November 14, 2014.

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Luke 18:9-14)

In times of comfort, in times of pain,
If my light is shining, or starts to wane,
When doubts arise or my spirit weak,
Forgive the sins I dare not speak.

When all is lost and my heart a knot,
When wounded from the battle fought,
If I can but see Thy glorious light,
Guide me, Savior, though the night.

In times of dread and of fear,
When I feel that Thou aren’t near,
Or when I think that hope is lost,
Remind me of that awful cost.

If all around my soul gives way,
If I continue again to stray,
Lord, stay with me then, be Thou near,
Forgive me now and relieve all fear.

In times when I am lead astray,
To walk in my own willful way,
When I feel I cannot escape,
Let thy molding then take shape.

When I have reached the end and cannot rise,
Show me, Father, where your kingdom lies,
Give me strength to press along,
Let my soul burst in joyful song!

In times when my stubborn heart flees,
When it the pleasures of flesh doth see,
Pull be back firm to the fold,
Safe in your clef me tightly hold.

With one step forward and two back,
When self control I seem to lack,
Grant wisdom that I might see the truth,
Forgive the sins of my fleeting youth.

In times of deception cunningly spun,
If the battle against sin I have not won,
And guilt fills my heart to the brim,
Lord, let me know that you forgive men!

If I perceive myself to be alone,
And like the prophet, my pillow a stone,
Remind me of the great men of old,
The defeated trials their stories told.

In times when Thy love I cannot grasp,
For though I stand, I fall so fast,
Savior, gently lead me by your hand,
Show me softly how to stand.

Lord, before Thy throne I bow,
To say a prayer that I don’t know how,
Please take the words that I have found,
And let Thy merciful love abound.
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Suggested Daily Reading: Psalm 32, 86, Isaiah 1, Luke 18.

Grace be to you.

-Walter