God's Minute

October 27

Ye are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you.--John 15:14

OUR Heavenly Father, we bless Thee for Thy great gifts to us, Thy children--that there is provision for all our needs. We thank Thee for the power given to men to bless and gladden one another by the warmth of love, the truth, and tenderness of friendship, and to support each other in all good. May we accept this great gift with a sense of responsibility. Let not the wealth of human love bestowed upon us be wasted or despised--the tender care lavished on us in our early days, the love of parents, the patience of teachers, the wisdom of counsellors, all the sweet charities of home, the joy and strength of true human intercourse.

As we have received of love, so may we give. May we learn the deep lessons of love--self-denial, patience, helpfulness, sympathy, and growth in gracious living. May the discipline of love train us in constancy and true virtues. May we use the love with which we have been dowered to panoply us against evil, to preserve us under the manifold dangers and temptations of the world.

Bless our friends--may they and we be friends of God. Above all, may our experience of earthly love bring us nearer to Thy love, O Thou Lover of our souls!

Amen.

Hugh Black, D.D.,
New York City