Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 1.pdf/170



RACIOUS FATHER! Thou who art the Creator of all things, the only Restorer of the soul, and the merciful Redeemer and Saviour of the world; help us to approach Thee, at this, the opening of thy Sabbath of rest, with a holy love, and reverence, to bless and praise Thee for those showers of blessings which we have received from thy bountiful hand. Without Thee all is dark and dreary, and the music of the soul is mute, as the harps hung upon the willows. But when we, O Lord Jesus! turn, by love and truth, from our own darkness to Thee, the scene is indeed changed; for Thou art seen to rise in our souls, as the everlasting Sun of Righteousness, and our brightest dawning is then begun.

God of mercy and truth! help us to keep this day holy—help us to praise Thee with affectionate hearts and joyful lips, that so we may be fed with the fatness of thy house—the milk and honey of the land of promise! Grant that the ministers who shall be engaged in thy church this day, may have their hearts