Receiving and Using God’s Gifts

ALMIGHTY GOD! we come unto Thee now, beseeching Thee to hear us, and knowing that Thou wilt hear us; only feeling that our desires are too weak and our prayers not strong enough. Almighty God! we come to Thee for Thy special blessing, trusting that Thou wilt give Thy good gifts to us, beseeching Thee to teach us how wisely to use the gifts which Thou hast bestowed. It doth seem strange that we should ask of Thee to give us Thy good gifts, and at the same time wisdom how to use them; but so it is: pearls may be cast before swine, and so Thy good things may be bestowed on ungodly souls. Almighty God! Thou sowest the seeds of truth every day; Thou sendest down the gentle rain, and the glorious sunshine; Thou givest the Holy Spirit of Christ, which is life and health for all. Grant that we may be of those who reverently receive of Thy good gifts: may they be planted in a gracious soil, out of which they may bring forth fruit to Life Eternal.—AMEN.