THERE was a peddler who carried his wares from house to house in Scotland. One day, while upon his errands, he entered a cottage where a noble lady was visiting its inmate. Some conversation ensued, when the lady rather haughtily inquired of the peddler, “What, can you pray?”
“Well,” said he, “I ken I can.”
“Then kneel down at once,” she cried, “and let me hear you.” Whereupon the man put his bag off his back, went upon his knees, and at once spoke thus to his God—
“O God, give me grace to need grace.
“O God, give me grace to ask for grace when I am given to feel my need of grace.
“O God, give me grace to receive grace when Thou givest the grace I need.
“O God, give me grace to show grace when I have received grace from Thee, whether I get grace shown to me or not.”
We commend this prayer to every one who is endeavoring to walk through this world to the glory of God, as one of the most practically beautiful expressions of dependence on God ever uttered.
“The grace of God . . . teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world.” —Titus 2:11, 1211For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:11‑12).