Faithfulness in Life's Brief Stewardship

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, hear our prayers; and, when Thou hearest, forgive their weakness, bless their intention, deepen their feeling, and make them sincere. Thou hast a fire which can consume our impure thoughts, which can make of our poor sacrifice a sweet incense wherein Thou wilt delight. Touch our lips, we beseech Thee, with a live coal from off Thine altar, and say unto us, "Lo, this hath touched thy lips, and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin forgiven." And then may we speak to Thee with the freedom of children who would open their inmost hearts to the Father's kindness and tender pity.

Gracious Father! Thou hast committed unto us varied tasks. To some it is given to command; to others, to obey. On some Thou hast bestowed riches; others Thou hast set in poverty. Some live in perpetual sunshine, surrounded by honour, love and friends; others there are whose days are spent in gloom, knowing but little of the joy Thou hast put at the heart of life. We are all alike responsible to Thee. From each Thou shalt demand strict account of his stewardship. We faint when we think of this. The burden grows upon us until it seems as though it were too heavy to be borne. O great Taskmaster, pardon our wasted past, and for the future give us Thy strength that we may never shrink before any duty, however hard, or play the coward in any conflict, however bitter to flesh and blood. So much remains to be done, and life is so short, and the years so fleeting. Our time, which is but a moment in Thy eternity, Thou hast crowded with mystic experiences and glorious opportunities. Grant that we may pass by the shadows of earth, and build upon the great realities of truth and love and righteousness. To this end send forth Thy Spirit into our hearts, to counsel us in perplexity, to shield us in spiritual danger, to inspire our wills to do Thy work. Leave us not to ourselves, or to the forces of the world about us, but in the storm of passion, or in the stress of doubt, hide us in Thy pavilion until our day of trouble be overpast. Draw us nearer to Thy central peace, where vain desires and mean passions and empty hopes are hushed to rest and we know that all is well. Comfort us with the hope of a happy awakening after life's fitful dream is over, and, when we awake, may we be satisfied with Thy likeness. And unto Thee we ascribe all praise and glory, now and ever. Amen.