July 23

Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face. — Ps 5:8

I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be
A pleasant road;
I do not ask that thou would’st take from me
Aught of its load.

For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead:
Lead me aright—
Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed—
Through peace to light.
— Adelaide A. Procter.

O, why and whither?—God knows all,
I only know that he is good,
And that whatever may befall
Or here or there, must be the best that could.
— John G. Whittier.

Prayer

Loving Father, may I never fail to ask for thy guidance, for thou hast promised to lead me to the cool springs while I pass through the desert places. Help me to put myself in thy keeping and say, "Thy will be done." Amen.