Almighty God, the fountain of Life, who hast ordained that Thy children may find life in the way of Thy commandment, and in the path of Thy service; we would humbly thank Thee, not alone for what is bright and fair in our lot, but for the difficulty, the trial, the darkness. We thank Thee for the doubts that perplex us,–the infirmities that opress us,–the sorrows that make us to faint and fear, for we know that Thou wilt answer the strong cry which these bring forth of our souls after light from Thee. Oh, grant that we may so endure as becometh Thy children,–that, doubting, we may not despair,–cast down, we may not be destroyed,–sorring, it may not be as those without hope; but that, receiving Thy discipline and preparation in the Spirit of Thy dear Son, we may make straight His path within out hearts. We ask it in His name, who is the Light of men–Amen.

Henry Wilder Foote (1838-1889)