God's Minute

July First

O, praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.--Psalm 117 (complete)

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Father, do Thou accept such acknowledgment, devotion, and worship as we, with all our limitation are able to bring to Thee. Thou knowest that some of us, with the utmost willingness, cannot apprehend Thee at all according to acceptable standards. Thou knowest that some of Thy most devoted children do most fearfully misapprehend Thee. The best of Thy children the world over do but see Thee as in a mirror darkly.

Therefore, we pray that Thou wilt save us from any pride of spiritual aristocracy, and help us to help each other toward the light. Save us from contempt and bitterness toward those whose eye of faith is not focused like ours, and save those of us who cannot see at all from misjudging those who can see. Thou hast compelled no man to acknowledge Thee, but by Thy good providences and gracious mercies Thou art drawing all men unto Thyself. May we, Thy children, go and do likewise; compelling no man, by sneer or by fear, and winning all men by love and by sincerity.

Amen.

George W. Coleman,
Boston, Massachusetts

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