn your own being's wealth. Look inside yourself, discover the richness of who you are. Its resources vast, its undiscovered treasure Its resources are vast, and its undiscovered treasure Waiting for these same idle hands to mine. Waiting for these same idle hands to grasp mine. Learn that the grandest of Nature's creations Discover that the greatest of Nature's creations May not be bounded by man's limitations. May not be limited by human constraints. —Rose E. Cleveland. —Rose E. Cleveland. But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? But he is resolute, and who can change his mind? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. He does whatever his soul desires. —Job 23. 13. —Job 23:13. Almighty God, grant that I may never succumb to the controlling influences of the body, and lose the power of my mind. May I guard the dictates of my heart and keep my mind in command to obey thy will. Amen. Almighty God, please help me never to give in to the controlling influences of my body and lose the strength of my mind. May I protect the guidance of my heart and keep my mind in control to follow your will. Amen. MARCH NINETEENTH
Isn't it interesting to get blamed for everything? But I must be thankful in feeling that I would rather perish than blame another for my misdeeds and deficiencies. Isn't it interesting to be blamed for everything? But I should be grateful for the feeling that I'd rather die than blame someone else for my mistakes and shortcomings. —David Livingstone. —David Livingstone. Criticism is helpful. If a man makes a mistake, criticism enables him to correct it; if he is unjustly criticized, the criticism helps him. I have had my share of criticism since I have been in public life, but it has not prevented me from doing what I thought proper to do. Criticism is helpful. If someone makes a mistake, criticism allows them to fix it; if they are unfairly criticized, it still benefits them. I've experienced my fair share of criticism since entering public life, but it has not stopped me from doing what I believe is right. —William Jennings Bryan. —William Jennings Bryan. For himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. For He has said, "I will never fail you, and I will never abandon you." So with confidence we say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." —Hebrews 13. 5, 6. —Hebrews 13:5-6. Loving Father, I thank thee that thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and I am glad I cannot receive from thee the slights and wounds that I may give or receive from my friends. May I be considerate and more forgiving, and by my sincerity be worthy of the purpose which I pursue. Amen. Loving Father, I thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I’m grateful that I cannot receive from you the disrespect and hurt that I might give or get from my friends. May I be thoughtful and more forgiving, and through my sincerity be worthy of the purpose I seek. Amen. MARCH TWENTIETH
Whoever is not with me in the essential things of life, him I no longer know—I owe him no consideration. Whoever isn’t on the same page as me about the essentials in life, I don’t recognize anymore—I owe them no respect. —Henrik Ibsen. —Henrik Ibsen. Only he who lives in truth finds it. The deepest truth is not born of conscious striving, but comes in the quiet hour when a noble nature gives itself into the keeping of life, to suffer, to feel, to think, and to act as it is moved by a wisdom not its own. Only someone who lives genuinely discovers the truth. The deepest truth isn't created through deliberate effort but arises in the still moments when a noble spirit surrenders to life, ready to endure, feel, think, and act as guided by a wisdom beyond its own. —Hamilton Mabie. —Hamilton Mabie. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God. Forgetting what’s behind and reaching for what’s ahead, I push on toward the goal for the prize of God’s calling. —Philippians 3. 13, 14. —Philippians 3:13-14. Lord God, I thank thee for the silent ways of revelation which bring hopeful communion with thee. Help me to be composed, that my life may not create a noise and my soul miss the messages that come from the depths of truth and love. Amen. Lord God, I thank you for the quiet ways of revelation that bring a hopeful connection with you. Help me to stay calm, so my life doesn’t make too much noise and my soul doesn’t miss the messages that come from the depths of truth and love. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-FIRST
Go through life with soft influences breathing around thee. Keep thy heart high above the many-colored mist of earth and above its storm clouds. Go through life with gentle influences surrounding you. Keep your heart above the many-colored haze of the world and above its stormy clouds. —Jean Paul Richter. —Jean Paul Richter. Recollection is the only paradise from which we cannot be turned out. Recollection is the only paradise we can't be kicked out of. —Jean Paul Richter. —Jean Paul Richter. Come, Disappointment, come! Come, disappointment, come! Thou art not stern to me; You are not harsh with me; Sad monitress! I own thy sway, Sad monitress! I hold your power, A votary sad in every day, A devoted follower feels sorrow every day, I bend my knee to thee, I kneel before you, From sun to sun From sunrise to sunset My race will run; My race will start; I only bow, and say, My God, thy will be done! I simply bow and say, My God, your will be done! —Henry Kirke White. —Henry Kirke White. If I say, I will forget my complaint, If I say that I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer. I will set aside my sad look and be cheerful. —Job 9. 27. —Job 9:27. Gracious Father, help me to respond cheerfully when called upon to give. May I never repent of tenderness which others fail to appreciate, but may I be glad of all that I give and for all I receive. Amen. Gracious Father, please help me to respond happily when I'm asked to give. May I never regret being kind when others don’t see its value, but may I feel glad for everything I give and for everything I receive. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-SECOND
Red Love still rules the day, white Faith enfolds the night, Red Love still dominates the day, while white Faith embraces the night, And hope, green-mantled, leads the way by the walls of the City of Light. And hope, wrapped in green, shows the path along the walls of the City of Light. Therefore I walk as one who sees the joy shine through So I move forward like someone who sees joy shining through. Of the other Life behind our life, like the stars behind the blue. Of the other life beyond our own, like the stars behind the blue. —Dean Farrar. —Dean Farrar. There can be no greater delight than is experienced by a man who, by his own unaided resources, frees himself from the consequences of error: Heaven looks down with satisfaction upon such a spectacle. There can be no greater joy than what a person feels when, using only his own resources, he frees himself from the consequences of his mistakes: Heaven looks down with approval on such a sight. —Goethe. —Goethe. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold a land that reacheth afar. Your eyes will see the king in all his glory; you will behold a land that stretches far away. —Isaiah 33. 17. —Isaiah 33:17. Lord God, help me to remember that I may not only be forgiven for my transgression, but with thy help I may be led away from the wrong. May I be content to follow where thou dost lead. Amen. Lord God, help me remember that I can be forgiven for my mistakes, and with your help, I can be guided away from wrongdoing. May I be content to follow where you lead. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-THIRD
Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together; that at length they may emerge, full-formed and majestic, into the daylight of life.... Nay, in thy own mean perplexities, do thou thyself but hold thy tongue for one day; on the morrow how much clearer are thy purposes and duties! Silence is the space where great things come together to eventually emerge, fully formed and impressive, into the light of day.... Indeed, in your own complicated feelings, if you just stay quiet for one day, how much clearer your goals and responsibilities will be the next day! —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. Deliberate much before you say and do anything; for it will not be in your power to recall what is said or done. Think carefully before you say or do anything; because once it's said or done, you can't take it back. —Epictetus. —Epictetus. Set a watch, O Jehovah, before my mouth; Set a guard, O Jehovah, over my mouth; Keep the door of my lips. Keep my lips sealed. —Psalm 141. 3. —Psalm 141:3. My Lord, make me a lover of the truth. Make me careful of my thoughts, and the words I would speak, that I may not think selfishly and speak cruelly, but keep myself holy unto thee. Amen. My Lord, help me to love the truth. Help me to be mindful of my thoughts and the words I say, so that I don’t think selfishly or speak harshly, but keep myself pure for you. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-FOURTH
Every quivering tongue of flame Every flickering tongue of flame Seems to murmur some great name, Seems to whisper some great name, Seems to say to me "Aspire!" It seems to tell me, "Aim high!" No endeavor is in vain; No effort is in vain; Its reward is in the doing, The reward is in the action, And the rapture of pursuing And the thrill of chasing Is the prize of vanquished gain. The reward for the defeated is gain. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. Never be sad or desponding Don't be sad or gloomy If thou hast faith to believe; If you have faith to believe; Grace for the duties before thee Strength for the tasks ahead of you Ask of thy God and receive. Ask your God and receive. —Fanny Crosby. —Fanny Crosby. I spread forth my hands unto thee: I lift my hands to you: My soul thirsteth after thee, as a weary land. My soul longs for you, like a tired land. —Psalm 143. 6. —Psalm 143:6. Almighty God, make me conscious of my weaknesses, and make me ashamed of my indulgences. Give me a victory over self; and may I consider more what I put in my life. May I be eager for that which will inspire me for greater aspirations. Amen. Almighty God, help me recognize my weaknesses and feel ashamed of my indulgences. Grant me victory over myself; and may I think more about what I let into my life. May I be eager for things that will inspire me for greater goals. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-FIFTH
How awful is the thought of the wonders underground, How terrible is the idea of the wonders below ground, Of the mystic changes wrought in the silent, dark profound! Of the mysterious changes made in the quiet, deep darkness! How each thing upward tends by necessity decreed, How everything naturally rises by necessity, And the world's support depends on the shooting of a seed! And the world's support relies on the planting of a seed! The summer's in her ark, and this sunny-pinioned day Summer is in full swing, and this sunny day Is commissioned to remark whether Winter holds her sway: Is assigned to comment on whether Winter has her power: Go back, thou dove of peace, with myrtle on thy wing, Go back, you dove of peace, with myrtle on your wing, Say that floods and tempests cease, and the world is ripe for Spring. Say that floods and storms stop, and the world is ready for Spring. —Horace Smith. —Horace Smith. I should never have made my success in life if I had not bestowed upon the least thing I have ever undertaken the same attention and care that I have bestowed upon the greatest. I would never have achieved success in life if I hadn't given the same attention and care to the smallest tasks as I have to the biggest ones. —Charles Dickens. —Charles Dickens. Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost. Gather up the remaining broken pieces so nothing gets lost. —John 6. 12. —John 6:12 Loving Father, cause me to learn from nature that to have perfection I must be attentive at the beginning of growth. Help me to select with care the soil wherein I plant; and to weed and cultivate my life that it may grow to beauty and usefulness. Amen. Loving Father, help me learn from nature that to achieve perfection, I must pay attention right from the start of growth. Guide me to carefully choose the soil where I plant my seeds; and to remove the weeds and nurture my life so it can flourish in beauty and usefulness. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-SIXTH
Every man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him, but a day comes when he begins to care that he do not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well. He has changed his market-cart into a chariot of the sun. Every man makes sure that his neighbor doesn't cheat him, but there comes a day when he starts to care about not cheating his neighbor. Then everything goes smoothly. He has transformed his market cart into a chariot of the sun. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. He that is unacquainted with the nature of the world must be at a loss to know where he is. And he that cannot tell the ends he was made for is ignorant both of himself and the world too. Someone who doesn't understand the nature of the world will be confused about their place in it. And someone who can't identify the purpose for which they were created is clueless about both themselves and the world around them. —Marcus Aurelius. —Marcus Aurelius. Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. Give your best effort to present yourself approved by God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. —2 Timothy 2. 15. —2 Timothy 2:15. Almighty God, may I not only approve of justice and kindness, but practice it. Grant that I may be attentive to the call of work and steadfast in completing it. May I be sincere to those who are dear to me, and never falter in my support to those who are dependent upon me. Amen. Almighty God, help me not just to support justice and kindness, but to actually live it out. Please keep me focused on my work and determined to finish it. May I be genuine with those I care about, and always stand strong for those who rely on me. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-SEVENTH
It takes great strength to bring your life up square It takes a lot of strength to get your life on track. With your accepted thought and hold it there: With your accepted idea, keep it there: Resisting the inertia that drags it back Fighting against the force that pulls it back From new attempts, to the old habit's track. From new efforts to the old routine's path. It is so easy to drift back, to sink. It's so easy to fall back, to sink. So hard to live abreast of what you think. It's so difficult to stay in line with your thoughts. —Charlotte Perkins Stetson. —Charlotte Perkins Gilman. If a person had delivered up your body to anyone whom he met in his way, you would certainly be angry. And do you feel no shame in delivering up your own mind to be disconcerted and confounded by anyone who happens to give you ill language. If someone had handed your body over to anyone they encountered, you would definitely be upset. So, why do you not feel ashamed about letting your own mind be disturbed and confused by anyone who happens to use harsh words with you? —Epictetus. —Epictetus. Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. Wherefore, King Agrippa, I did not disregard the heavenly vision. —Acts 26. 19. —Acts 26:19. My Father, my soul sinks with shame when I think of the great moments that I have given over to mean little things. Help me that I may reckon more on the value of time, and live not to tolerate life, but to have a great need for it, that day by day I may have a deeper consciousness of its appropriate use. Amen. My Father, my heart feels heavy with shame when I think about all the important moments I've wasted on trivial things. Help me to understand the true value of time and not just get through life, but to truly embrace it, so that day by day I can become more aware of how to use it properly. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-EIGHTH
They may not need me, They might not need me, Yet they might; But they might; I'll let my heart be I'll follow my heart Just in sight— Just in sight— A smile so small A tiny smile As mine might be As mine may be Precisely their Exactly their Necessity. Need. —Unknown. —Unknown. You hear that boy laughing?—you think he's all fun; Do you hear that boy laughing? You think he’s just having a good time; But the angels laugh too at the good he has done; But the angels also laugh at the good he has done; The children laugh loud as they troop to his call, The kids laugh loudly as they come running to his call, And the poor man that knows him laughs loudest of all. And the poor man who knows him laughs the loudest of everyone. —Oliver Wendell Holmes. —Oliver Wendell Holmes. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other. Let go of all bitterness, anger, rage, shouting, and insults, along with any other evil. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving. —Ephesians 4. 31. —Ephesians 4:31. Lord God, I pray that I may be fair, and not pass judgment on those whom I like or those whom I dislike, and so bring unhappy regrets. May I remember that, though hasty judgment often may be temporary, the gain or loss of a friend may be permanent. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I may be fair and not judge those I like or dislike, leading to regrets. May I remember that, although quick judgments may be temporary, the gain or loss of a friend can be permanent. Amen. MARCH TWENTY-NINTH
The year's at the spring It's springtime. And the day's at the morn; And the day's at dawn; The hillside's dew-pearled; The hillside's covered in dew; The lark's on the wing: The lark's taking flight: The snail's on the thorn; The snail's on the thorn; God's in his heaven: God's in Heaven: All's well with the world. Everything's good with the world. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Dear Lord and Father of mankinds Dear Lord and Father of humanity, Forgive our feverish ways; Forgive our intense ways; Reclothe us in our rightful mind; Clothe us again in our true mindset; In purer lives thy service find, In purer lives, find your service, In deeper reverence praise. In deeper praise and respect. —John G. Whittier. —John G. Whittier. In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. In calmness and trust, you'll find your strength. —Isaiah 30. 15. —Isaiah 30:15. Lord God, I beseech thee to give me the strength which endures. Grant that I may have the ceaseless content which is secured by choosing and continuing in the right way. From the wealth of each day renew my hope, and quiet my soul with the calm of thy peace. Amen. Lord God, I ask you to give me enduring strength. Grant that I may have the continuous contentment that comes from choosing and sticking to the right path. Each day, refresh my hope with its abundance, and soothe my soul with your peaceful calm. Amen. MARCH THIRTIETH
I said, "Let us walk in the field." I said, "Let’s walk in the field." He said, "Nay walk in the town." He said, "Don't walk in the town." I said, "There are no flowers there." I said, "There are no flowers there." He said, "No flowers but a crown." He said, "No flowers, just a crown." I said, "But the air is thick, I said, "But the air is heavy, And the fogs are veiling the sun." "And the fogs are covering the sun." He answered, "Yet souls are sick He replied, "Still, souls are unwell And souls in the dark undone." And souls in the dark are lost. I cast one look at the field, I took a glance at the field, Then set my face to the town. Then I directed my face towards the town. He said: "My child, do you yield? He said, "My child, do you give in? Will ye leave the flowers for the crown?" "Will you leave the flowers for the crown?" Then into his hand went mine Then my hand slipped into his. And into my heart came He, And He entered my heart, And I walked in a light divine And I walked in a divine light The path I had feared to see. The path I was afraid to see. —George Macdonald. —George MacDonald. Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of Jehovah your God. Now, change your ways and actions, and listen to the voice of the Lord your God. —Jeremiah 26. 13. —Jeremiah 26:13. Eternal God, teach me the way of a complete and unbroken trust. In my disappointments, and in my devotions, may my faith and hope be as immortal as my soul. May I listen for thy voice and answer thy call. Amen. Eternal God, show me how to have full and unwavering trust. In my disappointments and my prayers, may my faith and hope be as everlasting as my soul. May I listen for your voice and respond to your call. Amen. MARCH THIRTY-FIRST
The Great Being unseen, but all-present, who in his beneficence desires only our welfare, watches the struggle between good and evil in our hearts, and waits to see whether we obey his voice, heard in the whispers of conscience, or lend an ear to the Spirit Evil, which seeks to lead us astray. Rough and steep is the path indicated by divine suggestion; mossy and declining the green way along which temptation strews flowers. Then conscience whispers, "Do what you feel is right, obey me, and I will plant for you firm footing." The Great Being, who is unseen but always present, wants nothing more than our well-being. He observes the struggle between good and evil within us and waits to see if we listen to His voice, which we hear in the whispers of our conscience, or follow the call of Evil, which tries to mislead us. The path shown by divine guidance is rough and steep; meanwhile, the tempting route is smooth and filled with beautiful distractions. Then, conscience whispers, "Do what you believe is right, obey me, and I will give you a solid foundation." —Charlotte Brontë. —Charlotte Brontë. God help us do our duty, and not shrink, God help us carry out our duty and not shy away, And trust in heaven humbly for the rest. And humbly trust in heaven for the rest. —Owen Meredith. —Owen Meredith. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before thee life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life. I call on heaven and earth to testify against you today that I have put before you choices of life and death, blessings and curses; so choose life. —Deuteronomy 30. 19. —Deuteronomy 30:19 My Father, as I review my life I am impressed how accurately my deeds have copied my thoughts. And though I have failed the so often, yet I pray that thou wilt accept my yearnings, to think and work for the best in every day. Amen. My Father, as I look back on my life, I'm struck by how closely my actions have mirrored my thoughts. And although I've failed so many times, I still pray that you will accept my desires to think and strive for the best every day. Amen. APRIL
God's April is coming up the hill, and the noisy winds are quieting down, subdued by the fragrance of the wild flowers on the way. Lest we miss the richness of life, while pursuing the world, God continues to pour out precious fragrance from his storehouse, and unconsciously, our souls are lulled to peace through the sweetness of April days. God's April is approaching, and the noisy winds are calming down, softened by the scent of the wildflowers along the path. To ensure we don't overlook the richness of life while chasing after the world, God keeps releasing a precious fragrance from his storehouse, and without realizing it, our souls are eased into peace by the sweetness of April days. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. APRIL FIRST
It is a peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others, and to forget his own. It’s a strange trait of a fool to notice the mistakes of others while ignoring their own. —Cicero. —Cicero. A man may be as much a fool from the want of sensibility as the want of sense. A man can be just as foolish for lacking sensitivity as he is for lacking intelligence. —Mrs. Jameson. —Mrs. Jameson. He that knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool: shun him. He who doesn’t know, and doesn’t know that he doesn’t know, is a fool: avoid him. —Arabian Maxim. —Arab Proverb. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion? There is more hope of a fool than of him. There’s more hope for a fool than for him. —Proverbs 26. 12. —Proverbs 26:12. Almighty God, grant that I may be spared the allurements of deceptive happiness which leaves weary days. I ask for wisdom that I may not speak foolishly, think foolishly, or act foolishly; and may I not be detained by the foolishness of others, but pursue my work, whether it be far or near. Amen. Almighty God, please help me resist the temptations of false happiness that leads to exhausting days. I ask for wisdom so I won’t speak, think, or act foolishly; and may I not get held back by the foolishness of others, but focus on my work, whether it's near or far. Amen. APRIL SECOND
When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself public property. When a man takes on a public role, he should see himself as public property. —Thomas Jefferson. —Thomas Jefferson. We hold these truths to be self-evident—that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We believe these truths are obvious—that all people are created equal; that they are given certain rights by their Creator that cannot be taken away; and that these rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. —Declaration of Independence. —Declaration of Independence. Breathes there the man with soul so dead Is there a person out there with a dead soul? Who never to himself hath said, Who has never said to themselves, This is my own, my native land! This is my own, my homeland! Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned Whose heart has never burned within him As home his footsteps he hath turned As he has turned his footsteps home From wandering on a foreign strand? From wandering on a foreign beach? —Sir Walter Scott. —Sir Walter Scott. Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's. Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's. —Matthew 22. 21. —Matthew 22:21. My Lord, I thank thee for the wisdom and love that is spoken through the lives of strong men and women. Grant that I may be willing to learn of them, and gladly serve where I am needed, remembering that thou art Lord of all. Amen. My Lord, I thank you for the wisdom and love expressed through the lives of strong men and women. Help me to be willing to learn from them and to gladly serve where I am needed, remembering that you are Lord of all. Amen. APRIL THIRD
Sum up at night what thou hast done by day At the end of the day, reflect on what you've done. And in the morning what thou hast to do: And in the morning, here's what you need to do: Dress and undress thy soul: mark the decay Dress and undress your soul: note the decay And growth of it; if with thy watch that too And its growth; if with your watch that too Be dowl, then wind up both; since we shall be Be quiet, then finish up both; since we will be Most surely judged, make thy accounts agree. Be sure to check that your accounts match. —George Herbert. —George Herbert. To look up and not down, To look up and not down, To look forward and not back, To focus on the future and not the past, To look out and not in, and To focus on the outside rather than the inside, and To lend a hand. To help out. —Edward E. Hale. —Edward E. Hale. There is a healthy hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others, however humble. There’s a strong resilience in true dignity that never fears interacting and connecting with others, no matter how modest they may be. —Washington Irving. —Washington Irving. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: I wore righteousness, and it covered me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem. My justice was like a robe and a crown. —Job 29. 14. —Job 29:14. My Lord, I pray that I may always be found clothed in love and kindness. Make me worthy to minister to those who may be dependent on me, and whether they be rich or poor, high or low, may I try to help them. Amen. My Lord, I ask that I always be seen wearing love and kindness. Make me deserving to serve those who rely on me, and whether they are rich or poor, high or low, may I strive to help them. Amen. APRIL FOURTH
"The greatest object in the universe," said a certain philosopher, "is a good man struggling with adversity"; yet there is still a greater, which is the good man who comes to relieve it. "The greatest thing in the universe," said a certain philosopher, "is a good person dealing with challenges"; yet there is something even greater, which is the good person who steps in to help. —Oliver Goldsmith. —Oliver Goldsmith. Yet I believe that somewhere, soon or late, But I believe that somewhere, sooner or later, A peace will fall Peace will prevail Upon the angry reaches of my mind; In the furious corners of my mind; A peace initiate A peace initiative In some heroic hour when I behold In a moment of heroism when I see A friend's long-quested triumph, or unbind A friend's long-awaited victory, or release The tressed gold The braided gold From a child's laughing face. I still believe— From a child's laughing face. I still believe— So much believe. So much belief. —J. Drinkwater. —J. Drinkwater. But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? But whoever has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts his compassion from him, how can the love of God be in him? —1 John 3. 17. —1 John 3:17. Almighty God, may I have a liberal heart. Grant that I may feel the needs of thy children in all lands; and may I be willing to give of thy blessings, as I am ready to receive them. May my tribute be not only of tender thoughts and kind words, but may I give of myself, and of what I have, as thou hast through love and wisdom done for me. Amen. Almighty God, please give me a generous heart. Help me to be aware of the needs of your children everywhere; and let me be willing to share your blessings, just as I am open to receiving them. May my contributions be more than just caring thoughts and kind words; let me give of myself and what I have, just as you have done for me with love and wisdom. Amen. APRIL FIFTH
As morning hears before it run As morning arrives before it runs The music of the mounting sun, The music of the rising sun, And laughs to watch his trophies won And laughs while admiring his trophies won From darkness, and her hosts undone, From darkness, and her armies defeated, And all the night becomes a breath, And the whole night turns into a breath, Nor dreams that fear should hear and flee Nor should dreams that evoke fear hear and run away The summer menace of the sea, The summer threat of the ocean, So hear our hope what life may be, So listen to our hope for what life could be, And know it not for death. And don't mistake it for death. —Algernon Charles Swinburne. —Algernon Charles Swinburne. I came from God, and I'm going back to God, and I won't have any gaps of death in the middle of my life. I came from God, and I'm going back to God, and I won't have any breaks of death in the middle of my life. —George MacDonald. —George MacDonald. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness; The hope of the righteous will bring them joy; But the expectation of the wicked shall perish. But the hopes of the wicked will fade away. —Proverbs 10. 28. —Proverbs 10:28. Lord God, teach me the way and show me the light of the eternal day; and may the vision fill my soul as I take courage and follow it. May I not be fearful of what may be provided, but remember that before the creation of life thou didst have a purpose in death. May I be trustful. Amen. Lord God, show me the way and illuminate the path of everlasting life; may that vision fill my soul as I gather courage to follow it. Help me not to fear what may come, but to remember that even before life was created, you had a purpose in death. May I trust in you. Amen. APRIL SIXTH
Even if the sacrifices which are made to duty and virtue are painful to make, they are well repaid by the sweet recollections which they leave at the bottom of the heart. Even if the sacrifices made for duty and virtue are difficult to bear, they are rewarded by the comforting memories they leave in the heart. —Jean B. Rousseau. —Jean B. Rousseau. I am the man of a thousand loves, I am the guy with a thousand loves, A thousand loves have I; I’ve had a thousand loves; And all my loves are white-winged doves, And all my loves are white-winged doves, That into my soul would fly. That would soar into my soul. I am the man of a thousand friends I’m the guy with a thousand friends. Of tuneful memory; Of melodic memory; And each of them spends the delicate ends And each of them spends the fragile ends Of a brilliant day with me. On a bright day with me. And all my gifts are magical words All my gifts are magical words. That sing sweet songs to me; That sing sweet songs to me; And the sensitive words are caroling birds And the sensitive words are singing birds In the garden of imagery. In the garden of imagination. —Edwin Leibfreed. —Edwin Leibfreed. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. —Revelation 2. 10. —Revelation 2:10. Loving Father, I bless thee for thy love and ministry. May I enter into a broader conception of sharing thy gifts. May I not seek thy blessings to keep, but to use for renewed inspiration. Amen. Loving Father, I thank you for your love and guidance. May I embrace a wider understanding of sharing your gifts. Let me not seek your blessings to hold onto, but to use for fresh inspiration. Amen. APRIL SEVENTH
My heart leaps up when I behold My heart jumps when I see A rainbow in the sky: A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; That's how it was when my life started; So is it now I am a man; So now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, So it will be when I get older, Or let me die! Or let me die! The child is Father of the Man; The child is the father of the man; And I could wish my days to be And I wish my days could be Bound each to each by natural piety. Connected to each other by natural respect. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. A self-controlled mind is a free mind, and freedom is power. I call that mind free which jealously guards its intellectual rights and powers. I call that mind free which resists the bondage of habit, which does not live on its old virtues, but forgets what is behind, and rejoices to pour itself forth in fresh and higher exertions. A self-disciplined mind is a free mind, and freedom is strength. I consider a mind free that fiercely protects its intellectual rights and abilities. I consider a mind free that fights against the chains of habit, that doesn’t just rely on its past virtues, but forgets what’s behind and eagerly expresses itself in new and greater efforts. —William Ellery Channing. —William Ellery Channing. That ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. That you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, created after God in righteousness and holiness of truth. —Ephesians 4. 23, 24. —Ephesians 4:23-24. Lord God, give me the power to control my mind and heart, that I may not be a slave to habits that may keep me from eternal love and blessedness. May I have sympathy and compassion for others, and cherish thy tenderness and mercy as I hold it in my daily life. Amen. Lord God, give me the strength to manage my thoughts and feelings, so I won’t be a prisoner to habits that could keep me from eternal love and happiness. Help me to have empathy and compassion for others, and to embrace your kindness and mercy as I live my daily life. Amen. APRIL EIGHTH
If I can stop one heart from breaking, If I can prevent one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; I won't live in vain; If I can ease one life from aching, If I can relieve someone from pain, Or cool one pain, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Or help a fainting robin Unto his nest again, Back to his nest again, I shall not live in vain. I won't live in vain. —Emily Dickinson. —Emily Dickinson. The most solid comfort one can fall back upon is the thought that the business of one's life is to help in some small way to reduce the sum of ignorance, degradation, and misery on the face of this beautiful earth. The strongest comfort one can rely on is the idea that the purpose of life is to contribute, even in a small way, to lessening the amount of ignorance, suffering, and hardship in this beautiful world. —George Eliot. —George Eliot. Make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself. Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. —Philippians 2. 2, 3. —Philippians 2:2-3. My Father, take away the spirit, if I may be inclined to keep the best, and to be always seeking my portion. May I have the desire to share with those who have less, and to give to those who may have more, whether it be of bread or love. Amen. My Father, please remove the desire from my heart if it leads me to hold on to the best for myself and to constantly seek my share. May I be inspired to share with those who have less and to give to those who may have more, whether it's food or love. Amen. APRIL NINTH
Gather a shell from the strown beach Pick up a shell from the scattered beach. And listen at its lips; they sigh And listen to its lips; they sigh The same desire and mystery, The same longing and intrigue, The echo of the whole sea's speech. The sound of the entire sea speaking. And all mankind is this at heart— At its core, all of humanity is this— Not anything but what thou art: Nothing but what you are: And Earth, Sea, Man are all in each. Earth, Sea, and Man are all within each other. —Dante Gabriel Rossetti. —Dante Gabriel Rossetti. And as, in sparkling majesty, a star And as, in shining grandeur, a star Gilds the bright summit of some glory cloud; Covers the shining peak of a glorious cloud; Brightening the half-veil'd face of heaven afar; Brightening the partially clouded sky up ahead; So when dark thoughts my boding spirit shroud, When dark thoughts cover my troubled spirit, Sweet Hope! celestial influence round me shed, Sweet Hope! Heavenly influence surrounding me, Waving the silver pinions o'er my head. Waving the silver feathers above my head. —John Keats. —John Keats. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15. 13. —Romans 15:13. Almighty God, may I ever know the generous glow that comes with an overwhelming desire to cultivate the soul. With hope may I find the way through the darkness that leads to immortality, even if I may have to experience the weariness that may accompany it. Amen. Almighty God, may I always feel the warm glow that comes from a deep desire to nurture my soul. With hope, may I navigate through the darkness that leads to eternal life, even if I have to face the fatigue that comes with it. Amen. APRIL TENTH
The essence of happy living is never to find life dull, never to feel the ugly weariness which comes of overstrain; to be fresh, cheerful, leisurely, sociable, unhurried, well-balanced. It seems to me impossible to be these things unless we have time to consider life a little, to deliberate, to select, to abstain. The key to a happy life is to never find life boring, never to feel the exhausting fatigue that comes from working too hard; to be fresh, cheerful, relaxed, sociable, unhurried, and balanced. I believe it's impossible to be these things unless we take some time to reflect on life, to think things through, to choose wisely, and to hold back when needed. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Four things come not back—the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life, the neglected opportunity. Four things don’t come back—the spoken word, the quick arrow, the past life, the missed opportunity. —William Hazlitt. —William Hazlitt. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure. Therefore, brothers, be more diligent in ensuring your calling and election are secure. —2 Peter 1. 10. —2 Peter 1:10. My Father, may I not miss my work through indifference and feel it is thy neglect of me. May I be reminded that the enrichment of life comes through persistency and being consistent, and may not be found on the idle paths of extravagant ways. Help me to take up my work with a willing spirit and give my best to it. Amen. My Father, please don't let me miss my work out of indifference and think it's because you've neglected me. Remind me that the richness of life comes from persistence and consistency, not from the idle paths of extravagance. Help me approach my work with a willing spirit and give my best to it. Amen. APRIL ELEVENTH
The safe path to excellence and success in every calling, is that of appropriate preliminary education, diligent application to learn the art of assiduity and practicing it. The secure route to excellence and success in any profession is through the right foundational education, hardworking commitment to mastering perseverance, and putting it into practice. —Edward Everett. —Edward Everett. That nothing walks with aimless feet; That nothing moves with aimless steps; That not one life shall be destroyed, That no life will be taken, Or cast as rubbish to the void, Or thrown away into the void, When God hath made the pile complete. When God has completed the pile. Behold, we know not anything: Look, we don't know anything: I can but trust that good shall fall I can only hope that good will come. At last—far off—at last, to all, Finally—far away—finally, to everyone, And every winter change to spring. And every winter turns into spring. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fullness of hope even to the end: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. And we want each of you to show the same determination to the very end, so you can fully embody hope: don’t be lazy, but instead follow the example of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. —Hebrews 6. 11, 12. —Hebrews 6:11-12. Lord God, help me in all my circumstances, and be with me in my daily work. Help me in my efforts, as I endeavor to attain, and may my will be hid in thine. Amen. Lord God, please help me in all my situations, and be with me in my everyday work. Support me in my efforts as I strive to achieve my goals, and may my will be aligned with yours. Amen. APRIL TWELFTH
I would rather be right than be President. I would rather be correct than be President. —Henry Clay. —Henry Clay. Who does the best his circumstances allow Who does the best they can with their circumstances. Does well, acts nobly; angels could no more. Acts well, behaves honorably; even angels couldn't do more. —Edward Young. —Edward Young. Pedigree haz no more to do in making a man aktually grater than he iz than a pekok's feather in his hat haz in making him aktually taller. When the world stands in need of an arestokrat, natur pitches one into it, and furnishes him papers without enny flaw in them. Pedigree has no more to do in making a man actually greater than he is than a peacock's feather in his hat has in making him actually taller. When the world needs an aristocrat, nature places one in it and gives him credentials without any flaws. —Josh Billings. —Josh Billings. Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. Don't throw away your confidence, which carries a great reward. For you need patience so that, after doing God's will, you may receive what was promised. —Hebrews 10. 35, 36. —Hebrews 10:35-36. Lord God, help me to select with care the site, the plans, and the foundation of my life. May I use the best material; and may it be worthy of a permanent home. Amen. Lord God, please help me carefully choose the place, the plans, and the foundation of my life. May I use the best materials, and may it be worthy of a lasting home. Amen. APRIL THIRTEENTH
If there were dreams to sell, If dreams were for sale, Merry and sad to tell, Happy and sad to share, And the crier rang the bell, And the town crier rang the bell, What would you buy? What would you purchase? A cottage lone and still A quiet, solitary cottage With bowers nigh, With nearby bowers, Shadowy, my woes to still, Shadowy, my troubles to calm, Until I die. Until I die. Such pearl from Life's fresh crown Such a gem from Life's new crown Fain would I shake me down, I would love to settle down, Were dreams to have at will If dreams could be had whenever desired This would best heal my ill, This would be the best cure for my sickness, This would I buy. I would buy this. —Thomas Lovell Beddoes. —Thomas Lovell Beddoes. I pray you, bear me hence From forth the noise and rumor of the field Where I may think the remnant of my thoughts In peace, and part this body and my soul With contemplation and devout desires. I ask you to take me away from the noise and gossip of the battlefield, where I can quietly gather my thoughts in peace and separate my body from my soul through reflection and sincere wishes. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile. Come you all away to a quiet place, and take a break for a bit. —Mark 6. 31. —Mark 6:31. Lord God, help me to bear in mind that to step aside and safeguard the mind in contemplation is a safe guard to the soul. Amen. Lord God, help me remember that taking a step back and protecting my mind through contemplation is essential for my soul. Amen. APRIL FOURTEENTH
Flower in the crannied wall, Flower in the cracked wall, I pluck you out of the crannies— I pull you out of the corners— Hold you here, root and all, in my hand, I hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower—but if I could understand Little flower—but if I could comprehend What you are, root and all, and all in all, What you are, completely and entirely, I should know what God and man is. I should understand what God and humanity are. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. So much is history stranger than fiction, and so true it is Nature has caprices which Art dares not imitate. So much of history is stranger than fiction, and it’s so true that Nature has whims that Art wouldn't dare to copy. —Thomas Macaulay. —Thomas Macaulay. Nature is the face of God. He appears to us through it, and we can read his thoughts in it. Nature is God's way of showing Himself. We see Him through it, and we can understand His thoughts by observing it. —Victor Hugo. —Victor Hugo. Many, O Jehovah my God, are the wonderful works Many, O Lord my God, are your amazing works which thou hast done, what you've done, And thy thoughts which are to us-ward. And your thoughts towards us. —Psalm 40. 5. —Psalm 40:5. Eternal God, I thank thee for the seasons which bring abundance and beauty. I thank thee for thy loving care, which is over all and forever. May I behold thy works and make thee a very present help for all my needs, and perceive the joy of thy love through the greatness of the earth. Amen. Eternal God, I thank you for the seasons that bring abundance and beauty. I thank you for your loving care, which is over all and forever. May I see your works and find you as a very present help for all my needs, and recognize the joy of your love through the greatness of the earth. Amen. APRIL FIFTEENTH
Two thirds of human existence are wasted in hesitation, and the last third in repentance. Two-thirds of our lives are wasted in doubt, and the final third in regret. —Emile Souvestre. —Emile Souvestre. And, having thus chosen our course, let us renew our trust in God and go forward without fear and with manly hearts. And, having made our decision, let’s put our trust in God and move ahead without fear and with courage. —Abraham Lincoln. —Abraham Lincoln. The barriers are not erected which shall say to aspiring talent, "Thus far and no further." The barriers aren't set up to tell aspiring talent, "This is as far as you can go." —Beethoven. —Beethoven. Be strong and of good courage. Stay strong and be brave. —Joshua 1. 6. —Joshua 1:6 Almighty God, I pray that I may always be alive to my opportunities, but may I never leave others impoverished by taking advantage of them. May my prosperity be conducted with my eyes open, guarding what I give and receive, that my possessions may remain valuable through life. Amen. Almighty God, I pray that I am always aware of my opportunities, but may I never take advantage of others and leave them worse off. May my success come with my eyes wide open, being mindful of what I give and receive, so that my possessions stay valuable throughout my life. Amen. APRIL SIXTEENTH
Weary of myself and sick of asking Tired of myself and fed up with asking What I am, and what I ought to be, What I am and what I should be, At the vessel's prow I stand, which bears me I stand at the front of the ship, which carries me. Forward, forward, o'er the starlit sea Forward, forward, over the starlit sea O air-born voice! long since severely clear, O voice in the air! Long ago, your clarity was striking, A cry like thine in my own heart I hear. I hear a cry like yours in my own heart. Resolve to be thyself: and know that he Resolve to be yourself: and know that he Who finds himself, loses his misery. Whoever discovers themselves will overcome their struggles. —Matthew Arnold. —Matthew Arnold. This above all to thine own self be true, Above all, be true to yourself, And it must follow, as the night the day, And it must happen, just like night follows day, Thou can'st not then be false to any man. You cannot be false to anyone. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Let thine eyes look right on, Let your eyes look straight ahead, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Make level the path of thy feet, Make the path of your feet straight, And let all thy ways be established. And let all your paths be set. —Proverbs 4. 25, 26. —Proverbs 4:25-26. My Father, give me a sense of nearness to thee when I may be faltering from weariness in well doing. May I hold to my determinations. Help me to know what is useless, that I may not give unnecessary energy, and to know what is worth while, that I may acquire strength through the power of truth. Amen. My Father, please give me a feeling of closeness to you when I start to weaken from exhaustion in doing what’s right. Help me stick to my goals. Teach me what’s pointless so I don’t waste energy, and help me recognize what truly matters so I can gain strength through the truth. Amen. APRIL SEVENTEENTH
Shall I ask the brave soldier who fights at my side, Should I ask the brave soldier fighting beside me, In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree? For the sake of humanity, do our beliefs align? Shall I give up the friend I have valued and tried, Should I give up the friend I’ve valued and tried, If he kneel not before the same altar as me? If he does not kneel at the same altar as I do? —Thomas Moore. —Thomas Moore. I met a little Elf-man once, I once met a little Elf-man, Down where the lilies blow. Down where the lilies grow. I asked him why he was so small I asked him why he was so short. And why he didn't grow. And why he didn't grow. He slightly frowned, and with his eye He frowned slightly and with his eye He looked me through and through. He looked me up and down. "I'm quite as big for me," said he "I'm just the right size for me," he said. "As you are big for you." "As you are large for your size." —John Kendrick Bangs. —John Kendrick Bangs. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe to those who think they are wise and clever in their own eyes! —Isaiah 5. 21. —Isaiah 5:21. Loving Father, grant that I may not barter love with formalities, nor sacrifice love for customs. But, may I have a fellowship that is true and sincere, and that may be counted on, though all and for all. Amen. Loving Father, help me not to exchange love for formalities, nor to trade love for customs. Instead, may I have a genuine and sincere connection that can be relied upon, through everything and for everyone. Amen. APRIL EIGHTEENTH
Nor can I count him happiest who has never I also can't consider someone the happiest who has never Been forced with his own hand his chains to sever, Forced with his own hand to break his chains, And for himself find out the way divine; And for himself discover the divine path; He never knew the aspirer's glorious pains, He never understood the glorious struggles of the aspirer, He never earned the struggler's priceless gains. He never gained the invaluable rewards of the struggler. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. There is not time for hate, O wasteful friend. There’s no time for hate, you wasteful friend. Put hate away until the ages end. Set aside hate until the end of time. Have you an ancient wound? Forget the wrong— Do you have an old wound? Let go of the hurt— Out in my West a forest loud with song In my West, there's a forest filled with song. Towers high and green over a field of snow, Towers tall and green over a snowy field, Over a glacier buried far below. Under a glacier hidden deep below. —Edwin Markham. —Edwin Markham. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. Fight the good fight of faith, hold on to eternal life, to which you were called and made the good confession in front of many witnesses. —1 Timothy 6. 12. —1 Timothy 6:12. Lord God, help me to realize the power of my life. I feel ashamed and alarmed when I think of the grievous wrongs I may have done for greed. May I have delight in the struggles I have made for the ways of righteousness. Make me careful to avoid the things that debase life. May I aspire for the highest and best. Amen. Lord God, help me to recognize the strength of my life. I feel embarrassed and worried when I consider the serious mistakes I may have made out of greed. Let me find joy in my efforts toward what is right. Help me to be cautious about the things that lower the quality of life. May I strive for the highest and best. Amen. APRIL NINETEENTH
The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes. —Disraeli. The key to success in life is for a person to be prepared for their opportunity when it arrives. —Disraeli. One sees, and the other does not see; one enjoys One sees, and the other doesn't; one enjoys an unspeakable pleasure, and the other loses that an indescribable pleasure, and the other misses out on that pleasure which is as free to him as the air.... pleasure that is as free to him as the air.... The whole outward world is the kingdom of the The entire outside world is the kingdom of the observant eye. He who enters into any part of observant eye. The person who enters any part of that kingdom to possess it has a store of pure enjoyment that kingdom has a wealth of pure enjoyment to offer in life which is literally inexhaustible and in life that is truly endless and immeasurable. His eyes alone will give him a life immeasurable. His eyes alone will provide him with a life worth living. worth living. —Charles W. Eliot. —Charles W. Eliot. Having eyes, see ye not? Having eyes, do you not see? —Mark 8. 18. —Mark 8:18. My Father, help me to realize that I cannot feel the joy that breathes through the early morning unless I am with it. May I see distinctly the glory of to-day. Help me to be watchful and keep my spirit awake, that I may receive thy revelations. Amen. My Father, help me understand that I can't truly feel the joy that comes with the early morning unless I am present for it. May I clearly see today's beauty. Help me stay alert and keep my spirit awake so that I can receive your insights. Amen. APRIL TWENTIETH
Do not act as if you had ten thousand years to throw away. Death stands at your elbow. Be good for something while you live and it is in your power. Don't act like you have ten thousand years to waste. Death is right next to you. Make your life meaningful while you can. —Marcus Aurelius. —Marcus Aurelius. And O, my heart, my heart, Oh, my heart, my heart, Be careful to go strewing in and out Be careful when going in and out. The way with good deeds, lest it come about The path of good deeds, so that it doesn’t happen That when thou shalt depart, When you leave, No low lamenting tongue be found to say, No sad, mournful voice should be found to speak, The world is poorer since thou went'st away The world is poorer now that you’ve gone away. —Alice Cary. —Alice Cary. A good man prolongs his life; to be able to enjoy one's past life is to live twice. A good person extends their life; being able to appreciate one's past experiences means you get to live twice. —Martial. —Martial Arts. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. The righteous will be remembered forever. —Psalm 112. 6. —Psalm 112:6. Heavenly Father, thou hast made my life dear; forgive me if I have made dearer the things that I have put around it. Many days have been used for costly things that have faded and are laid aside. May I realize the meaning of days that have been lost. Make me more concerned for what I put in the days to come. Amen. Heavenly Father, you have made my life precious; forgive me if I have valued more the things I’ve surrounded it with. Many days have been spent on expensive things that have faded away and are now forgotten. Help me understand the significance of the days I've wasted. Let me care more about what I fill the days ahead with. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-FIRST
Education should lead and guide man to clearness concerning himself and in himself, to peace with nature, and to unity with God. Education should help a person understand themselves better, find peace with nature, and feel connected to God. —Friedrich Fröbel. —Friedrich Fröbel. When spring unlocks the flowers, to paint the When spring opens up the flowers, to decorate the laughing soil; laughing earth; When summer's balmy showers refresh the mower's When summer's gentle rains refresh the mower's toil; work; When winter binds in frosty chains the fallow and When winter wraps everything in icy chains, the barren and the flood, the flood, In God the earth rejoiceth still, and owns its maker In God, the earth still rejoices and acknowledges its creator. good. good. —Reginald Heber. —Reginald Heber. A memory without a blot or contamination must be an inexhaustible source of pure refreshment. A memory that's clear and untainted must be an endless source of genuine refreshment. —Charlotte Brontë. —Charlotte Brontë. For ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. For you are all children of light and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. —1 Thessalonians 5. 5. —1 Thessalonians 5:5. Lord of light, thou art the light of my life. May I make thee the joy and light of my soul. Call me to where it is clear and high, that I may see above the mist. May I not weary in climbing to reach thee in the high places. Amen. Lord of light, you are the light of my life. May I make you the joy and light of my soul. Call me to where it is clear and high, so I can see above the mist. May I not get tired of climbing to reach you in the high places. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-SECOND
We live in deeds, not years: in thoughts, not breaths: We live by our actions, not by our age: in our ideas, not in the number of breaths we take: In feelings, not in figures on a dial. In emotions, not in numbers on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives We should measure time by heartbeats. He truly lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. Those who think the most, feel the greatest, and act the best. —Philip James Bailey. —Philip James Bailey. Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations. The only sin is limitation. As soon as you once come up with a man's limitations it is all over with him. Men stop holding our interest when we notice their limitations. The only real sin is limitation. Once you recognize a man's limitations, it's all over for him. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgeteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing. But the person who looks into the perfect law, the law of freedom, and continues doing so, not just listening and forgetting but actively doing the work, that person will be blessed in what they do. —James 1. 25. —James 1:25. Lord God, help me to break away from habits that fasten me in the ruts of life. Draw me out to thy broad way, where there are no limits to thy wonderful works, that I may expand my life. Amen. Lord God, help me break free from the habits that keep me stuck in the same routines. Lead me to your wide path, where there are no limits to your amazing works, so I can grow and expand my life. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-THIRD
My crown is in my heart, not on my head: My crown is in my heart, not on my head: Not decked with diamonds and Indian Stones, Not adorned with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen. My crown is called content. Nor to be visible. My crown is known as content. A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy. A crown is something that rarely brings happiness to kings. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky At the center of the cyclone ripping through the sky And flinging the clouds and the towers by And throwing the clouds and the towers aside by Is a place of central calm: It's a place of central calm: So here in the roar of mortal things, So here in the noise of earthly matters, I have a place where my spirit sings, I have a spot where my soul feels alive, In the hollow of God's Palm. In the palm of God's hand. —Edwin Markham. —Edwin Markham. Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Rest in Jehovah and wait patiently for Him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way. Don't worry about those who succeed in their path. —Psalm 37. 7. —Psalm 37:7. Almighty God, my heart beats quicker and the desire for thy care grows stronger when I remember thy promises are given for all eternity. May I be grateful and contented with thy love and care. Amen. Almighty God, my heart races and my need for your care intensifies when I remember that your promises last forever. May I be thankful and at peace with your love and support. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-FOURTH
By religion I mean the power, whatever it be, which makes a man choose what is hard rather than what is easy; what is lofty and noble rather than what is mean and selfish; that puts courage into timorous hearts and gladness into clouded spirits. By religion, I mean the force, whatever it is, that makes a person choose what is difficult over what is simple; what is elevated and honorable over what is petty and selfish; that gives courage to fearful hearts and joy to troubled spirits. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. For all noble things the time is long and the way rude.... For every start and struggle of impatience there shall be so much attendant failure.... But the fire which Patience carries in her own hand is that truly stolen from heaven—unquenchable incense of life. For all noble pursuits, the journey is lengthy and challenging.... With every beginning and struggle fueled by impatience, there will be equal amounts of failure.... But the fire that Patience holds in her own hand is truly a gift from heaven—an unquenchable essence of life. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. But they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. But those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow tired; they will walk and not be faint. —Isaiah 40. 31. —Isaiah 40:31. My Father, I pray that I may not be indifferent to the call of my soul. May I not seek to serve the disappearing and neglect to make life worthy. Acquaint me with the permanent values of life. Make clear the way of strength, that I may not be misled by ease and carried to weakness. May my life be ennobled by the power of my possessions. Amen. My Father, I pray that I don’t ignore the call of my soul. May I not focus on serving what is fading away and forget to make life meaningful. Help me understand the lasting values of life. Show me the path to strength, so I’m not misled by comfort and led to weakness. May my life be enriched by the value of what I have. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-FIFTH
Truly God follows us with encouragements: let him not lose his blessing upon us! They come in season, and with all the advantages of heartening, as if God should say, "Up and be doing, and I will stand by you and help you!" There is nothing to be feared but our own sin and sloth. Truly, God supports us with encouragement: let us not miss out on His blessing! These come at just the right time, bringing all the motivation we need, as if God is saying, "Get up and get to work, and I will be with you to help!" The only things we need to be afraid of are our own sins and laziness. —Oliver Cromwell. —Oliver Cromwell. Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear, Sun of my soul, dear Savior, It is not night if thou be near; It’s not night when you’re near; O may no earthborn cloud arise O may no earthly cloud appear To hide thee from thy servants' eyes. To keep you hidden from your servants' view. —John Keble. —John Keble. For Jehovah God is a sun and a shield: For Jehovah God is like a sun and a shield: Jehovah will give grace and glory; Jehovah will grant grace and glory; No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. He won’t hold back any good thing from those who live righteously. —Psalm 84. 11. —Psalm 84:11. My Father, may I not err in choosing thy benefits, nor fail from the neglect to use them. Make me appreciative of all thy gifts, and, through thy wisdom and power, may I find the best use for them. Amen. My Father, please help me choose your gifts wisely and not neglect to use them. Teach me to appreciate all that you give, and through your wisdom and power, may I discover the best way to use them. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-SIXTH
How strange a chequer-work of Providence is the life of man! and by what secret different springs are the affections hurried about, as different circumstances present! To-day we love what to-morrow we hate; to-day we seek what to-morrow we shun; to-day we desire what to-morrow we fear; nay, even tremble at the apprehension of. How strange is the patchwork of fate in a person's life! And by what hidden forces are our feelings turned upside down as different situations arise! Today we love what we will hate tomorrow; today we pursue what we will avoid tomorrow; today we crave what we will dread tomorrow; indeed, we even shake at the thought of it. —Daniel Defoe. —Daniel Defoe. Now don't do nothin' which isn't your Fort, for ef you do you'll find yourself splashin' round in the Kanawl, figgeratively speakin'. Now don't do anything that's not your strong suit, because if you do, you'll end up splashing around in the canal, figuratively speaking. —Artemus Ward. —Artemus Ward. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord. And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all. Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve, and the same Lord. There are different activities, but the same God, who works everything in everyone. —1 Corinthians 12. 4-6. —1 Corinthians 12:4-6. Lord forbid that I should fear to change for the better or be so pleased with myself and the things which surround me that I feel no need for a higher life. Make me dissatisfied if I am not trying to grow in truth and to live in noble deeds. Amen. Lord forbid that I should be afraid to change for the better or be so satisfied with myself and my surroundings that I see no need for a higher purpose. Make me uncomfortable if I'm not striving to grow in truth and live a life of noble actions. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-SEVENTH
People who are dishonest, or rash, or stupid will inevitably suffer the penalties of dishonesty, or rashness, or stupidity. People who are dishonest, reckless, or foolish will eventually face the consequences of their dishonesty, recklessness, or foolishness. —Herbert Spencer. —Herbert Spencer. Abide in the simple and noble regions of thy life; obey thy heart. Stay true to the simple and noble parts of your life; follow your heart. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Well, then, we must cut our way out. Well, then, we have to find a way to cut our way out. —General Grant. —General Grant. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that you can stand firm on the evil day, and after you have done everything, to stand firm. —Ephesians 6. 13. —Ephesians 6:13. Loving Father, help me to live a simple and noble life. Grant that I may have the blessedness that comes through peace, and escape the misery that comes from cruelty and untruth. Through my life may what I reap show that I have been careful in choosing and cultivating what I have sown. Amen. Loving Father, help me live a simple and noble life. Grant me the peace that brings true happiness and help me avoid the misery that comes from cruelty and dishonesty. May my life reflect the care I've taken in choosing and nurturing what I have sown. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-EIGHTH
During a long life I have proved that not one kind word ever spoken, not one kind deed ever done, but sooner or later returns to bless the giver, and becomes a chain, binding men with golden bands to the throne of God. During my long life, I have shown that not a single kind word ever spoken, not a single kind deed ever done, will fail to return and bless the giver sooner or later, creating a chain that connects people with golden links to the throne of God. —Earl of Shaftesbury. —Earl of Shaftesbury. There's many a time when the bitterest thing There have been many times when the most bitter thing Is said without reason, and God knows It's said without reason, and God knows The courage it takes to suffer the sting, The bravery it requires to endure the pain, By hiding the wounds that the heart shows. By concealing the scars that the heart reveals. There's many a sob we bravely keep down There are many tears we bravely hold back. For the sake of old times revered so, For the sake of the cherished old times, There's many a head with thorns for a crown There are many people who wear crowns made of thorns. Where kisses would soon make the heart glow. Where kisses would soon make the heart shine. —Edwin Leibfreed. —Edwin Leibfreed. So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; Then you will understand that wisdom is essential for your soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, If you have found it, then there will be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off. Your hope will not be taken away. —Proverbs 24. 14. —Proverbs 24:14. My Father, if I am to-day without happiness, may I go in search of it. Help me to remember that the will thou hast given me to overcome evil with good I may use to overcome misery with happiness. Make me careful that I may not be trapped by selfishness as I look for joy. May I delight in the sweet sensations that are felt in having consideration for others, and may I make kindness a daily habit. Amen. My Father, if I’m not happy today, let me go look for it. Help me remember that the will you’ve given me to overcome evil with good can also be used to overcome misery with happiness. Keep me from being trapped by selfishness while I seek joy. May I find joy in the nice feelings that come from caring for others, and may I make kindness a part of my everyday life. Amen. APRIL TWENTY-NINTH
Never yet was a springtime, Never was a springtime yet, Late though lingered the snow, Late the snow lingered, That the sap stirred not at the whisper That the sap didn’t move at the whisper Of the south wind, sweet and low; Of the gentle south wind, soft and quiet; Never yet was a springtime Never was there a springtime yet When the buds forgot to blow. When the buds forgot to bloom. Ever the wings of the summer Always the wings of summer Are folded under the mold; Are folded under the mold; Life that has known no dying, Life that has never experienced death, Is Love's, to have and to hold, Is Love's, to have and to hold, Till, sudden, the burgeoning Easter! Until, suddenly, Easter arrives! —Margaret E. Sangster. —Margaret E. Sangster. In tracing the shade, I shall find out the sun. In following the shade, I will discover the sun. —Owen Meredith. —Owen Meredith. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. All discipline feels painful at the moment, not joyful; however, later it produces a harvest of peace for those who have been trained by it, the harvest of righteousness. —Hebrews 12. 11. —Hebrews 12:11. Almighty God, grant that as the fulfillment of the green comes to the withered grass, so thy restoring may come to me with the glory of life that comes in the resurrection of the soul. I trust thee to bring me out of winter's seal, that I may help make the spring. Amen. Almighty God, please allow that as the green fulfills the lifeless grass, your restoration may come to me with the glory of life that comes in the resurrection of the soul. I trust you to bring me out of winter's grasp, so that I can help bring about the spring. Amen. APRIL THIRTIETH
We scatter seeds with careless hands, We scatter seeds with reckless hands, And dream we ne'er shall see them more; And we’ll never see them again; But for a thousand years But for a thousand years Their fruit appears Their fruit shows up In weeds that mar the land. In weeds that spoil the land. —John Keble —John Keble And there came up a sweet perfume And a sweet scent arose From the unseen flowers below, From the hidden flowers below, Like the savor of virtuous deeds, Like the taste of good deeds, Of deeds done long ago. Of actions taken long ago. —Mrs. Southey. —Mrs. Southey. Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. Mary took a pound of pure nard ointment, which was very expensive, and anointed Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. —John 12. 3. —John 12:3 My Father, I pray that it may be mine to have the recollection of happy deeds, and not the memory of unkept promises. Help me to remember that one act is worth a thousand intentions, and that memory is the storehouse that supplies old age. Make me careful of my memory, that it may not be burdened. Amen. My Father, I pray that I can remember happy moments rather than broken promises. Help me to realize that one action is worth a thousand intentions, and that memory is what carries us into old age. Make me mindful of my memories so that they aren’t weighed down. Amen. MAY
I cannot see what flowers are at my feet, I can't see what flowers are at my feet, Nor what soft incense hangs upon the boughs, Nor what gentle fragrance lingers on the branches, But, in the embalmed darkness, guess each sweet But in the preserved darkness, guess each sweet Wherewith the seasonable month endows With what the season brings The grass, the thicket, and the fruit tree wild; The grass, the bushes, and the wild fruit tree; White hawthorn, and the pastoral eglantine; White hawthorn and the wild rose; Fast-fading violets covered up in leaves; Quickly wilting violets hidden beneath leaves; And mid-May's wildest child, And mid-May's wildest spirit, The coming musk-rose, full of dewy wine, The upcoming musk-rose, filled with dewy wine, The murmurous haunt of flies on summer eves. The quiet buzz of flies on summer evenings. —John Keats. —John Keats. Such a starved bank of moss Such a deprived patch of moss Till that May morn, Until that May morning, Blue ran the flash across: Blue flashed the light across: Violets were born. Violets were created. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. MAY FIRST
If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius. If you want to succeed in life, consider perseverance your close friend, experience your wise advisor, caution your older sibling, and hope your guiding spirit. —Joseph Addison. —Joseph Addison. He who plants a tree, he plants love; Whoever plants a tree, plants love; Tents of coolness spreading out above Tents of coolness spreading out overhead Wayfarers, he may not live to see. Travelers, he might not live to see. Gifts that grow are best; Gifts that grow are the best; Hands that bless are blest; Blessed hands bless others; Plant-life does the rest! Plants do the rest! Heaven and earth help him who plants a tree, Heaven and earth help those who plant a tree, And his work his own reward shall be. And his work will be its own reward. —Lucy Larcom. —Lucy Larcom. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, That produces its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; Whose leaf also does not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Everything he does will succeed. —Psalm 1. 3. —Psalm 1:3. My Creator, give me joyful eyes for joyful nature. May I be alive to the gentle influences of a May day which bring new experiences to all who may receive them: and may I serve thee by unfolding to others the love of truth, the love of good, and the love of beauty. Amen. My Creator, grant me happy eyes to appreciate the beauty of nature. Let me be open to the gentle vibes of a May day that bring fresh experiences to everyone who is receptive: and may I serve you by sharing with others the love of truth, the love of goodness, and the love of beauty. Amen. MAY SECOND
Without a false humility; Without false modesty; For this is love's nobility,— For this is love's greatness,— Not to scatter bread and gold, Not to waste bread and gold, Goods and raiment bought and sold; Goods and clothing bought and sold; But to hold fast his simple sense, But to stay true to his straightforward perspective, And speak the speech of innocence, And talk with the voice of innocence, And with hand and body and blood, And with hands, body, and blood, To make his bosom-counsel good. To be a good confidant. He that feeds man serveth few; The person who feeds others serves only a small number; He serves all who dares be true. He serves everyone who dares to be true. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Small service is true service while it lasts: Small acts of service are genuine service while they continue: Of humblest friends scorn not one: Do not look down on even the humblest of friends: The daisy, by the shadow it casts, The daisy, by the shadow it creates, Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun. Shields the remaining dewdrop from the sun. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Surely then you will lift up your face without any blemish; Yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. Yes, you will be strong and will not be afraid. —Job 11. 15. —Job 11:15. Heavenly Father, I would be thankful for the blessings I am inclined to forget. Give me a heart of gratitude, and forbid that I should hold my friends for material gain or selfish ends. May I through the truthfulness of my lips, and the honor of my acts, be a necessary friend. Amen. Heavenly Father, I would be grateful for the blessings I tend to overlook. Give me a heart full of gratitude, and help me not to view my friends as a means for material gain or selfish purposes. May my honesty in what I say and the integrity of my actions make me a true friend. Amen. MAY THIRD
The longing for ignoble things; The desire for unworthy things; The strife for triumph more than truth; The struggle for victory over honesty; The hardening of the heart that brings The hardening of the heart that leads to Irreverence for the dreams of youth; Disrespect for the dreams of young people; All these must first be trampled down All of these must first be stomped on. Beneath our feet, if we would gain Under our feet, if we want to gain In the bright fields of fair renown In the bright fields of great fame The right of eminent domain. Eminent domain rights. —John Keble. —John Keble. One lesson, and only one, history may be said to repeat with distinctness; that the world is built somehow on moral foundations; that in the long run, it is well with the good; in the long run it is ill with the wicked. One lesson, and only one, history can be said to repeat clearly: the world is somehow built on moral foundations; that in the end, things go well for the good; and in the end, things go poorly for the wicked. —James Anthony Froude. —James Anthony Froude. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully. No soldier on duty gets involved in the matters of everyday life, so he can please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. And if a man competes in the games, he doesn't receive a crown unless he competes according to the rules. —2 Timothy 2. 4, 5. —2 Timothy 2:4-5. Gracious Father, may my heart be mindful of thee, that I may discover the truth and possess it. Steady me in my affections and save me from wandering impulses; and may I help to put wrong down and uplift humanity. Amen. Gracious Father, may my heart be aware of you, so I can find the truth and hold onto it. Strengthen my feelings and keep me from getting distracted; help me to stop wrongdoings and uplift humanity. Amen. MAY FOURTH
The chess board is the world, the pieces are the phenomena of the universe, the rules of the game we call the laws of nature. My metaphor will remind some of you of the famous picture in which Retzsch has depicted Satan playing chess with man for his soul. Substitute for the mocking fiend in that picture a calm, strong angel, who is playing "for love," as we say, and would rather lose than win, and I should accept it as an image of human life. The chessboard represents the world, the pieces symbolize the phenomena of the universe, and the rules of the game are what we refer to as the laws of nature. My metaphor might remind some of you of the well-known image where Retzsch illustrates Satan playing chess with a man for his soul. Instead of the mocking devil in that picture, imagine a calm, strong angel who is playing "for love," as we say, and would prefer to lose rather than win; I would see that as a representation of human life. —Thomas Henry Huxley. —Thomas Henry Huxley. Riches and nobility fade together. O, my God! be thou praised for having made love for all time, and immortal as thyself. Riches and nobility fade away together. Oh my God! Praise be to you for creating love to last forever, just as you are immortal. —George Sand. —George Sand. He hath given food unto them that fear him: He has provided food for those who fear him: He will ever be mindful of his covenant. He will always remember his agreement. The works of his hands are truth and justice; The things he creates are true and just; All his precepts are sure. All his guidelines are reliable. —Psalm 111. 5, 7. —Psalm 111:5, 7. Father of life, I know I cannot hold youth. I may have prosperity or poverty. I thank thee that thou hast taught me that love may be kept changeless through all. Amen. Father of life, I know I can't hold onto my youth. I might experience wealth or poverty. I’m grateful that you’ve taught me that love can remain constant through it all. Amen. MAY FIFTH
As I stand by the cross, on the lone mountain's crest, As I stand by the cross, on the peak of the solitary mountain, Looking over the ultimate sea, Gazing at the vast ocean, In the gloom of the mountain a ship lies at rest, In the shadows of the mountain, a ship is at anchor, And one sails away from the lea; And one sails away from the shelter; One spreads its white wings on the far-reaching track, One spreads its white wings on the vast path, With pennant and sheet flowing free; With the flag and sail billowing freely; One hides in the shadow with sails laid aback— One hides in the shadows with sails unfurled backwards— The ship that is waiting for me. The ship that's waiting for me. But lo! in the distance the clouds break away, But look! In the distance, the clouds are clearing away, The gate's glowing portals I see, I see the shining gates. And I hear from the outgoing ship in the bay And I hear from the departing ship in the bay The song of the sailors in glee. The sailors' joyful song. So I think of the luminous footprints that bore So I think about the bright footprints that carried The comfort o'er dark Galilee, The comfort over dark Galilee, And wait for the signal to go to the shore And wait for the signal to head to the shore To the ship that is waiting for me. To the ship that’s waiting for me. —Bret Harte. —Bret Harte. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. —Psalm 23. 4. —Psalm 23:4. Eternal God, I praise thee, that "thy love is broader than the measure of man's mind," and that through all my years I may hide myself in thee, trusting thee to the end. Amen. Eternal God, I praise you that "your love is broader than the measure of man's mind," and that throughout all my years I may find refuge in you, trusting you until the end. Amen. MAY SIXTH
Hard ye may be in the tumult, You might struggle in the chaos, Red to your battle hilts; Red to your battle grips; Blow give blow in the foray, Hit for hit in the battle, Cunningly ride in the tilts. Skillfully ride in the tournaments. But tenderly, unbeguiled— But gently, unfooled— Turn to a woman a woman's Turn to a woman, a woman's Heart, and a child's to a child. Heart, and a child's heart to another child. Test of the man if his worth be Test the man to see if he is worthy. In accord with the ultimate plan In line with the overall plan That he be not, to his marring, That he doesn't ruin himself, Always and utterly man. Always and totally man. That he may bring out of the tumult, So that he can bring out of the chaos, Fetter and undefiled, Fettered and untainted, To woman the heart of a woman— To capture a woman's heart— —O. Henry. —O. Henry. A man's concern is only whether in doing anything he is doing right or wrong—acting the part of a good man or a bad. A man’s only concern is whether what he’s doing is right or wrong—whether he’s acting like a good person or a bad one. —Plato. —Plato. A faithful man shall abound with blessings. A loyal person will be filled with blessings. —Proverbs 28. 20. —Proverbs 28:20. Almighty God, I pray that I may seek sincerely those whom I approach with sympathy, and by my honor may they feel the same sincerity for me. Amen. Almighty God, I pray that I may genuinely seek those I approach with kindness, and may my respect inspire the same sincerity in them towards me. Amen. MAY SEVENTH
So, take and use thy work: amend what flaws may lurk, So go ahead and use your work: fix any flaws that might be there, What strain o' the stuff, what warpings past the aim! What a twist of fate, what deviations from the goal! My times be in Thy hand! perfect the cup as planned! My times are in Your hands! Complete the cup as intended! Let age approve of youth, and death complete the same! Let age approve of youth, and let death finalize it! —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. No matter how often defeated, you are born to victory. The reward of a thing well done is to have done it. No matter how many times you get knocked down, you're destined to succeed. The reward for doing something well is simply having done it. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. When I hear a young man spoken of as giving promise of high genius, the first question I ask about him is always—Does he work? When I hear someone refer to a young man as having the potential for great genius, the first thing I always ask about him is—Does he put in the effort? —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. You should be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5. 48. —Matthew 5:48. O God, I pray that thou wilt search me, and in the silent moments show me myself without obstruction. Breathe upon me thy awakening breath, that I may be revived to nobler activities. Amen. O God, I pray that you will search me and, in the quiet moments, show me who I truly am without any barriers. Breathe your renewing breath upon me, so that I may be inspired to pursue greater things. Amen. MAY EIGHTH
A profound conviction raises a man above the feeling of ridicule. A strong belief lifts a person above the feeling of being mocked. —John Stuart Mill. —John Stuart Mill. A garden is a lonesome thing, God wot! A garden is a lonely thing, that’s for sure! Rose plot, Rose chart, Fringed pool, Fringed pool, Ferned grot— Ferned grot— The veriest school The very best school Of peace; and yet the fool Of peace; and yet the fool Contends that God is not— Claims that God is not— Not God! in the gardens! when the eve is cool? Not God! in the gardens! when the evening is cool? Nay but I have a sign; No, but I have a sign; 'Tis very sure God walks in mine. It's very clear that God is with me. —Thomas E. Brown. —Thomas E. Brown. Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee: May Jehovah bless you and protect you: Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: May Jehovah shine His face upon you and be gracious to you: Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. May Jehovah shine His face upon you and grant you peace. —Numbers 6. 24, 25, 26. —Numbers 6:24-26. My Father, may this be a day of usefulness. Make me sure of myself, that I may not spend my days in questioning, but accept with gratefulness thy love and tender care. Make me worthy to be called thy child. Amen. My Father, let today be a day of purpose. Help me feel confident in myself, so I won't waste my days doubting, but instead embrace your love and gentle care with gratitude. Make me deserving of being called your child. Amen. MAY NINTH
Have love! not love alone for one, Have love! Not just love for one, But man as man thy brother call: But as a human, call your brother: And scatter like the circling sun And spread out like the surrounding sun Thy charities on all. Your charities for everyone. —Johann Schiller. —Johann Schiller. He spoke, and words more soft than rain He spoke, and his words were softer than rain. Brought the Age of Gold again: Brought back the Age of Gold again: His action won such reverence sweet, His action earned such sweet respect, As hid all measure of the feat. As hid all measure of the feat. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. That their hearts might be comforted, they being knit together in love. That their hearts may be comforted, being united in love. —Colossians 2. 2. —Colossians 2:2. Gracious Lord, I pray that I may not only be known to those who are my own, but may I consider all mankind. May those who need me find me through my gentleness, and may they be assured by quiet confidence and faith. Amen. Gracious Lord, I pray that I may not only be known to my own but also to all of humanity. May those who need me discover me through my kindness, and may they feel assured by my calm confidence and faith. Amen. MAY TENTH
For four months and four days I lived with David Livingstone in the same house, or in the same boat, or in the same tent, and I never found a fault in him. I am a man of quick temper, and often without sufficient cause, I dare say, have broken the ties of friendship; but with Livingstone I never had cause for resentment, but each day's life with him added to my admiration for him. For four months and four days, I lived with David Livingstone in the same house, on the same boat, or in the same tent, and I never found anything wrong with him. I'm a hot-tempered guy, and often without much reason, I’ve ended friendships; but with Livingstone, I never had any reason to feel angry. Instead, every day spent with him only made me admire him more. —Sir Henry Stanley. —Sir Henry Stanley. In speech right gentle, yet so wise: princely of mien, In speech, calm and wise; regal in appearance, Yet softly mannered; modest, deferent, Yet softly spoken; modest, respectful, And tender-hearted, though of a fearless blood. And kind-hearted, even though brave by nature. —Edwin Arnold. —Edwin Arnold. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. —Matthew 5. 14. —Matthew 5:14. Almighty God, help me to aspire, that my life may tend toward the ideal. May I be persuaded that I cannot be that which I do not possess, nor can I live in that which I do not know. Help me to put the best in what I do, that I may not feel I have failed, even though it may not seem to be a success. Amen. Almighty God, help me to strive for my best, so my life moves towards the ideal. Let me understand that I can’t be what I don’t have, nor can I live in what I don’t know. Help me to give my all in everything I do, so I don’t feel like I’ve failed, even if it doesn’t look like a success. Amen. MAY ELEVENTH
And methought that beauty and terror are only one, not two; I thought that beauty and terror are really just one thing, not two; And the world has room for love, and death, and thunder and dew; And the world has space for love, death, thunder, and dew; And all the sinews of hell slumber in the summer air; And all the forces of hell lie dormant in the summer air; And the face of God is a rock, but the face of the rock is fair. And God's face is a rock, but the rock's face is beautiful. Beneficent streams of tears flow at the finger of pain; Helpful streams of tears flow from the touch of pain; And out of the cloud that smites, beneficent rivers of rain. And from the stormy cloud, generous streams of rain. —Robert Louis Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. It is more shameful to be distrustful of our friends than to be deceived by them. It's more shameful to distrust our friends than to be fooled by them. —La Rochefoucauld. —La Rochefoucauld. Thou shalt rejoice in all the good which Jehovah thy God hath given unto thee. You should celebrate all the good that the Lord your God has given you. —Deuteronomy 26. 11. —Deuteronomy 26:11 Lord God, may I comprehend the sacredness of friendship. I thank thee for my friends, and for all the beautiful influences which they bring to my life. May I never hold friendship without the sincerity to return it. Correct my faults, and cause me to learn the secret of cheerful endurance, that I may be steadfast. Amen. Lord God, help me understand the importance of friendship. I’m grateful for my friends and for all the positive influences they bring into my life. May I never take friendship for granted and always be sincere in my responses. Fix my mistakes and teach me the secret of staying positive through challenges, so I can be unwavering. Amen. MAY TWELFTH
Look in my face; my name is Might-have-been; Look at my face; my name is Might-have-been; I am also called No-more, Too-late, Farewell; I’m also known as No-more, Too-late, Farewell; Unto thine ear I hold the dead sea-shell I hold the dead sea-shell to your ear. Cast up thy Life's foam-fretted feet between; Cast your life’s foam-flecked feet between; Unto thine eyes the glass where that is seen To your eyes, the glass where that is seen Which had Life's form and Love's, but by my spell Which had the shape of life and love, but by my magic Is now a shaken shadow intolerable, Is now a shaken shadow unbearable, Of ultimate things unuttered the frail screen. Of ultimate things unspoken, the delicate screen. —Dante Gabriel Rossetti. —Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Let me not pass my work at morn Let me not miss my work in the morning. And then at eve, And then in the evening, Find for what purpose I was born— Discover the reason I was born— Just as I leave. Just as I'm leaving. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. We must do the tasks of the one who sent me while it is still day; night is coming when no one can work. —John 9. 4. —John 9:4 Lord God, I do earnestly pray that thou wilt give me strength to break away, if I may be trying to free myself from habits that mar my character. May I not lose courage and fall back in the old ways, but by faith be led where I should go. Amen. Lord God, I earnestly pray that you give me the strength to break free from habits that damage my character. May I not lose courage and fall back into my old ways, but instead, may my faith guide me to the right path. Amen. MAY THIRTEENTH
I heard a voice in the darkness singing I heard a voice in the darkness singing. (That was a valiant soul I knew), (That was a brave person I knew), And the joy of his song was a wild bird winging And the joy of his song was like a wild bird soaring. Swift to his mate through a sky of blue. Quickly to his partner across a blue sky. And his song was of love and all its bringing And his song was about love and everything it brings. And of certain day when the night was through; And on a certain day when the night was over; I raised my eyes where the hope was springing, I lifted my eyes where hope was beginning to grow, And I think in his heaven God smiled too And I believe that in his heaven, God smiled as well. (That was a valiant soul I knew). (That was a brave person I knew). —J. Stalker. —J. Stalker. The soul aids the body, and at certain moments raises it. It is the only bird which bears upward its own cage. The soul helps the body and, at times, lifts it up. It is the only bird that carries its own cage upward. —Victor Hugo. —Victor Hugo. But desire earnestly the greater gifts. But eagerly seek the greater gifts. —1 Corinthians 12. 31. —1 Corinthians 12:31. Gracious Lord, I rejoice that thou dost know the depths of my soul, and that I may call upon thee to supply its needs. Make me worthy that I may not be kept from the springs of joy where my soul may be refreshed, and where I may gather hope and encouragement for the greater loves of life. Amen. Gracious Lord, I am glad that you understand the depths of my soul, and that I can turn to you to meet its needs. Make me worthy so that I am not kept from the sources of joy where my soul can be renewed, and where I can find hope and encouragement for the greater loves of life. Amen. MAY FOURTEENTH
They that wander at will where the Those who roam freely where the Works of the Lord are revealed, The works of the Lord are revealed, Little guess what joy can be got You wouldn't believe the joy that can be found. From a cowslip out of the field. From a cowslip picked in the field. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Move onward serenely, cast aside regret, cleanse and purify life, only be undismayed and hopeful, as you turn page after page of the revelation of God. Move forward calmly, let go of regret, and cleanse and refresh your life. Just stay undaunted and optimistic as you turn each page of God’s revelation. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Thou wilt show me the path of life: You will show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; In your presence is a fullness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. In your right hand, there are endless pleasures. —Psalm 16. 11. —Psalm 16:11. My Father, I thank thee that nature reveals thy power as she unfolds her beauty and wonder to the searching eye. Guide me that I may see in the little flower the smile of welcome, the look of kindness, and the beauty of hope which it renders to all; and may I learn from it thy protection in the smallest things of life. Amen. My Father, I thank you that nature shows your power as it unfolds its beauty and wonder to the curious eye. Please guide me so that I can see in the small flower a smile of welcome, a look of kindness, and the beauty of hope that it offers to everyone; and may I learn from it your protection in the smallest things in life. Amen. MAY FIFTEENTH
Light human nature is too lightly lost Human nature is too easily lost. And ruffled without cause, complaining on, And annoyed for no reason, continuing to complain, Restless with rest, until being overthrown, Restless even in rest, until being overthrown, It learneth to lie quiet. It learns to lie still. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Was the trial sore? Was the trial tough? Temptation sharp? Thank God a second time! Temptation strong? Thank God again! Why comes temptation but for a man to meet Why does temptation come, if not for a man to face it? And master and make crouch beneath his foot, And make the master crouch beneath his foot, And so be pedestaled in triumph? Pray So, shall we be placed on a pedestal in triumph? Please "Lead us into no such temptations, Lord!" "Don't lead us into any temptations, Lord!" Yea, but, O thou whose servants are the bold, Yeah, but, oh you whose servants are the brave, Lead such temptations by the head and hair, Take charge of such temptations directly, Reluctant dragons, up to who dares fight Unwilling dragons, ready for anyone who dares to fight That so he may do battle and have praise. So he can fight and gain recognition. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. Therefore, we should pay closer attention to what we've heard, so that we don't drift away from it. —Hebrews 2. 1. —Hebrews 2:1. Almighty God, if I am overwhelmed by the tides of temptation and discouragement, let me not drift away to sea, but anchor and take harbor in thee. May I not be afraid to trust in thy protection, but calmly wait and watch for thy deliverance. Amen. Almighty God, if I'm overwhelmed by the waves of temptation and discouragement, help me not drift away but find safety in You. May I not be scared to rely on Your protection, but patiently wait and look for Your rescue. Amen. MAY SIXTEENTH
Favored of Heaven! O Genius! are they thine, Favored by Heaven! Oh Genius! Are they yours, When round thy brow the wreaths of glory shine; When the crowns of glory shine around your head; While rapture gazes on thy radiant way, As joy looks upon your shining path, 'Midst the bright realms of clear mental day? Amidst the bright worlds of clear thinking? No! sacred joys! 'tis yours to dwell enshrined, No! sacred joys! it's your place to remain cherished, Most fondly cherished, in the purest mind. Most dearly loved, in the clearest mind. —Felicia Hemans. —Felicia Hemans. Genius is intensity. Genius is passion. —Honore Balzac. —Honoré de Balzac. But what if I fail of my purpose here? But what if I don't achieve my goal here? It is but to keep the nerves at strain, It’s just to keep the nerves on edge, To dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall, To wipe away tears and laugh at a stumble, And, baffled, get up and begin again— And, feeling confused, get up and start over— So the chase takes up one's life, that's all. So, the pursuit consumes your life, that's all. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Be urgent in season, out of season. Be ready at all times, whether it's the right moment or not. —2 Timothy 4. 2. —2 Timothy 4:2. My Lord, my life makes me conscious of weakness, and my memory brings regret; forgive me for the lost strength I neglected to develop. In thy compassion encourage me to be more watchful of my power, that I may usefully increase it, and not willfully deplete it. May I learn the need of constancy in well-doing. Amen. My Lord, my life reminds me of my weaknesses, and my memories bring regret; forgive me for the strength I failed to nurture. In Your compassion, help me be more mindful of my abilities, so I can effectively grow them instead of wasting them. May I understand the importance of being steady in doing good. Amen. MAY SEVENTEENTH
The weakest among us has a gift, however seemingly trivial, which is peculiar to him, and which worthily used, will be a gift to his race forever. The weakest among us has a unique gift, no matter how small it seems, that belongs to him alone, and if used wisely, will be a lasting benefit to humanity. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Not in entire forgetfulness, Not completely forgotten, And not in utter nakedness, And not in complete nudity, But trailing clouds of glory do we come But we come with trailing clouds of glory From God who is our home. From God, who is our home. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. A weak mind sinks under prosperity as well as under adversity. A strong and deep mind has two highest tides—when the moon is at full, and when there is no moon. A weak mind struggles both in good times and bad. A strong and deep mind experiences its greatest highs during two moments—when the moon is full and when there’s no moon at all. —Julius Hare. —Julius Hare. Thou hast granted me life and lovingkindness; And thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. You have given me life and kindness; and your presence has kept my spirit alive. —Job 10. 12. —Job 10:12. Almighty God, I pray that I may have a true appreciation of the quality of life. Reveal to me my responsibilities and help me to make them my opportunities. Keep me in search of thoughts and deeds that will increase the delight of my soul. Amen. Almighty God, I pray that I can truly value the quality of life. Show me my responsibilities and help me turn them into opportunities. Keep me looking for thoughts and actions that will bring joy to my soul. Amen. MAY EIGHTEENTH
Longing is God's fresh heavenward will, Longing is God's new desire for us to reach towards heaven, With our poor earthly striving; With our struggling on Earth; We quench it, that we may be still We satisfy it so we can be at peace. Content with merely living. Content with just existing. But would we learn that heart's full scope But would we understand the full depth of the heart Which we are hourly wronging, Which we are constantly wronging, Our lives must climb from hope to hope, We must rise from hope to hope in our lives, And realize our longing. And acknowledge our longing. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. Pretexts are not wanted when one wishes a thing. Pretexts aren't needed when someone really wants something. —Goldoni. —Goldoni. Friendship is for all aid and comfort through all the relations of life and death—for serene days and graceful gifts and country rambles; but also for rough roads, and hard fare, shipwreck, poverty, and persecution. Friendship is for support and comfort through all aspects of life and death—for peaceful days, thoughtful gifts, and walks in the countryside; but also for tough times, difficult circumstances, shipwrecks, poverty, and persecution. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Strive to enter in by the narrow door. Strive to enter through the narrow door. —Luke 13. 24. —Luke 13:24. Eternal God, I pray that thou wilt graciously restore my spirits if I may have settled into despondency over my disappointments. May I have the will to rise above them, and patiently strive for renewed hope. Amen. Eternal God, I pray that you will kindly restore my spirits if I have fallen into sadness over my disappointments. May I have the will to overcome them and patiently work towards renewed hope. Amen. MAY NINETEENTH
Tired! Well, what of that? Tired! So what? Didst fancy life was spent on beds of ease, Did you think life was spent on beds of ease, Fluttering the rose-leaves scattered by the breeze? Fluttering the rose petals scattered by the breeze? Come! rouse thee, work while it is called to-day! Come! Wake up, and work while it's still today! Coward, arise—go forth upon the way! Coward, get up—step out onto the path! Lonely! And what of that? Lonely! So what about that? Some one must be lonely; 'tis not given to all Someone must be lonely; it's not something everyone experiences. To feel a heart responsive rise and fall, To feel a heart beat in a calming rhythm, To blend another life into its own; To incorporate another life into its own; Work may be done in loneliness; work on. You can work in solitude; just keep going. Dark! Well, what of that? Dark! So, what's the deal? Didst fondly dream the sun would never set? Did you dream that the sun would never set? Dost fear to lose thy way? Take courage yet, Are you afraid of losing your way? Be brave still, Learn thou to walk by faith and not by sight, Learn to walk by faith and not by sight, Thy steps will be guided, and guided right. Your steps will be directed, and directed correctly. —Unknown. —Unknown. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. And let’s not get tired of doing good, because at the right time we’ll reap the rewards if we don’t give up. —Galatians 6. 9. —Galatians 6:9 My Father, if thou wert far off I could not reach thee in time, for I falter so much and need thee so often. I pray that thou wilt keep so near that I can feel thy love and strength breathing within me. Amen. My Father, if you were far away, I couldn't reach you in time, because I hesitate so much and need you so often. I pray that you will stay so close that I can feel your love and strength within me. Amen. MAY TWENTIETH
Nature has written a letter of credit upon some men's faces which is honored wherever presented. You cannot help trusting such men; their very presence gives confidence. There is a "promise to pay" in their faces which gives confidence, and you prefer it to another man's indorsement. Character is credit. Nature has put a stamp of approval on some men’s faces that is recognized wherever they go. You can’t help but trust these men; just having them around makes you feel reassured. Their faces carry a "promise to pay" that inspires confidence, and you value that more than any endorsement from someone else. Character is credit. —William M. Thackeray. —William M. Thackeray. Henry Drummond has told us how in the heart of Africa he came across men and women who remembered the only white man they ever saw before—David Livingstone; and as you cross his footsteps in the dark continent men's faces light up as they speak of the kind doctor who passed there years ago. They could not understand him; but they felt the love that beat in his heart. Henry Drummond shared that in the heart of Africa, he met men and women who remembered the only white man they had ever seen before—David Livingstone. As you follow in his footsteps across the dark continent, people's faces light up when they talk about the kind doctor who came through years ago. They couldn't understand him, but they felt the love that filled his heart. Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it through his good life and deeds done in humility and wisdom. —James 3. 13. —James 3:13. My Lord, inspire me with kind words and thoughtful deeds, that I may share the yearnings and sympathy of others. May my life show that I am dependable, and may none be left lonely to-day because of my forgetfulness. Amen. My Lord, fill me with kind words and meaningful actions, so I can connect with the hopes and feelings of others. May my life demonstrate that I can be relied upon, and may no one be left feeling lonely today because I forgot about them. Amen. MAY TWENTY-FIRST
Self-love but serves the virtuous mind to wake Self-love, but it helps the virtuous mind awaken. As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake; As the small pebble disturbs the calm lake; The center moved, a circle straight succeeds, The center shifted, a straight line follows a circle, Another still, and still another spreads; Another one remains, and yet another extends; Friend, parent, neighbor, first it will embrace, Friend, parent, neighbor, it will first embrace, Its country next, and next, the human race. It's country next, and then, the human race. —Alexander Pope. —Alexander Pope. A gentleman is one who understands and shows every mark of deference to the claim of self-love in others, and exacts it in return from them. A gentleman is someone who recognizes and demonstrates respect for others' need for self-esteem and expects the same respect back from them. —William Hazlitt. —William Hazlitt. But he knoweth the way that I take; But he knows the way I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. When he has tested me, I will come out like gold. My foot hath held fast to his steps; My foot has stayed on his path; His way have I kept, and turned not aside. I have stayed on my path and not strayed. —Job 23. 10. —Job 23:10. Lord God, teach me how secret actions make or destroy my life. Show me the deep lines made by sorrow and discontent that cannot be effaced. May I look toward the corrections of life and not on my imperfections, that my life may be a helpful influence. Amen. Lord God, teach me how hidden actions can create or ruin my life. Show me the deep marks left by sadness and dissatisfaction that can’t be erased. Help me focus on the lessons of life instead of my flaws, so that my life can have a positive impact. Amen. MAY TWENTY-SECOND
Who cares for the burden, the night, and the rain, Who cares about the burden, the night, and the rain, And the long, steep, lonesome road, And the long, steep, lonely road, When at last through the darkness a light shines plain, When, at last, a light clearly shines through the darkness, When a voice calls "Hail," and a friend draws rein, When someone calls out "Hail," and a friend pulls up their horse, With an arm for the stubborn load? With a hand for the stubborn load? For life is the chance of a friend or two For life is the opportunity for a friend or two This side of the journey's goal. This part of the journey's objective. Though the world be a desert the long night through, Even if the world is a desert throughout the long night, Yet the gay flowers bloom and the sky shows blue Yet the vibrant flowers blossom and the sky is blue When a soul salutes a soul. When one soul greets another soul. —Unknown. —Unknown. In all misfortune the greatest consolation is a sympathizing friend. In all misfortune, the best comfort is a friend who understands. —Cervantes. —Cervantes. They help every one his neighbor; and every one saith to his brother, Be of good courage. They help everyone their neighbor; and everyone says to their brother, Be brave. —Isaiah 41. 6. —Isaiah 41:6 Loving Father, may I lay hold upon the highest standards of friendship and so be qualified to be a friend. May those who call and lean on me feel secure in my support. May none ever be ashamed to call me friend. Grant that those whom I love may keep faith with me. Amen. Loving Father, help me to uphold the highest standards of friendship so that I can be a true friend. May those who reach out to me feel confident in my support. May no one ever be embarrassed to call me their friend. Please allow those I care about to remain loyal to me. Amen. MAY TWENTY-THIRD
Chance cannot touch me! Time cannot hush me! Fate can't affect me! Time can't silence me! Fear, Hope, and longing, at strife; Fear, hope, and longing are in conflict; Sink as I rise, on, on, upward forever, Sink as I rise, on, on, upward endlessly, Gathering strength, gaining breath— Building strength, catching breath— Naught can sever Nothing can break Me from the Spirit of Life. Me from the Spirit of Life. —Margaret Fuller. —Margaret Fuller. But evil is wrought by want of thought, as well as want of heart. But evil happens because of lack of thought, just as much as lack of compassion. —Thomas Hood. —Thomas Hood. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. For I believe that the hardships we face right now aren't even close to the glory that will be revealed to us. —Romans 8. 18. —Romans 8:18. Heavenly Father, cause the newness of life to continue to flow through my heart, that I may not be fatigued, as I struggle with discouragements. Release me from hopeless cares that I have made mine, thinking they were thine. May I trust in the boundless limit of thy mercy, and rejoice in the world of living light. Amen. Heavenly Father, let the freshness of life keep flowing through my heart, so I don't get worn out while facing discouragement. Free me from the burdens of worry that I took on, believing they were Yours. Help me to trust in the endlessness of Your mercy and find joy in the realm of living light. Amen. MAY TWENTY-FOURTH
I see my way as birds their trackless way. I see my path like birds see their endless routes. I shall arrive! what time, what circuit first, I'll be there! What time and which route should I take first? I ask not: but unless God send his hail I don’t ask for it: but unless God sends his hail Or blinding fireballs, sleet, or stifling snow, Or blinding fireballs, sleet, or heavy snow, In some time, his good time, I shall arrive: In due time, at his convenience, I will arrive: He guides me and the bird. He guides me and the bird. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. To live in the presence of great truths and eternal laws—that is what keeps a man patient when the world ignores him, and calm and unspoiled when the world praises him. To live surrounded by profound truths and timeless principles—that's what helps a person stay patient when the world overlooks them, and composed and unaffected when the world applauds them. —Honore Balzac. —Honoré de Balzac. But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe. But whoever puts their trust in the Lord will be safe. —Proverbs 29. 25. —Proverbs 29:25. Lord Jehovah, all goodness, tenderness, and forbearance that are in my life have come from thee. May I not lose them in self, but by them make possible happiness and endurance for others. Amen. Lord Jehovah, all the goodness, kindness, and patience in my life have come from you. I hope I don’t lose them in my own self, but rather use them to bring happiness and support to others. Amen. MAY TWENTY-FIFTH
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun? Have you named all the birds without a gun? Loved the wild rose, and left it on the stalk? Did you love the wild rose and leave it on the stem? At rich men's tables eaten bread and pulse? Do wealthy people eat bread and beans at their tables? Unarmed faced danger with a heart of trust? Unarmed, they faced danger with a trusting heart? And loved so well a high behavior, And loved such a noble way of behaving, In man or maid, that thou from speech refrained, Whether in man or woman, you held back from speaking, Nobility more noble to repay? Nobility should repay more nobly? O, be my friend and teach me to be thine! Oh, be my friend and show me how to be yours! —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. What the superior man seeks is in himself; What the superior person seeks is within themselves; What the small man seeks is in others. What the small man wants is found in others. —Confucius. —Confucius. Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; Don't befriend someone who has a quick temper; And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go. Don't associate with an angry person. —Proverbs 22. 24. —Proverbs 22:24. Lord God, may I live for the pure and upright, and have the blessedness of a rejoicing heart. May I yearn for the secrets of nature. Grant that my life may not seek destruction, but tenderly find and protect life. Amen. Lord God, may I live for what is pure and honest, and enjoy the happiness of a joyful heart. May I long for the mysteries of nature. Help me to not seek destruction, but to gently seek out and protect life. Amen. MAY TWENTY-SIXTH
Let us disengage ourselves from care about the passing things of time; let us soar above our worldly possessions. The bee does not less need its wings when it has gathered an abundant store, for if it sink in the honey, it dies. Let’s free ourselves from worrying about the fleeting things in life; let’s rise above our material belongings. The bee still needs its wings even after collecting a lot of honey, because if it gets stuck in the honey, it will die. —Saint Augustine. —Saint Augustine. Perhaps if we could penetrate nature's secrets, we should find that what we call needs are more essential to the well-being of the world than the most precious grain or fruit. Perhaps if we could uncover nature's secrets, we would discover that what we call needs are more vital to the well-being of the world than the most valuable grain or fruit. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. We trust the Lord in faith serene, We trust the Lord with calm faith, A ladder he hath given; A ladder he has given; The lower rounds in earth are seen, The lower levels of the earth are visible, The higher reach to heaven. The higher reach to heaven. —Thomas Brevior. —Thomas Brevior. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? —Matthew 6. 25. —Matthew 6:25. Almighty God, I bless thee for the privilege of a great life. May I not be satisfied to rest with idle hands in youth and make age regretful because I have lived a useless life: but with a clear eye and an exalted mind may I choose the "durable satisfactions" that may be mine. Amen. Almighty God, I thank you for the gift of a wonderful life. May I not be content to sit idly in my youth and later regret my wasted years: instead, with clarity and ambition, may I pursue the "lasting satisfactions" that are within my reach. Amen. MAY TWENTY-SEVENTH
To your judgments give ye not the reins Don't give control to your judgments. With too much eagerness, like him who ere With too much eagerness, like someone who before The corn be ripe, is fain to count the grains: The corn is ripe and is eager to count the grains: For I have seen the briar through the winter snows For I have seen the brambles through the winter snow. Look sharp and stiff—yet on a future day Look sharp and formal—but on a future day High on its summit bear the tender rose: At its peak, the delicate rose blooms: And ship I've seen, that through the storm hath passed, And I've seen a ship that has sailed through the storm, Securely bounding o'er the watery way, Safely crossing over the water, At entrance of the harbor wrecked at last. Finally wrecked at the entrance of the harbor. —Dante, translated by Wright. —Dante, translated by Wright. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: With a glory in his heart that transforms you and me: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make them free, As he died to make people holy, let us die to set them free, While God is marching on. While God is moving forward. —Julia Ward Howe. —Julia Ward Howe. Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding. And don't rely on your own understanding. —Proverbs 3. 5. —Proverbs 3:5. Lord God, help me to know my ability, that I may not attempt with weakness that which requires strength to undertake; and make me stable that I may not relax vigilance even though victory seems assured. Amen. Lord God, help me understand my abilities so I don't try to take on tasks that need more strength than I have; and keep me steady so I don't lose focus, even when victory seems certain. Amen. MAY TWENTY-EIGHTH
The bird let loose in eastern skies, The bird flew free in the eastern sky, When hastening fondly home, On my way home, Ne'er stoops to earth her wing, nor flies Never lowers her wing to the ground, nor flies Where idle warblers roam; Where carefree birds roam; But high she shoots through air and light, But she soars high through air and light, Above all low delay, Above all low latency, Where nothing earthly bounds her flight, Where nothing on earth limits her freedom, Nor shadow dims her way. No shadow darkens her path. —Thomas Moore. —Thomas Moore. Remember, the essence of religion is, a heart void of offense toward God and man; not subtle speculative opinions, but an active principle of faith. Remember, the core of religion is a heart free of offense towards God and others; not complicated opinions, but a genuine principle of faith. —William Pitt. —William Pitt. And hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts. And hope doesn't let us down, because God's love has been poured into our hearts. —Romans 5. 5. —Romans 5:5. God of mercy, reveal to me the hallowed life. May I be reminded that, while I may save and keep the dust from things that perish, my life, though unkept and undeveloped, tells in itself the value and need of the most watchful care. Amen. God of mercy, show me the sacred life. Let me remember that, although I can protect and preserve the dust from things that fade away, my life, even if neglected and undeveloped, inherently expresses the importance and necessity of the most attentive care. Amen. MAY TWENTY-NINTH
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death. Is life so valuable or peace so precious that we should buy it with chains and slavery? God forbid. I don't know what path others might choose, but for me, give me liberty or give me death. —Patrick Henry. —Patrick Henry. Though hearts brood o'er the past, our eyes Though hearts dwell on the past, our eyes With smiling features glisten; With sparkling, smiling features; For lo! our day bursts up the skies, For look! our day breaks through the skies, Lean out your souls and listen! Open your hearts and listen! The world is following freedom's way, The world is embracing the path of freedom, And ripening with her sorrow; And growing with her sorrow; Take heart! Who bears the cross to-day Take heart! Who carries the cross today Shall wear the crown to-morrow. Will wear the crown tomorrow. —Gerald Massey. —Gerald Massey. For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. For God didn't give us a spirit of fear; instead, He gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1. 7. —2 Timothy 1:7. Lord God, may I never feel that I have a right to sell thy joys, nor the privilege of giving away my burdens. Grant that I may not forsake my principles, but may I keep the way clear that memory may find an unruffled rest. Amen. Lord God, may I never think I have the right to sell your joys or the privilege of giving away my burdens. Help me to stick to my principles, and keep the path clear so that my memory can find peace. Amen. MAY THIRTIETH
Here is the nation God has builded by our hands. What shall we do with it? Who stands ready to act again and always in the spirit of this day of reunion and hope and patriotic fervor? The day of our country's life has but broadened into morning. Do not put uniforms by. Put the harness of the present on. Lift your eyes to the great tracts of life yet to be conquered in the interest of righteous peace, of that prosperity which lies in a people's hearts and outlasts all wars and errors of men. Here is the nation God has built through our efforts. What should we do with it? Who is ready to take action again and always in the spirit of this day of reunion, hope, and patriotism? The beginning of our country's journey has just entered a new morning. Don't set aside your uniforms. Embrace the challenges of the present. Look up to the vast areas of life yet to be explored in the pursuit of true peace, that prosperity which exists in the hearts of the people and endures beyond all wars and human mistakes. —Woodrow Wilson. —Woodrow Wilson. Cover them over with beautiful flowers: Cover them with beautiful flowers: Deck them with garlands these brothers of ours; Adorn these brothers of ours with garlands; Lying so silent, by night and by day, Lying quietly, both night and day, Sleeping the years of their manhood away; Wasting the years of their youth sleeping away; * * * * * * * * * * Give them the laurels they lost with their life. Give them the honors they lost during their lifetime. —Will Carleton. —Will Carleton. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for their friends. —John 15. 13. —John 15:13. My Father, as I pause this day to think of the brave men and women who have given their lives for the sake of others, may I be thankful for them. May I remember that noble deeds and kind words are never lost, but that self may block the way to justice. O Father, make war to cease! and lead us to victories that are won through peace. Amen. My Father, as I take a moment today to reflect on the courageous men and women who have sacrificed their lives for others, may I express my gratitude for them. May I remember that noble actions and kind words are never forgotten, but that selfishness can hinder justice. O Father, may war come to an end! and guide us to victories achieved through peace. Amen. MAY THIRTY-FIRST
Passage, immediate passage! the blood burns in my veins! Passage, quick passage! My blood is boiling! Away, O soul! hoist instantly the anchor! Away, O soul! Lift the anchor right now! Out the hawser—haul out—shake out every sail! Release the mooring line—pull it out—unfurl every sail! Have we not stood here like trees in the ground long enough? Haven't we been standing here like trees in the ground long enough? Have we not groveled here long enough eating and drinking like mere brutes? Haven't we stooped here for too long, just eating and drinking like animals? Have we not darkened and dazed ourselves with books long enough? Haven't we spent enough time getting lost and confused in books? Sail forth—steer for the deep waters only, Set sail—head for the deep waters only, Reckless, O soul, exploring, I with thee, and thou with me, Recklessly, oh soul, while we explore together, me with you and you with me, For we are bound where mariner has not dared to go, For we are tied to places where sailors have not dared to venture, And we will risk the ship, ourselves and all. And we will put the ship, ourselves, and everything on the line. —Walt Whitman. —Walt Whitman. Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and courageous, don’t be afraid or scared of them: for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you; he won’t let you down or abandon you. —Deuteronomy 31. 6. —Deuteronomy 31:6. My Father, give me joyful courage to squarely face my life. Help me to know that I cannot vanquish life by evading duties, nor encircling myself with indulgences. If I may be blind to my situation, restore my sight that I may make ready a worthy passage with thee. Amen. My Father, give me the strength and courage to face my life head-on. Help me understand that I can't conquer life by avoiding my responsibilities or surrounding myself with distractions. If I'm blind to my situation, restore my vision so I can prepare a worthy journey with you. Amen. JUNE
There lives a glory in these sweet June days There’s a beauty in these lovely June days. Such as I found not in the days gone by, I didn't find anything like this in the past, A kindlier meaning in the unclouded sky, A friendlier meaning in the clear sky, A tenderer whisper in the woodland ways; A softer whisper in the forest paths; And I have understanding of the lays, And I understand the laws, The birds are singing, forasmuch as I The birds are singing because I Have learned how love avails to satisfy Have learned how love helps to fulfill A man's whole heart, and fills his lips with praise. A man's entire heart is filled with praise on his lips. —Percy C. Ainsworth —Percy C. Ainsworth JUNE FIRST
In every act of ours, in every feeling and every volition and every thought, we are conscious of a self which expresses its aims and meanings. Every idea of ours points beyond itself, every volition binds us in decision, and every experience gets meaning by our attitudes. The most immediate task which life demands from us in the understanding of ourselves and of others is, therefore, to interpret our ideas, to draw the consequences of our will, to appreciate the attitudes, to measure them by higher standards. In everything we do, in every feeling, desire, and thought, we are aware of a self that expresses its goals and meanings. Each of our ideas has a purpose beyond itself, every choice commits us to a decision, and every experience gains meaning through our perspectives. The most urgent task that life requires from us in understanding ourselves and others is to interpret our ideas, recognize the implications of our choices, appreciate different perspectives, and evaluate them against higher standards. —Hugo Münsterberg. —Hugo Münsterberg. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And God said, Let’s make humans in our image, like us. —Genesis 1. 26. —Genesis 1:26. My Creator, I pray that I may not only have the desire to know life, but the assurance to live it. Help me to understand that my earthly possessions are not the measure of my life, nor my body the boundary of my living. May I reach for the high standards that are free, without limit, to all. Amen. My Creator, I pray that I may not only want to understand life, but also have the confidence to live it. Help me realize that my material possessions do not define my life, nor does my body limit my existence. May I strive for the lofty ideals that are available, without restriction, to everyone. Amen. JUNE SECOND
In battle or business, whatever the game, In combat or commerce, no matter the challenge, In law or in love, it is ever the same: In law or in love, it's always the same: In the struggle for power, or scramble for pelf, In the fight for power, or pursuit of wealth, Let this be your motto: "Rely on yourself." Make this your motto: "Trust yourself." —John G. Saxe. —John G. Saxe. Labor is necessary to excellence. This is an eternal truth, although vanity cannot be taught to believe or indolence to heed it. Labor is essential for excellence. This is a timeless truth, although vanity can't be taught to accept it and laziness won't pay attention to it. —John Randolph. —John Randolph. But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. But each person should test their own actions, and then they can take pride in themselves without comparing to others. —Galatians 6. 4. —Galatians 6:4 Almighty God, I regret the hours of indiscretion and waste; through thy forgiveness may I have thy help over past wrongs. May I have a deeper conception of a profitable life, that I may hereafter live by it. Amen. Almighty God, I regret the hours spent on poor choices and wasted time; through your forgiveness, may I gain your support over past mistakes. Help me understand a more meaningful life, so I can live by it in the future. Amen. JUNE THIRD
Certainly, let the board be spread and let the bed be dressed for the traveler; but let not the emphasis of hospitality lie in these things. Honor to the house where they are simple to the verge of hardship, so that there the intellect is awake and reads the law of the universe, the soul worships truth and love, honor and courtesy flow into all deeds. Certainly, let the table be set and the bed be made for the traveler; but let’s not focus solely on these acts of hospitality. Respect to the home where simplicity borders on hardship, where the mind is alert and understands the laws of the universe, the spirit honors truth and love, and respect and kindness are evident in all actions. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Kind actions, and good wishes, and pure thoughts Kind actions, good wishes, and pure thoughts No mystery is here: Here is no boon There's no mystery here: There is no benefit. For high—yet not for low: The smoke ascends For the high—yet not for the low: The smoke rises To heaven as lightly from the cottage hearth To heaven as easily from the cottage hearth As from the haughtiest palace. From the grandest palace. —William Wordsworth. —William Wordsworth. Given to hospitality. Welcoming to guests. —Romans 12. 13. —Romans 12:13. Gracious Father, I beseech thee to give me wisdom for kind thoughts and deeds. Teach me true hospitality, that I may be gracious in my own home and appreciative in the home of others. May I not temper my hospitality for certain reasons, but have a genuine welcome for all. Amen. Gracious Father, I ask you to give me wisdom for thoughtful and kind actions. Teach me true hospitality, so I can be welcoming in my own home and appreciative in the homes of others. May I not limit my hospitality for any reason, but instead offer a genuine welcome to everyone. Amen. JUNE FOURTH
This is the gospel of labor—ring it, This is the message of work—spread it, Ye bells of the kirk— The church bells— The Lord of Love came down from above The Lord of Love descended from above To live with the men who work. To live with the men who are working. This is the rose he planted, here This is the rose he planted, right here In the thorn-cursed soil; In the cursed soil; Heaven is blest with perfect rest, but Heaven is blessed with complete peace, but The blessing of earth is toil. The blessing of the earth comes from hard work. —Henry van Dyke —Henry van Dyke No man is born into the world whose work No one is born into the world without their work Is not born with him. There is always work It's not inherent in him. There's always effort involved. And tools to work withal, for those who will; And tools to work with, for those who want to; And blessed are the horny hands of toil. And blessed are the hardworking hands. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest. Six days you shall work, and on the seventh day you shall rest. —Exodus 23. 12. —Exodus 23:12. My Father, I pray for the love of work, and the desire to cultivate life. Stir me, that I may be ambitious. May I not stare at life in an everyday way and forget that others are watching for the surprises. Help me to be considerate and kind in all that I do. Amen. My Father, I pray for a love of work and a desire to nurture life. Inspire me to be ambitious. Let me not view life in a mundane way and forget that others are looking for the unexpected. Help me to be thoughtful and kind in everything I do. Amen. JUNE FIFTH
You think that upon the score of foreknowledge and divining I am infinitely inferior to the swans. When they perceive approaching death they sing more merrily than before, because of the joy they have in going to the God they serve. You believe that when it comes to foreknowledge and prophecy, I'm far less capable than the swans. When they sense death is near, they sing even more joyfully than before, because they take happiness in going to the God they worship. —Socrates. —Socrates. O yet we trust that somehow good Oh, we still believe that somehow good Will be the final goal of ill, The ultimate goal of evil, To pangs of nature, sins of will, To the pains of nature, sins of choice, Defects of doubt, and taints of blood; Flaws of uncertainty and stains of blood; That nothing walks with aimless feet; That nothing moves with aimless steps; That not one life shall be destroyed, That not a single life shall be lost, Or cast as rubbish to the void, Or thrown away as trash into the void, When God hath made the pile complete. When God has finished assembling the pile. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. How precious is thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings. How precious is your loving kindness, God! And the children of humanity take refuge under the shadow of your wings. —Psalm 36. 7. —Psalm 36:7. Eternal God, forbid that I should try to set up thy judgment-seat in so small a place as self, and attempt to render decisions for thee. My soul lives anew as I think of thy love, and that there is no place where thy mercy can be withheld from me. Amen. Eternal God, please don’t let me try to place your judgment seat in such a limited space as myself and try to make decisions for you. My soul is renewed as I think of your love, and that there’s no place where your mercy can be kept from me. Amen. JUNE SIXTH
These stones that make the meadow brooklet murmur These stones make the meadow stream whisper Are the keys on which it plays. Are the keys it plays on. O'er every shelving rock its touch grows firmer, Over every sloping rock, its touch becomes stronger, Resounding notes to raise. Resounding notes to uplift. If every path o'er which footsteps wander, If every path where footsteps wander, Were smooth as ocean strand, Were smooth as ocean sand, There were no theme for gratitude and wonder There were no themes of gratitude and wonder. At God's delivering hand. In God's helping hand. —W. E. Winks. —W. E. Winks. We also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope. We also take joy in our troubles, because we know that trouble produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. —Romans 5. 3, 4. —Romans 5:3-4. My Father, if rain may come to-day, may I realize its help, with the power of the sun, to increase life; and may its influence be sweet and wholesome to me, as I learn that sadness is temporary and will disappear with the coming of gladness. May I go search for the joy that may be mine to-day. Amen. My Father, if it rains today, may I feel its support, alongside the power of the sun, to help life grow; and may its effect be pleasant and nourishing for me, as I understand that sadness is temporary and will fade away when happiness arrives. May I go out and seek the joy that is available to me today. Amen. JUNE SEVENTH
When the lamp is shattered When the lamp breaks The light in the dust lies dead— The light in the dust is lifeless— When the cloud is scattered When the cloud breaks apart The rainbow's glory is shed. The rainbow's beauty shines bright. When the lute is broken When the lute is broken Sweet tones are remembered not; Sweet sounds are forgotten not; When the lips have spoken When the lips have said Loved accents are soon forgot. Loved accents are soon forgotten. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. A slip of the rose may take root, and bring forth a bloom to give peace to the soul. A slip of the tongue may take root, and bring forth a thorn that will torture the soul. A cutting from a rose can take root and produce a flower that brings peace to the soul. A slip of the tongue can take root and produce a thorn that torments the soul. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. Stay connected to me, and I will stay connected to you. Just as a branch can't produce fruit by itself unless it stays attached to the vine, you can't do anything unless you stay connected to me. —John 15. 4. —John 15:4 Many of us, O Father, overlook the fragrance of the rose while we are being pierced by its thorn. Increase my faith in life and in thee, that I may not be dismayed over mysteries, but sincerely wait for deliverance. Amen. Many of us, Father, miss the sweet scent of the rose while we’re being pricked by its thorn. Strengthen my faith in life and in you, so I won't be discouraged by mysteries, but instead patiently wait for relief. Amen. JUNE EIGHTH
If one touch of nature makes the whole world kin, methinks that sweet and wonderful thing sympathy is not less powerful. What golden barriers, what ice of centuries, it can melt in a moment! If a single touch of nature connects everyone, I think that the sweet and amazing thing called sympathy is equally strong. What golden barriers, what ice of centuries, it can melt in an instant! —Charles Reade. —Charles Reade. If I had two loaves of bread, I would sell one to buy white hyacinths to feed my soul. If I had two loaves of bread, I would sell one to buy white hyacinths to nourish my soul. —Mohammed. —Mohammed. What do you live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other? What do you live for if it’s not to make life easier for one another? —George Eliot. —George Eliot. Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Pure and genuine religion in the eyes of our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their hardships and to keep oneself unstained by the world. —James 1. 27. —James 1:27. My Father, help me to understand that kind hearts and willing hands are made possible by the depth and greatness of thy love. May I possess the spirit of forgiveness and consideration, that I may not hold prejudice and revenge, but help with sympathy and tenderness. Amen. My Father, help me understand that kind hearts and willing hands are possible because of the depth and greatness of your love. May I have the spirit of forgiveness and consideration so that I don't hold on to prejudice and revenge, but instead help with sympathy and kindness. Amen. JUNE NINTH
Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many; not upon your past misfortunes, of which all have some. Reflect on your current blessings, which everyone has many of; not on your past misfortunes, which everyone has some of. —Charles Dickens. —Charles Dickens. 'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, 'Though we wander through pleasures and grand places, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home! No matter how simple it is, there's no place like home! A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, A charm from the skies seems to bless us there, Which, sought through the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere. Which, when searched for throughout the world, is never found anywhere else. Home! home! sweet, sweet home! Home, sweet home! There's no place like home! There's no place like home! —John Howard Payne. —John Howard Payne. For thou shalt forget thy misery; For you will forget your misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are passed away. You shall remember it like waters that have flowed away. —Job 11. 16. —Job 11:16. Lord God, my soul fills with gratitude for the blessings which I have received and enjoyed. Help me to conform to thy will concerning my duties. May I not try to resist thy providence. I pray that thou wilt bless my daily life, and make my home a place to dispense kindness and cheerfulness. Amen. Lord God, my soul is filled with gratitude for the blessings I have received and enjoyed. Help me to follow your will regarding my responsibilities. May I not resist your guidance. I pray that you bless my daily life and make my home a place of kindness and cheerfulness. Amen. JUNE TENTH
What have you done with your soul, my friend? What have you done with your soul, my friend? Where is the ray you were wont to send, Where is the ray you used to send, Glancing bright through the outer night, Shining brightly through the darkness, Touching with hope what was dark before, Reaching out with hope to what was once dark, Glimmering on to the further shore? Glimmering on to the other shore? —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. God suffers the light to know eclipse, God allows the light to experience darkness, Dashes the cup from the eager lips; He knocks the cup from the eager lips; You perchance would have drunk too deep. You might have drunk too much. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Lift where you stand. Elevate where you are. —Edward Everett Hale. —Edward Everett Hale. A friend is the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out. A friend is the first person who shows up when everyone else has left. —Unknown. —Unknown. Who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. —2 Corinthians 1.4. —2 Corinthians 1:4. Almighty God, help me to correct my mistakes, and to be more careful of what I take in my life. May I always stretch out a hand of love to inspire others with confidence to care more for themselves and more for thee. Amen. Almighty God, help me to fix my mistakes and to be more mindful of what I allow into my life. May I always reach out a hand of love to inspire others to take better care of themselves and to care more for you. Amen. JUNE ELEVENTH
Exceeding gifts from God are not blessings, they are duties. They do not always increase a man's happiness; they always increase his responsibilities. Exceeding gifts from God aren't just blessings; they're responsibilities. They don't always make a person happier; they always add to their responsibilities. —Charles Kingsley. —Charles Kingsley. Make a rule and pray for help to keep it. Once a day spare room for a thought that will pursue a strong purpose. Help in some way the progress of a weary soul who cannot repay you. Make a rule and ask for help to stick to it. Once a day, set aside some time for a thought that will chase a meaningful goal. Assist in some way the progress of a tired soul who cannot repay you. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. There is no true potency, remember, but that of help; nor true ambition, but ambition to save. There is no real power, remember, except for the power to help; nor is there true ambition, but the ambition to save. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noon day. And if you share your food with the hungry and satisfy the needs of the suffering, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your gloom will be like midday. —Isaiah 58. 10. —Isaiah 58:10. Heavenly Father, when I think of how little I have given away my heart burns with shame, as I recall what thou hast given to me. May I from this day be more thoughtful of thy tender compassion by being less selfish with what I have. Amen. Heavenly Father, when I think about how little I’ve given, my heart burns with shame as I remember what you have given me. From this day forward, may I be more aware of your kind compassion by being less selfish with what I have. Amen. JUNE TWELFTH
Do to-day's duty, fight to-day's temptation, and do not weaken and distract yourself by looking-forward to things which you cannot see, and could not understand if you saw them. Do today’s duty, tackle today’s temptation, and don’t weaken or distract yourself by worrying about things you can’t see and wouldn’t understand even if you did. —Charles Kingsley. —Charles Kingsley. Genuine religion has its roots deep down in the heart of humanity.... The actions of the Deity make no appeal to any special sense. We are deaf and blind, therefore, to the imminent grandeur around us unless we have insight enough to appreciate the whole and to recognize the woven fabric of existence flowing steadily from the loom of an infinite progress toward perfection. Genuine religion is rooted deep in the heart of humanity. The actions of the divine don't appeal to any special sense. We're deaf and blind to the incredible beauty around us unless we have the insight to appreciate the bigger picture and recognize the interconnectedness of existence that steadily flows from the loom of infinite progress toward perfection. —Sir Oliver Lodge. —Sir Oliver Lodge. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights, who doesn't change or cast a shadow by turning. —James 1. 17. —James 1:17. Gracious Father, forbid that I should make thee regret thy gifts to me; and if I have failed to appreciate them, look upon me with pity, for I have cheated myself more than I have thee. Give me a deeper appreciation, that I may be strengthened day by day in the veriest duties of life. Amen. Gracious Father, please don’t let me make you regret your gifts to me; and if I haven’t valued them enough, have mercy on me, because I’ve hurt myself more than I’ve hurt you. Help me to appreciate them more, so I can grow stronger every day in the simplest tasks of life. Amen. JUNE THIRTEENTH
Beyond all wealth, honor, or even health, is the attachment we form to noble souls, because to become one with the good, generous, and true is to become, in a measure, good, generous, and true ourselves. Beyond all wealth, honor, or even health, is the bond we create with noble individuals, because connecting with the good, generous, and true helps us become, in some way, good, generous, and true ourselves. —Thomas Arnold. —Thomas Arnold. Open thy bosom, set thy wishes wide, and let in manhood—let in happiness; admit the boundless theater of thought from nothing up to God ... which makes a man. Open your heart, embrace your desires, and welcome manhood—welcome happiness; allow the limitless realm of thought from nothing to God ... that shapes a man. —Thomas Young. —Thomas Young. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up. Two are better than one because they get a good reward for their work. If one of them falls, the other will help them up; but trouble awaits the one who falls alone and has no one to help them up. —Ecclesiastes 4. 9, 10. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Heavenly Father, I thank thee for good friends, and for the delight that dwells in fellowship. Give me the power to apprehend love, and guard me against the ways to lose it. May I look to my friends to help me to be pure, and to help me live my truest life. Amen. Heavenly Father, I thank you for good friends and for the joy that comes from being together. Please give me the strength to understand love and protect me from ways to lose it. May I turn to my friends to help me stay pure and live my truest life. Amen. JUNE FOURTEENTH
When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn't hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that's just the time and place that the tide will turn. When you find yourself in a tough spot and everything is working against you, to the point where it feels like you can't hang on any longer, don’t give up. That’s exactly when the situation is about to change. —Harriet Beecher Stowe. —Harriet Beecher Stowe. I cannot do it alone, I can't do it alone, The waves run fast and high, The waves crash quickly and fiercely, And the fogs close chill around, And the chilly fogs gather around, And the light goes out in the sky; And the light fades in the sky; But I know that we two But I know that you and I Shall win in the end— Will win in the end— God and I. Me and God. —Unknown. —Unknown. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not. Let us firmly hold onto our hope without wavering. —Hebrews 10. 23. —Hebrews 10:23. Almighty God, I pray that thou wilt sustain me when I may be enduring for a purpose, and to accomplish it seems beyond my strength. Renew me with courage, and give me unceasing hope, and faith that is able to hold out to the end. Amen. Almighty God, I pray that you will support me when I am enduring for a purpose, and to achieve it feels beyond my strength. Renew my courage, and give me constant hope, and faith that can last until the end. Amen. JUNE FIFTEENTH
What is rightly done stays with us, to support another right beyond, or higher up; whatever is wrongly done vanishes; and by the blank, betrays what we would have built above. What is done right stays with us, to support another right beyond, or higher up; whatever is done wrong disappears; and by the emptiness, exposes what we could have built above. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. The seed ye sow another reaps, The seed you sow, someone else reaps, The wealth ye find another keeps, The wealth you find that someone else has, The robe ye weave another wears, The robe you weave, someone else wears, The arms ye forge another bears. The weapons you create will be carried by another. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon You came close on the day I called out. thee; thou saidst, Fear not. you; you said, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; O Lord, you have defended the cases of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. you have redeemed my life. —Lamentations 3. 57, 58. —Lamentations 3:57, 58. Lord God, reveal to me my selfishness if I am receiving much and giving little to satisfy life. May I be grateful and considerate of all those who labor to give me comfort and happiness. Amen. Lord God, show me my selfishness if I am taking a lot and giving little to make my life better. Help me to be thankful and mindful of everyone who works hard to bring me comfort and happiness. Amen. JUNE SIXTEENTH
When to the sessions of sweet, solemn thought When it’s time for moments of sweet, serious reflection I summon up remembrance of things past, I call to mind memories of the past, I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought. I sigh at the absence of many things I wanted. But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, But when I think about you, dear friend, All losses are restored and sorrows end. All losses are regained, and sorrows come to an end. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Seldom can the heart be lonely The heart is rarely lonely. If it seek a lonelier still— If it seeks an even lonelier experience— Self-forgetting, seeking only Self-forgetting, seeking only Emptier cups of love to fill. Empty cups of love to fill. —F. R. Havergal. —F. R. Havergal. The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary. The Lord Jehovah has given me the ability to speak like those who are educated, so that I can help those who are tired with my words. —Isaiah 50. 4. —Isaiah 50:4 Gracious Father, keep within me that cheer and courage which never has a place for weary murmurings; and with peace make the hours of solitude profitable as they pass. Help me to seek those who are in need of sympathy and encouragement, that I may help them to have a tranquil life. Amen. Gracious Father, keep in me that joy and strength that have no room for tired complaints; and with peace, make the hours of solitude meaningful as they go by. Help me to find those who need support and encouragement so that I can help them lead a calm life. Amen. JUNE SEVENTEENTH
He who plants a tree Plant a tree Plants a hope. Plants a hope. Rootlets up through fibers blindly grope, Rootlets reach up through fibers, feeling their way blindly, Leaves unfold unto horizons free. Leaves unfold to open horizons. So man's life must climb So man's life must advance From the clods of time From the depths of time Unto heavens sublime. To the sublime heavens. Canst thou prophesy, thou little tree, Can you prophesy, you little tree, What the glory of the boughs shall be? What will the glory of the branches be? —Lucy Larcom. —Lucy Larcom. Very early, I perceived that the object of life is to grow. Very early on, I realized that the purpose of life is to grow. —Margaret Fuller. —Margaret Fuller. Many a genius has been slow of growth. Oaks that flourish for a thousand years do not spring up into beauty like a reed. Many geniuses take time to develop. Oaks that thrive for a thousand years don’t grow into beauty like a reed. —George Henry Lewes. —George Henry Lewes. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. And Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity, and gained the approval of God and people. —Luke 2. 52. —Luke 2:52 Almighty God, thy power is so great I cannot express it; help me to comprehend the meaning of it, that I may feel more profoundly thy expectations of my life. May I remember that to forget that life is eternal may make me to lose all it has grown. Amen. Almighty God, your power is so vast I can't put it into words; help me understand its meaning so I can truly feel your expectations for my life. May I remember that forgetting life is eternal could make me lose everything it has to offer. Amen. JUNE EIGHTEENTH
Not he the threatening texts who deals Not the threatening texts that he sends. Is highest 'mong the preachers, Is highest among the preachers, But he who feels the woes and weals But the one who experiences the hardships and joys Of all God's wandering creatures. Of all God's wandering beings. He doth good work whose heart can find He does good work whose heart can find The spirit 'neath the letter; The essence behind the message; Who makes his kind of happier mind, Who creates a happier mindset like his, Leaves wiser men and better. Leaves wiser people and better. Dear Bard and Brother! let who may Dear Bard and Brother! Let whoever may Against thy faults be railing, Call out your faults, (Though far, I pray, from us be they Though they are far away, I hope they stay far from us. That never had a failing!) That never failed! —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. Do not seek revenge, dear friends, but let God take control: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord. —Romans 12. 19. —Romans 12:19. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may not be so occupied in expressing my judgment of others, that I will forget to live in thy judgment myself. May I have the compassion for others that I hope to receive from thee. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that I’m not so busy judging others that I forget to reflect on my own actions. Help me have the compassion for others that I hope to receive from You. Amen. JUNE NINETEENTH
Find your niche and fill it. If it is ever so little, if it is only a hewer of wood or a drawer of water, do something in the great battle for God and truth. Find your niche and fill it. Even if it's small, even if you're just a woodcutter or a water carrier, contribute to the great struggle for God and truth. —Charles Spurgeon. —Charles Spurgeon. If I do what I may in earnest, I need not mourn if I work no great work on earth. To help the growth of a thought that struggles toward the light; to brush with gentle hand the stain from the white of one snowdrop—such be my ambition. If I genuinely do what I can, I shouldn't feel sad if I don’t accomplish anything massive in this world. To nurture a thought that’s trying to rise towards the light; to softly brush away a blemish from a white snowdrop—this is my ambition. —George Macdonald. —George MacDonald. Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all thy work, and in all that thou puttest thy hand unto. Jehovah your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do. —Deuteronomy 15. 10. —Deuteronomy 15:10. Lord God, I pray that I may not through conceit be betrayed into slacking my work, or through visions of greatness lose it. Teach me how to obtain the secret wealth in the smallest thing; and may I recognize thy treasures, and fill my life with the finest that may be given me. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I won't let pride cause me to neglect my work or lose it to dreams of grandeur. Teach me how to find hidden value in the little things; help me see your blessings and fill my life with the best that is offered to me. Amen. JUNE TWENTIETH
If the soft hand of winning Pleasure leads If the gentle touch of sweet Success guides By living waters, and through flowery meads, By flowing waters and through blooming meadows, Where all is smiling, tranquil, and serene, Where everything is cheerful, calm, and peaceful, Oh! teach me to elude each latent snare, Oh! teach me to avoid every hidden trap, And whisper to my sliding heart, "Beware!" And whisper to my sliding heart, "Be careful!" With caution let me hear the Syren's voice, With caution, let me listen to the Siren's voice, And doubtful, with a trembling heart rejoice. And with uncertainty, celebrate with a trembling heart. If friendless in a vale of tears I stray, If I wander alone in a valley of sorrow, Where briars wound, and thorns perplex my way, Where briars twist, and thorns obstruct my path, Still let my steady soul thy goodness see, Let my steady soul still see your goodness, And, with a strong confidence, lay hold on Thee. And, with great confidence, hold onto You. —Anna Letitia Barbauld. —Anna Letitia Barbauld. For thou, O God, hast proved us: For you, O God, have tested us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. You have tested us like silver is tested. —Psalm 66. 10. —Psalm 66:10. O Lord, teach me to select my pleasures with care, that I may not plunge into joyful moments that are irretrievable. May I indulge in the pleasures that bring happiness and not weariness. Grant that I may have the honor to protect others from harm and loss, as I engage in my pleasures and in my work. Amen. O Lord, show me how to choose my pleasures wisely so I won’t dive into joyful moments that I can’t get back. Help me enjoy the pleasures that bring me happiness instead of exhaustion. Please allow me the opportunity to shield others from harm and loss as I pursue my joys and my work. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-FIRST
In our eagerness to solve life we start out to trace its mysteries and trample God's truths as we search. As we return we discover the shattered treasures, and gladly stoop to gather up the fragments, and with them translate the revelations of the soul. In our excitement to figure out life, we begin to explore its mysteries and overlook God's truths in the process. As we come back, we find the broken treasures and willingly bend down to pick up the pieces, using them to interpret the insights of the soul. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. I stretch my hands out in the empty air; I reach my hands out into the empty space; I strain my eyes into the heavy night; I squint my eyes into the dark night; Blackness of darkness!—Father, hear my prayer; Darkness, deep as night!—Father, please hear my prayer; Grant me to see the light! Grant me the ability to see the light! —George Arnold. —George Arnold. But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father. But when he came to his senses, he said, "How many hired workers at my father's place have plenty of food, and here I am, starving to death! I will get up and go to my father." —Luke 15. 17, 18. —Luke 15:17-18. Heavenly Father, I pray that as I search for the truth I will not be so eager to seek thy mysteries as I am to extend thy ministries. Grant that by thy love I will be guided in comprehending and exalting thy kingdom. May my service bring me wisdom as I obey thy laws. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that as I seek the truth, I will be just as eager to spread your teachings as I am to uncover your mysteries. Help me to be guided by your love in understanding and uplifting your kingdom. May my service lead me to wisdom as I follow your laws. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-SECOND
The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment. Sorrow is a kind of rust in the soul, which every new idea contributes in its passage to scour away. The best and simplest remedy for sadness is staying busy. Sadness is like rust in the soul, and every new idea helps to wipe it away as it comes through. —Dr. Johnson. —Dr. Johnson. We may be sure that one principle will hold throughout the whole pursuit of thoughtful happiness—the principle that the best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible to-day. To secure any desirable capacity for the future, near or remote, cultivate it to-day. What would be the use of immortality for a person who cannot use well half an hour? asks Emerson. We can be certain that one principle will remain true throughout the quest for thoughtful happiness—the idea that the best way to ensure future happiness is to be as happy as possible today. To achieve any meaningful ability for the future, whether it's near or far, nurture it today. What good is immortality for someone who can’t make the most of half an hour? asks Emerson. —Charles W. Eliot. —Charles W. Eliot. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not. Strengthen the weak hands and steady the shaky knees. Say to those with a fearful heart, "Be strong, don't be afraid." —Isaiah 35. 3, 4. —Isaiah 35:3-4. Loving Father, help me that I may realize the depth of thy love. If I may be discouraged over my failures, speak to me hopefully and lead me out where I may find the right way to succeed. May I not be kept in sorrow, but find each day the happiness that brings a thankful heart. Amen. Loving Father, help me understand the depth of your love. If I feel discouraged by my failures, inspire me with hope and guide me to find the right path to succeed. Don't let me dwell in sorrow, but instead help me discover the happiness in each day that fosters a grateful heart. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-THIRD
Could we by a wish Could we wish for it? Have what we will and get the future now, Let’s have what we need and embrace the future now, Would we wish aught done undone in the past? Do we wish anything done in the past was left undone? So, let him wait God's instant men call years; So, let him wait for what people call God's instant years; Meantime hold hard by truth and his great soul, In the meantime, stay true to the truth and his great spirit, Do out the duty! Through such souls alone Fulfill your duty! Only through such souls God stooping shows sufficient of his light God bending down reveals enough of His light. For us i' the dark to rise by. And I rise. For us to rise in the dark. And I rise. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Press not thy purpose on thy Lord, Don't push your intentions onto your Lord, Urge not thy erring will, Don't force your misguided will, Nor dictate to the Eternal mind Nor dictate to the Eternal mind Nor doubt thy Maker's skill. Nor doubt your Maker's skill. —Lydia H. Sigourney. —Lydia H. Sigourney. Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; Let me hear your loving-kindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: For I trust in you: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; Show me the path I should take; For I lift up my soul unto thee. For I lift my soul up to you. —Psalm 143. 8. —Psalm 143:8. My Father, help me to see that in my portion of work thou hast entrusted me to help further thy kingdom. Correct me if I am wrong in interpreting thy way. May I concentrate my mind and make my heart and hands do the work which thou hast given for me to do. Amen. My Father, help me to understand that in the work you have entrusted to me, I am helping to advance your kingdom. Correct me if I misunderstand your path. May I focus my mind and make my heart and hands carry out the work you have assigned to me. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-FOURTH
All the world cries, "Where is the man who will save us?" Don't look so far for this man, you have him at hand. This man—it is you, it is I, it is each one of us! How to constitute oneself a man? Nothing harder if one knows not how to will it; nothing easier if one wills it. All over the world, people are asking, "Where is the person who will save us?" Don't search too far for this person; you have them right here. This person—it’s you, it’s me, it’s each one of us! How does one become a person? It’s really hard if you don’t know how to want it; it’s really easy if you do. —Alexandre Dumas. —Alexandre Dumas. Many of our troubles are God dragging us, and they would end if we would stand upon our feet and go whither he would have us. Many of our problems come from God pushing us, and they would stop if we would just stand up and go where He wants us to go. —Henry Ward Beecher. —Henry Ward Beecher. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and mine ordinances; which if a man do, he shall live in them. You shall therefore keep my rules and my laws; if a person follows them, they will live by them. —Leviticus 18. 5. —Leviticus 18:5. Gracious Lord, I pray that I may have reverence for that which is pure and holy, and that my soul may delight in the presence of the good. Help me to so live that I may have the memory of precious deeds, and that I may not have to depend on the service of others to supply contentment for my closing days. Amen. Gracious Lord, I pray that I may have respect for what is pure and holy, and that my soul may find joy in the presence of the good. Help me to live in a way that I can remember my cherished actions, and that I won't have to rely on others to bring me peace in my final days. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-FIFTH
In every feast remember there are two guests to be entertained—the body and the soul; and what you give the body you presently lose, but what you give the soul remains forever. In every feast, remember there are two guests to entertain—the body and the soul. What you give the body you quickly lose, but what you give the soul lasts forever. —Epictetus. —Epictetus. We take pains and weary to faultlessly clothe the body. We persevere, and often struggle, to adorn the mind. As we pass through the rays of truth, sometimes we find, after all we have put on, we have left bare the soul. We work hard and get tired to perfectly dress our bodies. We keep going and often fight to beautify our minds. As we move through the light of truth, sometimes we realize that despite all we've put on, we've left our souls exposed. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose their life? —Matthew 16. 26. —Matthew 16:26. Lord God, help me to understand that thou hast made the principle of truth so that I cannot add to it, nor take from it, lest in altering it I might destroy it. May I never try to make my purpose cover the truth, but without fear, face the light where truth shines the brightest. Amen. Lord God, help me to understand that you have established the principle of truth so that I cannot add to it or take away from it, for in changing it I might destroy it. May I never try to make my intentions cover the truth, but instead, without fear, face the light where truth shines the brightest. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-SIXTH
Why are we so glad to talk and take our turns to prattle, when so rarely we get back to the stronghold of our silence with an unwounded conscience? Why are we so happy to chat and take our turns to talk, when we so rarely return to the comfort of our silence with a clear conscience? —Thomas a Kempis. —Thomas à Kempis. I have read that those who listened to Lord Chatham felt that there was something finer in the man than anything which he said. I’ve heard that those who listened to Lord Chatham felt there was something more impressive about him than anything he actually said. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Speech is like the cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as in packs. Speech is like a tapestry that is spread out for all to see, where the images come to life; while in our thoughts, they remain bundled up. —Plutarch. —Plutarch. Keep thy tongue from evil, Watch your words. And thy lips from speaking guile. And your lips from speaking deceit. —Psalm 34. 13. —Psalm 34:13. Tender Father, make me more watchful of the time that I give to useless thoughts and words, and save me from cutting words, which make deeper impressions than can be cut with sharp tools. Forgive me for the hours that have not been profitable; I would I had them back, for my heart and mind have need of them. Amen. Tender Father, help me be more mindful of the time I spend on pointless thoughts and words, and protect me from harsh words, which leave deeper scars than any sharp tools. Forgive me for the hours that weren't worthwhile; I wish I could have them back, as my heart and mind need them. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-SEVENTH
Of course, it was not easy at first to fly. The speech wings were weak and broken; nothing was left save the impulse to fly, but that was something. One can never consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar. There are so many difficulties in the way, so many discouragements; but I kept on trying, knowing that perseverance and patience win in the end. Of course, it wasn’t easy at first to take flight. The wings of speech were weak and damaged; there was nothing left but the urge to fly, but that was enough. You can never settle for crawling when you have the desire to soar. There are so many obstacles in the way, so many reasons to feel discouraged; but I kept trying, knowing that perseverance and patience ultimately lead to success. —Helen Keller. —Helen Keller. De da'kest hour, dey allus say, In the darkest hour, they always say, Is des' befo' de dawn, It's just before dawn, But it's moughty ha'd a-waitin' But it's mighty hard waiting Were de night goes frownin' on; Where the night goes frowning on; An' it's moughty ha'd a-hopin' And it's mighty hard hoping When de clouds is big and black, When the clouds are big and black, An' all de t'ings you's waited fu' And all the things you’ve been waiting for Has failed, er gone to wrack— Has failed, or gone to ruin— But des' keep on a joggin' ind a little bit o song. But just keep on jogging and add a little bit of song. De moon is allus brightah w'en de night's been long. The moon is always brighter when the night has been long. —Paul Laurence Dunbar. —Paul Laurence Dunbar. Weeping may tarry for the night, Crying might last through the night, But joy cometh in the morning. But joy comes in the morning. —Psalm 30. 5. —Psalm 30:5. My Father, I thank thee for life and its faculties. May I not be deceived by gratification and miss the permanent satisfactions. Make me brave that I may be courageous in affliction, and not be dismayed over humiliations and disappointments. May I be kept in harmony with thy will. Amen. My Father, I thank you for life and its abilities. Please don’t let me be fooled by temporary pleasures and miss out on lasting happiness. Give me the courage to face challenges and not be discouraged by setbacks and failures. Help me stay aligned with your will. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-EIGHTH
Workman of God! O lose not heart, Worker of God! Don't lose heart, But learn what God is like; But understand what God is like; And in the darkest battlefield And in the darkest war zone Thou shalt know where to strike. You will know where to hit. For right is right, since God is God; For what's right is right because God is God; And right the day must win; And today must prevail; To doubt would be disloyalty, Doubting would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin. To hesitate would be a sin. —F. W. Faber. —F. W. Faber. Leisure and I have parted company. Leisure and I have gone our separate ways. I look upon the world as my parish. I consider the world my community. The best of all is, God is with us. The best part is that God is with us. To overdo is to undo. To overdo is to undo. —John Wesley. —John Wesley. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only. But be doers of the word, and not just listeners. —James 1. 22. —James 1:22. Lord God, I pray for a desire to work. May I not be deceived in my convictions, and work for that of which I may afterward be ashamed. Lead me into a clear conception of right and wrong. Help me to see as thou dost see, that I may walk with confidence in thy steps. Amen. Lord God, I pray for a desire to work. May I not be misled in my beliefs and strive for things I might regret later. Guide me to a clear understanding of right and wrong. Help me to see as you see, so that I can walk confidently in your path. Amen. JUNE TWENTY-NINTH
Do ye hear the children weeping, O my brothers, Do you hear the children crying, oh my brothers, Ere the sorrow comes with years? Before the sorrow arrives with age? They are leaning their young heads against their mothers, They are resting their young heads against their mothers, And they cannot stop their tears. And they can't stop crying. The young lambs are bleating in the meadows; The young lambs are bleating in the fields; The young birds are chirping in the nests; The young birds are chirping in the nests; The young fawns are playing with the shadows; The young fawns are playing with the shadows; The young flowers are blowing toward the west: The young flowers are swaying toward the west: But the young, young children, O my brothers! But the little, little children, oh my brothers! They are weeping bitterly. They're crying hard. They are weeping in the playtime of the others, They are crying while others are playing, In the country of the free. In the land of the free. —Elizabeth B. Browning. —Elizabeth B. Browning. Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Moreover, you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom you have borne to me, and you have sacrificed them to be devoured. —Ezekiel 16. 20. —Ezekiel 16:20. Father of all, I pray that I may always love children. May I never forget that I wanted things and needed things when I was a child, and that the help and neglect which I received then told in my life. Make me interested in the purposes that will help the progress of the child to-day, and may I realize that the child does not need my casual charity as much as it needs my permanent justice. Amen. Father of all, I pray that I always love children. May I never forget that I wanted and needed things when I was a child, and that the help and neglect I experienced back then shaped my life. Help me focus on the goals that will support the progress of children today, and may I understand that children don’t need my occasional charity as much as they need my lasting justice. Amen. JUNE THIRTIETH
Be useful where thou livest, that they may Be useful where you live, so that they may Both want and wish thy pleasing presence still; Both desire and wish for your enjoyable presence still; Kindness, good parts, great places are the way Kindness, good things, and great places are the way. To compass this. Find out men's wants and will, To achieve this, discover what men desire and want, And meet them there. All worldly joys go less And meet them there. All worldly pleasures seem less To the one joy of doing kindnesses. To the joy of doing kind things. —George Herbert. —George Herbert. Thrice happy he, who by some shady grove, Three times happy is he who, in a shady grove, Far from the clamorous world, doth live his own; Away from the noisy world, he lives his own; Though solitary, who is not alone, Though alone, who is not lonely, But doth converse with that eternal love But talks with that eternal love —William Drummond. —William Drummond. Seek, and ye shall find. Ask, and you shall find. —Matthew 7. 7. —Matthew 7:7 My Father, help me to draw from the wisdom of life, that my soul may grow in knowledge and power. May I have the quiet confidence that comes in trusting thee. May I help others to think on the uplifting things of life. Amen. My Father, help me to gain wisdom from life so that my soul can grow in knowledge and strength. May I have the calm confidence that comes from trusting you. May I encourage others to focus on the positive aspects of life. Amen. JULY
Then came hot July, boiling like to fire, Then came hot July, scorching like fire, That all his garments he had cast away; That he had discarded all his clothes; Upon a lion raging yet with ire As a lion still filled with anger He boldly rode, and made him to obey. He rode confidently and made him comply. —Edmund Spenser. —Edmund Spenser. A pleasing land of drowsyhead it was, It was a charming land full of sleepyhead vibes, Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye; Of dreams that dance in front of the half-closed eye; And of gay castles in the clouds that pass, And of colorful castles in the clouds that drift, For ever flushing round a summer sky. Always circling around a summer sky. —James Thomson. —James Thomson. JULY FIRST
There is no unbelief! There is no unbelief! Whoever plants a seed beneath a sod, Whoever plants a seed in the ground, And waits to see it push away the clod, And waits to see it push away the dirt, He trusts in God. He has faith in God. There is no unbelief! There’s no doubt! And day by day, and night, unconsciously, And day by day, and night, without realizing it, The heart lives by that faith the lips deny— The heart is sustained by the faith that the lips refuse to acknowledge— God knoweth why. God knows why. —Bulwer Lytton. —Bulwer Lytton. More and more I see that nothing is so necessary for the religious condition of the mind as absolute simplicity. We know what we have got to do, and the only thing is to ask ourselves whether we are doing it as well as we can. More and more, I realize that nothing is as crucial for the state of the mind regarding faith as total simplicity. We know what we need to do, and the only question is whether we’re doing it to the best of our ability. —George Frederick Watts. —George Frederick Watts. Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God. —Romans 5. 1. —Romans 5:1. My Creator, I praise thee for the knowledge of life, and the hope of immortality. Help me to express my belief, and to give my utmost for the divinest, that I may be worthy of life eternal. Amen. My Creator, I thank you for the knowledge of life and the hope of eternal life. Help me to express my beliefs and give my all for the divine, so that I may be deserving of everlasting life. Amen. JULY SECOND
One step more, and the race is ended; One more step, and the race is over; One word more, and the lesson's done; Just one more word, and the lesson is over; One toil more, and a long rest follows One more effort, and then a long rest will come. At set of sun. At sunset. Who would fail, for one step withholden? Who would hold back for just one step? Who would fail, for one word unsaid? Who would miss an opportunity because of one word left unspoken? Who would fail, for a pause too early? Who would fail for stopping too soon? Sound sleep the dead. Sound sleep for the dead. —Christina G. Rossetti. —Christina G. Rossetti. One who never turned his back, but marched breast forward, Someone who never turned away, but moved forward with confidence, Never doubted clouds would break, Never doubted the clouds would clear, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, I never imagined that even though the right was defeated, the wrong would win. Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake. When we fall, we rise, confused but determined to improve, resting to awaken. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. Whoever endures to the end will be saved. —Matthew 10. 22. —Matthew 10:22. My Father, thou hast proven the strength of thy promises by thy tender love and mercy through the darkest hours. Help me always to cling to the hope that thou hast provided for my soul. May I be trustful, and be thankful to "see so much as one side of a celestial idea, one side of the rainbow, and the sunset sky." Amen. My Father, you have shown the strength of your promises through your loving kindness and mercy during the darkest times. Help me always to hold on to the hope you have given to my soul. May I be trusting and grateful to "see even just one side of a celestial idea, one side of the rainbow, and the sunset sky." Amen. JULY THIRD
Not from the dangers that beset our path Not from the dangers that threaten our way From storm or sudden death, or pain or wrath, From storms or sudden death, or pain or anger, We pray deliverance; We pray for deliverance; But from the envious eye, the narrowed mind But from the envious eye, the narrowed mind Of those that are the vultures of mankind Of those who prey on humanity Thy aid advance. Your help matters. Not at the strong man's righteous rage or hate, Not at the strong man's just anger or hatred, But at the ambushed malice laid in wait But the ambushed malice lay in wait Thy strength arise; Your strength rise; At those who ever seek to spot the fair At those who ever try to find the fair White garments of a neighbor's character White clothing reflecting a neighbor's character With mud of lies. With a mess of lies. Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. Putting away all wickedness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all kinds of evil talk. —1 Peter 2. 1. —1 Peter 2:1. My Lord, may I remember that to protect the character of others is to add virtue to my own. Grant that I may see the good and not be looking for the evil. Cause me to know that peace will not abide in deceit or revenge, but may be found in a happy and charitable spirit. Help me to earn thy peace. Amen. My Lord, help me remember that protecting the reputation of others adds to my own character. Allow me to focus on the good rather than seeking out the bad. Teach me that peace cannot exist in deceit or revenge, but can be found in a joyful and generous spirit. Help me to earn your peace. Amen. JULY FOURTH
By the rude bridge that arched the flood, By the rough bridge that spanned the river, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled, Their flag fluttered in the April breeze, Here once the embattled farmers stood, Here once the troubled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world. And fired the shot that was heard around the world. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, Then we must conquer, when our cause is just, And this be our motto, "In God is our trust"; And this will be our motto, "In God we trust"; And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave And the star-spangled banner will wave triumphantly O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Over the land of the free and the home of the brave! —Francis Scott Key. —Francis Scott Key. Seek not to keep your soul perpetually in the unwholesome region of remorse. It was needful to pass through that dark valley, but it is infinitely dangerous to linger there too long. Don't try to keep your soul stuck in the unhealthy place of regret. It was necessary to go through that dark valley, but it’s extremely risky to stay there for too long. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. And this city shall be to me for a name of joy, for a praise and for a glory, before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them. And this city will be a source of joy, praise, and glory for me in front of all the nations on earth, who will hear about all the good things I do for them. —Jeremiah 33. 9. —Jeremiah 33:9 Lord of justice and peace, may I not pause at the marked stones of the brave to learn of liberty, but may I look for the opportunities that I may measure up to because of them, and do my part to keep the peace and spread the blessings of our land. Amen. Lord of justice and peace, may I not stop at the memorials of the brave to learn about freedom, but may I seek out the opportunities to live up to their legacy, and do my part to maintain peace and share the blessings of our land. Amen. JULY FIFTH
Nature alone can speak to our intelligence an imperishable language, never changing, because it remains within the bounds of eternal truth and of what is absolutely noble and beautiful. Nature alone can communicate with our intelligence in a timeless language, always constant, because it stays within the limits of eternal truth and what is truly noble and beautiful. —George Sand. —George Sand. Say, dost thou understand the whispered token, Hey, do you understand the whispered token, The promise breathed from every leaf and flower? The promise is evident in every leaf and flower. And dost thou hear the word ere it be spoken, Do you hear the word before it is spoken, And apprehend love's presence by its power? And recognize love's presence by its strength? —Unknown. —Unknown. But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; And the birds of the heavens, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath wrought this? But ask the animals, and they will teach you; ask the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or talk to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish in the sea will explain it to you. Who doesn’t know that the hand of the Lord has done this? —Job 12. 7-9. —Job 12:7-9. Lord God, direct me away from self, that I may learn of thy wisdom, and help further thy kingdom. Give me patience to search for thy truths, that I may obtain the noblest to use for thy service. Amen. Lord God, guide me away from selfishness so I can learn from your wisdom and help advance your kingdom. Grant me the patience to seek your truths, so I may acquire the best to use in your service. Amen. JULY SIXTH
No man likes to acknowledge that he has made a mistake in the choice of his profession, and every man worthy of the name will row long against wind and tide before he allows himself to cry out, "I'm baffled!" and submit to be floated passively back to land. No one wants to admit that they’ve made a mistake in choosing their career, and any man who’s worth his salt will struggle fiercely against all odds before he shouts, "I give up!" and resigns himself to being carried back to shore. —Charlotte Brontë. —Charlotte Brontë. There is nothing so small but that we honor God by asking his guidance of it, or insult him by taking it into our hands. There’s nothing too small that we don’t honor God by seeking His guidance on it, or insult Him by trying to handle it ourselves. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. If I take the wings of the morning, If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; And live in the farthest reaches of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, Even there your hand will lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. And your right hand will support me. —Psalm 139. 9, 10. —Psalm 139:9-10. My Father, I pray that I may have wise judgment and use discretion in the choice of my work. May I remember that only that is genuine which is received and used for thee. Amen. My Father, I pray for wise judgment and the ability to choose my work carefully. May I remember that only what is genuine is received and used for you. Amen. JULY SEVENTH
The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed. The best way to avoid failure is to decide to succeed. —Richard B. Sheridan. —Richard B. Sheridan. I felt my hot blood a-tingling flow; I could feel the warm blood rushing through me; With thrill of the fight my soul did glow; With the excitement of the fight, my spirit shone; And when, braced and pure, And when, ready and pure, I emerged secure I emerged safely From the strife that had tried my courage so, From the struggles that had tested my courage so, I said, "Let heaven send me sun or rain, I said, "May heaven send me sun or rain, I'll never know flinching fear again." "I'll never experience flinching fear again." —Thomas Crawford. —Thomas Crawford. For the Lord Jehovah will help me; therefore have I not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. For the Lord Jehovah will help me; that’s why I haven't been confused: that's why I've set my face like flint, and I know I won’t be ashamed. —Isaiah 50. 7. —Isaiah 50:7. Lord Jehovah, help me to learn how to be strong and brave, that I may not remain in fear and weakness. Help me to conquer unworthiness, and to overcome discouragements, that I may be spared the needless battles that are brought on through impatience and selfishness. Keep my soul in repose, that I may add to my conquering strength. Amen. Lord Jehovah, help me learn how to be strong and brave, so I won’t be stuck in fear and weakness. Help me overcome feelings of unworthiness and defeat discouragement, so I can avoid unnecessary struggles caused by impatience and selfishness. Keep my soul at peace, so I can build my strength. Amen. JULY EIGHTH
Neither gold nor grandeur can render us happy. Neither gold nor greatness can make us happy. —La Fontaine. —La Fontaine. Spirit of God! descend upon my heart; Spirit of God! come down into my heart; Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move; Remove it from the earth; let it move through all its rhythms; Stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art, Lower yourself to my weakness, powerful as you are, And make me love thee as I ought to love. And make me love you as I should love. I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, I ask for no dreams, no ecstatic visions from prophets, No sudden rending of the veil of clay: No sudden tearing of the veil of flesh: No angel visitant, no opening skies— No angel visitor, no parting skies— But take the dimness of my soul away. But take away the darkness of my soul. —George Croly. —George Croly. For a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. For a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he owns. —Luke 12. 15. —Luke 12:15. Eternal God, help me to honor my life; and may I realize, whether I select good or bad, much or little, the harvesting is for eternity. Grant that I may not make my life accumulate gold and grandeur, and laden it with much spending; but may I strive and love what thou dost love, and make my life worthy of my labor. Amen. Eternal God, help me to value my life; and may I understand that whether I choose good or bad, much or little, the outcomes will last forever. Please grant that I may not fill my life with wealth and luxury, and burden it with excessive spending; but may I strive for and love what you love, and make my life worthy of my efforts. Amen. JULY NINTH
Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words or in good order. Discretion in speech is more important than eloquence; knowing how to speak pleasantly to the person we're dealing with is more than just using nice words or good grammar. —Francis Bacon. —Francis Bacon. When anyone provokes you, be assured it is your opinion which provokes you. Try therefore, in the first place, not to be hurried away with appearance. For if you once gain time and respite, you will more easily command yourself. When someone gets on your nerves, remember it's your own thoughts that trigger your reaction. So, first, try not to rush into a response based on what you see. If you take a moment to pause and gather yourself, you'll have an easier time controlling your response. —Epictetus. —Epictetus. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. Let your words always be graceful and well-chosen, so you know how to respond to everyone. —Colossians 4. 6. —Colossians 4:6. My Father, help me to learn through kindness and tenderness the value of self-control. Help me in the moods of jealousy and impatience, that I may not cause others unhappiness by words or deeds. Teach me how to overcome the ways that keep me discontented, that I may have a brighter speech. Amen. My Father, help me to learn the value of self-control through kindness and compassion. Assist me during times of jealousy and impatience so that I don’t bring unhappiness to others through my words or actions. Teach me how to overcome the things that make me feel unsatisfied, so that I can speak with a brighter attitude. Amen. JULY TENTH
The quality of mercy is not strained; The quality of mercy isn't forced; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven It falls like gentle rain from the sky. Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed; In this place below, it is doubly blessed; It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. It blesses both the giver and the receiver. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes It’s strongest in the strongest; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; The crowned king is greater than his crown; * * * * * * * * * * It is enthroned in the hearts of kings; It is held dearly in the hearts of kings; It is an attribute to God himself. It is a characteristic of God Himself. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. His gain is loss; for he that wrongs his friend His gain is actually a loss; because someone who wrongs their friend Wrongs himself more, and ever has about He harms himself even more, and always does so. A silent court and jury, and himself A quiet courtroom with a jury and himself. The prisoner at the bar, ever condemned. The prisoner at the bar is always guilty. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. —Galatians 6. 1. —Galatians 6:1. My Father, help me to avoid the critical spirit that leans toward injustice. Grant that none may be made despondent waiting for my mercy; but through forgiveness may I inspire confidence in those who have made mistakes, and influence them to a better life. Amen. My Father, help me steer clear of the judgmental attitude that tends toward unfairness. Let no one feel hopeless while waiting for my kindness; instead, through forgiveness, may I encourage confidence in those who have erred and guide them toward a better life. Amen. JULY ELEVENTH
A friend to chide me when I'm wrong, A friend to correct me when I'm wrong, My inmost soul to see: My deepest self to see: And that my friendship prove as strong And let my friendship be as strong For him as his for me. For him as he is for me. —John Quincy Adams. —John Quincy Adams. Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can: this is the service of a friend. Our main need in life is someone who will push us to reach our potential: this is what a friend does. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. It’s better to hear the criticism of the wise than to hear the song of fools. Just like the crackling of thorns under a pot, the laughter of a fool is empty. —Ecclesiastes 7. 5, 6. —Ecclesiastes 7:5-6. My Father and Friend, who calleth me to check the progress of the wrong, make me submissive and eager for what is right, that I may learn and uphold to others thy purposes and desires. Amen. My Father and Friend, who calls me to review the progress of the wrong, make me humble and eager for what is right, so I can learn and share with others your purposes and desires. Amen. JULY TWELFTH
Each reaching and aspiration is an instinct with which all nature consists and cooperates, and therefore it is not in vain. If a man believes and expects great things of himself it makes no odds where you put him, he will be surrounded by grandeur. Each goal and ambition is an instinct that all of nature shares and supports, so it's not in vain. If someone believes in and expects great things from themselves, it doesn't matter where they are placed; they will find themselves surrounded by greatness. —Henry David Thoreau. —Henry David Thoreau. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost—that is where they should be: now put foundations under them. If you've built castles in the air, your work doesn't have to go to waste—that's exactly where they belong: now put foundations underneath them. —Henry David Thoreau. —Henry David Thoreau. He is like a man building a house, who digged and went deep, and laid a foundation upon the rock: and when a flood arose, the stream brake against that house, and could not shake it: because it had been well builded. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood came, the stream crashed against that house but couldn’t shake it because it was built well. —Luke 6. 48. —Luke 6:48 Lord of strength, I pray that while I may lay a strong foundation for my life, I may remember that I should not delay the building by neglecting to complete the plans. May I look to-day and see if I am making my words stronger than my life. With thy wisdom help me to realize that the test of life is made with the soul. Amen. Lord of strength, I pray that while I lay a strong foundation for my life, I remember not to delay the building by neglecting to finish the plans. May I look today and see if I'm making my words stronger than my actions. With your wisdom, help me realize that the true test of life is with the soul. Amen. JULY THIRTEENTH
Let each day take thought for what concerns it, liquidate its own affairs, and respect the day which is to follow, and then it shall be ready. Let each day focus on what matters to it, settle its own issues, and prepare for the day ahead, and then it will be ready. —Amiel. —Amiel. What does your anxiety do? It does not empty to-morrow, brother, of its sorrow; but ah! it empties to-day of its strength. It does not make you escape the evil; it makes you unfit to cope with it if it comes. What does your anxiety do? It doesn’t take away tomorrow’s sorrow, brother; but oh! it takes away today’s strength. It doesn’t help you avoid the bad stuff; it makes you unprepared to deal with it if it arrives. —Ian Maclaren. —Ian Maclaren. Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Don't worry about your life, what you'll eat, or what you'll drink; or even about your body, what you'll wear. —Matthew 6. 25. —Matthew 6:25 My Father, save me from the habit of borrowing. So often I borrow trouble and cannot use it, when the peace that I possess is all that I need. Help me, that I may not miss the glory of to-day, by anticipating the uncertainty of to-morrow; but may I discern my place and have delight in every day. Amen. My Father, help me break the habit of borrowing trouble. Too often I take on worries I can't even handle when the peace I have is all I need. Help me not to miss the glory of today by stressing over the uncertainty of tomorrow; instead, let me see my path and find joy in each day. Amen. JULY FOURTEENTH
Sail fast, sail fast, Sail quickly, sail quickly, Ark of my hopes, Ark of my dreams; Ark of my hopes, Ark of my dreams; Sweep lordly o'er the drowned Past, Rise grandly above the submerged Past, Fly glittering through the sun's strange beams; Fly sparkling through the sun's odd rays; Sail fast, sail fast. Sail quickly, sail quickly. Breath of new buds from off some drying lea, The fresh scent of new buds from a dry meadow, With news about the Future scent the sea; With news about the Future, scent the sea; My brain is beating like the heart of Haste. My brain is racing like the heart of Haste. I'll loose me a bird upon this Present waste; I'll lose my chance with this current situation; Go, trembling song, Go, shaky song, And stay not long; O, stay not long; And don’t stay long; oh, don’t stay long; Thou art only a gray and sober dove, You are just a gray and serious dove, But thine eye is faith and thy wing is love. But your eye is faith and your wing is love. —Sidney Lanier. —Sidney Lanier. God speed thee, pretty bird; may thy small nest, Godspeed to you, pretty bird; may your small nest, With little ones all in good time be blest. May the little ones be blessed in due time. I love thee much; I love you so much; For well thou managest that life of thine, You manage your life really well, Well I!—O ask not what I do with mine! Well I!—Oh, don’t ask what I do with mine! Would I were such! I wish I were like that! —Jane Welch Carlyle. —Jane Welch Carlyle. Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? Look at the birds in the sky; they don’t plant, harvest, or store food in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you much more valuable than they are? —Matthew 6. 26. —Matthew 6:26. My Father, may I start this day with more faith in myself and greater love for thy world. May my soul be awakened to the highest and be ready for the joys of to-day. Amen. My Father, may I begin this day with more confidence in myself and a deeper love for your world. May my spirit be awakened to the highest and be prepared for the joys of today. Amen. JULY FIFTEENTH
His was the heart that overmuch His was the heart that was too much. In human goodness puts its trust, In human goodness we place our trust, And his the keen, satiric touch And his sharp, satirical touch That shrivels falsehood into dust. That turns falsehood to dust. Fierce for the right, he bore his part He fought fiercely for what was right and did his part. In strife with many a valiant foe; In conflict with many brave enemies; But laughter winged his polished dart, But laughter carried his polished dart, And kindness tempered every blow. And kindness softened every blow. —William Winter. —William Winter. A wise man will so act that whatever he does may rather seem voluntary and of his own free will than done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity. A wise person will act in a way that whatever they do appears to be voluntary and of their own free will, rather than something done out of pressure, no matter how much they might be forced by necessity. —Machiavelli. —Machiavelli. Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him back to see what shall be after him? Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better than for a person to take joy in their work; for that is their share: for who can bring them back to see what will come after them? —Ecclesiastes 3. 22. —Ecclesiastes 3:22. Lord God, may I not forget that it is in the light, and not the darkness, that my work is revealed. I beseech thee to pour in thy light as I plan my life, and open my heart and mind for the reception of thy truth. Amen. Lord God, help me remember that my work is revealed in the light, not in the darkness. I ask you to fill me with your light as I plan my life, and open my heart and mind to receive your truth. Amen. JULY SIXTEENTH
Reverence the highest, have patience with the lowest. Let this day's performance of the meanest duty be thy religion. Are the stars too distant? Pick up the pebble that lies at thy feet and from it learn all. Respect those above you, be patient with those below you. Let today's smallest task be your devotion. Are the stars too far away? Pick up the pebble at your feet and learn everything from it. —Margaret Fuller. —Margaret Fuller. The situation that has not its Duty, its Ideal, was never yet occupied by man. Yet, here is this miserable, despicable Actual, wherein thou standest—here or nowhere is thy Ideal! Work it out therefrom! The situation that lacks its Duty, its Ideal, has never been experienced by anyone. Yet, here is this miserable, pathetic reality that you find yourself in—here or nowhere else is your Ideal! Create it from this! —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward. And anyone who gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, just because they are a disciple, truly I tell you, they will definitely not lose their reward. —Matthew 10. 42. —Matthew 10:42. Great God, may I begin this day bearing in mind that the things which I think and do are my life. I pray that thou wilt keep me from making great efforts for that which is valueless, and thus waste my life. May I watch my pride and indolence that they may not cause me to lose the best. Amen. Great God, as I start this day, help me remember that my thoughts and actions shape my life. I pray that you keep me from putting in a lot of effort for things that don't matter, so I don’t waste my life. May I be mindful of my pride and laziness, so they don’t lead me to miss out on what truly matters. Amen. JULY SEVENTEENTH
So frail is the youth and beauty of men, So fragile is the youth and beauty of men, Though they bloom and look gay like the rose; Even though they bloom and look bright like the rose; But all our fond cares to preserve them is vain, But all our loving efforts to protect them are pointless, Time kills them as fast as he goes. Time takes them out as quickly as he moves. Then I'll not be proud of my youth nor my beauty, Then I won't take pride in my youth or my beauty, Since both of them wither and fade; Since both of them wither and fade; But gain a good name by well doing my duty; But earn a good reputation by doing my job well; For this will scent like the rose when I'm dead. This will smell like a rose when I'm gone. —Isaac Watts. —Isaac Watts. Onward, onward may we press Keep moving forward Through the path of duty; Through the path of duty; Virtue is true happiness, Virtue is genuine happiness, Excellence true beauty; True beauty is excellence; Minds are of supernal birth, Minds are of heavenly origin, Let us make a heaven of earth. Let’s create a paradise on Earth. —James Montgomery. —James Montgomery. All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them. All the things you want people to do for you, you should also do for them. —Matthew 7. 12. —Matthew 7:12. My Lord and my strength, I pray that I may possess that expectancy which comes in joyous hope and have the endurance that is controlled by courage and energy. Grant in the future that I may be less concerned about my living and more anxious for what I make of my life. Amen. My Lord and my strength, I pray that I may have the hopeful anticipation that comes with joy and the endurance that is guided by courage and energy. In the future, grant that I may worry less about merely surviving and focus more on what I make of my life. Amen. JULY EIGHTEENTH
Learn to admire rightly: the great pleasure of life is that. Note what great men admired; they admired great things; narrow spirits admire basely and worship meanly. Learn to admire the right way: that's the real joy of life. Notice what great individuals valued; they appreciated remarkable things; small-minded people admire in a petty way and worship in a low manner. —W. M. Thackeray. —W. M. Thackeray. Our thoughts are often more than we are, just as they are often better than we are. And God sees us as we are altogether, and not in separate feelings or actions, as our fellow men see us. We are always doing each other injustice, and thinking better or worse of each other than we deserve, because we only hear separate feelings or actions. We don't see each other's whole nature. Our thoughts are often more than who we are, just as they are often better than we are. God perceives us as we truly are, not through the isolated feelings or actions that others see. We constantly misjudge one another, thinking we’re better or worse than we truly are, because we only notice those separate feelings or actions. We fail to see each other’s complete nature. —George Eliot. —George Eliot. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. The wilderness and the dry land will be happy; the desert will rejoice and bloom like a rose. —Isaiah 35. 1. —Isaiah 35:1. Eternal God, may I become more like thee. Give me the desire to associate myself with people and places where the divine spirit is supreme. May my soul breathe in the influence of all that is good and true; and may I use my life for thy honor and praise. Amen. Eternal God, help me to become more like you. Give me the desire to be around people and in places where the divine spirit reigns. May my soul take in the influence of everything that is good and true; and may I use my life to honor and praise you. Amen. JULY NINETEENTH
In love, if love be love, if love be ours, In love, if love is love, if love is ours, Faith and unfaith can ne'er be equal powers: Faith and doubt can never be equal forces: Unfaith in aught is want of faith in all. Losing faith in anything means losing faith in everything. It is the little rift within the lute It’s the small crack in the lute. That by and by will make the music mute, Eventually, that will silence the music, And ever widening slowly silence all. And the silence keeps slowly expanding. The little rift within the lover's lute, The small gap in the lover's lute, Or little pitted speck in garner'd fruit, Or small blemished spot in harvested fruit, That rotting inward slowly molders all. That decaying thing slowly deteriorates from the inside out. It is not worth the keeping: let it go: It's not worth holding onto: let it go: But shall it? Answer, darling, answer no. But should it? Answer, darling, answer no. And trust me not at all or all in all. And don't trust me at all or completely. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, That spoil the vineyards; That ruin the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom. Our vineyards are in bloom. —Song of Solomon 2. 15. —Song of Solomon 2. 15. Loving Father, help me to put away the distractions and cares that make me discontented. Grant that I may not set myself in "gilded pride" and keep out the precious things of life. Help me to abandon doubt and suspicion, and keep the faith that is happy to believe and willing to forgive. Amen. Loving Father, help me to let go of the distractions and worries that make me unhappy. Please ensure that I don’t wrap myself in “gilded pride” and miss out on the valuable things in life. Help me to leave behind doubt and suspicion, and maintain a faith that is joyful in believing and ready to forgive. Amen. JULY TWENTIETH
Let thy day be to the night Let your day be like the night. A letter of good tidings! Let thy praise A letter of good news! Let your praise Go up as birds go up—that when they awake, Fly up like birds do when they wake up, Shake off the dew and soar. Shake off the dew and take flight. —Jean Ingelow. —Jean Ingelow. I, and the bird, Me and the bird, And the wind together, And the wind together, Sang a supplication Sang a prayer In the winter weather. In winter weather. The bird sang for sunshine, The bird sang for sunlight, And the trees for winter fruit, And the trees for winter fruit, And for love in the spring time And for love in the springtime When the thickets shoot. When the bushes grow. And I sang for patience And I sang for patience When the teardrops start; When the tears start; Clean hands and clear eyes, Clean hands and clear vision, And a faithful heart. And a loyal heart. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Unto thee, O Jehovah, do I lift up my soul. Unto you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. —Psalm 25. 1. —Psalm 25:1 Lord God, if I am discouraged this morning, may I pause for thine encouragement. Grant that the fear of the night may make no decline in my morn, but that "into the future I may fuse the past," and use what is clearest for to-day. Amen. Lord God, if I feel discouraged this morning, help me take a moment for Your encouragement. Let the fear of the night not bring me down in the morning, but instead, "let me blend the past into the future," using what is clearest for today. Amen. JULY TWENTY-FIRST
Our heaven must be within ourselves, Our paradise has to be inside us, Our home and heaven the work of faith Our home and heaven are the results of our faith. And thro' this race of life which shelves And through this journey of life that shelves Downward to death. Downward to death. While over all a dome must spread, While overall a dome must extend, And love shall be that dome above; And love will be the dome above; And deep foundations must be laid, And solid foundations must be built, And these are love. And these are love. —Christina Rossetti. —Christina Rossetti. If happiness has not her seat If happiness doesn’t have her place And center in the breast, And center on the chest, We may be wise or rich or great, We can be wise, wealthy, or great, But never can be blest. But can never be blessed. —Robert Burns. —Robert Burns. Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life. —Proverbs 4. —Proverbs 4. My Father, if I choose to be unhappy and miserable, may I not be to myself and friends as "a harp with one string." Help me to free myself from thinking and anticipating things that keep me from the pleasure that I might receive and give. May I have more trust in my friends and in thee. Amen. My Father, if I decide to be unhappy and miserable, may I not be to myself and my friends like "a harp with one string." Help me free myself from the thoughts and worries that prevent me from enjoying the joy I could receive and share. May I have more trust in my friends and in you. Amen. JULY TWENTY-SECOND
How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in reasoning, and are so afraid to stand the test of ridicule? How is it that we seem so cowardly in our reasoning and are so afraid to face ridicule? —Earl of Shaftesbury. —Earl of Shaftesbury. He that of such a height hath built his mind, He who has built his mind to such a height, And reared the dwelling of his thoughts so strong, And built up his thoughts so strongly, As neither fear nor hope can shake the frame Neither fear nor hope can alter the situation. Of his resolved powers; nor all the wind Of his determined strengths; nor all the wind Of vanity or malice pierce to wrong Of vanity or malice, cut through to cause harm. His settled peace, or to disturb the same: His established peace, or to disrupt it: What a fair seat hath he, from whence he may What a nice seat he has, from where he can The boundless wastes and wilds of man survey? Do you observe the endless deserts and untamed lands of humanity? —Samuel Daniel. —Samuel Daniel. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is focused on you; because he trusts in you. —Isaiah 26. 3. —Isaiah 26:3. O Lord, it is not that I am ashamed to ask thee for the truth that I do not more diligently seek it, but it is because I fear the sacrifice that may follow in obtaining it. I would that I could understand that thy strength is given in the sacrifice. Make me braver as I seek to live in the truth. Amen. O Lord, it's not that I'm embarrassed to ask you for the truth that I don’t look for it more diligently, but it’s because I’m afraid of the sacrifices that might come with finding it. I wish I could understand that your strength comes from sacrifice. Help me to be braver as I strive to live in the truth. Amen. JULY TWENTY-THIRD
I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be A pleasant road; A lovely road; I do not ask that thou would'st take from me I don't ask you to take away from me Aught of its load. Any of its load. For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead: For just one thing, Lord, dear Lord, I ask: Lead me aright— Lead me right— Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed— Even if strength gives out, and even if the heart hurts— Through peace to light. Through peace to enlightenment. —Adelaide A. Procter. —Adelaide A. Procter. O, why and whither?—God knows all, Oh, why and where to?—God knows everything, I only know that he is good, I just know that he's good, And that whatever may befall And whatever happens Or here or there, must be the best that could. Either here or there, it has to be the best it can be. —John G. Whittier. —John G. Whittier. Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Guide me, O Jehovah, in your righteousness because of my enemies; Make thy way straight before my face. Make your way straight in front of me. —Psalm 5. 8. —Psalm 5:8. Loving Father, may I never fail to ask for thy guidance, for thou hast promised to lead me to the cool springs while I pass through the desert places. Help me to put myself in thy keeping and say, "Thy will be done." Amen. Loving Father, may I always remember to seek your guidance, for you have promised to lead me to the cool springs as I go through the dry places. Help me to trust in you and say, "Your will be done." Amen. JULY TWENTY-FOURTH
As the winged arrow flies As the arrow flies Speedily the mark to find; Quickly find the mark; As the lightning from the skies As the lightning strikes from the sky Darts and leaves no trace behind; Darts and leaves no evidence behind; Swiftly thus our fleeting days Quickly, our fleeting days Bear us down life's rapid stream; Carry us along the fast-flowing river of life; Upward, Lord, our spirits raise; Upward, Lord, lift our spirits; All below is but a dream. Everything below is just a dream. —John Newton. —John Newton. O gentlemen! the time is short; Oh gentlemen! Time is running out; To spend that shortness basely were too long, To waste that brief time would be too long, If life did ride upon a dial's point, If life depended on a dial's point, Still ending at the arrival of an hour. Still finishing at the arrival of an hour. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Jehovah, make me to know mine end, Jehovah, help me understand my end, And the measure of my days, what it is; And the measure of my days, what is it; Let me know how frail I am. Let me know how weak I am. —Psalm 39. 4. —Psalm 39:4. Lord, forbid that I should overcast my life with intentions, and neglect to put in the deeds. May I not be satisfied to spend my days in being merely occupied, but live to learn and work. May I not be dismayed over what I might have been, but with all my might do what I can now. Amen. Lord, please don't let me fill my life with good intentions and forget to take action. I don't want to just get through my days being busy; I want to learn and make a difference. I won’t dwell on what I could have been, but instead, I’ll focus all my effort on what I can do now. Amen. JULY TWENTY-FIFTH
Blessed indeed are those ears which listen not after the voice which is sounding without, but after the truth teaching within. Blessed are those ears that don't just listen to the noise outside, but pay attention to the truth that speaks from within. —Thomas à Kempis. —Thomas à Kempis. How joyed my heart in the rich melodies How happy my heart in the beautiful melodies That overhead and round me did arise! That overhead and around me did rise! The moving leaves—the water's gentle flow— The rustling leaves—the soft movement of the water— Delicious music hung on every bough. Delicious music lingered on every branch. Then said I in my heart, "If that the Lord Then I said to myself, "If the Lord Such lively music on the earth accord; Such lively music on the earth plays; If to weak, sinful man such sounds are given, If weak, sinful humans are given such sounds, O! what must be the melody of heaven!" Oh! What could the melody of heaven be like! —Izaak Walton. —Izaak Walton. But thou, O Jehovah, knowest me; thou seest me, and triest my heart toward thee. But you, O Lord, know me; you see me and test my heart towards you. —Jeremiah 12. 3. —Jeremiah 12:3. Loving Father, thou hast made it needful for me to know that the songs which are sung by divine love are rarely heard by cruel hearts. Grant that my soul may chord with the sweetest music that vibrates in the beauty and harmony of life. Amen. Loving Father, you have made it necessary for me to understand that the songs sung by divine love are rarely heard by cruel hearts. Please allow my soul to resonate with the sweetest music that vibrates in the beauty and harmony of life. Amen. JULY TWENTY-SIXTH
Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened, but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm. Quiet minds can't be troubled or scared; they just continue through good times or bad at their own pace, like a clock ticking away during a thunderstorm. —Robert L. Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. I have learned, as days have passed me, I've realized, as days have gone by, Fretting never lifts the load; Worrying never lightens the load; And worry, much or little, And worry, a lot or a little, Never smooths an irksome road; Never makes an annoying road smooth; For do you know that somehow, always, Do you realize that somehow, always, Doors are opened, ways are made; Doors are opened, paths are created; When we work and live in patience When we work and live with patience Under all the cross that's laid. Under all the burdens that are placed. —Unknown. —Unknown. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell securely, And shall be quiet without fear of evil. But whoever listens to me will live in safety and will be at peace, without fear of harm. —Proverbs 1. 33. —Proverbs 1:33. Merciful and just God, I pray that I may regulate my life by thy standards and conform my life to thy laws, that thy goodness and mercy may not be wasted on me. Help me to bear in mind, that willingness is the power that starts the hands to work. May I have thy presence while I wait in quietness, that I may be helped through the anxious moments. Amen. Merciful and just God, I pray that I may live my life by your standards and align my actions with your laws, so that your goodness and mercy are not wasted on me. Help me remember that willingness is the force that gets things done. May I feel your presence while I wait in silence, so I can be supported through the anxious times. Amen. JULY TWENTY-SEVENTH
What's hallowed ground? 'Tis what gives birth What is hallowed ground? It's what brings forth To sacred thoughts in souls of worth!— To the sacred thoughts in worthy souls!— Peace! Independence! Truth! go forth Peace! Independence! Truth! Move on! Earth's compass round; Earth's compass is round; And your high-priesthood shall make earth And your high priesthood will sanctify the earth All hallowed ground. All sacred ground. —Thomas Campbell. —Thomas Campbell. Remember the week day to keep it holy. Remember the weekday to keep it sacred. —Elbert Hubbard. —Elbert Hubbard. The meaning of life comes to us mostly in great revealing flashes and intense emotions. The meaning of life mostly hits us in sudden moments of clarity and strong feelings. —Dean Farrar. —Dean Farrar. To the pure all things are pure. To those who are pure, everything is pure. —Titus 1. 15. —Titus 1:15. Gracious Father, may I not feel that it is necessary to wait for certain days and ceremonies to prepare to worship thee, while at every moment thy love is pleading for me. May I through the busiest hours and the most perplexing moments serve thee in reverence and obedience, and ever give praise to thy holy name. Amen. Gracious Father, may I not think that I need to wait for specific days and ceremonies to prepare to worship you, while at all times your love is reaching out to me. May I, through the busiest hours and the most confusing moments, serve you with respect and obedience, and always give praise to your holy name. Amen. JULY TWENTY-EIGHTH
O Light that followest all my way, O Light that guides me on my path, I yield my flickering torch to thee; I pass my flickering torch to you; My heart restores its borrowed ray, My heart brings back its borrowed light, That in thy sunshine's blaze its day That in your sunshine's brightness, its day May brighter, fairer be. May it be brighter and fairer. —George Matheson. —George Matheson. Follow your Star that lights a desert pathway, yours or mine, Follow your star that illuminates a desert path, whether it’s yours or mine, Forward, till you learn the highest Human Nature is divine. Move forward until you realize that the highest aspect of Human Nature is divine. Follow Light and do the Right—for man can half control his doom— Follow the Light and do what’s Right—because a person can only partly control their fate— Till you see the deathless Angel seated in the vacant Tomb. Until you see the immortal Angel sitting in the empty Tomb. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. My soul waiteth for the Lord, My soul waits for the Lord, More than watchmen wait for the morning; More than watchmen look for the morning; Yea, more than watchmen for the morning. Yes, even more than watchmen wait for the morning. —Psalm 130. 6. —Psalm 130:6. Almighty God, help me to kindle my life by the shining light of thy power and love, that I may be an ambassador for thee. Amen. Almighty God, help me to light up my life with your powerful and loving presence, so that I can be your ambassador. Amen. JULY TWENTY-NINTH
I wrestle not with rage I don't struggle with anger. While fury's flame doth burn; While the flame of fury burns; It is vain to stop the stream It's pointless to try to stop the flow. Until the tide doth turn. Until the tide turns. But when the flame is out But when the fire is gone And ebbing wrath doth end And fading anger comes to rest I turn a late enraged foe I confront an angry enemy who is delayed. Into a quiet friend. Into a calm friend. —Robert Southwell. —Robert Southwell. If I can lend If I can help A strong hand to the fallen, or defend A helping hand to those who have fallen, or stand up for them. The right against a single envious strain, The right to defend against a single envious attack, My life though bare My life feels empty Perhaps of much that seemeth dear and fair Maybe of all that seems precious and beautiful To us on earth, will not have been in vain. To us on Earth, it will not have been in vain. —Unknown. —Unknown. A friend loveth at all times; A friend loves all the time; And a brother is born for adversity. A brother is born for tough times. —Proverbs 17. 17. —Proverbs 17:17. Gracious Father of us all, if I may have cause to be provoked to-day, help me to rise above my angry passions, and not from weakness plunge into that for which I may be sorry. Make me self-forgetful, that I may be willing to make peace with those whom I may have displeased. Amen. Gracious Father of us all, if I find myself getting upset today, help me to rise above my anger and not give in to weakness that might lead to regret. Help me to forget myself so that I'm willing to make peace with those I've upset. Amen. JULY THIRTIETH
Sit down, sad soul, and count Take a seat, weary soul, and count The moments flying; Time flies; Come, tell the sweet amount Come, share the sweet details That's lost by sighing! That's gone by complaining! How many smiles?—a score? How many smiles?—twenty? Then laugh, and count no more; Then laugh and stop counting; For day is dying. The day is ending. Lie down sad soul, and sleep, Lie down, weary soul, and sleep, And no more measure And no more judging The flight of time, nor weep The passage of time, nor cry The loss of leisure; The loss of leisure time; But here by this lone stream, But here by this quiet stream, Lie down with us, and dream Lie down with us and dream. Of starry treasure. Of starry treasure. Bryan Waller Procter. Bryan Waller Procter. The only thing grief has taught me is to know how shallow it is. Grief will not carry you one step into real nature; grief can teach me nothing. The only thing grief has taught me is how shallow it is. Grief won’t take you even a step into true nature; grief can teach me nothing. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; Stop, you naive ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding. And walk in the path of understanding. —Proverbs 9. 6. —Proverbs 9:6. God of love, may I come quickly to thee, when I am in need of protection and sympathy. Guard me against sorrow that is drawn from the imagination. May I not allow grief to drag me into misery, but with strength and courage may I find happiness in thy daily will. Amen. God of love, please let me come to you quickly when I need protection and understanding. Shield me from the sadness that comes from my imagination. Help me not to let grief pull me into despair, but with strength and courage, may I find joy in your daily purpose. Amen. JULY THIRTY-FIRST
Be wise to-day; 'tis madness to defer; Be wise today; it's crazy to wait; Next day the fatal precedent will plead; The next day, the unfortunate precedent will argue; Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life. Thus, this continues until wisdom is pushed out of life. Procrastination is the thief of time; Procrastination steals your time; Year after year it steals, till all are fled, Year after year it takes away, until everyone is gone, And to the mercies of a moment leaves And to the kindness of a moment leaves The vast concerns of an eternal scene. The wide-ranging issues of a timeless setting. —Dr. Edward Young. —Dr. Edward Young. O, my friend, rise up and follow Oh, my friend, get up and follow. Where the hand of God shall lead; Wherever God guides us; He has brought thee through affliction, He has brought you through hardship, But to fit thee for his need. But to prepare you for his needs. —Mary Howitt. —Mary Howitt. For he is our God, For He is our God, And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. We are the people of his land, and the sheep under his care. To-day, O that ye would hear his voice! Today, oh that you would listen to his voice! Harden not your heart. Don't harden your heart. —Psalm 95. 7, 8. —Psalm 95:7-8. Lord God, I come to thee for help, that I may make more of my life. Steady me, that I may know its value without wavering, and the loss it sustains from wasted days. I pray that I may live more in thy commandments, and with my work accept the joy of thy love. Amen. Lord God, I come to you for help, so I can make more of my life. Steady me, so I can understand its value without doubt, and recognize the loss that comes from wasted days. I pray that I can live more by your commandments, and with my work, embrace the joy of your love. Amen. AUGUST
Flame-like, the long midday, Flame-like, the long noon, With not so much of sweet air as hath stirred With not much sweet air that has moved The down upon the spray, The rain on the spray, Where nests the panting bird, Where does the panting bird nest, Dozing away the hot and tedious noon, Napping through the hot and boring afternoon, With fitful twitter, sadly out of tune. With uneven chirping, sadly off-key. Pleasantly comest thou, Welcome, Dew of the evening, to the crisped-up grass; Evening dew on the fresh grass; And the curled corn-blades bow, And the curled corn blades bow, As the light breezes pass, As the gentle breezes blow, That their parched lips may feel thee, and expand, That their dry lips may feel you and open up, Thou sweet reviver of the fevered land. You sweet restorer of the troubled land. So, to the thirsting soul, So, to the thirsty soul, Cometh the dew of the Almighty's love; Here comes the dew of the Almighty's love; And the scathed heart, made whole, And the wounded heart, restored, Turneth in joy above, Turns in joy above, To where the spirit freely may expand, To where the spirit can freely grow, And rove, untrammeled, in that "better land." And roam freely in that "better land." —William D. Gallagher. —William D. Gallagher. AUGUST FIRST
Am I wrong to be always so happy? This world is full of grief; Is it wrong for me to always be so happy? This world is full of sorrow; Yet there is laughter of sunshine, to see the crisp green on the leaf, Yet there's the laughter of sunshine, seeing the crisp green on the leaf, Daylight is ringing with song-birds, and brooklets are crooning at night; The daylight is filled with songbirds, and the streams are humming at night; And why should I make a shadow when God makes all so bright? And why should I cast a shadow when God makes everything so bright? Earth may be wicked and weary, yet cannot I help being glad! The world might be cruel and exhausting, but I can’t help feeling happy! There is sunshine without and within me, and how should I mope or be sad? There’s sunshine both outside and inside me, so why should I sulk or feel down? God would not flood me with blessings, meaning me only to pine God wouldn't shower me with blessings just to watch me suffer. Amid all the bounties and beauties he pours upon me and mine; Amid all the gifts and wonders he gives to me and my family; Therefore I will be grateful, and therefore will I rejoice; So I will be thankful, and that's why I will celebrate; My heart is singing within me; sing on, O heart and voice. My heart is singing inside me; keep singing, O heart and voice. —Walter C. Smith. —Walter C. Smith. Rejoice always. Always be joyful. —1 Thessalonians 5. 16. —1 Thessalonians 5:16. Gracious Father, my soul floods with joy for the blessings of life. May it be my privilege to be happy in them. Help me not to ask thee for anything which will cause loss to another; may I not delight in a lonely view, but as I see thy glory bring others to the vision also. Amen. Gracious Father, my soul is filled with joy for the blessings of life. May I have the privilege of being happy in them. Help me not to ask you for anything that would cause someone else to lose out; may I not find joy in a solitary perspective, but as I see your glory, may I bring others to share in that vision too. Amen. AUGUST SECOND
The Holy Supper is kept, indeed, The Holy Supper is observed, truly, In whatso we share with another's need; In what we share with someone else's need; Not what we give, but what we share, It's not about what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare; A gift is meaningless without the person who gives it; Who gives himself with his alms feeds three, Whoever shares his donations feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me. Him, his hungry neighbor, and me. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. And when o'er storm and jar I climb, And when I rise above the storm and chaos, Beyond life's atmosphere, Beyond life's atmosphere, I shall behold the lord of time I will see the lord of time And space—of world and year. And space—of world and time. O vain, far quest! not thus my heart O foolish, distant journey! My heart doesn't feel this way. Shall ever find its goal! Will ever find its goal! I turn me home—and there thou art, I head home—and there you are, My Father, in my soul. My Dad, in my heart. —George Macdonald. —George MacDonald. That they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us; for in him we live, and move, and have our being. That they should seek God, hoping that they might reach out for him and find him, although he is not far from any of us; for in him we live, move, and exist. —Acts 17. 27, 28. —Acts 17:27-28. O Lord, my gracious Father, may I not be so eager for more, that I feel I have nothing to spare. Help me to realize that if I may be on the mountain-top, or at the level of the sea, thy spirit may dwell in my soul. May I rejoice that I can always receive and share thy grace and love. Amen. O Lord, my gracious Father, may I not be so eager for more that I feel like I have nothing to give. Help me understand that whether I'm on the mountaintop or at sea level, your spirit can dwell in my soul. May I find joy in knowing that I can always receive and share your grace and love. Amen. AUGUST THIRD
Set out in the very morning of your lives with a frank and manly determination to look simply for what is right and true in all things.... This is the only way to know God's will and do it. You may not find it at once, but you have set your face in the true direction to find it. Set out in the very morning of your lives with an honest and strong determination to seek what is right and true in everything.... This is the only way to understand God's will and follow it. You might not discover it immediately, but you've directed yourself towards the right path to find it. —Jeremy Taylor. —Jeremy Taylor. The important thing in life is to have a great aim, and to possess the aptitude and perseverance to attain it. The key to life is to have a strong goal and to have the skill and determination to achieve it. —Goethe. —Goethe. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart. That seek him with all their heart. —Psalm 119. 2. —Psalm 119:2. Lord God, forbid that I should lose the opportunities of making my life by waiting for sudden developments. Cause me to notice that the tree that bears fruit must first grow the blossom before it may be perfected by the sun: whether thou hast made me greater or less, may I be ashamed to live in untruth and wait in idleness. Amen. Lord God, please don’t let me miss the chances to shape my life by waiting for sudden changes. Help me to see that a tree must bloom before it can bear fruit and be perfected by the sun. Whether you’ve made me greater or lesser, let me feel ashamed to live in falsehood and wait around doing nothing. Amen. AUGUST FOURTH
We look before and after, We reflect on the past and future, And pine for what is not; And long for what we can't have; Our sincerest laughter Our deepest laughter With some pain is fraught; With some pain is involved; Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought. Our sweetest songs are the ones that express our saddest thoughts. Yet if we could scorn Yet if we could disregard Hate and pride and fear, Hate, pride, and fear, If we were things born If we were created things Not to shed a tear, Not to cry, I know not how thy joy we ever could come near. I don't know how we could ever come close to your joy. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. It becomes no man to nurse despair, It's not right for a man to hold onto despair, But in the teeth of clenched antagonisms But in the face of fierce oppositions To follow up the worthiest till he die. To support the worthy until he dies. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. He suffered no man to do them wrong; He didn’t allow anyone to wrong them; Yea, he reproved kings for their sakes. Yeah, he rebuked kings for their benefit. —1 Chronicles 16. 21. —1 Chronicles 16. 21. My Father, I bless thee for thy patience and forbearance. I pray that thou wilt forgive me for all the sorrow that I have made from rebellion and despair, and with thy forgiveness may I receive patience and cheerful courage. Amen. My Father, I thank you for your patience and understanding. I ask that you forgive me for all the pain I've caused from my rebellion and despair, and with your forgiveness, may I find patience and cheerful courage. Amen. AUGUST FIFTH
To live within a cave—it is most good; Living in a cave—it’s really great; But if God made a day, But if God created a day, And some one come, and say, And someone came and said, "Lo! I have gathered faggots in the wood!" "Look! I've gathered firewood in the woods!" E'en let him stay, Let him stay, And light a fire, and fan a temporal mood! And light a fire, and create a temporary vibe! So sit till morning! when the light is grown So stay here until morning when the light comes up. That he the path can read, That he can read the path, Then bid the man Godspeed! Then wish the man good luck! His morning is not thine: yet must thou own His morning is not yours: yet you must admit Those ashes on the stone. Those ashes on the stone. They have a cheerful warmth. They have a friendly warmth. —Thomas Edward Brown. —Thomas Edward Brown. It is given to us sometimes, even in our everyday life, to witness the saving influence of a noble nature, the divine efficacy of rescue that may lie in a self-subduing act of fellowship. It happens to us sometimes, even in our daily lives, to see the saving power of a noble character, the divine impact of rescue that can come from an act of selflessness and support. —George Eliot. —George Eliot. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me. And the King will respond and say to them, Truly I tell you, Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. —Matthew 25. 40. —Matthew 25:40. Father of mankind, may I not be a barrier to the discouraged, but help them in the ways of encouragement. May I not allow pride and prejudice to keep me from acts of love and deeds of kindness, but may I be worthy of thy trust. Amen. Father of humanity, may I not be an obstacle to the discouraged, but help them in finding encouragement. May I not let pride and bias prevent me from showing love and kindness, but may I be worthy of your trust. Amen. AUGUST SIXTH
O well for him whose will is strong! Oh, how fortunate is the person whose will is strong! He suffers, but he will not suffer long; He is in pain, but it won't last long; He suffers, but he cannot suffer wrong; He experiences pain, but he cannot be wronged; For him nor moves the loud world's random mock, For him, neither does the noisy world's random mockery move, Not all Calamity's hugest waves confound, Not all of Calamity's biggest waves confuse, Who seems a promontory rock, Who looks like a bluff, That compassed round with turbulent sound, That surrounded with chaotic noise, In middle ocean meets the surging shock, In the middle of the ocean, waves crash together, Tempest-buffeted, citadel-crowned. Storm-tossed, fortress-topped. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Grandeur of character lies in force of soul—that is, in the force of thought, moral principle, and love; and this may be found in the humblest condition of life. Grandeur of character lies in the strength of the soul—that is, in the strength of thought, moral values, and love; and this can be found in the simplest circumstances of life. —William Ellery Channing. —William Ellery Channing. So then, brethren, stand fast. So then, friends, stand firm. —2 Thessalonians 2. 15. —2 Thessalonians 2:15. Eternal God, help me that I may not be deceived by my surroundings as I seek to have life abundantly. Instruct me that it is by the way of character that I must attain the laws of growth, and learn reverence for the spirit of divine life. Amen. Eternal God, please help me not to be misled by my surroundings as I strive for abundant life. Teach me that I must develop my character to understand the laws of growth and to learn to respect the spirit of divine life. Amen. AUGUST SEVENTH
Although a friend may remain faithful in misfortune, yet none but the very best and loftiest will remain faithful to us after our errors and our sins. Although a friend may stay loyal during tough times, only the very best and highest among them will stay loyal to us after our mistakes and wrongdoings. —Dean Farrar. —Dean Farrar. Friendship is like a debt of honor: the moment it is talked of it loses its real name, and assumes the more ungrateful form of obligation. From hence we find that those who regularly undertake to cultivate friendship find ingratitude generally repays their endeavors. Friendship is like a debt of honor: as soon as it’s mentioned, it loses its true essence and takes on the less appealing form of obligation. Because of this, we see that those who consistently work to build friendships often find that ingratitude is the outcome of their efforts. —Oliver Goldsmith. —Oliver Goldsmith. For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue. For even in their wrongdoing, my prayer will keep going. —Psalm 141. 5. —Psalm 141:5. Lord God, may I ever continue to be thankful for the times thou hast helped me, when I have asked for thy compassion; may I recall the joy in which I received it, when it may be mine to have compassion and extend a helping hand to others. I pray that I may place my life where it will be stronger than adversity and controlled by sincerity and love. Amen. Lord God, may I always be grateful for the times you've helped me when I've asked for your compassion; may I remember the joy I felt when I received it, so that I can show compassion and offer a helping hand to others. I pray that I can position my life in a way that makes me stronger than adversity and guided by sincerity and love. Amen. AUGUST EIGHTH
Lo! all the glory gone! Look! All the glory's gone! God's masterpiece undone! God's masterpiece ruined! The last created and the first to fall; The newest creation and the first to fail; The noblest, frailest, godliest of all. The most noble, delicate, and divine of all. Child of the humble sod, Child of the earth, Wed with the breath of God, Joined with the breath of God, Descend! for with the lowest thou must lie— Descend! For with the lowest, you must lie— Arise! thou hast inherited the sky. Get up! You have inherited the sky. —John B. Tabb. —John B. Tabb. Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations; I cannot reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. Far away in the sunlight are my greatest dreams; I can't grab them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they guide me. —Louisa M. Alcott. —Louisa M. Alcott. I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: I will lift my eyes to the mountains: From whence shall my help come? Where will my help come from? —Psalm 121. 1. —Psalm 121:1. Heavenly Father, may I see as I raise my eyes to the mountains that without the deep shadows there would be no vision of the high-light, and still higher may I see that without the sun there would be no color to encircle the rainbow. And beyond, O Father, may I believe that without the shadow of the cross we could not have the glory of the resurrection. May I keep the vision clear. Amen. Heavenly Father, as I look up at the mountains, help me to realize that without the deep shadows, I wouldn't see the bright highlights. And even more, help me to understand that without the sun, there would be no colors to make the rainbow shine. And beyond that, Father, may I believe that without the shadow of the cross, we couldn't experience the glory of the resurrection. Please help me maintain a clear vision. Amen. AUGUST NINTH
All habits gather, by unseen degrees, All habits accumulate gradually, Brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas. Streams flow into rivers, and rivers flow into the ocean. —John Dryden. —John Dryden. Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, Now it catches the shine of the morning's first light, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream; Now the full glory is shining reflected on the stream; 'Tis the star-spangled banner; O yet may it wave It's the star-spangled banner; oh, may it still wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Over the land of the free and the home of the brave! —Francis Scott Key. —Francis Scott Key. Do not be troubled because you have not great virtues. God made a million spears of grass where he made one tree.... Only have enough of little virtues and common fidelities, and you need not mourn because you are neither a hero nor a saint. Do not worry if you don’t have major virtues. God created a million blades of grass for every one tree. As long as you have enough small virtues and everyday commitments, you don’t need to feel sad about not being a hero or a saint. —Henry Ward Beecher. —Henry Ward Beecher. The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah The reward of humility and the respect for Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life. Is wealth, honor, and life. —Proverbs 22. 4. —Proverbs 22:4. Lord God, who keepest truth to generations, and who through love and wisdom hath gathered us into nations, forgive me for what I have done that is wrong, and for what I have neglected that was right. May I give greater loyalty to my country and to thee. Amen. Lord God, who keeps truth for generations, and who through love and wisdom has gathered us into nations, forgive me for what I've done wrong and for what I've neglected that was right. May I show greater loyalty to my country and to you. Amen. AUGUST TENTH
No one can ask honestly or hopefully to be delivered from temptation unless he has himself honestly and firmly determined to do the best he can to keep out of it. No one can genuinely or hopefully ask to be delivered from temptation unless they have truly and firmly decided to do their best to avoid it. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Men at some time are masters of their fates: At times, men are in control of their destinies: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, The problem, dear Brutus, isn't in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. But within ourselves, we realize that we are subordinates. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. The greatest punishment one can have is to discover, not how hard, but how low he has fallen. The worst punishment someone can face is realizing, not how hard they've hit bottom, but how far they've fallen. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so-called. O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding the silly arguments and contradictions that claim to be knowledge but really aren't. —1 Timothy 6. 20. —1 Timothy 6:20. Almighty God, through thy mercies may I recognize my faults, and correct any evil that is in me. Make me strong, that I may not yield to temptation. May I have regard for thy will and be prepared to take thy messages as they are flashed to the soul. Amen. Almighty God, through your mercy, help me see my faults and fix any wrong within me. Make me strong so I don’t give in to temptation. May I pay attention to your will and be ready to receive your messages as they are sent to my soul. Amen. AUGUST ELEVENTH
Heaven overreaches you and me, Heaven stretches beyond us, And all earth's gardens and her graves. And all of the gardens and graves on earth. Look up with me, until we see Look up with me until we see The day break and the shadows flee. The day is breaking, and the shadows are disappearing. What though to-night wrecks you and me What if tonight destroys you and me? If so to-morrow saves? If tomorrow saves? —Christina G. Rossetti. —Christina G. Rossetti. The essence of joy lies in the doing rather than in the result of the doing. There is a lifelong and solid satisfaction in any productive labor, manual or mental, which is not pushed beyond the limit of strength. The essence of joy is found in the process rather than in the outcome. There is a lasting and deep satisfaction in any productive work, whether physical or mental, as long as it’s not taken beyond one’s limits. —Charles W. Eliot. —Charles W. Eliot. Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Show me your ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths. Teach me your paths. Guide me in thy truths, and teach me. Guide me in your truth and teach me. —Psalm 25. 4, 5. —Psalm 25:4-5. My Father, keep me where my eyes may look expectantly toward the dawn, through the darkness. Take away everything that comes between me and the brightness of the morning. Amen. My Father, keep me where I can eagerly look toward the dawn, through the darkness. Remove everything that stands between me and the brightness of the morning. Amen. AUGUST TWELFTH
Our restlessness in this world seems to indicate that we are intended for a better. We have all of us a longing after happiness; and surely the Creator will gratify all the natural desires he has implanted in us. Our restlessness in this world suggests that we're meant for something better. We all have a yearning for happiness, and surely the Creator will fulfill all the natural desires He has placed within us. —Robert Southey. —Robert Southey. Whenso my quick, light-sandaled feet When my quick, light-sandaled feet Bring me where Joys and Pleasures meet, Take me to where joy and pleasure come together, I mingle with their throng at will; I blend in with their crowd whenever I want; They know me not an alien still, They don't know me, but I'm still not a stranger, Since neither words nor ways unsweet Since neither words nor manners are sweet Of stored bitterness I spill; I spill stored bitterness; Youth shuns me not nor gladness fears, Youth doesn't avoid me nor fear happiness, For I go softly all my years. I move gently throughout all my years. —Edith Thomas. —Edith Thomas. He hath swallowed up death forever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces. He has conquered death forever; and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces. —Isaiah 25. 8. —Isaiah 25:8. Loving Father, help me to guard my inclinations. May I be able to appreciate that though I may be restless from ambition, I also may be restless through discontent. Correct my life, that my desires may meet the true demands of my soul. Strengthen me with the power of calmness, that "I may go softly all my years," even though I walk through the bitterness of sorrow. Amen. Loving Father, help me watch over my tendencies. Let me recognize that while I might be restless from ambition, I can also be restless because of discontent. Guide my life, so my desires align with the true needs of my soul. Give me the strength to remain calm, so that "I may go softly all my years," even as I navigate through the pain of sorrow. Amen. AUGUST THIRTEENTH
Feeling the way—and all the way up hill; Feeling the way— and all the way uphill; But on the open summit, calm and still, But on the open summit, calm and quiet, The feet of Christ are planted; and they stand The feet of Christ are firmly planted; and they remain standing. In view of all the quiet land. Considering all the peaceful land. Feeling the way—and if the way is cold, Feeling the path—and if the path is cold, What matter? since upon the fields of gold What’s the matter? Since on the fields of gold His breath is melting; and the warm winds sing His breath is fading away, and the warm winds sing. While rocking summer days for him. While enjoying summer days for him. —Elizabeth S. Phelps. —Elizabeth S. Phelps. All the performances of human art, at which we look with praise and wonder, are instances of the resistless force of perseverance. All the performances of human art that we admire and marvel at are examples of the unstoppable power of perseverance. —Samuel Johnson. —Samuel Johnson. But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. But stay true to what you've learned and have been convinced of, knowing who you learned it from. —-2 Timothy 3. 14. —-2 Timothy 3:14. My Lord, I would remember to ask thee this morning for that of which I seem to have most need. May I have the will to keep my patience and realize the untold power of my words and actions. Give me thy peace, not only to rest in, but that I may have it to give to others. Amen. My Lord, I want to ask you this morning for what I seem to need the most. Please give me the strength to keep my patience and recognize the incredible power of my words and actions. Grant me your peace, not just to rest in, but so that I can share it with others. Amen. AUGUST FOURTEENTH
I count this thing to be grandly true, I consider this to be profoundly true, That a noble deed is a step toward God; A noble act is a move closer to God; Lifting the soul from the common clod Raising the spirit from the ordinary ground To a purer air and a broader view. To cleaner air and a wider perspective. We rise by the things that are under our feet, We lift ourselves up by the things that are beneath us, By what we have mastered of good or gain, By what we have learned to be good or beneficial, By the pride deposed and the passion slain, By the fallen pride and the extinguished passion, And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet. And the defeated problems that we face every hour. —Richard Watson Gilder. —Richard Watson Gilder. No Apostle of Liberty much to my heart ever found I; I never found an Apostle of Liberty that meant much to my heart; License each for himself, this was at bottom their want. Each wanted to license for themselves; that was fundamentally their desire. Liberator of many! first dare to be Servant of many; Liberator of many! First, have the courage to be a servant to many; What a business is that, would'st thou know it, go try! What kind of business is that? If you want to know, go see for yourself! —Goethe. —Goethe. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Prove everything; cling to what is good. —1 Thessalonians 5. 21. —1 Thessalonians 5:21. Gracious Father, if I may be beginning this day with an unclean purpose in my heart, help me to clear it away; if I may be trying to avoid some urgent duty, make me ashamed to resist it. Keep away the desires that harm my life, and that withhold the enjoyment of my common work. Amen. Gracious Father, if I’m starting this day with an impure intention in my heart, please help me to remove it; if I’m trying to dodge an important responsibility, make me feel ashamed for resisting it. Keep away the desires that harm my life and prevent me from enjoying my everyday work. Amen. AUGUST FIFTEENTH
And do our loves all perish with our frames? Do our loves all die along with our bodies? Do those that took their root and put forth buds, Those that were rooted and began to sprout, And their soft leaves unfolded in the warmth And their soft leaves opened up in the warmth Of mutual hearts, grow up and live in beauty, Of united hearts, grow and live beautifully, Then fade and fall, like fair, unconscious flowers? Then fade and fall, like beautiful, unaware flowers? O, listen, man! Hey, listen up! A voice within us speaks the startling word, A voice inside us says the surprising word, "Man, thou shalt never die!" "Dude, you will never die!" —Richard Henry Dana. —Richard Henry Dana. I am drawing near to the close of my career; I am fast shuffling off the stage. I have been perhaps the most voluminous author of the day; and it is a comfort to me to think I have tried to unsettle no man's faith, to corrupt no man's principle, and that I have written nothing which on my deathbed I should wish blotted. I’m approaching the end of my career; I’m quickly leaving the stage. I’ve probably been one of the most prolific authors of my time, and it comforts me to know that I’ve tried to shake no one’s beliefs, corrupt no one’s principles, and that I haven’t written anything I would want erased on my deathbed. —Sir Walter Scott. —Sir Walter Scott. But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. But when it comes to loving each other, you don't need anyone to write to you, because God has taught you to love one another. —1 Thessalonians 4. 9. —1 Thessalonians 4.9. Almighty God, may I have that faith in eternal life which will make me careful of what I choose for my own and more careful of what I put in the lives of others. Amen. Almighty God, grant me the faith in eternal life that will make me mindful of my own choices and even more mindful of what I contribute to the lives of others. Amen. AUGUST SIXTEENTH
The secret of goodness and greatness is in choosing whom you will approach and live with, in memory or imagination, through the crowding obvious people who seem to live with you. The key to being good and great lies in deciding who you will connect with and spend time with, whether in your memories or in your imagination, amid the many familiar people who seem to be part of your life. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Fair Nature's book together read, Read Fair Nature's book together, The old wood-paths that knew our tread, The old wooden paths that were familiar with our steps, The maple shadows overhead— The maple shadows above— Where'er I look, where'er I stray, Wherever I look, wherever I go, Thy thought goes with me on my way, Your thoughts accompany me on my journey, And hence the prayer I breathe to-day. So here’s the prayer I’m offering today. —John Greenleaf Whittier. —John Greenleaf Whittier. Shall two walk together, except they have agreed? Shall two walk together unless they've agreed? —Amos 3. 3. —Amos 3:3 Lord God, I thank thee for the delight of congenial companions and the memory of friendship. May I not be quick to lose my friends through misunderstanding and selfishness. May I be considerate and constant and be able to climb to the highest steeps of friendship. Amen. Lord God, I thank you for the joy of good friends and the memories of our friendship. Help me not to lose my friends easily because of misunderstandings or selfishness. May I be kind and reliable, and may I reach the highest levels of friendship. Amen. AUGUST SEVENTEENTH
The destiny of nations lies far more in the hands of women—the mothers—than in the hands of those who possess power. We must cultivate women, who are educators of the human race, else a new generation cannot accomplish its task. The future of nations is much more in the hands of women—the mothers—than in the hands of those in power. We need to nurture women, who are the teachers of humanity, or else the next generation won’t be able to fulfill its role. —Froebel. —Froebel. In an old continental town they will show you a prison in a tower, and on all the stones of that prison within reach one word is carved—it is, "Resist!" Years ago a godly woman was for forty years immured in that dungeon, and she spent her time in cutting with a piece of iron on every stone that one word, for the strengthening of her own heart and for the benefit of all who might come after her, "Resist!" "Resist!" "Resist!" In an old European town, there's a prison in a tower, and etched into all the reachable stones of that prison is one word—it’s "Resist!" Years ago, a devout woman was locked away in that dungeon for forty years, and she spent her time carving that one word into every stone with a piece of iron, to strengthen her own heart and to inspire everyone who came after her, "Resist!" "Resist!" "Resist!" —J. G. Mantle. —J. G. Mantle. Then Mordecai bade them return answer unto Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews ... and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Don't think that you will escape in the king's palace more than all the other Jews... and who knows whether you haven't come to your royal position for such a time as this?" —Esther 4. 13, 14. —Esther 4:13-14. Lord God, give me wisdom to help relieve the ignorant and suffering. May I strive in every way to free thy people, that they may be uplifted in the progress of life. Amen. Lord God, give me the wisdom to help those who are unaware and in pain. May I work in every way to free your people, so they can be uplifted in life's journey. Amen. AUGUST EIGHTEENTH
Pour out thy love like the rush of a river, Pour out your love like the rush of a river, Wasting its waters for ever and ever, Wasting its waters forever and ever, Through the burnt sands that reward not the giver; Through the scorched sands that offer no reward to the giver; Silent or songful thou nearest the sea. Silent or singing, you are closest to the sea. Scatter thy life as the summer showers pouring. Spread your life like summer rain falling. What if no bird through the pearl rain is soaring? What if no bird is flying through the pearl-like rain? What if no blossom looks upward adoring? What if no flower looks up in admiration? Look to the life that was lavished for thee. Look at the life that was dedicated to you. —Unknown. —Unknown. Who is the happiest person? He whose nature asks for nothing that the world does not wish and use. Who is the happiest person? It's the one whose nature wants nothing that the world doesn't want or use. —Goethe. —Goethe. Freely ye received, freely give. Freely you received, freely give. —Matthew 10. 8. —Matthew 10:8. My Father, I pray that I may have the sympathy that responds with consideration and devotion. May it be a joy for me to give comfort and render service where I may help. Grant that I may not linger too long in happiness and miss thy blessings, but remember that to "travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Amen. My Father, I pray that I may have the empathy that reacts with care and commitment. May it be a joy for me to provide comfort and offer help wherever I can. Help me not to stay too long in happiness and overlook your blessings, but to remember that "traveling hopefully is better than arriving." Amen. AUGUST NINETEENTH
It is written not, "Blessed is he that feedeth the poor," but "Blessed is he that considereth the poor." And you know a little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money. It doesn’t say, "Blessed is he who feeds the poor," but rather, "Blessed is he who thinks about the poor." And you know that a little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a lot of money. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. So pity never leaves the gentle breast So pity never leaves the kind heart. Where love has been received a welcome guest; Where love has been welcomed as a guest; As wandering saints poor huts have sacred made, As wandering saints have turned simple huts into something sacred, He hallows every heart he once has swayed, He sanctifies every heart he has touched, And, when his presence we no longer share, And when we no longer share his presence, Still leaves compassion as a relic there. Compassion still remains as a relic there. —Thomas Sheridan. —Thomas Sheridan. If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; and yet ye give them not the things needful to the body; what doth it profit? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, stay warm and eat well," but doesn't provide them with the essentials they need, what good is that? —James 2. 16. —James 2:16 Tender Father, help me to consider those who receive the crust of bread at my door; for if it be needed it is asked for by sad and desperate lives. Make me conscious of thy mercy and help, that I may be considerate for the one with the outstretched hand. Amen. Tender Father, help me to think about those who come to my door for a crust of bread; if they need it, it's because they are struggling and in despair. Make me aware of Your mercy and support, so I can be kind to those reaching out for help. Amen. AUGUST TWENTIETH
The busy world shoves angrily aside The hectic world pushes angrily aside The man who stands with arms akimbo set The man standing with his arms crossed set Until occasion tells him what to do; Until the situation tells him what to do; And he who waits to have his task marked out And whoever waits for their task to be clearly outlined Shall die and leave his errand unfulfilled. Will die and leave his mission incomplete. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. Awake, arise! the hour is late! Wake up, get up! It's getting late! Angels are knocking at thy door! Angels are knocking at your door! They are in haste and cannot wait, They are in a hurry and can't wait, And once departed come no more. And once they leave, they don't come back. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. Boast not thyself of to-morrow; Don't brag about tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. For you don't know what a day might bring. —Proverbs 27. 1. —Proverbs 27:1. Gracious Father, grant that I may not tarry so long, that when I arrive I will hear, "Too late, too late, ye cannot enter now"; but may I be so persistent with every day that when I arrive I may be ready as well as on time. Amen. Gracious Father, please help me not to delay too long, so that when I get there I won't hear, "Too late, too late, you can't enter now"; but may I be so diligent every day that when I arrive I’m ready as well as on time. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-FIRST
Let us never be afraid of innocent joy; God is good and what he does is well done; resign yourself to everything, even happiness; ask for the spirit of sacrifice, of detachment, of renunciation, and above all, for the spirit of joy and gratitude. Let’s never be scared of pure joy; God is good, and everything He does is right; accept everything, even happiness; seek the spirit of sacrifice, of letting go, of giving up, and most importantly, for the spirit of joy and gratitude. —Amiel. —Amiel. That's the wise thrush; That's the clever thrush; He sings each song twice over, He sings each song two times, Lest you should think he never could recapture In case you think he could never get back The first fine careless rapture! The first amazing carefree thrill! —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. And these things we write, that our joy may be made full. And we're writing these things so that our joy can be complete. —1 John 1. 4. —1 John 1:4. Lord God, help me to keep the things under my feet that are inclined to destroy happiness. Show me clearly the line which divides right and wrong, that I may not fear the censure of the world. Help me to act with good judgment and be calm in obeying thy laws. Amen. Lord God, please help me manage the things in my life that threaten my happiness. Make it clear to me where the line is between right and wrong, so I won't worry about what others think. Help me to make wise choices and stay calm while following your laws. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-SECOND
I never saw a moor, I’ve never seen a moor, I never saw the sea; I never saw the ocean; Yet know I how a heather looks But I know what heather looks like. And what a wave must be. And what a wave must be. I never spoke with God, I never talked to God, Nor visited in heaven; Nor visited in heaven; Yet certain am I of the spot But I am certain of the location As if the chart were given. As if the chart were provided. —Emily Dickinson. —Emily Dickinson. I don't want to possess a faith; I want a faith which will possess me. I don't want to have faith; I want faith to have me. —Charles Kingsley. —Charles Kingsley. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts. Not by strength or power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. —Zechariah 4. 6. —Zechariah 4:6. My Father, may there be no room in my soul for doubt. Help me to be cautious and careful that my own neglect and carelessness may not cause the loss of my faith. May I be trustful as I look for the great light that guides me over the uncertain way. Amen. My Father, please let my soul be free of doubt. Help me to be cautious and mindful so that my own neglect and carelessness don’t make me lose my faith. May I be trusting as I seek the great light that guides me through this uncertain path. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-THIRD
Out of the night that covers me, From the night that surrounds me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, As black as the Pit from one end to the other, I thank whatever gods may be I thank whatever gods there may be For my unconquerable soul. For my indomitable spirit. It matters not how strait the gate, It doesn’t matter how narrow the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, How filled with punishments the scroll, I am master of my fate, I am in control of my destiny, I am the captain of my soul. I am in control of my own destiny. —W. E. Henley. —W. E. Henley. A man who has borne himself honorably through a whole life makes an action honorable which might appear ambiguous in others. A man who has lived honorably throughout his life can make an action that might seem questionable to others appear commendable. —Goethe. —Goethe. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable. Therefore, my dear friends, be steadfast and unwavering. —1 Corinthians 15. 58. —1 Corinthians 15:58. Father of mercy, I beseech thee to protect me in my endeavors as I try to live my ideals. May I not choose unnecessary burdens, and when I most need to be strong find that I have lived in that which has weakened my life. I ask for a clear mind and a strong heart that I may be "Captain of my soul." Amen. Father of mercy, I ask you to protect me in my efforts as I try to live by my values. Help me not to take on unnecessary challenges, and when I need to be strong the most, may I realize that I've been living in a way that has drained my strength. I seek a clear mind and a strong heart so that I can be the "Captain of my soul." Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-FOURTH
Give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth; Give me, Lord, eyes to see the truth; A seeing sense that knows the eternal right; A vision that understands what’s always right; A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth; A heart filled with compassion and the softest mercy; A manly faith that makes all darkness light: A strong faith that turns all darkness into light: Give me the power to labor for mankind; Grant me the strength to work for humanity; Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; Make me the voice for those who cannot speak; Eyes let me be to groping men and blind. Eyes, allow me to feel my way around men and be blind. —Theodore Parker. —Theodore Parker. Love's hearts are faithful, but not fond, Love's hearts are loyal, but not affectionate, Bound for the just, but not beyond; Heading toward justice, but not further; Not glad, as the low-loving herd, Not happy, like the selfish crowd, Of self in other still preferred, Of oneself in others still preferred, But they have heartily designed But they have passionately designed The benefit of broad mankind. The benefit of all humanity. And they serve men austerely, And they serve men strictly, After their own genius, clearly, After their own brilliance, clearly, Without a false humility. No false humility. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offense toward God and men always. Here, I also make an effort to keep my conscience clear of any wrongdoing towards God and others at all times. —Acts 24. 16. —Acts 24:16. Heavenly Father, help me to-day to look into my heart and see the truth of my life, and show me thy heart that I may see the truth of life. Amen. Heavenly Father, help me today to look into my heart and see the truth of my life, and show me your heart so that I may see the truth of life. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-FIFTH
O teach me in the trying hour, O teach me in the difficult hour, When anguish swells the dewy tear, When pain brings forth the tearful dew, To still my sorrows, own thy power, To calm my sorrows, take control of your power, Thy goodness love, thy justice fear. Your goodness is love, your justice is fear. Then why, my soul, dost thou complain? Then why, my soul, do you complain? Why drooping seek the dark recess? Why do you seek the dark corners? Shake off the melancholy chain, Shake off the sad vibes, For God created all to bless. For God created everything to bring blessings. —Thomas Chatterton. —Thomas Chatterton. Each substance of a grief hath twenty shadows Each aspect of grief has twenty shadows. which show like grief itself, but are not so: which appear to show grief itself, but aren't: For sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tears, For the eye of sorrow, clouded by blinding tears, Divides one thing entire to many shadows. Divides one whole thing into many shadows. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Why are you feeling down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Why are you so troubled within me? Hope thou in God. Hope in God. —Psalm 42. 5. —Psalm 42:5. Loving Father, forbid that I should be lonesome, and forget thou art my friend: and may I not pass over thy mercies while waiting for thy compassion. Help me to find contentment in the inheritances of the earth, where I may always draw from thee. Amen. Loving Father, please don’t let me feel lonely and help me remember that you are my friend. Let me not overlook your blessings while I wait for your compassion. Help me to find contentment in the gifts of the earth, where I can always rely on you. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-SIXTH
Lord, for to-morrow and its needs Lord, for tomorrow and what it requires I do not pray; I don't pray; Keep me, my God, from stain of sin Keep me, my God, free from the stain of sin. Just for to-day. Just for today. Help me to labor earnestly, Help me work hard, And duly pray; And pray; Let me be kind in word and deed, Let me be kind in what I say and do, Father, to-day. Dad, today. Let me no wrong or idle word Let me not speak any wrong or useless words. Unthinking say; Unthinking says; Set thou a seal upon my lips Put a seal on my lips Through all to-day. All day today. Let me in season, Lord, be grave, Lord, help me to be serious during this season, In season gay; In season for gay people; Let me be faithful to thy grace, Let me be true to your grace, Dear Lord, to-day. Dear Lord, today. —Ernest Wilberforce. —Ernest Wilberforce. And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And which of you by worrying can add even one moment to your life? —Matthew 6. 27. —Matthew 6:27 My Lord, I pray that thou wilt control my life, and bless the going out of my work, be it ever so great or small. Help me to realize the necessity of earnestness, that I may "work while it is to-day," and I have the light, and not wait for the night, when it is too dark for work to be done. May I be faithful in my work until it is completed. Amen. My Lord, I ask that You guide my life and bless the efforts of my work, no matter how big or small. Help me understand the importance of being diligent, so I can "work while it is day," while I have the light, and not wait for the night, when it’s too dark to get anything done. May I be committed to my work until it is finished. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-SEVENTH
Who are thy playmates, boy? Who are your playmates, boy? "My favorite is joy, "My favorite is joy, Who brings with him his sister Peace, to stay Who brings his sister Peace to stay with him. The livelong day. The entire day. I love them both; but he I love them both, but he Is most to me!" Is most important to me! And where are thy playmates now, And where are your friends now, O man of sober brow? O man with a serious face? "Alas! dear joy, the merriest is dead, Oh no! Our dear joy, the happiest among us, is gone, But I have wed But I’m married Peace; and our babe, a boy Peace, and our baby boy. Newborn, is joy." "Newborn is joy." —John B. Tabb. —John B. Tabb. Depart from evil, and do good; Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it. Seek peace and pursue it. —Psalm 34. 14. —Psalm 34:14. Lord God, may I realize more my dependence on thee for the joys of life. I pray that as I accept thy gifts I will not neglect to take the peace and happiness which thou dost give with them. Grant that I may have the bright hope and cheerful courage that is the experience of power and truth. Amen. Lord God, may I become more aware of my dependence on you for the joys of life. I pray that as I accept your gifts, I won't forget to embrace the peace and happiness that you offer with them. Please grant me the bright hope and cheerful courage that come from experiencing your power and truth. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-EIGHTH
All truly wise thoughts have been already thought a thousand times; but to make them truly ours we must think them over again honestly, till they take firm root in our personal experience. All genuinely wise thoughts have already been thought a thousand times; but to make them truly ours, we need to reflect on them honestly until they take firm root in our personal experience. —Goethe. —Goethe. The light that fills thy house at morn The light that fills your house in the morning Thou canst not for thyself retain; You cannot keep it for yourself; But all who with thee here are born But everyone who is born here with you It bids to share an equal gain. It aims to share the benefits equally. The wave, the blue encircling wave, The wave, the blue surrounding wave, No chain can bind, no fetter hold; No chain can bind, no shackle can hold; Its thunders tell of Him who gave Its thunder proclaims the presence of Him who gave What none can ever buy for gold. What no one can ever purchase with money. —Jones Very. —Jones Very. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them And the glory that you gave me, I have given to them. —John 17. 22. —John 17:22. Father of love, I thank thee for thy daily love and for thy daily bread. May I feel that thy gifts are for all, and not mine to keep and store from those who are in need. Help me as I say, "Thy will be done to me," to so will it to others. Amen. Father of love, I thank you for your daily love and for your daily bread. May I realize that your gifts are for everyone, and not just for me to keep and hoard from those in need. Help me as I say, "May your will be done in my life," to want the same for others. Amen. AUGUST TWENTY-NINTH
Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, Build more impressive homes, O my soul, As the swift seasons roll! As the seasons change quickly! Leave thy low-vaulted past! Leave your low-vaulted past! Let each new temple, nobler than the last, Let each new temple be grander than the one before it, Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, Close you off from heaven with a dome that's larger, Till thou at length art free, Until you are finally free, Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea! Leaving your outgrown shell by life's restless sea! —Oliver Wendell Holmes. —Oliver Wendell Holmes. We all live in the sublime. Where else can we live? That is the only place of life. Though you have but a little room, do you fancy that God is not there, too, and it is impossible to live therein a life that shall be somewhat lofty? Do you imagine that you can possibly be alone, that love can be a thing one knows, a thing one sees; that events can be weighed like the gold and silver of ransom? We all exist in the extraordinary. Where else would we exist? That's the only place for life. Even if you have only a small space, do you really think that God isn’t there, and that it's impossible to live a somewhat elevated life there? Do you believe that you can truly be alone, that love is something you can know or see; that experiences can be measured like gold and silver for ransom? —Maurice Maeterlinck. —Maurice Maeterlinck. My soul waiteth in silence for God only: My soul waits in silence for God alone: From him cometh my salvation. My salvation comes from him. —Psalm 62. 1. —Psalm 62:1. Loving Father, help me to live, that my spirit may always dwell in thy protecting love. Amen. Loving Father, help me to live so that my spirit can always remain in your protective love. Amen. AUGUST THIRTIETH
Thyself and thy belongings You and your belongings Are not thine own so proper as to waste Aren't you too proper to waste Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee. Focus on your own virtues, and they will focus on you. Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Heaven treats us the same way we treat torches, Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues Not to light them for themselves; because if our virtues Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike Did not go out from us, it would all be the same. As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touched As if we didn't have them. Spirits are not delicate. But to fine issues, nor Nature never lends But to resolve important issues, neither does Nature ever lend The smallest scruple of her excellence, The tiniest part of her greatness, But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines But, like a budget-conscious goddess, she decides Herself the glory of a creditor, Her own glory as a creditor, Both thanks and use. Thanks and usage. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. Brothers, follow my example and pay attention to those who live as we do, since you have us as a model. —Philippians 3. 17. —Philippians 3:17. My Father, I pray that I may not let my life become commonplace through habit. May I not be content to rest in my virtues and let the days pass neglected. Awaken my dull satisfactions to a desire to live for the greatest, that I may have the greatest to live for. Amen. My Father, I pray that I don’t let my life become ordinary through routine. May I not be satisfied just resting on my virtues and allowing the days to go by unnoticed. Ignite my dull contentment with a desire to strive for the best, so I can have the best to strive for. Amen. AUGUST THIRTY-FIRST
Let us be patient, and endure a while; the time may come that God may give us a happy release; but let us not be our own murderers. Let’s be patient and hold on for a bit; the time might come when God gives us a happy escape; but let’s not be the ones to harm ourselves. —John Bunyan. —John Bunyan. He that is down need fear no fall; Someone who is already at the bottom doesn't have to worry about falling. He that is low no pride; A person who is humble has no pride; He that is humble ever shall Anyone who is humble will always Have God to be his guide. Have God as his guide. —John Bunyan. —John Bunyan. Time delivers fools from grief and reason wise men. Time helps foolish people move on from sadness, while it brings understanding to wise men. —Epictetus. —Epictetus. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. For our minor struggles, which are temporary, create for us a greater and greater eternal glory. —2 Corinthians 4. 17. —2 Corinthians 4:17. My Lord, if I may be walking through fields that are rough with grief and care, may I have the courage to continue on to the smooth pastures, where I may walk with comfort and peace. May I not let the weariness and sorrow that may come to my heart to-day dwarf my hope and enjoyment of the future. Amen. My Lord, if I have to walk through fields that are tough with grief and worries, please give me the strength to keep going to the smooth pastures, where I can walk with comfort and peace. Don’t let the tiredness and sadness that might hit my heart today dim my hope and joy for the future. Amen. SEPTEMBER
Go forth at eventide, Go out in the evening, The eventide of summer, when the trees The evening of summer, when the trees Yield their frail honors to the passing breeze, Surrender their fragile honors to the passing breeze, And woodland paths with autumn tints are dyed; And forest trails are colored with autumn hues; When the mild sun his paling luster shrouds When the gentle sun hides its fading light In gorgeous draperies of golden clouds, In beautiful layers of golden clouds, Then wander forth, mid beauty and decay, Then walk on, amidst beauty and decay, To meditate alone—alone to watch and pray. To meditate by yourself—by yourself to observe and pray. —Emma C. Embury. —Emma C. Embury. SEPTEMBER FIRST
O ye, who proudly boast, Oh you, who proudly boast, In your veins, the blood of sires like these, In your veins runs the blood of ancestors like these, Look to their lineaments. Dread lest ye lose Check out their features. Be scared that you might lose Their likeness in your sons. Should mammon cling Their resemblance in your sons. If wealth should hold on Too close around your heart, or wealth beget Too close to your heart, or wealth creates That bloated luxury which eats the core That excessive luxury that consumes the essence From manly virtue, or the tempting world From masculine virtue, or the alluring world Make faint the Christian purpose in your soul, Dim the Christian purpose in your soul, Turn ye to Plymouth Rock, and where they knelt Turn to Plymouth Rock, and see where they knelt Kneel, and renew the vow they breathed to God. Kneel and reaffirm the promise they made to God. —Lydia Sigourney. —Lydia Sigourney. Educate children without religion, and you make a race of clever devils. Educate kids without any religion, and you'll create a generation of smart troublemakers. —Duke of Wellington. —Duke of Wellington. Remember his covenant for ever, Remember his promise forever, The word which he commanded to a thousand generations. The word he commanded for a thousand generations. —1 Chronicles 16. 15. —1 Chronicles 16:15. O Lord of wisdom, kindle me with a love for true knowledge, that I may strive, in the moments I have now, to culture my life. Not by might, not by power, but by thy spirit, O Lord, may I learn and teach thy children. Amen. O Lord of wisdom, inspire me with a passion for real knowledge, so I can work to improve my life in the time I have now. Not by strength, not by force, but by your spirit, O Lord, may I learn and teach your children. Amen. SEPTEMBER SECOND
And thus we sat in darkness, And so we sat in the dark, Each one busy in his prayer; Everyone focused on their prayers; "We are lost!" the captain shouted, "We're lost!" the captain shouted, As he staggered down the stair. As he stumbled down the stairs. But the little daughter whispered, But the little daughter said, As she took his icy hand, As she held his cold hand, "Isn't God upon the ocean, "Isn't God in the ocean, Just the same as on the land?" "Is it just like on land?" —Eugene Field. —Eugene Field. Happiness is through helpfulness. Every morning let us build a booth to shelter some one from life's fierce heat. Every noon let us dig some life-spring for thirsty lips. Happiness comes from helping others. Every morning, let's create a space to protect someone from life's harsh heat. Every noon, let's find a way to quench the thirst of those in need. —Newell Dwight Hillis. —Newell Dwight Hillis. Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, Jehovah is close to everyone who calls on him, To all that call upon, him in truth. To everyone who calls on him sincerely. —Psalm 145. 18. —Psalm 145:18. Heavenly Father, may I live that my spirit may never feel lost from thee; and when I am in great need of thee, even unto death, may I know that thou art very near. Amen. Heavenly Father, please let me live in a way that my spirit never feels separated from you; and when I'm in desperate need of you, even unto death, may I know that you are very close. Amen. SEPTEMBER THIRD
Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee: Love yourself last: value those hearts that dislike you: Corruption wins not more than honesty. Corruption doesn't triumph more than honesty. Still in thy right hand carry peace, Still carry peace in your right hand, To silence envious tongues. Be just and fear not: To silence jealous voices. Be fair and do not be afraid: Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's, Let all your goals be for your country, Thy God's and truth's; then if thou fallest, O Cromwell, Your God and truth; then if you fall, O Cromwell, Thou fallest a blessed martyr. You have become a blessed martyr. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Surely, the only true knowledge of our fellow man is that which enables us to feel with him, which gives us a fine ear for the heart-pulses that are beating under the mere clothes of circumstance and opinion. Surely, the only real understanding of our fellow humans is that which allows us to empathize with them, which gives us a keen awareness of the feelings that are beating beneath the surface of circumstances and opinions. —George Eliot. —George Eliot. With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love. With all humility and gentleness, with patience, supporting one another in love. —Ephesians 4. 2. —Ephesians 4:2. Lord, give thy people consistency of judgment, one heart, and mutual love; and go on to deliver them, and with the work of the reformation; and make the name of Christ glorious in the world. Teach those who look too much on thy instruments to depend more upon thyself. Pardon the folly of this short prayer: Even for Christ's sake. And give us a good night, if it be thy pleasure. Amen. Lord, grant your people steady judgment, united hearts, and love for one another; continue to deliver them and support the efforts of reform; make the name of Christ shine brightly in the world. Teach those who rely too much on your servants to trust more in you. Forgive the shortcomings of this brief prayer: For Christ's sake. And give us a good night, if it’s your will. Amen. —Prayer by Oliver Cromwell, just before death. —Prayer by Oliver Cromwell, just before death. SEPTEMBER FOURTH
I ask not wealth, but power to take I don't ask for wealth, but the power to take. And use the things I have, aright; And use the things I have correctly; Not years, but wisdom that shall make Not years, but the wisdom that will make My life a profit and delight. My life is both fulfilling and enjoyable. —Phcebe Gary. —Phoebe Gary. Another day may bring another mind, Another day might bring a new perspective, A mind to learn when there is none to teach; A desire to learn when there’s no one to teach; To follow when no leader we can find; To follow when we can't find a leader; To enjoy when good is now beyond our reach. To appreciate what is good is now out of our reach. A better mind, but not a better time, A sharper mind, but not a better time, A mind to will, but not a time to do A mind to act, but no time to do it What had been done, if we in life's bright prime, What was done when we were in the prime of our lives, When God was ready, had been ready too. When God was ready, I was ready too. —Thomas T. Lynch. —Thomas T. Lynch. Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Make an effort to present yourself approved by God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed. —2 Timothy 2. 15. —2 Timothy 2:15. My Father, help me to have lofty thoughts, and may I not be content until they are carried into purpose. Help me to conquer that which will keep me from an act of happiness, and grant that by thinking of that which is pure, and doing that which is good, I may be made helpful and true. Amen. My Father, help me to have high thoughts, and may I not settle until they take shape in action. Help me to overcome anything that stands in the way of my happiness, and allow me to think about what is pure and do what is good, so that I may be helpful and genuine. Amen. SEPTEMBER FIFTH
Be patient! O, be patient! Put your ear against the earth; Be patient! Oh, be patient! Press your ear to the ground; Listen there how noiselessly the germ o' the seed has birth— Listen to how quietly the seed begins to grow— How noiselessly and gently it upheaves its little way, How quietly and gently it rises along its small path, Till it parts the scarcely broken ground, and the blade stands up in day. Until it breaks through the barely disturbed soil, and the blade rises up in the daylight. Be patient! O, be patient!—though yet our hopes are green, Be patient! Oh, be patient!—even though our hopes are still fresh, The harvest fields of freedom shall be crowned with sunny sheen. The fields of freedom will be brightened by the sun. Be ripening! be ripening—mature your silent way, Be maturing! Be maturing—grow in your quiet manner, Till the whole broad land is tongued with fire on freedom's harvest day. Until the entire land is ablaze on freedom's harvest day. —Richard C. Trench. —Richard C. Trench. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. And let patience do its complete work, so that you may be whole and complete, lacking nothing. —James 1. 4. —James 1:4. Gracious Father, help me to see the truth as thou hast made it, and may I not be indifferent to the beauty and patience of the earth's revelations. May I not mistake indolence for patient ambition, which I would have for anxious hours, and which I need for my heart's desires. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to see the truth as you have created it, and may I not be indifferent to the beauty and patience of the earth's revelations. May I not confuse laziness with patient ambition, which I desire for my anxious hours, and which I need for my heart's desires. Amen. SEPTEMBER SIXTH
God will not seek thy race, God will not look for your lineage, Nor will he ask thy birth; Nor will he ask about your background; Alone he will demand of thee, By himself, he will ask you, What hast thou done on earth? What have you done on earth? —Persian. —Persian. One dreams of the time when the interest and capacity of each person shall be studied with reference to the industry about to be undertaken. One hopes for a time when everyone's interests and abilities are considered in relation to the work they are about to engage in. —Jane Addams. —Jane Addams. Honor is purchased by deeds we do, honor is not won, until some honorable deed is done. Honor is earned through our actions; it’s not gained until we perform some honorable act. —Sir Christopher Marlowe. —Sir Christopher Marlowe. In diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. In diligence, not lazy; passionate in spirit; serving the Lord. —Romans 12. 11. —Romans 12:11 Gracious Father, wilt thou bring to my mind and heart the important things which are needed in preparing life. Help me to use the strength that is given to me for to-day, that I may not have to give to-morrow to learning what I should have known. Amen. Gracious Father, please remind me of the important things I need to prepare for life. Help me to use the strength I have been given today, so that I don’t have to use tomorrow’s strength to learn what I should have already known. Amen. SEPTEMBER SEVENTH
Side by side Next to each other In the low sunshine by the turban stone In the soft sunlight by the turban stone They knelt; each made his brother's woe his own, They knelt; each one took on his brother's sorrow as their own, Forgetting, in the agony and stress Forgetting, in the pain and pressure Of pitying love, his claim of selfishness; Of compassionate love, his assertion of self-interest; Peace, for his friend besought, his own became; Peace, which his friend asked for, became his own; His prayers were answered in another's name; His prayers were answered under someone else's name; And when at last they rose up to embrace, And when they finally stood up to embrace, Each saw God's pardon in his brother's face. Each saw God's forgiveness reflected in his brother's face. —John G. Whittier. —John G. Whittier. My care is like my shadow in the sun, My care is like my shadow in the sun, Follows me flying, flies when I pursue it; Follows me when I fly, flies away when I chase it; Stands and lies by me, does what I have done, Stands by me and lies down, does what I've done, This too familiar care does make me rue it. This overly familiar concern makes me regret it. No means I find to rid him from my breast, No way I can find to free him from my heart, Till by the end of things it be suppressed. Until everything is resolved. —Queen Elizabeth. —Queen Elizabeth II. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Share each other’s burdens, and in doing so, fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians 6. 2. —Galatians 6:2. Lord God, help me to look for those who are in need of help. Forgive me for my failures, and may I gather up my broken promises and try to redeem them. I ask for thy forgiveness, as I ask that thou wilt help me to forgive them who may have trespassed against me. Amen. Lord God, help me to seek out those in need. Forgive me for my shortcomings, and may I pick up my broken promises and work to fix them. I ask for your forgiveness, and I also ask that you help me forgive those who have wronged me. Amen. SEPTEMBER EIGHTH
All service ranks the same with God,— All service is equal in the eyes of God,— With God, whose puppets, best and worst, With God, whose puppets are both good and bad, Are we: there is no last nor first. Are we: there is neither a last nor a first. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Thou needest not man's little life of years, You don't need a man's short life span of years, Save that he gather wisdom from them all; Except that he gathers wisdom from all of them; That in thy fear he lose all other fears, That in your fear he loses all other fears, And in thy calling heed no other call. And in your calling, ignore any other call. Then shall he be thy child to know thy care, Then he will be your child to know your care, And in thy Self the eternal Sabbath share. And in yourself, share the eternal rest. —Jones Very. —Jones Very. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; Whoever keeps the commandment protects their soul; But he that is careless of his ways shall die. But someone who is careless about their actions will face consequences. —Proverbs 191. 6. —Proverbs 19:1. My Lord, forbid that I should want to live to be known only for power and pride. Help me to strive for that which is helpful and lovely. May I never be restrained from thee, but delight to follow in thy way. Help me to be obedient to thy laws, that I may learn thy truths. Amen. My Lord, I hope I never just live for power and pride. Help me to pursue what is good and beautiful. May I always turn to you and find joy in following your path. Help me to obey your laws so that I can learn your truths. Amen. SEPTEMBER NINTH
Then welcome each rebuff Then embrace each setback That turns earth's smoothness rough, That makes the Earth's surface rough, Each sting that bids nor sit, nor stand but go! Every sting that doesn't ask you to sit or stand but to move! Be our joys three-parts pain! Be our joys three parts pain! Strive and hold cheap the strain; Work hard and don't mind the effort; Learn, nor account the pang; dare, never grudge the throe. Learn, and don't focus on the pain; be brave, and never resent the struggle. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Life without industry is guilt; and industry without art is brutality. Life without work is shame; and work without creativity is brutality. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life. Blessed is the person who endures temptation; for when they have been tested and proven, they will receive the crown of life. —James 1. 12. —James 1:12. Almighty God, help me as I start this day to remember how easy it is to drive the peace from it. May I do my best to keep it, and defy any indolence or disposition, that may make me spoil it. May I lay me down at night in peace and sleep because of the contentment that has filled the hours. Amen. Almighty God, as I begin this day, help me remember how easily I can disrupt its peace. May I do my best to maintain it and resist any laziness or attitude that could ruin it. May I go to bed at night feeling peaceful and sleep well because of the satisfaction I've found throughout the day. Amen. SEPTEMBER TENTH
Let the wind blow east, west, north, or south, the immortal soul will take its flight to the destined point. Let the wind blow east, west, north, or south, the immortal soul will soar to its destined place. —Thomas Sheridan. —Thomas Sheridan. He is void of true taste who strives to have his house admired by decorating it with showish outside; but to adorn our character by gentleness of a communicative temper is a proof of good taste and good nature He lacks true taste if he tries to get admiration for his house by decorating it with flashy exteriors; however, enhancing our character through kindness and approachability shows good taste and a good heart. —Epictetus. —Epictetus. Let fortune empty her whole quiver on me. Let fate shower me with all its blessings. I have a soul that, like an empty shield, I have a soul that feels like an empty shield, Can take it all, and verge enough for more. Can handle it all and still have room for more. —Thomas Dryden. —Thomas Dryden. The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom. The Lord will rescue me from every evil act and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. —2 Timothy 4. 18. —2 Timothy 4:18. Almighty God, I bless thee that it is thou who brought me to live on earth; and I rejoice that it is thou who wilt judge my life when thou takest me away. May I be saving thy rich gifts that I may not be found poor; and may I be worthy to receive thine inheritance and hear thee say, "Well done." Amen. Almighty God, I thank you for bringing me to live on this earth; and I am glad that you will judge my life when you take me away. May I use your abundant gifts wisely so that I am not found lacking; and may I be deserving of your inheritance and hear you say, "Well done." Amen. SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH
But what is virtue but repose of mind, But what is virtue if not peace of mind, A pure ethereal calm, that knows no storm; A serene and peaceful calm that doesn’t know any storms; Above the reach of wild ambitious wind, Higher than the grasp of wild, ambitious wind, Above the passions that this world deform. Above the passions that distort this world. —James Thomson. —James Thomson. And if I pray, the only prayer And if I pray, the only prayer That moves my lips for me That makes my lips move for me Is, "Leave the heart that now I bear, Is, "Leave the heart I carry now, And give me liberty!" And give me freedom!" Yes, as my swift days near their goal, Yes, as my quick days approach their end, 'Tis all that I implore; It's all that I ask; In life and death, a chainless soul In life and death, a free soul With courage to endure. With the strength to persevere. —Emily Brontë. —Emily Brontë. Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. Therefore, don't lose your confidence, which has a great reward. —Hebrews 10. 35. —Hebrews 10:35 Tender Father, may I pause this morning to look at that which I keep uppermost in my life; and if it may not be worthy of thy esteem, may I be bold enough to revise my ideals. With thy compassion may I free my heart and mind of all unworthiness, and be given endurance to restore the empty places. Amen. Tender Father, may I take a moment this morning to reflect on what's most important in my life; and if it doesn't measure up to your standards, may I have the courage to change my ideals. With your kindness, may I lift my heart and mind from all that is unworthy, and be granted the strength to fill the empty spaces. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWELFTH
Our duty is to be useful, not according to our desires, but according to our powers. Our responsibility is to be helpful, not based on what we want, but according to what we are capable of. —Amiel. —Amiel. How good is man's life, the mere living! how fit to employ How great is life for a man, just existing! How suitable to engage All the heart and the soul and the senses for ever in joy! All the heart, soul, and senses in everlasting joy! —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Do something! No man is born with a mortgage on his soul; but every man is born a debtor to Time. Meet this obligation before you find too late that your life is impoverished and you cannot redeem it. Do something! No one is born owning their soul; but everyone is born in debt to Time. Fulfill this obligation before you realize too late that your life is lacking and you can't get it back. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. Let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. Let him work hard, doing good with his hands, so that he can have something to give to those in need. —Ephesians 4. 28. —Ephesians 4:28. My Father, what I have left out of my life I know I cannot recover now. I pray that I may give the best to what is left. Make me deliberate, that I may prove my earnestness. Make me industrious, that I may use my best resources to develop my life and further thy kingdom. Amen. My Father, I know I can’t get back what I’ve missed in life. I pray that I can give my all to what remains. Help me be intentional so I can show my sincerity. Help me be hardworking so I can use my best resources to grow my life and support your kingdom. Amen. SEPTEMBER THIRTEENTH
And thou, O river of to-morrow, flowing And you, O river of tomorrow, flowing Between thy narrow adamantine walls, Between your narrow adamantine walls, But beautiful, and white with waterfalls But beautiful, and white with waterfalls. And wreaths of mist, like hands the pathway showing; And wreaths of mist, like hands guiding the path; I hear the trumpets of the morning blowing. I hear the morning trumpets sounding. It is the mystery of the unknown It’s the mystery of the unknown. That fascinates us; we are children still, That fascinates us; we are still children, Wayward and wistful; with one hand we cling Rebellious and reflective; with one hand we hold on To the familiar things we call our own, To the familiar things we consider our own, And with the other, resolute of will, And with the other, determined in spirit, Grope in the dark for what the day will bring. Fumble in the dark for what the day will hold. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth. Behold, blessed is the person whom God corrects. —Job 5. 17. —Job 5:17. Almighty God, I pray that thou wilt help me to correct my life to-day that I may know a better way to-morrow; and may I be mindful and try to do right. Grant that I may be patient and kind if I may be sick or in need, and always keep uppermost the faith of deliverance and eternal care. Amen. Almighty God, I pray that you help me to fix my life today so that I can learn a better way tomorrow; and may I be aware and strive to do what’s right. Grant me patience and kindness, especially if I am sick or in need, and always keep my faith in deliverance and eternal care at the forefront. Amen. SEPTEMBER FOURTEENTH
Since it is Providence that determines the fates of men, their inner nature is thus brought into unison. There is such harmony, as in all things of nature, that one might explain the whole without referring to a higher Providence. But this only proves the more clearly and certainly this higher Providence, which has given existence to this harmony. Since it is Providence that decides the fates of people, their inner nature comes into alignment. There is such harmony, like in all aspects of nature, that one could explain everything without mentioning a higher Providence. But this only makes the existence of that higher Providence, which has created this harmony, even clearer and more certain. —Wilhelm von Humboldt. —Wilhelm von Humboldt. The good mariner, when he draws near the port, furls his sails and enters it softly; so ought we to lower the sails of our worldly operations, and turn to God with all heart and understanding. The skilled sailor, when he approaches the harbor, rolls up his sails and enters gently; similarly, we should set aside our worldly activities and turn to God with all our heart and mind. —Dante. —Dante. Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are a great deep: Your judgments are very profound: O Jehovah, thou preservest man and beast. O Jehovah, you protect both humans and animals. —Psalm 36. 6. —Psalm 36:6. My Father in heaven, may I hear thy voice to-day! May I be quiet as I listen to thee. Above the clamor of the crowd may I hear thee calling me. May I hear thee in my joys and in my sorrows; in my work and in my leisure. May I listen to thee oftener, that I may be familiar with thy ways. Amen. My Father in heaven, may I hear your voice today! May I be still as I listen to you. Above the noise of the crowd, may I hear you calling me. May I hear you in my joys and in my sorrows; in my work and in my free time. May I listen to you more often, so that I may become familiar with your ways. Amen. SEPTEMBER FIFTEENTH
Friendship is one of the cheapest and most accessible of pleasures; it requires no outlay and no very serious expenditure of time or trouble. It is quite easy to make friends, if one wants to... There is surely no greater pleasure in the world than to feel one is needed, welcomed, missed, and loved. Friendship is one of the most affordable and easily accessible joys; it doesn’t require spending money or a significant amount of time or effort. Making friends is pretty simple if you want to... There’s definitely no greater joy in the world than knowing you are needed, welcomed, missed, and loved. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. "Friendship is love without his wings." "Friendship is love without its wings." —William H. Taft (from Byron). —William H. Taft (from Byron). Without sympathy, in the highest sense of intellectual penetration, kindness may be a folly, and intended aid, oppression. Without empathy, even the deepest understanding can lead to misguided kindness, and well-meaning support can become oppressive. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. A person who makes too many friends ends up harming themselves; however, there is a friend who is closer than a brother. —Proverbs 18. 24. —Proverbs 18:24. My Father, may I know the delight of true friendship which is responsive and sincere. May I never feel so secure in myself that I will cease to want friends, or be so dependent on others that I will be continually seeking them. May I understand the value of having a stanch friend and of being one. Amen. My Father, please help me experience the joy of genuine friendship that is open and honest. May I never become so confident in myself that I stop wanting friends, nor be so reliant on others that I'm always searching for them. Help me recognize the importance of having a loyal friend and being one myself. Amen. SEPTEMBER SIXTEENTH
Yes, to this thought I hold with firm persistence— I firmly believe in this thought— The last result of wisdom stamps it true: The final mark of wisdom proves it true: He only earns his freedom and existence He only earns his freedom and existence. Who daily conquers them anew. Who conquers them every day. —Goethe. —Goethe. For thee hath been dawning For you have been dawning Another blue day; Another sad day; Look how thou let it Look how you let it Slip empty away. Let go of the empty. —Goethe. —Goethe. Happy the man, and happy he alone, Happy is the man, and happy he alone, Who can call to-day his own: Who can claim today as their own: He who, secure within, can say, Who, feeling safe inside, can say, "To-morrow, do thy worst, for I have lived to-day." "Tomorrow, do your worst, because I have lived today." —John Dryden. —John Dryden.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee. Arise and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. —Isaiah 60. 1. —Isaiah 60:1. Gracious Father, help me to be alert this morning and select the noblest that is in to-day. May I be diligent and not find in the evening that I have been unworthy of the day. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to stay awake this morning and choose the best that today has to offer. May I be diligent and not find in the evening that I have wasted the day. Amen. SEPTEMBER SEVENTEENTH
In the hour of distress and misery the eye of every mortal turns to friendship; in the hour of gladness and conviviality, what is your want? It is friendship. When the heart overflows with gratitude or with other sweet and sacred sentiment, what is the word to which it would give utterance? A friend. In times of trouble and sadness, everyone looks to friendship; in times of happiness and celebration, what do you seek? It's friendship. When your heart is full of gratitude or other heartfelt emotions, what's the word you want to express? A friend. —Walter Savage Landor. —Walter Savage Landor. The hurried quest of some people to get hold of new friends is so perpetual that they never have time to get acquainted with anyone. The constant race to make new friends for some people is so relentless that they never actually take the time to get to know anyone. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; Don't abandon your own friend or your father's friend; And go not to thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: And don't go to your brother's house in your time of trouble: Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. A nearby neighbor is better than a distant brother. —Proverbs 27. 10. —Proverbs 27:10. My Lord and my Friend, I pray that my sympathy may be sincere and comforting, and with a glad heart I may bring rejoicing to my friends. May I learn from thee how I may be a permanent friend. Amen. My Lord and my Friend, I hope that my sympathy is genuine and comforting, and with a joyful heart, I can bring happiness to my friends. Help me understand how to be a lasting friend. Amen. SEPTEMBER EIGHTEENTH
There is no greater happiness than to be able to look on a life usefully and virtuously employed: to trace our own purposes in existence by such tokens that excite neither shame nor sorrow. There’s no greater happiness than being able to reflect on a life that has been used productively and ethically: to recognize our own goals in life through signs that bring neither shame nor sadness. —Dr. Johnson. —Dr. Johnson. The perfect poise that comes-from self-control, The perfect balance that comes from self-control, The poetry of action, rhythmic, sweet— The poetry of action, rhythmic and sweet— The unvexed music of the body and soul The pleasing harmony of the body and soul That the Greeks dreamed of, made at last complete. What the Greeks imagined is finally complete. Our stumbling lives attain not such a bliss; Our clumsy lives don't reach that kind of happiness; Too often, while the air we vainly beat, Too often, while we futilely try to change the situation, Love's perfect law of liberty we miss. We miss love's perfect law of freedom. —Annie Matheson. —Annie Matheson. Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day. Brethren, I have lived before God with a clear conscience up to this day. —Acts 23. 1. —Acts 23:1 Heavenly Father, may I not confuse my life with rebellion, but through thy guidance find peace. Help me through the perplexities that may keep me from the quietness of to-day. Keep me in sight of the great plan of life, that I may grow steadfastly toward thee. Amen. Heavenly Father, help me not to confuse my life with rebellion, but through your guidance, let me find peace. Help me through the challenges that might distract me from the calm of today. Keep me aware of the bigger picture in life, so I can steadily grow closer to you. Amen. SEPTEMBER NINETEENTH
Be not afraid to pray—to pray is right. Don't be afraid to pray—praying is the right thing to do. Pray if thou canst, with hope; but ever pray Pray if you can, with hope; but always pray Though hope be weak, or sick with long delay; Even if hope is weak or has suffered from a long wait; Pray in the darkness, if there be no light. Pray in the dark, if there’s no light. Far is the time, remote from human sight, Long ago, far from human view, When war and discord on earth shall cease: When war and conflict on Earth come to an end: Yet every prayer for universal peace Yet every prayer for world peace Avails the time to expedite. Makes time to speed up. —Hartley Coleridge. —Hartley Coleridge. More things are wrought by prayer More things are accomplished through prayer. Than the world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice Than the world dreams of. Therefore, let your voice Rise like a fountain for me night and day. Rise like a fountain for me, both day and night. For what are men better than sheep or goats What makes men better than sheep or goats? That nourish a blind life within the brain, That sustain a hidden life in the mind, If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer If they know God and still don't raise their hands in prayer, Both for themselves and those who call them friend? Both for themselves and for those they consider friends? For so the whole world is every way For that's how the entire world is in every way. Bound by gold chains about the feet of God. Chained by golden ties at the feet of God. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving. Continue steadfastly in prayer, staying alert in it with gratitude. —Colossians 4. 2. —Colossians 4:2. O Lord, give me the desire to pray, and teach me to pray as thou wouldst have my needs. Sustain me, that I may overcome my weaknesses, and strengthen me, that I may have thine approval. May I be reverent and unselfish as I come to thee in prayer. Amen. O Lord, give me the desire to pray, and teach me to pray in a way that meets my needs. Support me so I can conquer my weaknesses, and empower me so I can earn your approval. May I be respectful and selfless as I come to you in prayer. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTIETH
'Tis weary watching wave by wave, It's exhausting watching wave after wave, And yet the tide heaves onward; And yet the tide keeps moving forward; We climb, like corals, grave by grave, We climb, like corals, grave by grave, That pave a pathway sunward. Leading a path toward the sun. We're driven back, for our next fray We're pushed back, for our next fight. A newer strength to borrow; A new strength to borrow; And where the vanguard camps to-day, And where the vanguard camps today, The rear shall rest to-morrow. The back will rest tomorrow. —Gerald Massey. —Gerald Massey. Be like the bird, that, pausing in her flight Be like the bird that stops for a moment in her flight. A while on boughs too slight, For a while on branches that are too fragile, Feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, She feels them give way beneath her, and yet she sings, Knowing that she hath wings. Knowing that she has wings. —Victor Hugo. —Victor Hugo. Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness. Live in the land and rely on his faithfulness. —Psalm 37. 3. —Psalm 37:3. Eternal God, help me to realize that life is not only endless but, whether I live in love and obedience, or wait in neglect and indifference, that I can never separate myself from thee. May I be diligent in worthy endeavors to do my best for thee. Amen. Eternal God, help me understand that life is not only endless but, whether I live in love and obedience or sit in neglect and indifference, I can never separate myself from You. May I be dedicated in my efforts to do my best for You. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-FIRST
It is the secret sympathy, It's the hidden empathy, The silver link, the silken tie, The silver chain, the silk ribbon, Which heart to heart and mind to mind Which heart to heart and mind to mind In body and in soul can bind. In body and in spirit can connect. —Sir Walter Scott. —Sir Walter Scott. No action, whether foul or fair, No action, whether bad or good, Is ever done, but it carves somewhere Is it ever finished, but it shapes something somewhere A record, written by fingers ghostly, A record, written by ghostly fingers, As a blessing or a curse, and mostly As a blessing or a curse, and mostly In the greater weakness or greater strength In greater weakness or greater strength Of the acts which follow it. Of the actions that come after this. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. And he said to them, “Look at me and do the same: and, see, when I reach the farthest part of the camp, just as I do, so you will do.” —Judges 7. 17. —Judges 7:17. Loving Father, may I remember that from the beginning, all things were created beautiful and were given for love. I pray that I may be willing to be guided to the beautiful things of life and receive from them the delight of thy love. Amen. Loving Father, help me remember that from the start, everything was created beautifully and meant for love. I pray that I am open to being led to the beautiful things in life and that I receive the joy of your love from them. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-SECOND
Man learns to swim by being tossed into life's maelstrom and left to make his way ashore. No youth can learn to sail his life-craft in a lake sequestered and sheltered from all the storms, where other vessels never come. Skill comes through sailing one's craft amidst rocks and bars and opposing fleets, amidst storms and whirls and counter currents. Man learns to swim by being thrown into the chaos of life and figuring out how to reach safety. No young person can learn to navigate their life while safely tucked away in a calm lake, isolated from all the storms, where no other boats come. Skill develops through navigating one's own vessel among obstacles, rival ships, storms, and turbulent currents. —Newell Dwight Hillis. —Newell Dwight Hillis. O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce, Oh, a trouble is a ton or a trouble is an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it! It's all about how you handle the trouble! And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, It's not the fact that you're in pain that matters, But only—how did you take it? But really—how did you handle it? —Edmund C. Vance. —Edmund C. Vance. And thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. And so, after patiently waiting, he received the promise. —Hebrews 6. 15. —Hebrews 6:15. Tender Father, may I not encourage the disposition to enlarge and make much of the troubles and disappointments of life, and make light of the joys and privileges. I pray that I may keep a large place for happiness. Amen. Tender Father, help me not to exaggerate the troubles and disappointments of life, while overlooking the joys and privileges. I pray that I may create plenty of room for happiness. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-THIRD
When over the fair fame of friend or foe When it comes to the good reputation of friends or enemies The shadow of disgrace shall fall; instead The shadow of shame will come; instead Of words to blame, or reproof of thus and so, Of words to criticize, or to point out what's right and wrong, Let something good be said. Let something positive be said. Forget not that no fellow-being yet Don't forget that no one yet May fall so low but love may lift his head; He may fall really low, but love can lift his head; Even the cheek of shame with tears is wet Even the shameful cheek is wet with tears. If something good be said. If something positive can be said. —Author unknown. —Author unknown. The right Christian mind will ... find its own image wherever it exists; it will seek for what it loves, and draw out of all dens and caves, and it will believe in its being, often when it cannot see it; and so it will lie lovingly over the faults and rough places of the human heart, as the snow from heaven does over the hard, and black, and broken mountain rocks. The true Christian mindset will ... recognize its own reflection wherever it appears; it will look for what it cherishes and bring out from all the hidden places. It will have faith in its existence, even when it can't see it; and so it will tenderly cover the flaws and rough edges of the human heart, just like snow from the sky blankets the hard, dark, and jagged mountain rocks. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. To him that is ready to faint kindness should be showed from his friend. To someone who is about to give up, a friend should offer kindness. —Job 6. 14. —Job 6:14. Lord God, grant that after years of climbing I may not find the mist in my soul has dulled the vision of thy glory. Keep me from the habit of looking for faults, and missing the virtues in others. Forbid that I should be so occupied in taking measure of other lives that I neglect to measure my own. Amen. Lord God, please let it be that after years of striving, I do not discover that the fog in my soul has obscured my view of your glory. Help me avoid the tendency to focus on flaws and overlook the strengths in others. Do not allow me to be so busy judging the lives of others that I forget to reflect on my own. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-FOURTH
Get the truth once uttered, and 'tis like Once the truth is spoken, it’s like A star newborn that drops into its place, A newborn star that settles into its position, And which, once circling in its placid round, And which, once moving in its calm orbit, Not all the tumult of the earth can shake. Nothing on earth can shake me. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. If you would be well spoken of, learn to speak well of others. And when you have learned to speak well of them, endeavor likewise to do well to them; and reap the fruit of being well spoken of by them. If you want people to say nice things about you, learn to say nice things about others. And once you've learned to do that, try to treat them well too; and you'll enjoy the benefits of being thought well of by them. —Epictetus. —Epictetus. He that slandereth not with his tongue, Who does not slander with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor does he do harm to his friend, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor; Nor does he bring a complaint against his neighbor; He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. —Psalm 15. 3, 5. —Psalm 15:3, 5. Lord God, I bless thee for the lives of men and women who are willing to be led by the truth, and who are worthy to follow thee. I pray that thou wilt make me truthful, and keep me steadfast, that none may go astray by the uncertainty of my way. Amen. Lord God, I thank you for the lives of men and women who are willing to be guided by the truth and who are worthy to follow you. I pray that you will help me be truthful and keep me steady, so that no one is led astray by any uncertainty in my path. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-FIFTH
Not as the conqueror comes, Not as the conqueror arrives, They, the true-hearted, came; They, the true-hearted, arrived; Not with the roll of the stirring drums, Not with the sound of the beating drums, And the trumpet songs of fame: And the trumpet calls of glory: Amidst the storm they sang, During the storm they sang, And the stars heard and the sea; And the stars heard and the sea; And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang And the echoing paths of the dark woods resonated To the anthem of the free. To the anthem of the free. Ay, call it holy ground, Yeah, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod; The ground where they first walked; They have left unstained what there they found— They have left untouched what they found there— Freedom to worship God. Freedom to worship God. —Felicia D. Hemans. —Felicia D. Hemans. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree; and none shall make them afraid. But everyone will sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one will make them afraid. —Micah 4. 4. —Micah 4:4. Eternal God, may I look to the Pilgrims and learn that to pray by faith with the heart is not to pray by faith of the imagination. Help me to pray, and have faith to struggle for that which I would rightfully have. Amen. Eternal God, may I look to the Pilgrims and learn that praying with faith from the heart isn’t the same as just imagining it. Help me to pray and have the faith to fight for what I rightfully deserve. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-SIXTH
God is never so far off as even to be near— God is never so distant that He isn't close— He is within: Our spirit is the home he holds most dear. He is within us: Our spirit is the home he cherishes the most. To think of him as by our side is almost as untrue Thinking of him as being by our side is almost just as untrue. As to remove his throne beyond the starry blue. To remove his throne beyond the starry blue. —F. W. Faber. —F. W. Faber. Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to you, Nearer to thee! Closer to you! E'en though it be a cross Even though it’s a burden That raiseth me; That lifts me; Still all my song shall be— All my songs will still be— Nearer, my God, to thee, Closer, my God, to you, Nearer to thee! Closer to you! —Sarah F. Adams. —Sarah F. Adams. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: My heart shall not reproach me so long as I live. My integrity I hold on to, and I won’t let it slip away: My heart won’t blame me as long as I’m alive. —Job 27. 6. —Job 27:6. My Father, may I consider the place in which I stand: and may I not be deceived in thinking I am near thee while I am living far away. Teach me the way to draw nearer to thee each day, until my spirit may continually dwell with thee. Amen. My Father, help me to reflect on where I am: and may I not fool myself into thinking I'm close to You while I’m actually far away. Show me how to come closer to You every day, so that my spirit can always be with You. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-SEVENTH
The man who has no refuge in himself, who lives, so to speak, in his front rooms, in the outer whirlwind of things and opinions, is not properly a personality at all; ... he is one of a crowd. The man who has no inner sanctuary, who lives, so to speak, in his public spaces, caught up in the external chaos of things and opinions, is not really a complete person; ... he is just part of a crowd. —Amiel. —Amiel. Happy the heart that keeps its twilight hour, Happy is the heart that holds onto its twilight hour, And in the depths of heavenly peace reclined, And in the depths of heavenly peace, it rested, Loves to commune with thoughts of tender power— Loves to connect with thoughts of gentle strength— Thoughts that ascend, like angels beautiful. Thoughts that rise, like beautiful angels. —Paul Hamilton Hayne. —Paul Hamilton Hayne. The art of meditation may be exercised at all hours and in all places; and men of genius in their walks, at table, and amidst assemblies, turning the eye of the mind inward, can form an artificial solitude; retired amidst a crowd, calm amidst distractions, and wise amidst folly. The practice of meditation can be done at any time and in any place; even creative minds, while walking, eating, or in gatherings, can turn their focus inward to create a sense of solitude, remaining calm in the midst of distractions and wise despite foolishness. —Disraeli. —Disraeli. Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Commune with your heart while lying in bed, and be still. —Psalm 4. 4. —Psalm 4:4 Heavenly Father, save me from being so poor in spirit, that I will have to be sustained by the bright spirits of others. May I be continually refreshed by the spirit of life that may be found at all times. Amen. Heavenly Father, please save me from being so low in spirit that I need to rely on the uplifting spirits of others. May I always be renewed by the spirit of life that is available at all times. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-EIGHTH
Unless there is a predominating and overmastering purpose to which all the accessories and incidents of life contribute, the character will be weak, irresolute, uncertain. Unless there's a dominant and overwhelming purpose that all the aspects and events of life support, character will be weak, indecisive, and uncertain. —Frances E. Willard. —Frances E. Willard. Life is not an idle ore, Life isn't just a waiting game, But iron dug from central gloom, But iron extracted from deep darkness, And heated hot with burning fears, And intensely heated with burning fears, And dipt in baths of hissing tears, And dipped in pools of hissing tears, And battered with the shocks of doom And struck by the blows of disaster To shape and use. To mold and utilize. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. He that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.... A double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. A person who doubts is like the waves of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.... A person with a divided mind is unstable in everything they do. —James 1. 6, 8. —James 1:6, 8. O God, help me to be positive. May I not want to be in so many places, and in so many things, that I can never be found in anything. Help me to know that a purpose secured is worth many attempts, and that to have a character I must build it. Amen. O God, help me to stay positive. May I not want to be in so many places and involved in so many things that I can never fully commit to anything. Help me to understand that achieving a purpose is worth many efforts, and that to have a strong character, I have to build it. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-NINTH
O strange and wild is the world of men O strange and wild is the world of people Which the eyes of the Lord must see— Which the eyes of the Lord must see— With continents, inlands, tribes, and tongues, With continents, inland areas, tribes, and languages, With multitudes bond and free! With many united and free! All kings of the earth bow down to him, All the kings of the earth kneel before him, And yet—he can think of me. And yet—he can think of me. For none can measure the mind of God For no one can understand the mind of God Or the bounds of eternity, Or the limits of forever, He knows each life that has come from him, He knows every life that has come from him, To the tiniest bird and bee, To the smallest bird and bee, For the love of his heart is so deep and wide For the love in his heart is so deep and wide That it takes in even me. That it includes even me. —Mary E. Allbright. —Mary E. Allbright. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father knowing it; even the very hairs on your head are all counted. —Matthew 10. 29, 30. —Matthew 10:29-30. Almighty God, cause me to look out this morning, and open wide my eyes, that I may see what great preparation thou hast made that I might live. May I be ashamed to start wrong and be unworthy of the glory of this day. Amen. Almighty God, help me to look out this morning and open my eyes wide so I can see the great efforts you have made for my life. May I feel ashamed to begin the day on the wrong foot and unworthy of the glory this day brings. Amen. SEPTEMBER THIRTIETH
Up, up, my soul, the long-spent time redeeming; Rise up, my soul, reclaiming the time that has passed; Sow thou the seeds of better deeds and thought; Sow the seeds of better actions and ideas; Light other lamps while yet thy lamp is beaming— Light other lamps while your lamp is still shining— The time is short. Time is running out. Think of the good thou might'st have done when brightly Consider the good you could have done when brightly The suns to thee life's choicest season brought; The sun has brought you the best time of your life; Hours lost to God in pleasure passing lightly— Time spent with God in fleeting enjoyment— The time is short. Time's running out. If thou hast friends, give them thy best endeavor, If you have friends, give them your best effort, Thy warmest impulse, and thy purest thought, Your warmest impulse and your purest thought,
Keeping in mind and words and action ever— Keeping in mind both words and actions at all times— The time is short. Time is running out. —Elizabeth Prentiss. —Elizabeth Prentiss. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. —James 4. 14. —James 4:14 Loving Father, help me to realize that I am not living in the right way nor the right place if I am discontented, or happy in trifles and untruth. Help me to find my place, and with thy help may I stand firm and confident. Amen. Loving Father, help me to see that I'm not living the right way or in the right place if I'm feeling discontent or finding happiness in meaningless things and lies. Help me find my true place, and with Your guidance, may I stand strong and confident. Amen. OCTOBER
The morns are meeker than they were, The mornings are gentler than they used to be, The nuts are getting brown; The nuts are turning brown; The berry's cheek is plumper, The berry's cheek is fuller, The rose is out of town. The rose is out of town. The maple wears a gayer scarf, The maple wears a brighter scarf, The field a scarlet gown; The field a red gown; Lest I should be old-fashioned, In case I seem outdated, I'll put a trinket on. I'll wear a piece of jewelry. —Emily Dickinson. —Emily Dickinson. OCTOBER FIRST
He speaks not well who doth his time deplore, He doesn't speak well who complains about his time, Naming it new and a little obscure, Calling it new and somewhat obscure, Ignoble and unfit for lofty deeds. Dishonorable and unworthy of great actions. All times were modern in the time of them, All times were contemporary during their era, And this no more than others. Do thy part And this is no different from anything else. Do your part. Here in the living day, as did the great Here in modern times, just like the great Who made old days immortal. Who made the past unforgettable. —Richard Watson Gilder. —Richard Watson Gilder. He who is false to present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and will find the flaw when he may have forgotten the cause. He who is unfaithful to present responsibilities breaks a thread in the fabric, and will discover the flaw when he may have forgotten the reason. —Henry Ward Beecher. —Henry Ward Beecher. For use almost can change the stamp of nature, For use can almost change the stamp of nature, And master the devil, or throw him out And control the devil, or kick him out With wondrous potency. With remarkable power. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem;) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. And when Daniel realized that the decree had been signed, he went into his house (his windows in his room were open facing Jerusalem) and he knelt on his knees three times a day, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just like he had done before. —Daniel 6. 10. —Daniel 6:10 Heavenly Father, help me to get away from doubt that leads to despair. Give me a vision of hope that is stayed on faith. May I be conscious and appreciative of my privileges while they come to me and make them immortal. Amen. Heavenly Father, help me move past the doubt that leads to despair. Give me a vision of hope grounded in faith. May I be aware of and grateful for my blessings as they come to me and make them everlasting. Amen. OCTOBER SECOND
I am not earth-born, though I here delay; I wasn't born on Earth, but I'm staying here for a while; Hope's child, I summon infiniter powers, Hope's child, I call upon endless powers, And laugh to see the mild sunny day And laugh seeing the gentle sunny day Smile on the shrunk and thin autumnal hours; Smile during the shortened and chilly autumn hours; I laugh, for hope hath a happy place for me— I laugh because hope has a joyful spot for me— If my bark sinks, 'tis to another sea. If my ship sinks, it will go to another ocean. —William E. Channing. —William E. Channing. The stars shall fade away, the sun himself The stars will fade away, and the sun itself Grow dim with age, and Nature sink in years; Fade with age, and let Nature decline with time; But thou shall flourish in immortal youth, But you will thrive in everlasting youth, Unhurt amidst the war of elements, Unharmed in the battle of elements, The wreck of matter and the crush of worlds. The destruction of matter and the collapse of worlds. —Thomas Addison. —Thomas Addison. For with thee is the fountain of life: For with you is the source of life: In thy light shall we see light. In your light, we will see light. —Psalm 36. 9. —Psalm 36:9. My Father, I would pray that my sense of gloom may not be more than thy grace. May the glorious light of thy love break through my disheartened soul, and reveal the sincerity of thy promises, that I may be happy in thy care. Amen. My Father, I pray that my feelings of sadness are not greater than your grace. May the glorious light of your love shine through my downcast soul and show me the truth of your promises, so that I can find happiness in your care. Amen. OCTOBER THIRD
Come hither, lads, and harken, Come here, guys, and listen, For a tale there is to tell There's a story to share. Of the wonderful days a-coming, Of the amazing days ahead, When all shall be better than well. When everything is better than fine. Come, then, let us cast off fooling, Alright, let’s stop messing around, And put by ease and rest, And set aside ease and rest, For the cause alone is worthy For the cause itself is worthwhile. Till the good days bring the best. May the good days bring the best. —William Morris. —William Morris. Man's life is but a working day A man's life is just a workday. Whose tasks are set aright; Whose tasks are organized; A time to work, a time to pray, A time to work, a time to pray, And then a quiet night. And then a peaceful night. And then, please God, a quiet night And then, please God, a peaceful night. Where palms are green and robes are white; Where the palm trees are lush and the robes are white; A long-drawn breath, a balm for sorrow, A deep breath, a remedy for sadness, And all things lovely on the morrow. And everything beautiful tomorrow. —Christina G. Rossetti. —Christina G. Rossetti. And the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. And the people saved by the Lord will come back, singing to Zion; they will have everlasting joy on their heads. —Isaiah 61. 11. —Isaiah 61:11. Heavenly Father, help me to see that before the night thou hadst planned the morning, and that thou hast never sent the night without the hope of the morning. Before I rest in the night may I be ready for the morning. Amen. Heavenly Father, help me to realize that before the night you planned the morning, and that you have never sent the night without the promise of the morning. Before I rest for the night, may I be prepared for the morning. Amen. OCTOBER FOURTH
We ought to rise day by day with a certain zest, a clear intention, a design to make the most of every hour; not to let the busy hours shoulder each other or tread on each other's heels, but to force every action to give up its strength and sweetness. There is work to be done, and there are empty hours to be filled as well.... But, most of all, there must be something to quicken, enliven, practice the soul. We should wake up each day with enthusiasm, a clear purpose, and a plan to make the most of every hour; not allowing busy hours to stack up or rush into one another, but to ensure that every action offers its full strength and sweetness. There is work to do, and there are idle hours to occupy as well... But, above all, there needs to be something to energize, uplift, and nourish the soul. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Men's souls ought to be left to see clearly; not jaundiced, blinded, twisted all awry, by revenge, moral abhorrence, and the like. Men's souls should be allowed to see clearly, not distorted, blinded, or twisted by revenge, moral disgust, and similar feelings. —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. But there is a spirit in man, But there is a spirit within a person, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding. And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. —Job 32. 8. —Job 32:8. Spirit of life, I pray that thou wilt continually live within me. May my days be spent neither in waste nor idleness, but planned to use, with the best that is given me. Amen. Spirit of life, I pray that you will always live within me. May my days be spent neither in waste nor idleness, but purposefully, using the best of what I have. Amen. OCTOBER FIFTH
Earth gets its price for what earth gives us; Earth demands its due for what it provides us; The beggar is taxed for a corner to die in, The homeless person is charged for a spot to die in, The priest has his fee who comes and shrives us, The priest has his fee for coming to hear our confessions, We bargain for the graves we lie in; We negotiate for the graves we rest in; At the devil's booth are all things sold, At the devil's stall, everything is up for sale, Each ounce of dross costs its ounce of gold; Every ounce of waste comes with its ounce of value; For a cap and bells our lives we pay, We sacrifice our lives for a cap and bells, Bubbles we buy with a whole soul's tasking; We buy bubbles with the full dedication of our souls; 'Tis heaven alone that is given away, Only heaven is freely given away, 'Tis only God may be had for the asking. Only God can be obtained by asking. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. The free gift of God is eternal life. The free gift from God is eternal life. —Romans 6. 23. —Romans 6:23. Gracious Father, may the world speak to me of thy gifts, and of the peace and power which it freely offers. May I not pass by thy great appeals, and prefer to purchase at a great cost my indolence and dissipation. Amen. Gracious Father, may the world show me your gifts, and the peace and power it freely provides. Help me not to ignore your significant calls, choosing instead to pay a high price for my laziness and indulgence. Amen. OCTOBER SIXTH
The heart which boldly faces death The heart that bravely confronts death Upon the battlefield, and dares On the battlefield, and dares Cannon and bayonet, faints beneath Cannon and bayonet, collapses beneath The needle-points of frets and cares. The sharp points of worries and troubles. The stoutest spirits they dismay— The strongest spirits they frighten— The tiny stings of every day. The small annoyances of everyday life. Ah! more than martyr's aureole Ah! more than a martyr's halo And more than hero's heart of fire, And more than a hero's fiery heart, We need the humble strength of soul We need the quiet strength of spirit. Which daily toils and ills require. Which daily struggles and issues need attention. Sweet patience, grant us, if you may Sweet patience, please grant us, if you can An added grace for every day. A little extra kindness for each day. —Adelaide A. Procter. —Adelaide A. Procter. Sunset and evening star, Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, And may there be no complaints about the bar, When I put out to sea. When I set sail. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Fret not thyself. Don't worry. —Proverbs 24. 19. —Proverbs 24:19. My Father, I pray that I may not be dismayed over life, and its trifles. Help me to master difficulties great and small, and give me patience through all until I reach the untroubled way. Amen. My Father, I pray that I won't be discouraged by life and its little things. Help me handle challenges, big and small, and grant me patience through it all until I find peace. Amen. OCTOBER SEVENTH
Yet in opinions look not always back; However, don’t always dwell on past opinions; Your wake is nothing, mind the coming track; Your wake means nothing, focus on the path ahead; Leave what you've done for what you have to do; Focus on what you need to accomplish instead of what you've already completed; Don't be "consistent," but be simply true. Don't aim for "consistency," just be genuine. —Oliver Wendell Holmes. —Oliver Wendell Holmes. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has nothing to do. A foolish consistency is the bane of small minds, cherished by petty politicians, philosophers, and religious leaders. A great soul has no need for consistency. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. Speak to the people of Israel and tell them to move ahead. —Exodus 14. 15. —Exodus 14:15. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may not be so consistent in the small things of life that I will lose the great inspirations that come to the soul. Broaden my life, that I may have the freedom of heart and mind to pass over the failures and interruptions, and with vigorous energy continue in the progress of life. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that I won’t get so fixated on the little things in life that I miss out on the big inspirations that lift the soul. Expand my life so that I have the freedom in my heart and mind to move past failures and interruptions, and with renewed energy, keep pushing forward in life. Amen. OCTOBER EIGHTH
He weren't no saint; them engineers He wasn't a saint; those engineers Is pretty much alike— Is pretty much the same— One wife in Natchez-under-the-Hill, One wife in Natchez, Another one here in Pike; Another one here in Pike; A keerless man in his talk was Jim, A carefree guy in his conversations was Jim, And an awkward hand in a row, And an awkward hand in a sequence, But he never flunked, and he never lied— But he never failed, and he never lied— I reckon he never knowed how. I guess he never knew how. —John Hay. —John Hay. He is brave whose tongue is silent He is brave whose mouth is shut. Of the trophies of his word. Of the trophies of his word. He is great whose quiet bearing He is great whose calm demeanor Marks his greatness well assured. Confirms his greatness with certainty. —Edwin Arnold. —Edwin Arnold. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men. The Pharisee stood and prayed like this to himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like the others." —Luke 18. 11. —Luke 18:11 Lord God, thou knowest what I am and where I belong. Have mercy upon me and strengthen me, that I may not through weakness stay in the darkness. Lead me out into the light; and may I find my way and be contented with it. Amen. Lord God, you know who I am and where I belong. Have mercy on me and give me strength, so that I don't stay in the darkness because of my weakness. Lead me into the light; help me find my way and be content with it. Amen. OCTOBER NINTH
I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea I won't doubt, even if all my ships are at sea. Come drifting home with broken masts and sails; Come floating home with shattered masts and sails; I shall believe the Hand which never fails I will trust the Hand that never fails. From seeming evil worketh good for me; From what seems like evil, good comes to me; And though I weep because those sails are battered, And even though I cry because those sails are damaged, Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered, I will still cry while my greatest hopes are broken, "I trust in Thee." "I trust in you." Cease every joy to glimmer on my mind. Stop every joy from shining in my thoughts. But leave, O leave the light of hope behind. But please, leave the light of hope behind. —Thomas Campbell. —Thomas Campbell. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Hope postponed makes the heart sick; but when the desire arrives, it is like a tree of life. —Proverbs 13. 12. —Proverbs 13:12. Loving Father, help me to pass by my discouragements of yesterday and look into the hope of to-day. Make me more careful of my strength, and less forgetful of thy promises and of my trust. Amen. Loving Father, help me to move past my discouragements from yesterday and focus on the hope of today. Make me more mindful of my strength and less forgetful of your promises and my trust in you. Amen. OCTOBER TENTH
We cannot make bargains for blisses, We can't negotiate for happiness, Nor catch them like fishes in nets; Nor catch them like fish in nets; And sometimes the thing our life misses And sometimes what our life lacks is Helps more than the thing which it gets. Helps more than what it receives. For good lieth not in pursuing, Goodness isn't found in chasing after, Nor gaining of great nor small, Neither gaining much nor little, But just in the doing and doing But just in the action and action As we would be done by is all. That's all we need to do. —Alice Gary. —Alice Gary. True, it is most painful not to meet the kindness and affection you feel you have deserved, and have a right to expect from others; but it is a mistake to complain, for it is no use; you cannot extort friendship with a cocked pistol. True, it really hurts not to receive the kindness and affection you believe you deserve and have the right to expect from others; but it’s a mistake to complain, because it won’t help; you can’t force friendship at gunpoint. —Sydney Smith. —Sydney Smith. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. You should love your neighbor as yourself. —Matthew 22. 39. —Matthew 22:39. Lord God, help me to understand that true affection is not that which as it gives feels it merits return. May I avoid being selfish and stubborn; and with my affections give peace and joy. Amen. Lord God, help me to understand that true love isn’t something that expects a reward when it’s given. May I steer clear of being selfish and stubborn; and with my love, bring peace and happiness. Amen. OCTOBER ELEVENTH
Ask God to give thee skill Ask God to give you skill In comfort's art, In the art of comfort, That thou may'st consecrated be That you may be consecrated And set apart, And separate, Unto a life of sympathy; To a life of compassion; For heavy is the weight of ill For the burden of wrongdoing is great. In every heart; In every heart; And comforters are needed much And comforters are really needed Of Christlike touch. Of a Christlike touch. —Alexander Hamilton. —Alexander Hamilton. The man who melts The melting man With social sympathy though not allied, Despite having social compassion, yet not being connected, Is than a thousand kinsmen of more worth. Is more valuable than a thousand relatives. —Euripides. —Euripides. Who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. —2 Corinthians 1. 4. —2 Corinthians 1:4. Heavenly Father, thou hast made sympathy divine. May I never make it commonplace. Grant that as thou dost bless and comfort me I may be willing to comfort others, and do whatsoever thou wouldst have me do. Amen. Heavenly Father, you have made compassion divine. May I never take it for granted. As you bless and comfort me, help me to be willing to comfort others and do whatever you want me to do. Amen. OCTOBER TWELFTH
One poor day! What a rough day! Remember whose and how short it is! Remember whose it is and how brief it is! It is God's day, it is Columbus's. It's God's day, and it's Columbus's too. One day with life and heart is more than time enough to found a world. One day filled with life and passion is more than enough time to create a new world. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. An illusion haunts us, that a long duration, as a year, a decade, a century, is valuable. But an old French sentence says, "God works in moments." We ask for long life, but 'tis deep life or grand moments that signify. Let the measure of Time be spiritual, not mechanical. Life is unnecessarily long. Moments of insight, of fine personal relation, a smile, a glance—what ample borrowers of eternity they are! An illusion haunts us, that a long duration, like a year, a decade, or a century, is valuable. But an old French saying goes, "God works in moments." We ask for a long life, but it’s the depth of life or the significant moments that truly matter. Let the measure of Time be spiritual, not mechanical. Life is unnecessarily long. Moments of insight, of meaningful connection, a smile, a glance—how they borrow so much from eternity! —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. One day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like one day. —2 Peter 3. 8. —2 Peter 3:8. My Father, I pray that when the "sun sets to-day my hope may not set with it." Be with me earlier than the dawn, that I may plan with thee a new day. I pray that thou wilt release me from anything that keeps me from reaching the highest. Amen. My Father, I ask that when the "sun sets today, my hope doesn't set with it." Be with me before dawn, so I can plan a new day with you. I ask that you free me from anything that holds me back from reaching my highest potential. Amen. OCTOBER THIRTEENTH
What stronger breast-plate than a heart untainted! Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just, And he but naked, though locked up in steel, Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted. What stronger armor than a pure heart! Three times armed is the one with a just cause, and he is truly defenseless, even if covered in steel, whose conscience is tainted by injustice. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. A man's accusations of himself are always believed, his praises never. A man’s self-accusations are always taken seriously, but his praises are never believed. —Montaigne. —Montaigne. Justice needs that two be heard. Justice requires that both sides are heard. —From Goethe's Autobiography. —From Goethe's Autobiography. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live. Follow what is truly just, so that you may live. —Deuteronomy 16. 20. —Deuteronomy 16:20. Lord of justice, if I may be influenced this morning by doubt and am inclined to be resentful, wilt thou cause me to have a generous spirit and keep my faith. May I never descend to anything base or deceitful, but may I remember that if I lay down my life, I may have the power to take it up again. Amen. Lord of justice, if I’m feeling doubtful this morning and tending towards resentment, please give me a generous spirit and help me keep my faith. May I never stoop to anything low or dishonest, but may I remember that if I give my life, I have the power to take it back again. Amen. OCTOBER FOURTEENTH
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good. If thou wouldst be happy, bring thy mind to thy condition, and have an indifferency for more than what is sufficient. Do good with what you have, or it won’t benefit you at all. If you want to be happy, accept your situation, and don’t crave more than what is enough. —William Penn. —William Penn. The finest fruit earth holds up to its Maker is a finished man. The best thing this world has for its Creator is a fully developed person. —Humboldt. —Humboldt. I considered Napoleon's presence in the field equal to forty men in the balance. I thought having Napoleon on the battlefield was like having forty soldiers on our side. —Duke of Wellington. —Duke of Wellington. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him but little lower than God, And crownest him with glory and honor. What is humanity, that you are mindful of them? And the son of humanity, that you pay attention to him? For you have made him just a little lower than God, and you crown him with glory and honor. —Psalm 8. 4, 5. —Psalm 8:4, 5. Eternal God, may I know the value of the gift of life. May I think seriously of it, and not through abuse or neglect cripple it, remembering that it is mine to sow, to grow, and to reap. I pray that I may care more for the food and raiment of my soul than I care for the food and raiment of my body. Amen. Eternal God, help me understand the importance of the gift of life. Let me reflect on it deeply and not undermine it through neglect or misuse, keeping in mind that it is mine to nurture, develop, and benefit from. I pray that I will value the nourishment and clothing of my soul more than those of my body. Amen. OCTOBER FIFTEENTH
Being not unacquainted with woe, I learned to help the unfortunate. Having experienced sadness, I learned to assist those in need. —Virgil. —Virgil. There are some hearts like wells green-mossed and deep Some hearts are like wells, deep and covered in green moss. As ever summer saw, As always summer saw, And cool their water is, yea, cool and sweet; And their water is cool, yes, cool and sweet; But you must come to draw. But you have to come to draw. They hoard not, yet they rest in calm content, They don’t hoard, yet they remain peacefully content, And not unsought will give; And not unwelcome will give; They can be quiet with their wealth unspent, They can be quiet with their unspent wealth, So self-contained they live. So independent they live. —Author unknown. —Author unknown. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. For out of a lot of trouble and heartbreak, I wrote to you with many tears; not to make you feel bad, but so you could understand the love I have for you even more. —2 Corinthians 2. 4. —2 Corinthians 2:4. Gracious Father, help me to understand that while I may be content to rest with what I have gathered, I cannot preserve the strength of my soul unless I share my possessions. Give me a passion for humanity that will advance gifts through love, and offer service without the need of an appeal. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to realize that while I might be satisfied with what I have collected, I can't maintain the strength of my soul unless I share what I own. Instill in me a passion for humanity that drives me to give through love and to provide service without needing to be asked. Amen. OCTOBER SIXTEENTH
As ships meet at sea—a moment together, when words of greeting must be spoken, and then away upon the deep—so men meet in this world; and I think we should cross no man's path without hailing him, and if he needs, giving him supplies. As ships encounter each other at sea—a brief moment when greetings are exchanged, and then they continue on into the deep—so too do people meet in this world; and I believe we should not pass by anyone without acknowledging them, and if they are in need, offering them help. —Henry Ward Beecher. —Henry Ward Beecher. Nothing is more unaccountable than the spell that often lurks in a spoken word. A thought may be present to the mind, and two minds conscious of the same thought, but as long as it remains unspoken their familiar talk flows quietly over the hidden idea. Nothing is more unpredictable than the magic that often lies in a spoken word. A thought may be clear in one person's mind, and two people may share that same thought, but as long as it stays unspoken, their casual conversation smoothly overlooks the hidden idea. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? And if you greet only your friends, what are you doing that's different from anyone else? —Matthew 5. 47. —Matthew 5:47. Heavenly Father, I pray that thou wilt give me a generous heart. May I not lose sight of the truth, that thou hast made others to have the same needs and wants that I may have. May I not through pride or egoism fail to help, and neglecting to speak, miss an opportunity to assist. May I be self-forgetful in friendly service. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that you will give me a generous heart. May I not lose sight of the truth that you have created others with the same needs and wants that I may have. May I not, out of pride or selfishness, fail to help, and by not speaking up, miss an opportunity to assist. May I be selfless in offering friendly service. Amen. OCTOBER SEVENTEENTH
Good name, in man or woman, dear my Lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls; Who steals my purse, steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed. A good name, for both men and women, dear Lord, is the most valuable part of their souls. Someone who takes my wallet takes nothing of real value; it’s something, nothing; it was mine, now it’s his, and has been owned by many. But the person who steals my good name takes away something that doesn’t benefit him, and makes me truly poor. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Keep back your tears when a soul is untrue; Don't let your tears fall when someone is dishonest; "Sorrow is shallow"; and one can wade through "Sorrow is shallow"; and one can move through The mud and the marshes, and still endure The mud and the marshes, and still last If he finds he has kept his spirit pure. If he realizes he has kept his spirit clean. The rose near died when it fell to its lot The rose nearly died when it faced its fate. To break its heart for forget-me-not; To break its heart for a forget-me-not; But after its heart was healed by the dew, But after its heart was healed by the dew, Right by its side a sweet violet grew! Right next to it, a sweet violet grew! —M. B. S. —M. B. S. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favor rather than silver and gold. A good name is more valuable than great wealth, and earning respect is better than silver and gold. —Proverbs 22. 1. —Proverbs 22:1. My Father, teach me the value of the possessions that can neither be handled nor seen; and may I not take them away from others. Help me to keep thy commandment "Thou shalt not steal," and interpret it in all its relations to life. Amen. My Father, teach me the value of things that can't be touched or seen; and may I not take them from others. Help me to follow your commandment "You shall not steal," and understand it in all its aspects in life. Amen. OCTOBER EIGHTEENTH
Yet I argue not against heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot of heart of hope;, but still bear up and steer right onward. Yet I don't argue against heaven's hand or will, nor do I reduce my heart of hope, but I keep going and stay on course. —John Milton. —John Milton. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. No man has learned anything rightly until he knows that every day is doomsday. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year. No one has truly learned anything until they understand that every day is a new beginning. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. He mourns that day so soon has glided by: He regrets that day has passed by so quickly: E'en like the passage of an angel's tear Just like the flow of an angel's tear That falls through the clear ether silently. That falls through the clear air silently. —John Keats. —John Keats. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee. I will guide you and teach you the path you should take: I will advise you with my eyes on you. —Psalm 32. 8. —Psalm 32:8. My Father, if I may be living in bad habits, help me to get out of them. If I may be neglectful of good deeds, help me to get at them. May I reach for the highest purposes as I search for the realities, and may I not delay, but start to-day. Amen. My Father, if I might be stuck in bad habits, please help me break free from them. If I’m neglecting good deeds, help me to focus on them. May I aim for the highest goals as I seek the truth, and may I not procrastinate but begin today. Amen. OCTOBER NINETEENTH
Don't look too hard except for something agreeable; we can find all the disagreeable things we want, between our own hats and boots. Don't search too hard for anything other than something good; we can find all the unpleasant stuff we want, right under our own hats and boots. —Leigh Hunt. —Leigh Hunt. Instead of a gem or a flower, cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend. Instead of a gem or a flower, share the gift of a sweet thought with a friend. —George Macdonald. —George Macdonald. For the want of common discretion the very end of good breeding is wholly perverted; and civility, intended to make us easy, is employed in laying chains and fetters upon us, in debarring our wishes, and in crossing our most reasonable desires and inclinations. For the lack of common sense, the true purpose of good manners is completely distorted; and politeness, which is supposed to make us comfortable, is used to impose restrictions and limitations on us, preventing us from pursuing our wishes and blocking our most reasonable desires and inclinations. —Jonathan Swift. —Jon Swift. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone. —Romans 12. 18. —Romans 12:18. My Lord, help me to adjust my life to what I ought to be, rather than be content in what I am. May I not spend my time in dreaming of obstacles, or searching for things that hurt, but may I be gentle and kind, and as I see the truth speak for it and follow it. Amen. My Lord, help me to align my life with who I should be, rather than just settling for who I am. May I not waste my time dreaming about challenges or dwelling on painful things, but instead be gentle and kind, and when I see the truth, may I speak up for it and follow it. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTIETH
There has always seemed to me something impious in the neglect of health. I could not do half the good I do if it were not for the strength and activity some consider coarse and degrading. There has always seemed to me something wrong in ignoring health. I couldn't achieve half the good I do if it weren't for the strength and energy that some consider rough and unrefined. —Charles Kingsley. —Charles Kingsley. To keep well drink often, but water; To stay healthy, drink water frequently; Eat not that which makes life shorter; Don't eat what shortens your life; But first, with all your might and skill, But first, with all your strength and expertise, Just chain your habits to your will. Simply connect your habits to your will. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. I will be lord over myself. No one who cannot master himself is worthy to rule, and only he can rule. I will be in control of myself. No one who can't control themselves is worthy to lead, and only those who can lead. —Goethe. —Goethe. Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you and whom you have received from God? —1 Corinthians 6. 19. —1 Corinthians 6:19. Lord God, may I not wait until I am afflicted and cannot use them to thank thee for my blessings. Guard me against infirmities that are brought on through indulgences, and help me to control my life. May I never forget that regret will not retrieve the life that is spent, even if it brings forgiveness and hope for the days to come. Amen. Lord God, please help me not to wait until I’m suffering and can’t use my voice to thank you for my blessings. Protect me from the weaknesses that come from overindulgence, and help me to take control of my life. Let me never forget that regret can't bring back the life that’s already been lived, even if it offers forgiveness and hope for the future. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-FIRST
He prayeth best who loveth best He prays best who loves best All things both great and small; Everything, big and small; For the dear God who loveth us, For the dear God who loves us, He made and loveth all. He made and loves all. —Samuel Taylor Coleridge. —Samuel Taylor Coleridge. We thank thee, O Father, for all that is bright— We thank you, O Father, for everything that is bright— The gleam of the day and the stars of the night, The shine of the day and the stars at night, The flowers of our youth and the fruits of our prime, The flowers of our youth and the fruits of our prime, And the blessings that march down the pathway of time. And the blessings that walk down the path of time. —Will Carleton. —Will Carleton. Thanklessness is a parching wind, drying up the fountain of pity, the dew of mercy, the streams of grace. For doth not that rightly seem to be lost which is given to one ungrateful? Thanklessness is a dry wind, draining the fountain of pity, the dew of mercy, the streams of grace. For does it not seem just to be wasted when given to someone who is ungrateful? —Saint Bernard. —St. Bernard. O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord; for he is good; his love endures forever. —Psalm 136. 1. —Psalm 136:1. My Father, help me to understand that I cannot have self-development unless the spirit of truth drills my character. Cleanse my heart from all impurity, and strengthen me for all usefulness: help me to daily live this prayer. Amen. My Father, help me understand that I can't grow unless the spirit of truth shapes my character. Cleanse my heart of all impurities and empower me to be useful: help me live this prayer every day. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-SECOND
O may I join the choir invisible O, may I join the invisible choir. Of those immortal dead who live again Of those immortal dead who come back to life again In minds made better by their presence: live In minds enhanced by their presence: live In pulses stirred to generosity, In rhythms stirred to generosity, In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn In acts of brave integrity, in disdain For miserable aims that end with self, For selfish goals that only benefit oneself, In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, In profound thoughts that light up the night like stars, And with their mild persistence urge man's search And with their gentle persistence, they encourage man's quest To vaster issues. To bigger issues. This is life to come, This is life ahead, Which martyred men have made more glorious Which sacrificed men have made more glorious For us to strive to follow. May I reach For us to aim to follow. May I achieve That purest heaven, be to other souls That purest heaven, may it be for other souls The cup of strength in some great agony, The cup of strength in some intense pain, Enkindle generous ardor, feed pure love, Ignite sincere passion, nurture genuine love, Beget the smiles that have no cruelty, Create smiles that are free of cruelty, Be the sweet presence of a good diffused, Be the kind presence of a gentle light, And in diffusion ever more intense! And in diffusion increasingly intense! So shall I join the choir invisible So I will join the invisible choir. Whose music is the gladness of the world. Whose music brings joy to the world. —George Eliot. —George Eliot. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. And I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. —John 10. 28. —John 10:28 My Father, I pray that I may be more generous with my smiles and gladness, and more saving with my tears and sadness. Amen. My Father, I pray that I can be more generous with my smiles and happiness, and more careful with my tears and sorrow. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-THIRD
O youth whose hope is high, O youth with lofty hopes, Who doth to truth aspire, Who seeks the truth, Whether thou live or die, Live or die, O look not back nor tire. Do not look back or get tired. Thou that art bold to fly You who are brave enough to fly Through tempest, flood and fire, Through storm, flood, and fire, Nor dost not shrink to try Nor do you hesitate to try Thy heart in torments dire— Your heart in dire torment— If thou canst Death defy, If you can defy Death, If thy faith is entire, If your faith is whole, Press onward, for thine eye Press on, for your eye Shall see thy heart's desire. Will see your heart's desire. —Robert Bridges. —Robert Bridges. Doubt indulged becomes doubt realized. To determine to do anything is half the battle. Courage is victory, timidity is defeat. Doubt that you give in to becomes doubt you experience. Deciding to do anything is half the struggle. Courage is a win, while fear is a loss. —Nelson. —Nelson. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions. And you, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, even though thorns and thistles are among you, and you live among scorpions. —Ezekiel 2. 6. —Ezekiel 2:6 Gracious Father, try me again by the courage I have to-day, if thou art judging me by the fear I held yesterday. Help me to see that wavering is misleading and temperament is deceptive. May I learn self-control. Amen. Gracious Father, test me again with the courage I have today, if you're judging me by the fear I felt yesterday. Help me understand that doubt is misleading and moods are deceptive. May I learn self-control. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-FOURTH
Exceeding peace made Ben Adhem bold, The overwhelming peace made Ben Adhem courageous, And to the presence in the room he said, And to the people in the room, he said, "What writest thou?" The vision raised its head, "What are you writing?" The vision lifted its head, And, with a look made of all sweet accord, And, with a look full of sweet agreement, Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." "And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," "Is mine one?" Abou asked. "No, not at all," Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, The angel replied. Abou spoke more quietly, But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then, But still cheerfully, he said, "I ask you then, Write me as one that loves his fellow men." "Write me as someone who loves his fellow human beings." The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night The angel wrote and then disappeared. The following night It came again, with a great awakening light, It came again, with a bright awakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blessed— And displayed the names of those whom God's love had blessed— And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest! And, look! Ben Adhem's name was at the top of the list! —Leigh Hunt. —Leigh Hunt. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things. Call to me, and I will respond to you and show you amazing things. —Jeremiah 33. 3. —Jeremiah 33:3. Lord God, may I keep within my heart that secret sympathy that adds to the power of life. Help me to seek the things that are real, and not be deceived by the things which only appear to be. May all with whom I have to do feel the better for my companionship. Amen. Lord God, I hope to hold onto that secret compassion in my heart that enhances life's strength. Help me to pursue what is genuine and not be misled by what merely seems like it. May everyone I interact with feel uplifted by my presence. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-FIFTH
Wav'ring as winds the breath of fortune blows, Wavering as the winds blow, so does the breath of fortune, No power can turn it, and no prayers compose. No power can change it, and no prayers can create it. Deep in some hermit's solitary cell, Deep in some hermit's lonely cell, Repose, and ease, and contemplation dwell. Rest, comfort, and reflection thrive. Let conscience guide thee in the days of need, Let your conscience guide you in times of need, Judge well thy own, and then thy neighbor's deed. Assess your own actions carefully, and then evaluate your neighbor's actions. —Geoffrey Chaucer. —Geoffrey Chaucer. To every man upon this earth To every man on this earth Death cometh soon or late; Death comes soon or later; And how can man die better And how can a person die better Than facing fearful odds, Than facing daunting challenges, For the ashes of his fathers For the ashes of his ancestors And the temples of his gods. And the temples of his gods. —Thomas B. Macaulay. —Thomas B. Macaulay. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Even as the Son of Man didn’t come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. —Matthew 20. 28. —Matthew 20:28. Heavenly Father, help me to remember that I am to cover life's journey, even though I may go the way carelessly and aimlessly. May I make an estimate of what I am losing, by waiting so long at the resting places, "For the road winds up hill all the way to the end, and the journey takes the whole day long, from morn to night." Amen. Heavenly Father, help me remember that I need to embrace life's journey, even if I sometimes wander without purpose. May I consider what I’m missing out on by lingering too long at the stopping points, "For the road winds uphill all the way to the end, and the journey takes the whole day long, from morning to night." Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-SIXTH
One of the notable eddies of the present-day world currents is what has been loosely called the "Woman Movement." The sensitive and vicarious spirit of womanhood has been enlisted for service in behalf of those who have been denied a fair chance, or who are the victims of oppression, greed, and ignorance. One of the significant currents in today's world is what has been loosely referred to as the "Women's Movement." The compassionate and empathetic nature of womanhood has been engaged in serving those who have been denied equal opportunities or who suffer from oppression, greed, and ignorance. —William T. Ellis. —William T. Ellis. And whether consciously or not, you must be in many a heart enthroned: queens you must always be: queens to your lovers; queens to your husbands and sons; queens of higher mystery to the world beyond, which bows itself, and will forever bow, before the myrtle crown, and the stainless scepter of womanhood. And whether you realize it or not, you must be cherished in many hearts: you will always be queens: queens to your lovers; queens to your husbands and sons; queens of deeper mystery to the world outside, which bows down and will always bow to the myrtle crown and the pure scepter of womanhood. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. O woman, great is thy faith: be it done unto thee even as thou wilt. O woman, your faith is amazing: may it be done for you as you wish. —Matthew 15. 28. —Matthew 15:28. Lord and Master of all, I pray that thou wilt make me see through my prejudices and beyond my desires to the very "top of my condition." May I not wait for places or circumstances that are dimly in the distance or that are near at hand, but accomplish the work I should do to-day. Amen. Lord and Master of all, I pray that you help me see beyond my prejudices and desires to the very "top of my condition." May I not wait for opportunities that are far off or just around the corner, but instead focus on the work I need to do today. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-SEVENTH
The vice of envy is not only a dangerous, but a mean vice; for it is always a confession of inferiority. It may promote conduct which will be fruitful of wrong to others, and it must cause misery to the man who feels it. The vice of envy is not just dangerous, but also a petty vice; it always reveals a sense of inferiority. It can lead to actions that harm others, and it will bring misery to the person who harbors it. —Theodore Roosevelt. —Teddy Roosevelt. Of all the passions, jealousy is that which exacts the hardest service, and pays the bitterest wages. Its service is to watch the success of one's enemy; its wages to be sure of it. Of all the passions, jealousy is the one that demands the toughest effort and gives the harshest rewards. Its task is to keep an eye on the success of your enemy; its reward is the certainty of it. —C. C. Colton. —C. C. Colton. Dear to me is the friend, yet I can also make use of an enemy. The friend shows me what I can do, the foe teaches me what I should. Dear to me is the friend, yet I can also make use of an enemy. The friend shows me what I can do, the foe teaches me what I should. —Schiller. —Schiller. Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another. Let’s not be vain and provoke each other. —Galatians 5. 26. —Galatians 5:26 Almighty God, I would ask thee that my days be filled with aspiration, and that my heart may know no envy. Help me to love humanity. May I be so glad of the success of others that I may never know what it is to be envious. Amen. Almighty God, I ask that my days be filled with inspiration, and that my heart may not know envy. Help me to love humanity. May I be so happy for the success of others that I never experience envy. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-EIGHTH
Not so in haste, my heart! Not so fast, my heart! Have faith in God and wait; Trust in God and be patient; Although he linger long, Although he stayed too long, He never comes too late. He never arrives too late. Until he cometh, rest, Until he comes, rest, Nor grudge the hours that roll; Don't resent the hours that pass; The feet that wait for God The feet that wait for God Are soonest at the goal; Are first to the goal; Are soonest at the goal Are closest to the goal That is not gained by speed; That can't be achieved by rushing; Then hold thee still, my heart, Then hold still, my heart, For I shall wait his lead. For I will wait for his lead. —Bayard Taylor. —Bayard Taylor. It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Jehovah. It’s good for a person to hope and patiently wait for the salvation of God. —Lamentations 3. 26. —Lamentations 3:26. Lord of life, may I pause to remember that rest may not be obtained with wretched thoughts, nor can it be enjoyed in discontent. In my moments of rest wilt thou show me how to relax, and with tranquillity may I gather hope for renewed ambition. Amen. Lord of life, may I take a moment to remember that I can't find rest with negative thoughts, nor can I enjoy it if I'm feeling discontent. In my moments of rest, please show me how to relax, and with peace, may I gather hope for new ambitions. Amen. OCTOBER TWENTY-NINTH
Rise, O my soul, with thy desires to heaven, Rise, O my soul, with your desires to heaven, And with divinest contemplation use And with deep contemplation use Thy time where time's eternity is given, Your time, where time's eternity is granted, And let vain thoughts no more thy thoughts abuse; And don’t let silly thoughts confuse your mind anymore; But down in darkness let them lie: But let them lie in darkness: So live thy better, let thy worse thoughts die! So live your best life, and let your negative thoughts fade away! —Sir Walter Raleigh. —Sir Walter Raleigh. The great elements we know of are no mean comforters; the open sky sits upon our senses like a sapphire crown—the air is our robe of state, the Earth is our throne, and the Sea a mighty minstrel playing before it. The elements we know are truly comforting; the vast sky rests on our senses like a sapphire crown—the air is our royal cloak, the Earth is our throne, and the Sea is a powerful musician performing for us. —John Keats. —John Keats. Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee. Oh Lord Jehovah! Look, you have created the heavens and the earth with your great power and outstretched arm; nothing is too difficult for you. —Jeremiah 32. 17. —Jeremiah 32:17. Almighty God, I thank thee for the power that gives me the breath of life. May I be willing to be controlled by its guiding care. Amen. Almighty God, I thank you for the power that gives me the breath of life. May I be willing to be guided by its care. Amen. OCTOBER THIRTIETH
And yet thou canst know, And yet you can know, And yet thou canst not see; And yet you cannot see; Wisdom and sight are slow Wisdom and vision come slowly In poor humanity. In poor human condition. If thou couldst trust, poor soul, If you could trust, poor soul, In Him who rules the whole, In Him who governs everything, Thou wouldst find peace and rest; You will find peace and rest; Wisdom and right are well, but trust is best. Wisdom and righteousness are good, but trust is the most important. —Adelaide Anne Procter. —Adelaide Anne Procter. The heart to speak in vain essayed, The heart tried to speak in vain, Nor could his purpose reach— Nor could his purpose achieve— His will nor voice nor tongue obeyed, Neither his will, voice, nor tongue obeyed, His silence was his speech. His silence spoke volumes. —John Quincy Adams. —John Quincy Adams. But still believe that story wrong But I still think that story is wrong. Which ought not to be true. Which shouldn't be true. —Richard Brinsley Sheridan. —Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Blessed is the man that maketh Jehovah his trust. Blessed is the person who makes the Lord their trust. —Psalm 40. 4. —Psalm 40:4. My Father, may I not be given to unkindly speech. Deliver me from a critical spirit; and may I not encourage mistrust, but cultivate the kindly considerations in which life abounds. Amen. My Father, please help me to avoid unkind words. Free me from a critical mindset; let me not foster distrust, but instead nurture the kind thoughts that make life rich. Amen. OCTOBER THIRTY-FIRST
Ere, in the northern gale In the northern wind The summer tresses of the trees are gone, The summer leaves on the trees are gone, The woods of autumn, all around our vale, The autumn woods surround our valley, Have put their glory on. Have donned their glory. The mountains that unfold, The unfolding mountains, In their wide sweep, the colored landscape round, Across the expansive view, the vibrant landscape surrounds, Seem groups of giant kings, in purple and gold, See groups of giant kings, dressed in purple and gold, That guard the enchanted ground. That protect the enchanted ground. Ah! 'twere a lot too blessed Ah! It was way too blessed. Forever in thy colored shades to stray; Forever wandering in your colored shades; Amid the kisses of the soft southwest Amid the gentle kisses of the soft southwest To rove and dream for aye; To wander and dream forever; And leave the vain low strife And abandon the pointless petty conflict. That makes men mad; the tug for wealth and power, That drives men crazy; the struggle for wealth and power, The passions and the cares that wither life, The passions and concerns that drain life, And waste its little hour. And waste its short hour. —William Cullen Bryant. —William Cullen Bryant. Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy. Let the field rejoice, and everything in it; then all the trees in the forest will sing with joy. —Psalm 96. 12. —Psalm 96:12. My Father, may I have an appreciation of the wonderful creations of the earth. Give me a discriminating eye, that I may know the precious things that thou art growing; and throughout my life may I love the beautiful, and choose that which will make my life worthy of growth. Amen. My Father, please help me appreciate the amazing creations of the earth. Give me a keen eye, so I can recognize the valuable things You are nurturing; and throughout my life, may I love beauty and choose what will make my life worthy of growth. Amen. NOVEMBER
Who said November's face was grim? Who said November looks gloomy? Who said her voice was harsh and sad? Who said her voice sounded rough and melancholic? I heard her sing in wood paths dim, I heard her sing in the dimly lit woodland paths, I met her on the shore so glad, I met her on the shore, so happy, So smiling, I could kiss her feet! I could kiss her feet with a smile! There never was a month so sweet. There has never been a month as sweet. —Lucy Larcom. —Lucy Larcom. NOVEMBER FIRST
O worship the King, all glorious above, O worship the King, all glorious on high, O gratefully sing his power and his love; O gratefully sing of his power and his love; Our Shield and Defender, the ancient of days, Our Shield and Defender, the eternal one, Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise. Surrounded by glory and filled with admiration. Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite? Your generous care, what words can express? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light; It takes in the air, it shines in the light; It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, It flows down from the hills to the plain, And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain. And sweetly collects in the dew and the rain. —Robert Grant. —Robert Grant. Ye shall walk in all the way which Jehovah your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. You should follow the path that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live, things will go well for you, and you may have a long life in the land you will possess. —Deuteronomy 5. 33. —Deuteronomy 5:33. Almighty God, help me to make my life refulgent while I have the abundance of summer, that I may not find the November of life bleak and barren. Help me to live in the realities of life, that I may gain energy and repose, to use for the lonesome and anxious hours. May I be watchful for the conditions that thwart life, and with patience wait for the awakening of truth. Amen. Almighty God, help me to make my life vibrant while I have the abundance of summer, so I don’t find the November of life bleak and empty. Help me to live in the realities of life, so I can gain energy and peace to use during lonely and anxious times. May I be aware of the things that hold back life, and patiently wait for the truth to be revealed. Amen. NOVEMBER SECOND
Overmastering pain—the most deadly and tragical element in life—alas! pain has its own way with all of us; it breaks in, a rude visitant, upon the fairy garden where the child wanders in a dream, no less surely than it rules upon the field of battle, or sends the immortal war-god whimpering to his father; and innocence, no more than philosophy, can protect us from this sting. Overwhelming pain—the most deadly and tragic part of life—unfortunately, pain has its way with all of us; it barges in, an unwelcome guest, into the magical garden where a child wanders in a dream, just as surely as it reigns on the battlefield, or sends the eternal god of war crying back to his father; and innocence, just like philosophy, can’t shield us from this hurt. —Robert Louis Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. My hopes retire; my wishes as before My hopes fade; my wishes remain the same. Struggle to find their resting place in vain; Struggle to find their resting place unsuccessfully; The ebbing sea thus beats against the shore; The receding sea crashes against the shore; The shore repels it; it returns again. The shore pushes it away; it comes back again. —W. S. Landor. —W. S. Landor. Yet Jehovah will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, And in the night his song shall be with me. Yet the Lord will show his love during the day, and at night his song will be with me. —Psalm 42. 8. —Psalm 42:8. Loving Father, I bless thee for thy goodness and tender mercy which is over all. May I trust thy provision and love through all circumstances, and as I trust myself to thee may I have faith to believe that thou wilt give me strength for what I may have to endure, and believe that thou wilt care for me, as thou dost care for all. Amen. Loving Father, I thank you for your kindness and gentle mercy that surrounds us all. May I rely on your support and love in every situation, and as I place my trust in you, may I have the faith to believe that you will give me the strength for whatever I may face, and trust that you will watch over me, just as you care for everyone. Amen. NOVEMBER THIRD
Whither, midst falling dew, Where, amid falling dew, While glow the heavens with the last steps of day, As the heavens shine with the final moments of the day, Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue Far, through their pink depths, do you pursue Thy solitary way! Your solitary way! Vainly the fowler's eye The fowler's eye in vain Might mark thy distant flight to do thee wrong, May my distant journey cause you harm, As, darkly painted on the crimson sky, As, darkly illustrated on the red sky, Thy figure floats along. Your figure floats along. He who, from zone to zone, He who travels from one area to another, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, Guides you through the endless sky on your steady journey, In the long way that I must tread alone, In the long journey I have to walk by myself, Will lead my steps aright. Will guide my steps correctly. —William Cullen Bryant. —William Cullen Bryant. For Jehovah your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over. For Jehovah your God dried up the waters of the Jordan so you could cross over. —Joshua 4. 23. —Joshua 4:23. Almighty God, help me to guard against gratification that leads to disappointment, that I may not miss the true way. I pray that thou wilt lift me in my weakness, and carry me over the rough and discouraging places, that I may be made strong in thy loving care, and be able to continue alone. Amen. Almighty God, help me to protect myself from the kind of satisfaction that leads to disappointment, so I don’t lose my way. I pray that you will lift me up in my weakness and help me through the tough and discouraging times, so I can be strengthened by your loving care and continue on my own. Amen. NOVEMBER FOURTH
Keep me, I pray, in wisdom's way, Keep me, I ask, on the path of wisdom, That I may truths eternal seek; That I may seek eternal truths; I need protecting care to-day— I need protective care today— My purse is light, my flesh is weak. My bag is light, my body is weak. —Eugene Field. —Eugene Field. No one could tell me where my Soul might be, Nobody could tell me where my Soul could be, I searched for God, but God eluded me. I looked for God, but God avoided me. I sought my brother out, and found all three. I went looking for my brother and found all three. —Ernest H. Crosby. —Ernest H. Crosby. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths. In everything you do, recognize Him, and He will guide your paths. —Proverbs 3. 6. —Proverbs 3:6 My Father, may I not face the going down of the sun to-day, looking at life, in a mirror that reflects my own privileges and prejudices, but may I see it as it is, known to those who are living to make it better. May the days to come prove my sincerity in wanting the truth that I might live by it, and help to do good with it. Amen. My Father, may I not face the sunset today, looking at life in a way that only reflects my own privileges and biases, but may I see it as it really is, understood by those who are working to improve it. May the days ahead show my genuine desire for the truth so that I can live by it and help to make a positive impact with it. Amen. NOVEMBER FIFTH
The thing that goes the farthest The thing that reaches the farthest Toward making life worth while, Making life worthwhile, That costs the least, and does the most, That costs the least and does the most, Is just a pleasant smile. Just a nice smile. That smile that bubbles from a heart That smile that comes from the heart That loves its fellow men That cares for its fellow humans Will drive away the cloud of gloom Will chase away the cloud of sadness And coax the sun again. And lure the sun again. —Anonymous. —Unknown. One whom I knew intimately, and whose memory I revere, once in my hearing remarked that, "Unless we love people we cannot understand them." This was a new light to me. One person I knew well, and whose memory I hold in high regard, once said in my presence that, "Unless we love people, we can't truly understand them." This was a revelation to me. —Christina G. Rossetti. —Christina G. Rossetti. Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man's friend that cometh of hearty counsel. Oil and perfume bring joy to the heart; just like the sweetness of a friend who gives good advice. —Proverbs 27. 9. —Proverbs 27:9. Lord God, I pray that I may be worthy of my friends. May I not fear to go where I am called, and may I go cheerfully, even though the way be dark and lonesome. Amen. Lord God, I pray that I may be deserving of my friends. Help me not to hesitate to go where I’m led, and let me go willingly, even if the path is dark and lonely. Amen. NOVEMBER SIXTH
Look full into thy spirit's self, Look deeply into your own spirit, The world of mystery scan; The world of mystery scan; What if thy way to faith in God What if your path to faith in God? Should lie through faith in man? Should we trust in mankind through faith? —John Bright. —John Bright. Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of oneself and seeing and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another. Blessed are those who have the ability to make friends, for it is one of God's greatest gifts. It includes many things, but most importantly, the capability to step outside oneself and recognize and value the noble and loving qualities in others. —Thomas Hughes. —Thomas Hughes. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Be complete; be encouraged; be united in thought; live in harmony: and the God of love and peace will be with you. —2 Corinthians 13. 11. —2 Corinthians 13:11. Lord God, I earnestly entreat thee to show me if I may be cramping the happiness in another's life by forcing in my selfishness and demands. May I understand that perfect gifts are those that come through loving sacrifice. Make me ashamed to ask for what I refuse or prefer not to give. Amen. Lord God, I sincerely ask you to show me if I'm limiting someone else's happiness by pushing my selfishness and demands on them. Help me realize that true gifts come from loving sacrifice. Let me feel ashamed for wanting things that I'm unwilling to give. Amen. NOVEMBER SEVENTH
Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, Every person and nation faces a moment to make a choice, In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side; In the battle between Truth and Falsehood, for either the good or the bad side; Some great cause, God's new Messiah offering each the bloom or blight, Some important cause, God's new Messiah offering everyone the chance for growth or decay, Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right; Separate the goats to the left and the sheep to the right; And the choice goes by forever 'twixt that darkness and that light. And the choice between that darkness and that light goes on forever. —James Russell Lowell. —James Russell Lowell. We cannot command veracity at will; the power of seeing and reporting truly is a form of health that has to be delicately guarded, and as an ancient rabbi has solemnly said, "The penalty of untruth is untruth." We can't just demand honesty whenever we want; the ability to see and report the truth is a kind of health that must be carefully protected, and as an ancient rabbi solemnly said, "The price of falsehood is falsehood." —George Eliot. —George Eliot. Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Behold, this is what I have discovered: God created humanity to be good, but they have devised many schemes. —Ecclesiastes 7. 29. —Ecclesiastes 7:29. My Father, help me to speak the truth and guard the truth, that righteousness may be an abiding influence in my life. Amen. My Father, help me to speak the truth and uphold the truth, so that righteousness may always be a guiding force in my life. Amen. NOVEMBER EIGHTH
The morning drum-call on my eager ear The morning drum-call rings eagerly in my ear Thrills unforgotten yet! the morning dew Unforgettable thrills still! The morning dew Lies yet undried along my field of noon. Lies still drying in my afternoon field. But now I pause a while in what I do, But now I take a moment to pause in what I'm doing, And count the bell, and tremble lest I hear And listen for the bell, and be nervous in case I hear (My work untrimmed) the sunset gun too soon. (My work untrimmed) the sunset gun went off too early. —Robert Louis Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. I fear I'm afraid Life's many changes, not Death's changelessness. Life is full of changes, while Death remains constant. So perfect is this moment's passing cheer, This moment's joy is so perfect, I needs must tremble lest it pass to less. I must tremble in case it goes away. Thus in fickle love of life I live, So, in the unpredictable love of life, I live, Lest fickle life me of my love deprive. So that fickle life doesn't take my love away from me. —Owen Meredith. —Owen Meredith. And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore art thou thus fallen upon thy face? And the Lord said to Joshua, "Get up; why are you lying on your face like this?" Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow. Up, make the people holy, and say, Make yourselves holy for tomorrow. —Joshua 7. 10, 13. —Joshua 7:10, 13. Almighty God, help me in these fleeting days that I may not use my time to consider and hesitate, but be positive in my desires and pursue them. Grant that I may have the strength to hold each day precious, and live it more than consistently. Amen. Almighty God, please help me in these fast-paced days so that I won't waste my time doubting or hesitating, but will be determined in my goals and actively chase them. Give me the strength to value each day, and to live it fully and meaningfully. Amen. NOVEMBER NINTH
The victor's road is the easy way. The winner's path is the easy route. Straight it stretches and climbs to where It stretches straight and rises to where Fame is waiting with garlands gay Fame is waiting with cheerful garlands. To wreathe the fighter who clambers there. To surround the fighter who climbs up there. There's applause in plenty and gold's red gleam There's lots of applause and the red shine of gold. For the man who plays on the winning team. For the guy who plays on the winning team. The loser travels a longer lane; The loser goes a longer route; Level it leads to a lonely land. It leads to a desolate place. There's little glory for him to gain There's not much glory for him to gain. The voices mock him on either hand; The voices taunt him on either side; But the man who wins in the greater game But the man who succeeds in the bigger game Is the man who, beaten, fights on the same. Is the man who, despite being beaten, continues to fight the same? —G. Rice. —G. Rice. The hero is not fed on sweets, The hero doesn't live on sweets, Daily his own heart he eats; Each day, he consumes his own heart; Chambers of the great are jails, The chambers of the powerful are prisons, And head-winds right for royal sails. And headwinds are perfect for royal sails. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. He thanked God, and took courage. He thanked God and felt encouraged. —Acts 28. 15. —Acts 28:15. O Lord, I pray that whether I may be successful in the sight of the world, or whether I may be successful in my own sacrifices, I may have the freedom of courage, and be master of my life. Amen. O Lord, I pray that whether I am seen as successful in the eyes of the world or in my own sacrifices, I may have the freedom to be courageous and take control of my life. Amen. NOVEMBER TENTH
As faith, so is God. As you believe, so is God. —Martin Luther. —Martin Luther. Learn the luxury of doing good. Learn the joy of doing good. —Oliver Goldsmith. —Oliver Goldsmith. Love is the ladder by which we climb up to the likeness of God. Love is the ladder we use to reach the likeness of God. —Johann von Schiller. —Johann von Schiller. And who will walk a mile with me And who will walk a mile with me? Along life's weary way? On life's tiring journey? A friend whose heart has eyes to see A friend who can see with their heart The stars shine out o'er the darkening lea, The stars shine over the darkening field, And the quiet rest at the end of the day— And the peaceful break at the end of the day— A friend who knows and dares to say, A friend who understands and isn’t afraid to speak up, The brave sweet words that cheer the way The kind words that encourage the journey Where he walks a mile with me. Where he walks a mile with me. —Henry van Dyke. —Henry van Dyke. And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two. —Matthew 5. 41. —Matthew 5:41. My Father, may I not dwell in the appearances of life, where I may grow selfish; but live in the realities of simplicity. May I not only seek those who may return me pleasure, but may I find delight in brightening the walk of a weary friend. Amen. My Father, please help me not to focus on the superficial aspects of life, which might make me selfish; instead, let me live in the truth of simplicity. May I not just look for those who bring me joy, but may I also find joy in uplifting the path of a tired friend. Amen. NOVEMBER ELEVENTH
I'll not confer with Sorrow I won't talk to Sorrow Till to-morrow, See you tomorrow, But joy shall have her way But joy will prevail This very day. Today. —Thomas Bailey Aldrich. —Thomas Bailey Aldrich. Shall we have ears on the stretch for the footfalls of sorrow that never come, but be deaf to the whirr of the wings of happiness that fill all space? Shall we have our ears tuned for the sounds of sorrow that never arrive, but be oblivious to the buzz of the wings of happiness that surround us? —Maurice Maeterlinck. —Maurice Maeterlinck. This day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, punishment will overtake, us; now therefore come, let us go and tell the king's household. This day brings good news, and we should keep quiet: if we wait until morning, punishment will catch up with us; so come on, let’s go and tell the king's household. —2 Kings 7. 9. —2 Kings 7:9. Loving Father, I pray that thou wilt help me to overcome unhappiness. May I not let depression overpower me, but claim the promises of joy that are open to every life. May I be blest by my own cheerfulness and encourage others to possess it. Amen. Loving Father, I pray that you help me overcome unhappiness. May I not let depression take control of me, but instead embrace the promises of joy that are available to everyone. May I be blessed by my own happiness and inspire others to find it too. Amen. NOVEMBER TWELFTH
In life it is difficult to say who do you the most mischief—enemies with the worst intentions or friends with the best. In life, it's hard to tell who does you more harm—enemies with the worst intentions or friends with the best. —Edward Bulwer. —Edward Bulwer. The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel. The friends you have, and their loyalty proven, Attach them to your soul with strong ties. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. Where persons who ought to esteem and love each other are kept asunder, as often happens, by some cause which three words of frank explanation would remove, they are fortunate if they possess an indiscreet friend who blurts out the whole truth. Where people who should value and care for each other are kept apart, as is often the case, by a reason that just three words of honest conversation could clear up, they are lucky if they have a bold friend who speaks the whole truth. —Thomas B. Macaulay. —Thomas B. Macaulay. Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Yes, my close friend, in whom I trusted, Who did eat of my bread, Who ate my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me. Has raised his heel against me. —Psalm 41. 9. —Psalm 41:9. Lord God, help me to consider more carefully what I offer to my friends; and may I not be critical of what I receive from my friends. May I not be a hindrance instead of a help to those who would have my companionship. Amen. Lord God, help me to think more carefully about what I give to my friends; and may I not judge what I get from them. May I be a support rather than a burden to those who seek my company. Amen. NOVEMBER THIRTEENTH
Little do we know our own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the True Success is to labor. Little do we realize our own good fortune; for to journey with hope is a better experience than to reach the destination, and true success lies in our efforts. —Robert Louis Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. Whether thy work be fine or coarse, planting corn or writing epics, so only it be honest work, done to thine own approbation, it shall earn a reward to sense as well as to the thought. Whether your work is simple or complex, whether you're planting corn or writing great stories, as long as it's honest work that you take pride in, it will bring you rewards that feel right both in your heart and in your mind. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Nature gives to labor; and to labor alone. In a very garden of Eden a man would starve but for human exertion. Nature provides for work; and work alone. Even in a perfect paradise, a person would starve without human effort. —Henry George. —Henry George. But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. But each person should test their own actions, and then they can take pride in themselves without comparing to others. —Galatians 6. 4. —Galatians 6:4 My Father, make pure living clear to me, that I may not be deceived in my work; and may I not use my working hours searching for more suitable work, but may I be sure in what I am that I may feel secure in what I undertake to do. Amen. My Father, help me see what true living is so I won't be misled in my work; let me not spend my working hours looking for better opportunities, but rather, may I be confident in who I am so I can feel secure in what I choose to do. Amen. NOVEMBER FOURTEENTH
Give us, O give us, the man who sings at his work! Be his occupation what it may, he is better than any of those who follow the same pursuit in silent sullenness. Give us, oh give us, the person who sings while they work! Whatever their job may be, they're better than anyone else who does the same work in silence and grumpiness. —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. What doctor possesses such curative resources as those latent in a single ray of hope? The mainspring of life is in the heart. Joy is the vital air of the soul, and grief is a kind of asthma complicated by atony. What doctor has the healing power contained in just one ray of hope? The essence of life is in the heart. Joy is the vital breath of the soul, while grief is a sort of asthma made worse by lethargy. —Amiel. —Amiel. I will sing unto Jehovah as long as I live: I will sing to Jehovah for as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have any being. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. —Psalm 104. 33. —Psalm 104:33. Loving Father, restore the spirit of gentleness and meekness if it may be withered within me, that I may be contented. May I make it a habit to be happy over my work and cheerful about my duties. May I never lose the view of the glory of thy kingdom. Amen. Loving Father, please restore the spirit of kindness and humility if it has faded within me, so I can be at peace. Help me to make it a habit to enjoy my work and be cheerful about my responsibilities. May I always keep sight of the glory of your kingdom. Amen. NOVEMBER FIFTEENTH
The parting sun sends out a glow The setting sun casts a glow Across the placid bay, Across the calm bay, Touching with glory all the show— Touching with glory all the spectacle— A breeze! Up helm! Away! A breeze! Raise the sail! Let’s go! Careening to the wind, they reach, Tilting into the wind, they arrive, With laugh and call, the shore. With laughter and calls, the shore. They've left their footprints on the beach, They’ve left their footprints on the beach, But them I hear no more. But I don’t hear them anymore. —Richard Henry Dana. —Richard Henry Dana. Art little? Do thy little well: Do what you do well, even if it's small: And for thy comfort know And for your comfort know The great can do their greatest work The great can accomplish their best work. No better than just so. No better than that. —Goethe. —Goethe. But be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. But be an example to those who believe, in what you say, in how you live, in love, in faith, in purity. —1 Timothy 4. 12. —1 Timothy 4:12. Lord God, grant that if I may be complaining of what Providence has not sent me, I may not be neglecting what Providence has given me. May I not pause too long over what I have done, or over what I might have done, but may I be appreciative of what thou dost expect of me and endeavor to accomplish it. Amen. Lord God, please help me not to focus on what I don’t have from you and to appreciate what I do have. May I not dwell too long on my past actions or on what I could have done, but instead, may I recognize what you expect from me and strive to achieve it. Amen. NOVEMBER SIXTEENTH
Judge not the workings of his brain Don't judge how his mind works. And of his heart thou canst not see; And you cannot see his heart; What looks to thy dim eyes a stain What appears to your dim eyes as a stain In God's pure light may only be In God's pure light, may only be A scar, brought from some well-won field, A scar earned from a hard-fought battle, Where thou would'st only faint and yield. Where you would only faint and give up. And judge none lost; but wait and see, And don't assume anyone is lost; just wait and see, With hopeful pity, not disdain; With hopeful sympathy, not disdain; The depth of the abyss may be The depth of the abyss might be The measure of the height of pain The measure of pain intensity And love and glory that may raise And love and glory that can elevate The soul to God in after days! The soul to God in the future! —Adelaide A. Procter. —Adelaide A. Procter. I am more afraid of deserving criticism, than of receiving it. I’m more scared of earning criticism than of actually getting it. —William Gladstone. —William Gladstone. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Judge not, so that you won’t be judged. —Matthew 7.1. —Matthew 7:1. Lord Jehovah, judge of all mankind, forbid that I should set myself as a judge of another's life, and neglect to live for the higher judgment of my own. May I not be absorbed in that which thrives in darkness, but live in the light of honesty and gentleness. Amen. Lord Jehovah, judge of all people, please don’t let me judge someone else's life while ignoring my own. May I not get caught up in what grows in darkness, but instead live in the light of honesty and kindness. Amen. NOVEMBER SEVENTEENTH
There are evergreen men and women in the world, praise be to God!—not many of them, but a few. They are not the showy folk. (Nature is an old-fashioned shopkeeper; she never puts her best goods in the window.) They are only the quiet, strong folk; they are stronger than Fate. The storms of life sweep over them, and the biting frosts creep round them; but the winds and the frosts pass away, and they are still standing, green and straight. There are timeless men and women in the world, thank goodness!—not many, but a few. They’re not the flashy ones. (Nature is an old-fashioned storekeeper; she doesn’t display her best items in the window.) They are just the quiet, strong individuals; they are stronger than fate. The storms of life rage around them, and the harsh frosts surround them; but the winds and frosts eventually pass, and they remain standing, vibrant and upright. —Jerome K. Jerome. —Jerome K. Jerome. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, That produces its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; Whose leaf also doesn't wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Everything he does will succeed. —Psalm 1.3. —Psalm 1:3. Gracious Lord, may I not spend most in equipment and forget the tides, which may desert me on the sands, or the rocks in the channels, which may crush the finest vessel. May I be prepared for the hard knocks if they come, but may I know how to keep clear of them. Amen. Gracious Lord, may I not invest too much in equipment and overlook the tides, which might leave me stranded on the shore, or the rocks in the channels that could destroy the best ship. May I be ready for challenges if they arise, but may I also know how to avoid them. Amen. NOVEMBER EIGHTEENTH
If e'er when man had fallen asleep, If ever a man had fallen asleep, I heard a voice, "Believe no more," I heard a voice say, "Don't believe anymore," A warmth within the breast would melt A warmth inside the chest would melt The freezing reason's colder part, The cold part of the freeze, And like a man in wrath, the heart And like a man in anger, the heart Stood up and answered, "I have felt." He stood up and responded, "I have felt." —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Faith is the deep want of the soul. We have faculties for the spiritual, as truly as for the outward world. God, the foundation of all existence, may become to the mind the most real of all beings. The believer feels himself resting on an everlasting foundation. Faith is the profound desire of the soul. We have the ability to connect spiritually just as we do with the physical world. God, the basis of all existence, can become the most real entity for the mind. The believer feels secure on an unchanging foundation. —William Henry Channing. —William Henry Channing. And they said one to another, Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us in the way, while he opened to us the scriptures? And they said to each other, "Wasn't our heart burning inside us while he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?" —Luke 24. 32. —Luke 24:32. Lord God, save me from a hard and doubting heart. May I be trustful and come to thee in faith. All the days of my life may my lips sing thy praise as I unfold thy love and purposes. Amen. Lord God, save me from a hardened and doubtful heart. Help me to be trusting and come to you in faith. Throughout my life, may my lips sing your praise as I share your love and plans. Amen. NOVEMBER NINETEENTH
And son I live, you see, And son, I live, you see, Go through the world, try, prove, reject, Explore the world, experiment, validate, and dismiss, Prefer, still struggling to effect Prefer, still trying to manage My warfare; happy that I can My battle; glad that I can Be crossed and thwarted as a man, Be annoyed and obstructed like a man, Not left in God's contempt apart, Not abandoned in God's disregard, With ghastly smooth life, dead at heart, With a terrifyingly smooth life, dead inside, Tame in earth's paddock, as her prize. Tamed in the earth's field, as her reward. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Be good at the depths of you, and you will discover that those who surround you will be good even to the same depths. Therein lies a force that has no name; a spiritual rivalry that has no resistance. Be good to your core, and you’ll find that the people around you will be good to the same degree. This is where a nameless power exists; a spiritual competition that faces no opposition. —Maurice Maeterlinck. —Maurice Maeterlinck. First of all, I must make myself a man; if I do not succeed in that, I can succeed in nothing. First of all, I need to become a man; if I don't achieve that, I can't succeed in anything else. —James A. Garfield. —James A. Garfield. That we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error. That we may no longer be like children, tossed around and swayed by every new teaching, manipulated by people’s tricks and deceitful schemes. —Ephesians 4. 14. —Ephesians 4:14. Eternal God, I thank thee for all the sterling elements that greaten the individual life. I pray that I may not desire to be kept a small creature, but seek to grow in wisdom and love, and qualify for mighty purposes and achievements. Amen. Eternal God, I thank you for all the valuable qualities that enhance individual life. I pray that I do not wish to remain insignificant, but strive to grow in wisdom and love, and prepare for great purposes and accomplishments. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTIETH
Then why, my soul, dost thou complain? Then why, my soul, are you complaining? Why drooping seek the dark recess? Why search for the dark corners? Shake off the melancholy chain, Shake off the sad vibes, For God created all to bless. For God created everything to be a blessing. The gloomy mantle of the night, The dark cloak of the night, Which on my sinking spirits steals, Which takes away my sinking spirits, Will vanish at the morning light, Will disappear with the morning light, Which God, my East, my Sun, reveals. Which God, my East, my Sun, reveals. —Thomas Chatterton. —Thomas Chatterton. Lady, there is a hope that all men have— Lady, there's a hope that all men share— Some mercy for their faults, a grassy place A little mercy for their mistakes, a grassy area To rest in, and a flower-strewn, gentle grave: To lie down in a gentle grave covered with flowers: Another hope which purifies our race, Another hope that cleanses our kind, That when that fearful bourne forever past, When that daunting boundary is finally crossed, They may find rest—and rest so long to last. They might find peace—and peace that lasts a long time. I seek it not, I ask no rest forever, I don't seek it, and I don't ask for rest forever, My path is onward to the farthest shores. My journey is moving forward to the distant shores. —William Ellery Channing. —William Ellery Channing. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay; He also lifted me out of a terrible pit, out of the muddy clay; And he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he placed my feet on solid ground and guided my steps. And he put a new song in my mouth. And he put a new song in my mouth. —Psalm 40. 2, 3. —Psalm 40:2-3. My Father, I pray that I may have patience to live through the difficulties of life. May I correct my faults, that they may not destroy my peace and take from me my strength; help me to center my life in brightness and hope. Amen. My Father, I ask for the patience to get through life's challenges. Please help me fix my flaws so they don't ruin my peace and drain my strength; guide me to focus my life on positivity and hope. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-FIRST
There is not a creature from England's king There isn't a creature from England's king To the peasant that delves the soil, To the farmer who works the land, Who knows half the pleasures the seasons bring Who knows half of the joys that the seasons bring? If he had not his share of toil. If he didn't have his share of hard work. —Barry Cornwall. —Barry Cornwall. It may be proved, with much certainty, that God intends no man to live in this world without working; but it seems to me no less evident that he intends every man to be happy in his work. Now, in order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: they must be fit for it; and they must not do too much of it; and they must have a sense of success in it. It can be confidently shown that God doesn’t want anyone to live in this world without working; but it also seems clear to me that He wants everyone to find happiness in their work. To ensure that people are happy in their work, three things are necessary: they need to be suited for it; they shouldn't overdo it; and they must feel a sense of accomplishment from it. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. Let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. Let him work hard with his hands doing good things so he can share with those in need. —Ephesians 4. 28. —Ephesians 4:28. My Father, if my work seems hard to-day, may I not cease working if I grow weary, but may my strength be renewed to continue my work. May the aim of my work be to please thee, and to help in the progress of humanity. Amen. My Father, if my work feels tough today, please don’t let me stop working when I get tired, but renew my strength to keep going. May the purpose of my work be to please You and to support the progress of humanity. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-SECOND
Sometimes the sun, unkindly hot, Sometimes the sun is scorching, My garden makes a desert spot, My garden creates a barren area, Sometimes a blight upon the tree Sometimes a disease spreads through the tree Takes all my fruit away from me; Takes all my fruit away from me; And then with throes of bitter pain And then with intense pain Rebellious passions rise and swell; Rebellious feelings rise and swell; And so I sing and all is well. So I sing, and everything is good. —Paul Laurence Dunbar. —Paul Laurence Dunbar. Such songs have power to quiet Such songs have the power to soothe The restless pulse of care, The constant beat of care, And come like benediction And come like a blessing That follows after prayer. That comes after prayer. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. Songs consecrate to truth and liberty. Songs dedicated to truth and freedom. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. —Percy Bysshe Shelley. David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. David played the harp by hand, and Saul felt refreshed and better, and the evil spirit left him. —1 Samuel 16. 23. —1 Samuel 16:23. Almighty God, I thank thee that thou wilt come to me as my heart cries for need. I bless thee that thou dost come to me as my lips sing thy praise. I pray that I may be saved from a cruel and cheerless heart, and be a sharer of the songs that are sung to the soul. Amen. Almighty God, I thank you that you will come to me as my heart cries out in need. I bless you that you come to me as my lips sing your praise. I pray that I may be saved from a harsh and joyless heart and be able to share in the songs sung to the soul. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-THIRD
Asleep, awake, by night or day, Asleep or awake, whether it's night or day, The friends I seek are seeking me; The friends I'm looking for are looking for me; No word can drive my bark astray, No words can steer my ship off course, Nor change the tide of destiny. Nor change the course of fate. The stars come nightly to the sky, The stars come out each night in the sky, The tidal wave unto the sea; The tidal wave to the sea; Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high, Neither time nor space, nor low nor high, Can keep my own away from me. Can keep my own distance from me. —John Burroughs. —John Burroughs. If a man could make a single rose we would give him an empire; yet flowers no less beautiful are scattered in profusion over the world, and no one regards them. If a man could create a single rose, we would reward him with an empire; yet flowers just as beautiful are spread abundantly across the world, and no one pays attention to them. —Martin Luther. —Martin Luther. Let patience have its perfect work. Let patience do its complete job. —James 1. 4. —James 1:4. My Creator, may I remember that after thou didst create the earth thou didst say it was good. May I love the fragrance and beauty of the flowers which were made to nourish the soul, and the fruits and herbs which were made to nourish the body. May my song of thanksgiving be new every morning, as I awake in the abundance of what thou hast prepared. Amen. My Creator, help me remember that after you created the earth, you said it was good. May I cherish the fragrance and beauty of the flowers designed to nourish the soul, and the fruits and herbs meant to nourish the body. May my song of thanksgiving be fresh every morning as I wake up to the abundance you have prepared. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-FOURTH
I waited long until the sky I waited a long time until the sky Should give me of its blue Should give me its blue To weave and wear, and share, and weave To create, wear, and share, and create The very stars into. The very stars above. The days they went, the years they went, The days they were gone, the years they were gone, And left my hands instead And left my hands behind Another thing for wonderment, Another thing to ponder, The mending and the bread. The repairs and the bread. Ah me, and one must set a hand Oh, I need to take action. To burnish up the task, To polish the task, And hush and hush the old demand And quiet down the old request A wakeful heart will ask. A thoughtful heart will ask. But with a star's clear eye on me, But with a star's clear gaze on me, O, I can hear it said, Oh, I can hear it being said, "What souls there be that only see "What souls exist that only see The mending and the bread!" The repairs and the bread! —Josephine P. Peabody. —Josephine P. Peabody. The riches of a commonwealth The wealth of a community Are free, strong minds and hearts of health. Free, strong minds and healthy hearts. And more to her than gold or grain, And more to her than gold or grain, The cunning hand and cultured brain. The clever hand and educated mind. —John G. Whittier. —John G. Whittier. For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment. For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. —Luke 12. 23. —Luke 12:23. My Father, I pray that thou wilt help me, that I may not consume my life in preparing clothes and food for my body. Amen. My Father, I pray that you help me so I don’t waste my life preparing clothes and food for my body. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-FIFTH
I will not kill or hurt any living creature needlessly, nor destroy any beautiful thing, but will strive to save and comfort all gentle life and guard and perfect all natural beauty on earth. I will strive to raise my own body and soul daily into all the higher powers of duty and-happiness, not in rivalship or contention with others, but for help, delight, and honor of others and for the joy and peace of my own life. I will not harm or kill any living creature without a reason, nor will I destroy anything beautiful, but I will work to save and comfort all gentle life and protect and enhance all the natural beauty on earth. I will aim to raise my body and soul every day into the higher aspects of duty and happiness, not in competition or conflict with others, but to support, uplift, and honor others and for my own joy and peace. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. They won’t hurt or destroy on my holy mountain; for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. —Isaiah 11. 9. —Isaiah 11:9 Lord God, I rejoice in the blessedness of peace. May I not try to force peace where cruelty has entered, but keep a watch for what may come into my life. I pray that if I may be in turbulence to-day, thou wilt quiet me with thy peace which knows no fear or wrong. Amen. Lord God, I celebrate the gift of peace. Help me not to impose peace where cruelty has taken hold but to stay alert for what may come into my life. I pray that if I am facing turmoil today, you will calm me with your peace that knows no fear or wrongdoing. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-SIXTH
I'd like a way I’d like a method To change the clouds that bring us sorrow, To change the clouds that cause us grief, And build to-day a bright to-morrow; And create a bright future today; To banish cares that tarry long, To get rid of worries that linger for too long, And have the days like the blue-bird's song— And let the days be like the bluebird's song— I'd like a way. I need a way. I'll find a way— I'll figure it out— I'll set sail when the breeze is high, I'll set sail when the wind is strong, And calmly drift when pleasure's nigh; And gently float when enjoyment is near; I'll steer a course afar from tears, I'll navigate a path away from tears, And take in joy the coming years— Embrace the joy of the years ahead— I'll find a way. I’ll figure it out. I've lost the way! I'm lost! Out through the gloom a beam of light A beam of light shines through the darkness. Looks like a purpose looming bright! It seems like there's a clear purpose on the horizon! Up with the sail! I'll out to sea Raise the sail! I’m heading out to sea. And bring that purpose back with me, And bring that purpose back with me, Or go its way. Or take its path. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and merciful, and righteous. For the upright, light shines in the darkness: He is kind, compassionate, and just. —Psalm 112. 4. —Psalm 112:4. My Father, I pray that I may not through indifference wander without a purpose, or through discouragement stumble through the darkness. May I be drawn to the light by the vision of hopeful and useful days. Amen. My Father, I pray that I do not wander without purpose due to indifference, or stumble through the darkness because of discouragement. May I be guided towards the light by the vision of hopeful and meaningful days. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-SEVENTH
Be this thy brazen bulwark of defense, to preserve a conscience void of offense, and never turn pale with guilt. Let this be your strong shield of protection, to keep your conscience clear of wrongdoing, and never feel ashamed with guilt. —Horace. —Horace. Is life a noxious weed which whirlwinds sow? Is life a harmful weed that the whirlwind spreads? A useless flint o'er which the waters flow? A useless flint over which the water flows? Not so! Not at all! A life well spent has not its weight in gold; A well-lived life isn't measured in gold; It is the clearest crystal earth doth hold, It is the clearest crystal the earth possesses, A gem beside which suns seem dull and cold. A gem that makes the suns look dull and cold. —Robert Louis Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. That they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. That they can grasp the true life that really matters. —1 Timothy 6. 19. —1 Timothy 6:19. Lord God, I pray that my life may not be impoverished by neglect, nor burdened with indulgences, but that it may be kept in condition for high endeavors. Grant that I may never be content to rest in satisfaction and ease when I could struggle and accomplish a good work. Amen. Lord God, I pray that my life won't be diminished by neglect or weighed down by excess, but that it remains ready for great endeavors. Help me to never be satisfied with comfort and ease when I could be striving to achieve something worthwhile. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-EIGHTH
The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced. Every other wound we seek to heal, every other affliction to forget. Take warning by the bitterness of this thy contrite affliction over the dead, and henceforth be more faithful and affectionate in the discharge of thy duties to the living. The grief for those who have passed is the only grief we won't separate ourselves from. For every other pain, we try to heal; for every other struggle, we try to forget. Learn from the pain of this deep sorrow for the dead, and from now on, be more loyal and caring in how you treat the living. —Washington Irving. —Washington Irving. Joy and woe are woven fine, Joy and sorrow are intricately intertwined, A clothing for the soul divine; Clothing for the divine soul; Every grief and pine Every sorrow and longing Runs a joy with a silken twine. Runs with joy on a silky string. —William Blake. —William Blake. Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. You will be sad, but your sadness will be turned into joy. —John 16. 20. —John 16:20. Heavenly Father, grant that I may not lose the kindness that I may give and receive to-day. I thank thee for the memories of yesterday, the hope of to-morrow, and the wisdom of to-day. May I have a vision of immortality that will keep me through the closest sorrow. Amen. Heavenly Father, please help me to not lose the kindness I can give and receive today. I thank you for the memories of yesterday, the hope for tomorrow, and the wisdom of today. May I have a vision of immortality that sustains me through the deepest sorrow. Amen. NOVEMBER TWENTY-NINTH
Truth is sensitive and jealous of the least encroachment of its sacredness. Truth is sensitive and protective of even the smallest violation of its sacredness. —A. Bronson Alcott. —A. Bronson Alcott. Faith that withstood the shocks of toil and time, Faith that endured the challenges of hard work and time, Hope that defied despair, Hope that conquered despair, Patience that conquered care, Patience that overcame worry, And loyalty whose courage was sublime; And loyalty that showed incredible bravery; Teaching us how to seek the highest goal, Teaching us how to pursue the greatest objective, To earn the true success; To achieve real success; To live to love, to bless, To live to love, to be a blessing, And make death proud to take a royal soul. And let death be proud to claim a royal soul. —Louisa M. Alcott. —Louisa M. Alcott. Nor is it Nor is it Wiser to weep a true occasion lost, It's better to cry over a real opportunity that has been missed, But trim our sails, and let old bygones be. But let's adjust our sails and leave the past behind. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal. In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ago. —Titus 1. 2. —Titus 1:2 Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live in truth; and without fear of life or death live content in the faith of eternal life. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that I can live truthfully; and without fear of life or death, live happily in the belief of eternal life. Amen. NOVEMBER THIRTIETH
He gave it for his opinion that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together. He argued that anyone who could make two ears of corn or two blades of grass grow in a spot where only one grew before would do more for humanity and provide more valuable service to their country than all the politicians combined. —Jonathan Swift. —Jonathan Swift. That man may last, but never lives, That man may exist, but he never truly lives, Who much receives, but nothing gives; Who takes a lot but gives nothing; Whom none can love, whom none can thank,— Whom no one can love, whom no one can thank,— Creation's blot, creation's blank. Creation's mess, creation's emptiness. —Thomas Gibbons. —Thomas Gibbons. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. Give, and it will be given to you; a generous amount, packed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you. —Luke 6. 38. —Luke 6:38. My Father, preserve my soul from all selfishness. May I delight in thy teaching as I trust in thy word. I pray that I may not only speak truthfully, but that I may leave the door of my spirit open, that truth may always enter and abide continually. Amen. My Father, protect my soul from all selfishness. Help me to enjoy your teachings as I trust in your word. I pray that I may not only speak truthfully, but also keep my spirit open so that truth can always come in and stay with me. Amen. DECEMBER
He comes—he comes—the Frost Spirit comes: He’s coming—he’s coming—the Frost Spirit is coming: You may trace his footsteps now You can now follow in his footsteps. On the naked woods and the blasted fields, In the bare woods and the devastated fields, And the brown hill's withered brow. And the brown hill's dried-up top. He has smitten the leaves of the gray old trees, He has struck the leaves of the gray old trees, Where their green came forth, Where their greenery emerged, And the winds, which follow wherever he goes, And the winds follow him wherever he goes, Have shaken them down to earth. Have brought them back down to earth. He comes—he comes—the Frost Spirit comes! He’s coming—he’s coming—the Frost Spirit is coming! Let us meet him as we may, Let's meet him whenever we can, And turn with the light of the parlor fire And turn with the light of the living room fire His evil power away; His evil power gone; And gather closer the circle round, And bring the circle closer together, Where the firelight dances high, Where the firelight flickers high, And laugh at the shriek of the baffled fiend, And laugh at the scream of the confused monster, As his sounding wing goes by. As his sounding wing passes by. —John G. Whittier. —John G. Whittier. DECEMBER FIRST
We would fill the hours with the sweetest things, We would spend our time enjoying the sweetest things, If we had but a day: If we only had a day: We should drink alone at the purest springs, We should drink alone at the cleanest springs, In our upward way: On our upward path: We should guide our wayward or wearied will, We should lead our restless or exhausted will, By the clearest light: In bright light: We should keep our eyes on the heavenly hills, We should focus on the heavenly hills, If they lay in sight: If they're in sight: We should be from our clamorous selves set free, We should free ourselves from our noisy selves, To work and pray: Work and pray: And be what the Father would have us to be, And be what the Father wants us to be, If we had but a day. If we only had one day. —Margaret E. Sangster. —Margaret E. Sangster. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, focus on these things. —Philippians 4. 8. —Philippians 4:8 Gracious Father, help me to understand that my life grows out of what I put into my days. Forgive me for the unspoken words and the kind deeds which I kept for rare days, and had so few occasions to use. May I be as useful in kindness as I am in work, remembering that to thee every day is a golden day. Amen. Gracious Father, help me understand that my life depends on what I invest in my days. Forgive me for the words I didn’t say and the kind deeds I reserved for special occasions, which I had so few chances to show. May I be as generous with kindness as I am with work, remembering that to You, every day is a golden day. Amen. DECEMBER SECOND
The solitude of life is known to us all; for the most part we are alone, and the voices of friends come only faint and broken across the impassable gulfs which surround every human soul. The loneliness of life is something we all understand; for the most part, we're alone, and the voices of friends reach us only as faint and fragmented echoes across the vast gaps that surround every human soul. —Hamilton Mabie. —Hamilton Mabie. To have an ideal or to have none, to have this ideal or that—this is what digs gulfs between men, even between those who live in the same family circle, under the same roof, or in the same room. You must love with the same love, think with the same thoughts as some one else if you are to escape solitude. To have an ideal or not have one at all, to have this ideal or that one—this is what creates rifts between people, even among those who share the same family, live under the same roof, or in the same room. You need to love with the same passion and think the same thoughts as someone else if you want to avoid loneliness. —Amiel. —Amiel. The plans of the heart belong to man; The intentions of the heart are up to a person; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. But the response of the tongue comes from Jehovah. —Proverbs 16. 1. —Proverbs 16:1. Lord God, help me to take in the glory of life, that my spirit may never be lonely, even though I may have to be much alone. I pray that thou wilt spare me the loneliness and the solitude that may be brought on by selfishness. Make me considerate of others. May I soar above the disappointments and losses that may come to me, and stay where I may have thy companionship. Amen. Lord God, help me appreciate the beauty of life, so my spirit will never feel lonely, even if I have to be alone often. I ask that you protect me from the loneliness and isolation caused by selfishness. Help me be mindful of others. Let me rise above the disappointments and losses that may come my way, and remain in your presence. Amen. DECEMBER THIRD
To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying "Amen" to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive. To understand what you truly prefer, rather than just meekly agreeing with what the world says you should prefer, is to have kept your spirit alive. —Robert Louis Stevenson. —Robert Louis Stevenson. There is precious instruction to be got by finding we were wrong. Let a man try faithfully, manfully to be right. He will grow daily more and more right. There’s valuable learning in realizing when we were wrong. Let a person honestly and courageously strive to do what’s right. They will become increasingly right day by day. —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. The hero is the man who is immovably centered. The hero is the person who is solidly grounded. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water. Let us come close with a genuine heart, fully trusting, having our hearts cleansed from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with clean water. —Hebrews 10. 22. —Hebrews 10:22. Gracious Father, grant that I may not be content to follow through ignorance and indolence and be led to the lowly paths of life. Make my Hie positive; and from my surroundings may I look out and struggle to mount to the highest ideals, that I may be qualified to select the best in life. Amen. Gracious Father, help me not to be satisfied with moving through life in ignorance and laziness, settling for a mediocre existence. Make my life purposeful; let me look beyond my immediate surroundings and strive to reach for the highest ideals, so that I can choose the best in life. Amen. DECEMBER FOURTH
It is with a man's soul as it is with nature: the beginning of Creation is—Light. Till the eye have visions the whole members are in bonds. Divine moment, when over the tempest-tost Soul, as once over the wild-weltering Chaos, it is spoken: Let there be Light! It’s the same with a man's soul as it is with nature: the start of Creation is—Light. Until the eye has visions, all the parts are trapped. It’s a divine moment when, over the troubled Soul, just like over the chaotic void, it’s declared: Let there be Light! —Thomas Carlyle. —Thomas Carlyle. What in me is dark What's dark within me Illumine, what is low raise and support; Illuminate, what is low elevate and sustain; That to the light of this great argument That in the light of this important discussion I may assert eternal Providence I might claim eternal Providence And justify the ways of God to men. And explain God's ways to people. —John Milton. —John Milton. For thou art my lamp, O Jehovah; And Jehovah will lighten my darkness. For you are my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord will light up my darkness. —2 Samuel 22. 29. —2 Samuel 22:29. My Lord, forgive me if I have allowed bitterness and misery to darken my life, for my soul yearns continually for the light. In thy compassion lead me to the "sunny side of the road where the beautiful flowers grow," that my path may be made bright and cheerful all the rest of the way. Amen. My Lord, please forgive me if I've let bitterness and sadness cloud my life, because my soul constantly longs for the light. In your kindness, guide me to the "sunny side of the road where the beautiful flowers grow," so that my path can be bright and joyful for the rest of the journey. Amen. DECEMBER FIFTH
A cold wind stirs the blackthorn A chilly wind rustles through the blackthorn. To burgeon and to blow, To grow and to flourish, Besprinkling half-green hedges Sprinkling half-green hedges With flakes and sprays of snow. With snowflakes and sprays of snow. Through coldness and through keenness, Through chill and sharpness, Dear hearts take comfort so: Dear hearts, find comfort in this: Somewhere or other doubtless Somewhere for sure These make the blackthorn blow. These make the blackthorn bloom. —Christina G. Rossetti. —Christina G. Rossetti. There are some men and women in whose company we are always at our best. All the best stops in our nature are drawn out by their intercourse, and we find a music in our souls never there before. There are some men and women whose presence brings out the best in us. Their company brings forth the finest aspects of our nature, and we discover a music in our souls that we’ve never experienced before. —Henry Drummond. —Henry Drummond. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works. And let’s encourage each other to show love and do good things. —Hebrews 10. 24. —Hebrews 10:24. My Father, I thank thee for life. Make me sensitive to the unseen influences that bring thy messages. May I be led where great riches may be found through small kindnesses, and where I may learn from the meek the beauty of earth. Amen. My Father, I thank you for life. Help me be aware of the unseen influences that convey your messages. May I be guided to places where great treasures can be found through small acts of kindness, and where I can learn from the humble the beauty of the earth. Amen. DECEMBER SIXTH
That low man seeks a little thing to do, That low man looks for something trivial to do, Sees it and does it: Sees it and does it: This high man, with a great thing to pursue, This important person, with a big goal to achieve, Dies ere he knows it. Dies before he knows it. That low man goes on adding one to one, That guy keeps adding one to one, His hundred's soon hit: His hundreds soon hit: This high man, aiming at a million, This wealthy individual, aiming for a million, Misses an unit. Missing a unit. That, has the world here—should he need the next, That’s what the world has to offer—if he needs the next step, Let the world mind him! Let the world watch him! This, throws himself on God, and unperplexed This person relies on God and remains untroubled. Seeking shall find him. Seek, and you shall find him. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Hitch your wagon to a star. Hitch your wagon to a star. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek. When you said, "Seek my face;" my heart answered, "Your face, Lord, I will seek." —Psalm 27. 8. —Psalm 27:8 Almighty God, show me what thou hast given for me to do, that I may not leave undone that which is mine. Forgive me for useless planning and blind asking for the things which cannot be mine. I pray that my work may be honest work, well done, and acceptable for thy service. Amen. Almighty God, show me what you've tasked me with, so I won't leave anything undone that I should do. Forgive me for wasting time on pointless plans and blind requests for things that aren't meant for me. I pray that my work is honest, well done, and worthy of your service. Amen. DECEMBER SEVENTH
It is virtue—yes, let me repeat it again—it is virtue alone that can give birth, strength, and permanency to friendship. For virtue is a uniform and steady principle ever acting consistently with itself. It’s virtue—yes, let me say it again—it’s virtue alone that can create, strengthen, and sustain friendship. Because virtue is a consistent and stable principle that always acts in harmony with itself. —Cicero. —Cicero. A common friendship—who talks of a common friendship? There is no such thing in the world. On earth no word is more sublime. A typical friendship—who even mentions a typical friendship? It doesn't exist in the world. There's no word on earth that's more profound. —Henry Drummond. —Henry Drummond. But thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need. But you should definitely open your hand to him and lend him enough for his needs. —Deuteronomy 15. 8. —Deuteronomy 15:8. Lord God, wilt thou reveal to me my weakness if I may be insincere; and give me the strength that I lack to keep me true. May I not take advantage of the ignorant, or thoughtlessly lead the innocent into temptation. Grant that I may be a trustful and kind friend. Amen. Lord God, please show me my weakness if I am being insincere; and give me the strength I need to stay true. Help me not to take advantage of the naive, or carelessly lead the innocent into temptation. Allow me to be a trustworthy and caring friend. Amen. DECEMBER EIGHTH
Into the dusk of the East, As evening falls in the East, Gray with the coming of night, Gray as night approaches, This may we know at least— This we can know at least— After the night comes light! After the night comes light! Over the mariners' graves, Over the sailors' graves, Grim in the depths below, Grim in the depths below, Buoyantly breasting the waves, Riding the waves, Into the East we go. Heading East. On to a distant strand, To a distant shore, Wonderful, far, unseen, Wonderful, distant, unseen, On to a stranger land, To a new land, Skimming the seas between; Skimming the oceans in between; On through the days and nights, Through the days and nights, Hope in each sailor's breast, Hope in every sailor's heart, On till the harbor lights On until the harbor lights Flash on the shores of rest! Shine on the shores of peace! —J. H. Jowett. —J. H. Jowett. So he bringeth them unto their desired haven. So he brings them to their desired haven. —Psalm 107. 30. —Psalm 107:30. Lord God, I pray that thou wilt provide me with thy indwelling peace. May it keep me reconciled to the decline of years, and enable me to bear the earthly separation from those whom I love. May I always have hope and trust in thee. Amen. Lord God, I pray that you will give me your inner peace. May it help me come to terms with the passage of time and allow me to cope with the loss of those I love. May I always have hope and trust in you. Amen. DECEMBER NINTH
Doth God exact day labor, light denied? Does God require day labor, light denied? I fondly ask: but Patience, to prevent I kindly ask: but Patience, to avoid That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need That whisper soon responds, "God doesn't need Either man's work, or his own gifts; who best Either a man's work or his own talents; who does it best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best; his state Carry his gentle burden; those who serve him well do so. His condition Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed, Is royal; thousands rush at his command, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; And travel over land and sea without stopping; They also serve who only stand and wait." "They also serve who just stand and wait." —John Milton. —John Milton. "'Tain't on'y chilluns w'at got de consate er doin' eve'ything dey see yuther folks do. Hit's grown folks w'at oughter know better," said Uncle Remus. "'It's not just kids who think they can do everything they see other people doing. It's adults who should know better," said Uncle Remus. —Joel Chandler Harris. —Joel Chandler Harris. Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, so we can serve God in a way that is pleasing to Him, with respect and awe. —Hebrews 12. 28. —Hebrews 12:28. My Father, teach me to select my work from that which is noble and true. May I not mold my life in affectation or feel that I must imitate the lives of others, but grant that I may perfect my life through experiences which are worthy of increasing endeavors. Amen. My Father, please help me choose my work based on what's noble and true. I don’t want to shape my life through pretense or feel like I have to copy others, but allow me to improve my life through experiences that deserve greater efforts. Amen. DECEMBER TENTH
Be of good cheer. Do not think of to-day's failures, but of success that may come to-morrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will have a joy in overcoming obstacles—a delight in climbing rugged paths which you would perhaps never know if you did not sometimes slip backward, if the road were always smooth and pleasant. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost. Be happy. Don’t dwell on today’s failures; focus on the successes that may come tomorrow. You’ve taken on a tough challenge, but you’ll succeed if you keep going; and you’ll find joy in overcoming obstacles—a satisfaction in climbing tough paths that you might never experience if you didn’t sometimes slip back or if the road were always easy and smooth. Remember, no effort we make to achieve something beautiful is ever wasted. —Helen Keller. —Helen Keller. We rise by things that are beneath our feet, We rise by things that are below us, By what we have mastered by good and gain, Through what we have achieved through hard work and success, By the pride deposed and passion slain, Through the pride that has been taken down and the passion that has been extinguished, And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet. And the defeated troubles that we face every hour. —J. G. Holland. —J. G. Holland. He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with, me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. He who overcomes will sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat with my Father on his throne. —Revelation 3. 21. —Revelation 3:21. My Father, I pray that I may not be given to contradicting and doubting, nor take for granted that which needs to be considered. Grant that I may have the faith and strength of heart to fulfill the longings of my soul. Amen. My Father, I pray that I won’t be prone to contradicting or doubting, nor take for granted what needs careful thought. Please give me the faith and strength to fulfill the desires of my soul. Amen. DECEMBER ELEVENTH
Lord, subdue our selfish will; Lord, tame our selfish will; Each to each our tempers suit, Each of us has a temper that matches the other's,
By thy modulating skill, By your modulating skill, Heart to heart, as lute to lute. Heart to heart, just like lute to lute. —Charles Wesley. —Charles Wesley. One of the last, slowly murmured sayings of Whittier, was this: "Give—my—love—to—the—world." And this is the world's supreme need to-day; more than our eloquence, or our knowledge, or our wealth, or all else besides, it needs our love. True, even love may sometimes err; but the cure for love's mistakes is just more love; we often blunder because we do not love enough. God help us all that, like Whittier, we may live and die, giving our love to the world. One of the last quiet things Whittier said was this: "Give—my—love—to—the—world." And this is what the world desperately needs today; more than our eloquence, or our knowledge, or our wealth, or anything else, it needs our love. It’s true that love can sometimes go wrong; but the fix for love’s mistakes is simply more love; we often mess up because we don’t love enough. God help us all that, like Whittier, we may live and die, giving our love to the world. —George Jackson. —George Jackson. Love never faileth. Love never fails. —1 Corinthians 13. 8. —1 Corinthians 13:8. Lord God, help me to see the beauty of the world, and through my duty may I find the love in the world. May I not spend my life in discontent, but may I remember that thou hast said, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Fill my heart with compassion, that I may love my fellow man as I love myself. Amen. God, help me to see the beauty in the world, and through my responsibilities, may I discover love around me. May I not live my life in unhappiness, but may I remember that you said, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Fill my heart with compassion so that I can love others as I love myself. Amen. DECEMBER TWELFTH
A people is but the attempt of many A community is just the effort of many. To rise to the completer life of one. To elevate to the fuller life of one. And those who live for models for the mass And those who live for mass models Are singly of more value than they all. Are they individually more valuable than all of them combined? —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Give me the power to labor for mankind; Grant me the strength to work for humanity; Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; Make me the voice for those who can't speak; Eyes let me be to groping men and blind; Eyes, let me be blind to the men I feel around me; A conscience to the base; and to the weak A conscience for the lowly; and for the vulnerable Let me be hands and feet, and to the foolish, mind; Let me be the hands and feet, and to the foolish, the mind; And lead still further on such as thy kingdom seek. And continue to guide those who seek your kingdom. —Theodore Parker. —Theodore Parker. I was eyes to the blind, I was eyes to the blind, And feet was I to the lame. And I was like feet to the lame. —Job 29. 15. —Job 29:15. Almighty God, wilt thou guide me in the direction where I may choose a useful life; open wide my heart as well as my eyes, that I may early see my work and be diligent in its prosecution. Reveal to me, when I may have failed, that I may do better to-morrow. Amen. Almighty God, please guide me towards a meaningful life; open my heart and my eyes so I can see my purpose early on and work hard to fulfill it. Show me where I've fallen short, so I can improve tomorrow. Amen. DECEMBER THIRTEENTH
When the clouds of sorrow gather over us, we see nothing beyond them, nor can imagine how they can be dispelled; yet a new day succeeded to the night, and sorrow is never long without a dawn of ease. When the clouds of sadness hover above us, we can't see anything beyond them, nor can we picture how they might go away; yet a new day follows the night, and sadness is never too long without a moment of relief. —Dr. Samuel Johnson. —Dr. Samuel Johnson. The fountains of joy and sorrow are for the most part locked up in ourselves.... There come to great, solitary, and sorely smitten souls moments of clear insight, of assurance of victory, of unspeakable fellowship with truth and life and God, which outweigh years of sorrow and bitterness. The sources of joy and sadness are mostly kept inside us.... There are times when great, lonely, and deeply troubled people experience moments of clear understanding, certainty of triumph, and profound connection with truth, life, and God, which make up for years of grief and resentment. —Hamilton Mabie. —Hamilton Mabie. And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. And so you’re feeling sad right now: but I will see you again, and your heart will be filled with joy, and no one can take that joy away from you. —John 16. 22. —John 16:22. My Father, may I remember that the days of my life that I give over to grief can never be reclaimed. Help me that I may not want to keep sorrow in my life, but with faith may I believe that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Amen. My Father, let me remember that the days of my life spent in grief can never be regained. Help me not to hold onto sorrow in my life, but with faith, let me believe that "weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Amen. DECEMBER FOURTEENTH
Seldom can the heart be lonely, The heart is rarely lonely, If it seek a lonelier still; If it seeks an even lonelier place; Self-forgetting, seeking only Self-forgetting, seeking only Emptier cups of love to fill. Empty cups of love to fill. —Frances R. Havergal. —Frances R. Havergal. When to the sessions of sweet silent thought When I reflect in the calm of my thoughts I summon up remembrance of things past, I call to mind memories of the past, I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought. I sigh about the many things I was looking for but couldn't find. And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste And with old troubles, I cry about how my time is wasted. * * * * * * * * * * But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, But while I think of you, dear friend, All losses are restored, and sorrows end. All losses are recovered, and sorrows come to a close. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary. The Lord Jehovah has given me the ability to speak like those who are educated, so that I can know how to support with words those who are tired. —Isaiah 50. 4. —Isaiah 50:4. Gracious Father, keep me cheerful and courageous, that I may not be given to weary murmurings. May my hours of solitude be spent profitably as they pass. Grant that I may be a help to those who are in need of sympathy and encouragement, and through the peace that is given to me help them to a tranquil life. Amen. Gracious Father, keep me cheerful and brave, so I won’t fall into constant complaining. May my alone time be spent wisely as it goes by. Help me to support those who need sympathy and encouragement, and through the peace I receive, assist them in finding a calm life. Amen. DECEMBER FIFTEENTH
Yet frequent visitors shall kiss the shrine, But frequent visitors will kiss the shrine, And ever keep its vestal lamp alight; And always keep its sacred lamp burning bright; All noble thoughts, all dreams divinely bright, All noble thoughts, all dreams that shine brightly, That waken or delight this soul of mine. That wakes or delights my soul. —F. B. Sanborn. —F. B. Sanborn. One small cloud can hide the sunlight; One small cloud can block the sunlight; Loose one string, the pearls are scattered; If you lose one string, the pearls will scatter; Think one thought, a soul may perish; Consider a single thought, and a soul could be lost; Say one word, a heart may break. Just one word can break a heart. —A. A. Procter. —A. A. Procter. Self-scrutiny is often the most unpleasant, and always the most difficult, of moral actions. But it is also the most important and salutary; for, as the wisest of the Greeks said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." Self-reflection is usually the most uncomfortable and always the most challenging moral action. But it’s also the most crucial and beneficial; because, as the wisest of the Greeks said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." —J. Strachan. —J. Strachan. Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Try yourselves to see if you are in the faith; test yourselves. —2 Corinthians 13. 5. —2 Corinthians 13:5. Gracious Father, help me that I may not be thoughtless and unkind. May I be gentle and sympathetic. Forgive me for any unhappiness which I may have made, and may it be mine to know the rejoicing that comes hi lifting a discouraged life in time. Amen. Gracious Father, help me to be considerate and kind. Let me be gentle and compassionate. Forgive me for any unhappiness I may have caused, and may I experience the joy that comes from uplifting a discouraged life in due time. Amen. DECEMBER SIXTEENTH
So live that when thy summons comes to join Live in such a way that when your time comes to join __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The innumerable caravan that moves The endless caravan that moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take To that mysterious place where everyone will go His chamber in the silent halls of death, His room in the quiet halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night, You don't go, like the quarry slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed Punished in his dungeon, yet comforted and calmed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave With unwavering trust, approach your grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch Like someone who covers their bed with fabric About him and lies down to pleasant dreams. About him and falls asleep to pleasant dreams. —William Cullen Bryant. —William Cullen Bryant. As the wind extinguishes a taper but kindles the fire, so absence is the death of an ordinary passion, but lends strength to the greater. As the wind puts out a candle but sparks a fire, absence can kill a casual love but strengthens a deeper one. —La Rochefoucauld. —La Rochefoucauld. If a man die, shall he live again? If a man dies, will he live again? —Job 14. 14. —Job 14:14. Heavenly Father, with thy help may I enter into the hope that overcomes the fear of death. May my days be full of aspiration, and through faith may my life move toward the eternal and the sublime. Amen. Heavenly Father, with your help may I embrace the hope that conquers the fear of death. May my days be filled with ambition, and through faith may my life journey toward the eternal and the sublime. Amen. DECEMBER SEVENTEENTH
The night is mother of the day, The night is the mother of the day, The winter of the spring; The spring winter; And ever upon old decay And always on old decay The greenest mosses cling. The lushest mosses cling. Behind the cloud the starlight lurks, Behind the cloud, the starlight hides, Through showers the sunbeams fall; Sunbeams shine through showers; For God, who loveth all his works, For God, who loves all His creations, Has left his hope with all. Has left his hope with everyone. —John Greenleaf Whittier. —John Greenleaf Whittier. The sun set; but not his hope: The sun set, but his hope did not: Stars rose; his faith was earlier up. The stars emerged; his faith had already been stronger. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. What I am I have made myself. What I am is what I’ve created for myself. —Sir Humphry Davy. —Sir Humphry Davy. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: So my heart is happy, and my pride rejoices: My flesh also shall dwell in safety. My body will also live in safety. —Psalm 16. 9. —Psalm 16:9. My Father, may I never be content to pass by thy beautiful offerings and keep on in wretched despair. Save me if I may 'be inclining toward misery. Give me the spirit of repose, and help me to confide in thee as I daily seek the strength of thy love. Amen. My Father, may I never be okay with ignoring your beautiful gifts and remain in miserable despair. Rescue me if I start to lean toward sadness. Grant me peace, and help me to trust in you as I seek the strength of your love every day. Amen. DECEMBER EIGHTEENTH
And let this feeble body fail, And let this weak body give out, And let it faint or die; And let it fade away or die; My soul shall quit this mournful vale, My soul will leave this sad valley, And soar to worlds on high. And rise to high worlds. —Charles Wesley. —Charles Wesley. It were better to live an immortal life and be robbed of immortality hereafter by some supernal power, than to live the mortal, fleshly animal life, and live it endlessly. Who would not rather have a right to immortality than to be immortal without a right to be? It’s better to live an immortal life and then have immortality taken away by some higher power than to live a never-ending, mortal, physical life. Who wouldn’t prefer to have a claim to immortality rather than being immortal without any right to it? —Lyman Abbott. —Lyman Abbott. So when a great man dies, So when a great person passes away, For years beyond our ken, For years beyond our understanding, The light he leaves behind him lies The light he leaves behind him remains Upon the paths of men. On men's paths. —Henry W. Longfellow. —Henry W. Longfellow. But he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. But whoever sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. —Galatians 6. 8. —Galatians 6:8. My Father, I pray that I may be spared the deprivations that may come from years spent in selfishness. Help me to realize before it is too late how little self can hold and how much remorse may accumulate. Help me to aspire to ideals that compel me to live an immortal life. Amen. My Father, I pray that I may be spared the hardships that can come from years spent being selfish. Help me to understand before it's too late how little self-interest can give and how much regret can build up. Help me to reach for ideals that inspire me to live a life that's truly meaningful. Amen. DECEMBER NINETEENTH
If a man is to be a pillar in the temple of his God by and by, he must be some kind of a prop in God's house to-day. We are here to support, not to be supported. No one can be a living stone on the foundations of the Spiritual House which is God's habitation without being a foundation to the stones above him. If a man is going to be a pillar in the temple of his God in the future, he needs to be a support in God's house today. We're here to help, not just to receive help. No one can be a living stone in the foundations of the Spiritual House, which is God's home, without also being a foundation for the stones above him. —Maltbie Babcock. —Maltbie Babcock. Since trifles make the sum of human things, Since small details make up the totality of human experiences, And half our misery from our foibles springs; And half of our suffering comes from our own mistakes; Since life's best joys consist in peace and ease, Since the greatest joys in life come from peace and comfort, O let th' ungentle spirit learn from hence, Let the unkind spirit learn from this, A small unkindness is a great offense. A small act of unkindness is a serious offense. —Hannah More. —Hannah More. He that overcometh I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more. He who conquers will be made a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave there again. —Revelation 3. 12. —Revelation 3:12. My Father, grant that I may not deceive myself and expect big results from little efforts; nor be willing to receive assistance and refuse my support. May I not only be anxious to give others all that I can, and share their burdens, but may I be glad to help make fewer burdens for others to bear. Amen. My Father, help me not to fool myself into thinking I can achieve great things with minimal effort; nor to be eager to get help while unwilling to offer my support. May I not only be eager to give others everything I can and share their challenges, but also happy to help reduce the burdens others have to carry. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTIETH
Love is not love Love isn't love Which alters when it alteration finds, Which changes when it finds change, Or bends with the remover to remove. Or bends with the remover to take away. O no! it is an ever-fixed mark Oh no! It is a constant point That looks on tempests and is never shaken. That watches over storms and remains unshaken. It is the star to every wandering bark, It is the guiding star for every lost ship, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Whose value is unknown, even though his height can be measured. —William Shakespeare. —William Shakespeare. I will not doubt the love untold I won't question the love that is unspoken. Which not my worth nor want hath bought, Which has neither my value nor desire purchased, Which wooed me young and wooes me old, Which enchanted me when I was young and continues to enchant me as I grow old, And to this evening hath me brought. And this evening has brought me here. —Henry David Thoreau. —Henry David Thoreau. Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Yeah, I have loved you with an everlasting love; that's why I have drawn you with kindness. —Jeremiah 81. 3. —Jeremiah 81. 3. Loving Father, teach me the secret of constancy, that none may ever be disappointed in me. May I not reckon what I give on recompense, but have the spirit of giving which has no measure for what it may receive in return. May I not be forgetful of thy love which will hold me to deeper reverence and devotion. Amen. Loving Father, teach me the secret of being dependable, so that no one is ever let down by me. Help me to give without expecting anything in return, and to have a spirit of generosity that doesn't count the cost of what it may receive back. Let me not forget your love, which will keep me grounded in greater respect and commitment. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-FIRST
To think and to feel constitute the two grand divisions of men and genius—the men of reasoning and the men of imagination. To think and to feel are the two main types of people and genius—those who are logical and those who are imaginative. —Disraeli. —Disraeli. Grow old along with me! the best is yet to be, Let's grow old together! The best is still to come, The last of life, for which the first was made: The end of life, for which the beginning was created: Our times are in his hand who saith, a whole I planned, Our time is in the hands of the one who says, I've got it all figured out, Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid! Youth reveals only part; trust God: see everything, and do not be afraid! —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day. But the way of the righteous is like the morning light, shining brighter and brighter until the full day. —Proverbs 4. 18. —Proverbs 4:18. Almighty God, I pray that I may have the grace to penetrate the deep things of life and test their truth and greatness. May I have faith in thy power and train for the best which thou hast made possible for me to live. Help me to think and feel aright, that I may be thine to-day, and in the days of to-morrow may I still be thine, ever keeping bright memories of past days. Amen. Almighty God, I pray for the grace to explore the deeper aspects of life and to understand their truth and significance. Help me to have faith in your power and to strive for the best that you’ve made possible for my life. Guide my thoughts and feelings so that I may belong to you today, and in the days to come may I still be yours, always cherishing the bright memories of the past. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-SECOND
Love and Pain Love and Pain Make their own measure of all things that be. Make their own assessment of everything that exists. No clock's slow ticking marks their deathless strain; No clock’s slow ticking marks their endless struggle; The life they own is not the life we see; The life they live isn't the life we see; Love's single moment is eternity. Love's single moment is forever. —Thomas W. Higginson. —Thomas W. Higginson. Life is made stronger Life gets stronger Giving, receiving; Giving, receiving; Love is made longer Love lasts longer Hoping, believing. Hoping and believing. Life is made sweeter, Life is sweeter, Truly worth living; Truly worth living; Love is completer, Love is more complete, Trusting, forgiving. Trusting and forgiving. —M. B. S. —M. B. S. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another. In love for each other, be deeply caring and affectionate; in honor, value one another above yourselves. —Romans 12. 10. —Romans 12:10. Loving Father, I thank thee that every morn breaks in a new day without the sadness of yesterday or the gladness of to-morrow. I pray that I may not lose the love and joy that it brings to-day. Amen. Loving Father, I thank you that every morning brings a new day without the sadness of yesterday or the happiness of tomorrow. I pray that I may not lose the love and joy that it brings today. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-THIRD
When heaven endows you with all gifts, you are an incomplete being if you stay still in your corner instead of taking advantage of your real value. When life gives you all these gifts, you're not truly complete if you just sit in your corner instead of embracing your true worth. —Marie Bashkirtseff. —Marie Bashkirtseff. Life, which ought to be a thing complete in itself, and ought to be spent partly in gathering materials, and partly in drawing inferences, is apt to be a hurried accumulation lasting to the edge of the tomb. We are put into the world, I cannot help feeling, to be rather than do. Life, which should be something whole in itself, is meant to be spent partly collecting experiences and partly reflecting on them, but often it turns into a rushed collection that lasts up to the point of death. I can't shake the feeling that we are placed in this world to be rather than to do. —Arthur C. Benson. —Arthur C. Benson. Jehovah is the strength of my life. Jehovah is the strength of my life. —Psalm 27. 1. —Psalm 27:1. Heavenly Father, I pray that thou wilt reverse my standards of life if I may be striving only for selfish gain. May I care for all that I could be, and may I care for where I should be found, but, most of all, may I care for what I really am. Help me to keep my mind on thee that I may find delight in doing thy will. Amen. Heavenly Father, I pray that you will change my standards of living if I'm just aiming for selfish gain. Help me to care about who I could be and where I should be, but most importantly, help me to care about who I really am. Keep my focus on you so that I can find joy in doing your will. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-FOURTH
Ah, friend, let us be true Ah, friend, let’s be honest. To one another! For the world, which seems To each other! For the world, which appears To lie before us like a land of dreams, To spread out before us like a dreamland, So various, so beautiful, so new, So diverse, so beautiful, so fresh, Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, Has neither joy, nor love, nor light, Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain, No certainty, no peace, and no relief from pain, And we are here as on a darkling plain And we are here like on a dark plain Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, Filled with mixed feelings of struggle and escape, Where ignorant armies clash by night. Where uninformed groups fight at night. —Matthew Arnold. —Matthew Arnold. We take care of our health, we lay up money, we make our roof tight and our clothing sufficient, but who provides wisely that we shall not be wanting in the best property of all—friends? We look after our health, save money, make sure our roofs are secure, and have enough clothing, but who wisely ensures that we won’t lack the best asset of all—friends? —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. —Proverbs 27. 6. —Proverbs 27:6. Gracious Lord, fill my life with the spirit of love and sacrifice. I bless thee for the deep fellowships and tender intimacies; and on the eve of this Christmas ask thy blessing for all, as my heart rings with joy for those whom I love. Amen. Gracious Lord, fill my life with the spirit of love and sacrifice. I appreciate the deep connections and tender moments; and on the night before Christmas, I ask for your blessing for everyone, as my heart is filled with joy for those I love. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-FIFTH
This is the month, and this is the happy morn, This is the month, and this is the joyful morning, Wherein the Son of heaven's eternal King, Where the Son of the eternal King of heaven, Of wedded maid, and virgin mother born, Of a married woman and a virgin mother born, Our great redemption from above did bring. Our amazing salvation from above has arrived. —John Milton. —John Milton. Christmas is here; Christmas is here; Winds whistle shrill, Winds whistle sharply, Icy and chill, Cold and chilly, Little care we; We don't care; Little we fear We fear little Weather without, Weather offline, Shelter'd about Sheltered around The Mahogany tree. The mahogany tree. —William M. Thackeray. —William M. Thackeray. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And the angel said to them, Don't be afraid; for look, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people: for today in the city of David, a Savior is born to you, who is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2. 10, 11. —Luke 2:10, 11. Almighty God, I give honor and praise to express my joy for thy great love in the gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ. With a glad heart I wish all mankind "A merry Christmas," and may I ever remember, where the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Amen. Almighty God, I honor and praise you to express my joy for your incredible love in the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. With a happy heart, I wish everyone "Merry Christmas," and may I always remember where the angels sang, "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men." Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-SIXTH
Let not ambition mock their useful toil, Don't let ambition ridicule their valuable hard work, Their homely joys, and destiny obscure; Their simple pleasures and unclear fate; Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile Don't dismiss grandeur with a contemptuous smile. The short and simple annals of the poor. The brief and straightforward history of the less fortunate. Nor you, ye proud, impute to those the fault, Neither you nor you, the proud, blame others for the fault, If memory o'er their tomb no trophies raise, If memory doesn't raise any trophies over their grave, Where, through the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault, Where, along the extended hallway and detailed ceiling, The pealing anthem swells the note of praise. The ringing anthem rises with the sound of praise. Full many a gem of purest ray serene So many gems of the purest, calm light The dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear; The dark, unexplored caves of the ocean hold; Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, Many flowers are born to bloom without anyone noticing, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. And waste its sweetness on the dry air. —Thomas Gray. —Thomas Gray. Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Jehovah, my heart isn't arrogant, and my eyes aren't lifted up; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, I don't involve myself in big issues, Or in things too wonderful for me. Or in things that are too amazing for me. —Psalm 131. 1. —Psalm 131:1. Gracious Father, give me the courage to live my life, and the endurance to overcome the disappointments that may come to me. May I not be neglectful of the great opportunities of which I am privileged to take advantage. May I not be pretentious of what I have not done, or boastful of what I am, but with my best ability live in truth. Amen. Gracious Father, grant me the courage to live my life fully and the strength to face any disappointments that may come my way. Help me not to overlook the great opportunities that I am lucky enough to have. Let me not pretend to be something I’m not or brag about what I am, but instead, strive to live in truth to the best of my ability. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-SEVENTH
There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better or worse, as his portion; that, though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given him to till. There comes a point in everyone's learning when they realize that envy is a form of ignorance, that copying others is self-destructive, and that they must accept themselves, for better or worse, as their own fate. Even though the vast universe is filled with goodness, no valuable reward can come to them without putting in the hard work on the piece of land they've been given to cultivate. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Knowing ourselves, our world, our task so great, Understanding ourselves, our world, and the significant task ahead, Our time so brief, 'tis clear if we refuse Our time is so short; it's obvious that if we refuse The means so limited, the tools so rude The resources are so limited, and the tools are so basic. To execute our purpose, life will fleet, To fulfill our purpose, life will pass by quickly, And we shall fade, and leave our task undone. And we will fade away, leaving our work unfinished. —Robert Browning. —Robert Browning. Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands. Study to be peaceful, mind your own business, and work with your hands. —1 Thessalonians 4. 11. —1 Thessalonians 4:11. Lord God of life, give me the desire to learn, and the wisdom to live in my best. May I not fail to culture my mind and heart and make life productive and worthy. Help me to see the mistakes that I have made in the past, and in the year that is approaching not only try to avoid them, but try to make amends for them. Amen. Lord God of life, give me the desire to learn and the wisdom to live my best life. Help me not to neglect my mind and heart, making my life productive and meaningful. Please help me recognize the mistakes I've made in the past, and as the new year approaches, not only to avoid repeating them but also to make amends. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-EIGHTH
The government might be serviceable for many things. It might assist in a hundred ways to safeguard the lives and the health and promote the comfort and happiness of the people; but it can do these things only if they respond to public opinion, only if those who lead government see the country as a whole, feel a deep thrill of intimate sympathy with every class and every interest in it. The government can be helpful in many ways. It can support and protect the lives and health of people and enhance their comfort and happiness; however, it can only do this if it listens to public opinion, and if those in charge of the government view the country as a whole, understanding and empathizing deeply with every class and interest within it. —Woodrow Wilson. —Woodrow Wilson. The hearts of men are their books; events are their tutors; great actions are their eloquence. The hearts of people are their books; experiences are their teachers; significant actions are their way of speaking. —Thomas B. Macaulay. —Thomas B. Macaulay. Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Jehovah do that which seemeth him good. Be brave, and let's stand strong for our people and for the cities of our God: and may the Lord do what He thinks is best. —2 Samuel 10. 12. —2 Samuel 10:12. Lord God, I pray that my estimate of life may not be as I take it, but as thou hast given it for peace and prosperity. Teach me my duty to my country, and make me useful in uplifting and serving humanity. Amen. Lord God, I pray that my perspective on life may not just be my own, but reflect how you have given it for peace and prosperity. Teach me my responsibilities to my country, and help me be useful in uplifting and serving humanity. Amen. DECEMBER TWENTY-NINTH
One example is worth a thousand arguments. One example is worth a thousand arguments. —William E. Gladstone. —William E. Gladstone. One day at a time! That's all it can be Take it one day at a time! That's all it can be. No faster than that is the hardest of fate, No quicker than that is the toughest of fate, And days have their limit, however we And days have their limits, but we Begin them too early or stretch them late. Start them too early or extend them too late. —J. R. Miller. —J. R. Miller. He lives happy and master of himself He lives happily and is in control of himself. Who can say, as each day passes on, Who can say, as each day goes by, I have lived! no matter whether to-morrow I have lived! It doesn’t matter if tomorrow The great Father shall give us a clouded sky or a clear day. The great Father will give us either a cloudy sky or a clear day. —Horace. —Horace. Give us this day our daily bread. Give us today our daily bread. —Matthew 6. 11. —Matthew 6:11. Eternal God, guard me against the love of praise, that I may not lose the sense of duty. Start me for the right places and give me strength with my days, that I may press toward their possession. Deliver me from drifting when it is mine to pull against the tide, that I may not be carried out of my course. Shield me from the storms that may gather about me, and bring us all to the desired haven safe in thy keeping. Amen. Eternal God, protect me from the desire for praise, so that I don’t lose sight of my responsibilities. Guide me to the right paths and give me strength each day, so I can strive to attain them. Keep me from drifting when I should be swimming against the current, so I won’t be led off course. Shield me from the storms that may surround me, and bring us all safely to the haven we seek, secure in your care. Amen. DECEMBER THIRTIETH
God of our fathers, known of old, God of our ancestors, known from ancient times, Lord of our far-flung battle line, Lord of our distant battlefield, Beneath whose awful hand we hold Under whose terrible hand we stand Dominion over palm and pine: Control over palm and pine: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lord God of Hosts, be with us still, Lest we forget—lest we forget! Lest we forget—lest we forget! For heathen heart that puts her trust For a heathen heart that places its trust In reeking tube and iron shard; In a stinking tube and iron fragment; All valiant dust that builds on dust, All brave dust that forms from dust, And guarding calls not thee to guard: And guarding calls do not require you to guard: For frantic boast and foolish word, For wild bragging and silly talk, Thy mercy on thy people, Lord! Amen. Lord, have mercy on your people! Amen. —Rudyard Kipling. —Rudyard Kipling. But thou shalt remember Jehovah thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth. But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the strength to acquire wealth. —Deuteronomy 8. 18. —Deuteronomy 8:18. Almighty God, as I come to thee wilt thou forgive me for the errors I have made, and for the promises that I have broken. Help me to be as true as the holly that keeps itself red through the snow. Remind me of my opportunities as I breathe in thy blessings, "Lest I forget!" Amen. Almighty God, as I come to You, will You forgive me for the mistakes I've made and for the promises I've broken? Help me to be as dependable as the holly that stays red through the snow. Remind me of my opportunities as I take in Your blessings, "Lest I forget!" Amen. DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light: The flying cloud, the icy light: The year is dying in the night; The year is coming to an end in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. Ring out, wild bells, and let him pass away. Ring out old shapes of foul disease, Ring out old forms of terrible disease, Ring out the narrow lust of gold: Let go of the narrow desire for gold: Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring out the countless wars of the past, Ring in the thousand years of peace. Celebrate the thousand years of peace. —Alfred Tennyson. —Alfred Tennyson. Let every dawn of morning be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close. Let every dawn be like the start of a new life for you, and every sunset be like its end. —John Ruskin. —John Ruskin. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. The night is almost over, and the day is coming: let’s throw off the things done in darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. —Romans 13. 12. —Romans 13:12. My Father, as I look to the past days, I feel much of my happiness and much of my misery has come from my own choice. May I be more watchful of my standards and less wasteful of my time, and keep a poise in life that will leave a memory of well-spent days. For the year that has passed and for its blessings I thank thee. Amen. My Father, as I reflect on the past days, I realize that a lot of my happiness and a lot of my misery have come from my own choices. I hope to be more mindful of my standards and less careless with my time, and to maintain a balance in life that will create a memory of well-spent days. For the year that has gone by and for its blessings, I thank you. Amen. |
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