May 7

In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.—Psalms 5:3.

ARE my first waking thoughts given to God? Do I feel the need each morning of prayer, that I may be prepared for the many dangers and trials and temptations and duties of the day? Do I pray for wisdom, for guidance, for the constant presence and influence of God's Spirit; for thankfulness, if my pray- ers are answered; for submission, if they are denied; for patience in waiting, if they are deferred? Do I look up, and look out, for an answer from on high?

Christ often heareth, when he doth not at once an- swer. His not answering, is an answer; for it says, Pray on, go on, cry on, for the Lord holdeth the door fast bolted, not to keep you out, but that you may knock, and it shall be opened.—RUTHERFORD.

When the dawn begins to break, and the first ray of sunshine appears, let the day have a blessed bap- tism by giving your first waking thoughts to God. Thank him that you have been kept through the night. Commit yourself to him for the day. Ask him to be with you through it all. The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the entire day.

When thine eyes first unveil, give thy soul leave

To do the like. Our bodies but forerun

The spirit's duty. True hearts spread and heave

Unto their God, as flowers do to the sun.

Give him thy first thoughts then, so shalt thou keep

His company all day, and in him safely sleep.

—VAUGHAN.