Invocations: The Soul's Yearning For God

The Soul's Yearning for God

O Lord, Thou delightest to dwell in the midst of Thy people. Where Thy saints gather themselves together in the Name of Jesus there art Thou in the midst of them. Let us feel Thy presence here throughout all the services of to-day. Nothing short of this can satisfy us. It is in vain that we see the minister in his place, or that we are enabled to join in the customary voice of song. We want to feel that Thou art here. Our heart panteth after Thee as pants the thirsty stag for the water-brooks. Come and refresh our spirits! Earth shall be made like heaven if Thou wilt be with us, and if Thou art absent Thy house becomes but as other houses, and the sanctuary itself has lost its power to bless.

Father, forgive our sins. Help us to wash our hands in innocency, and so to compass Thine altar. Our Father, draw us near to Thyself. Let the attractions of heaven overcome the lesser attractions of earth. Close to Jesus may we come this day. Beneath that cross where once did hang our hope, there let us find our joy. May there be to-day in the hearts of many of Thy people a renewed consecration to Thy service. May there be a giving of the Spirit afresh to Thy people, and oh, let sinners be converted to-day! While we try to cast the net, do Thou bring them to it. Make the hands strong that shall draw the bow, and do Thou direct it so exactly that the arrow may find out the joint in the harness. O Spirit of God, be not absent from us, but from the first opening prayer to the last amen, may Thy power be revealed, for Christ's sake. Amen.

August 16 (Morning), 1863.