September The Seventeenth

O GOD, who remainest the same though all else fades, who changes not with our changing moods, who leavest us not when we leave Thee, we thank Thee that, when we lose faith in Thee, soon or late we come to faith in something that leads us back again with firmer trust and more security. Even if we wander into the far country we take ourselves with us; ourselves who are set towards Thee as rivers to the sea. If we turn to foolishness, our hearts grow faint and weary, our path is set with thorns, the night overtakes us, and we find we have strayed from light and life.
Grant us clearer vision of the light which shows no shade of turning, that we stray not in folly away; incline our hearts to love the truth alone, so that we miss Thee not at last; give us to realize of what spirit we are, so that we cleave ever to Thee, who alone canst give us rest and joy - Amen.

-- W.E. ORCHARD