October The Seventeenth

ALMIGHTY Father, who neither slumberest nor sleepest, we humbly pray Thee to watch over us this night with the eyes of Thy mercy, and over all who are near and dear to us. Grant us quiet and refreshing sleep such as may fit us for the duties of the morrow. Put far away from us all worldly cares and earthy fears, and give us holy thoughts of Thee, that we may repose in perfect peace in the everlasting arms of Thy fatherly love; and, whether we wake or sleep, may live together with Him who died and rose again for us, Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen.

-- FAMILY PRAYER

October The Second

ETERNAL and unchangeable God, in whom alone we find rest for our weariness and comfort for our sorrow, and from whom alone cometh all true joy, keep our hearts, we beseech Thee, ever fixed on Thee through life and death, waiting patiently for that glorious day when we shall rejoice in the fullness of Thy love for evermore - Amen.

-- FAMILY PRAYER
Battle-weary soldier, a member of Merrill's Marauders, pausing with a cigarette during Burma campaign in WW II. Location, Myanmar; taken 1944 by photographer Bernard Hoffman. Life magazine archives.

June The Eleventh

O THOU in whom we live and move and have our being, who seest where we are blind, who knowest where we are ignorant, do as Thou thinkest fit with us this day. We implore Thee to be the crown of all our joys, our abiding shelter in every sorrow, the Good Shepherd of Thy flock throughout the world, leading them through weariness and trouble here to Thy heavenly fold on high, where peace and joy forever dwell, and where Thou wilt be all in all - Amen.

- FAMILY PRAYER

May The Twenty-Ninth

O THOU who hast created all things, O thou who knowest all things, O Father who seest all our weaknesses, all our faults, but who likewise hearest the sighing of all contrite hearts, teach us who know but darkly and who see but a little way, to trust ourselves and all dear to us, without fear or doubt, to Thy never-failing love, that, with minds stayed on Thee, we may have perfect peace, in all our joys remembering Thee, in all our sorrows not cast down, and able through the bitterness of tears to say, "Thy will be done." - Amen.

- Family Prayer