Eternal Hope in National Distress

ALMIGHTY GOD, to Whom alone belongs the wondrous word “Evermore,” look upon us in mercy, that we may have part in Thy Evermore. Here on earth our cry for Evermore is one of sin and suffering; grant that we may join in the heavenly song for Evermore. Teach us why our joy is scant. Grant that we may never know the darkness of death. Help us to lay hands on the gift of God, so shall we live for Evermore.

If any of us lift up a cry, and that cry other than one for mercy, pity and pardon us. Surely we know man to be mighty and good and pure and true; then, O God! shall we not know Thee to be all perfect and wise? Surely shall we not trust Thee? The day will come when we shall look back through all this weary wilderness of the world, and we shall see and understand why all this sin, and how out of this strange sad desert has come the Kingdom of God.

O Lord God! Who rulest nations in righteousness, Who dost hold all the seeming vexed things of the earth in the hollow of Thy hand, we pray Thee specially for the nation whose blood is our blood. Have mercy upon these our people in times of sore distress; help them to put their trust in Thee; lead Thou them in the perilous days that are before them; deliver Thou them from their sins, and grant unto all people in distress Thy guidance. Uphold all hearts shaken and troubled. May those who have murmured at lowly work and lowly duties, see that indeed the great ones of the earth are in slippery places. Let us all lay our burdens upon Thee, Almighty God, and be content.

O Lord, Who dost look into the councils of nations and into the nests of little birds; Who walkest on the mountain-tops and in the lowly places of the earth,—hear the prayers of those who thank Thee for their own private mercies. Guide us through this evil world, and grant that we may be gathered with those who have loved Thee, to dwell with Thee for Evermore.—AMEN.