Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/98



LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Creator of all worlds, the Father of all mercies and the Redeemer of mankind; we implore thy divine blessing and presence, while we enjoy this opportunity of again meeting with Thee. O merciful Father, open thou our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of Thy law! We acknowledge, O Lord, that of ourselves we are nothing but evil, and utterly unworthy of the many benefits which we receive at Thy hands; yet knowing that Thou art good to all, and Thy tender mercies over all thy works, we approach with humility, yet with confidence, the throne of grace, hoping to receive a portion of that goodness and mercy which have followed us all the days of our lives. Open to us, we beseech Thee, the rich treasures of Thy Word. Give us to perceive our dearest interests in the truths of Revelation, that these, bringing to our perception the bright realities of eternity, may be to us as so many angels ministering to our good, and guiding us to the realms of peace!

O Lord, stretch forth thy mighty protecting arm over this our native land. Bless the Sovereign of these realms, fill her mind with zeal, intelligence, and a love of truth and justice; may peace and happiness, religion and piety, be established among all classes of the people. We implore thy mercy upon all who are languishing under grievous bodily affliction. Give them a holy state of calm resignation to thy will, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions.

Our Father, &c.