July 29

A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity. — Prov 17:17

I wrestle not with rage
While fury’s flame doth burn;
It is vain to stop the stream
Until the tide doth turn.

But when the flame is out
And ebbing wrath doth end
I turn a late enraged foe
Into a quiet friend.
— Robert Southwell.

If I can lend
A strong hand to the fallen, or defend
The right against a single envious strain,
My life though bare
Perhaps of much that seemeth dear and fair
To us on earth, will not have been in vain.
— Unknown.

Prayer

Gracious Father of us all, if I may have cause to be provoked to-day, help me to rise above my angry passions, and not from weakness plunge into that for which I may be sorry. Make me self-forgetful, that I may be willing to make peace with those whom I may have displeased. Amen.