Quiet Faithfulness When the Way Is Hidden

ALMIGHTY FATHER, we have gone astray like lost sheep; seek us, lest we should not seek Thee. The saddest thing is, that we forget Thy way. When darkness gathers, and we cannot understand Thy way, make us wise to open the book of man's sad story, so that the past may shed its light upon to-day. Day by day dost Thou bring good out of evil. When the present is dreary and dark to us, and we would fain see behind the dark veil of the future, teach us to be quiet, and to have faith, and to do our duty quietly, leaving the issues in Thy hands.

If our work be done in obscurity, and we live with none but God to see or care for us, we will go on with our little labour with a quiet heart, resting on God. Grant that the tide of life may safely bear us into the haven of eternal rest.

Lift us into nobleness: may we do Thine errands of life faithfully;—they are not ours. Give us the heart of the little child, full of faith and trust. Whether we live softly and at ease, with many eyes upon us, or only seen by the few who love us; whether under the shadow of Thy hand, or in the glare of day; let ours be the quiet spirit that trusts in Thy goodness, confident that what God does is right.

Hear us, pity and pardon us, and guide us by Thy gentle hand, so that the discipline of life being over, we may be worthy to receive the crown immortal.—AMEN.