Page:ThePathToHeaven.djvu/27

 you can  find,  if  possible  in  some  room  or  part  of  the  room devoted to  the  purpose,  begin  your  prayers.

Our prayers  and  devotions  must  consist  of  acts  of  adoration, praise, and  thanksgiving  to  God  for  his  mercies,  of  confession of  our  sins,  resolution  of  amendment,  oblation  of ourselves  to  God's  service,  prayers  for  pardon  and  grace, and prayers  in  behalf  of  others,  &amp;c.

All forms  of  prayer  are  composed,  more  or  less,  in  these parts, though  not  always  in  the  same  order. Each person is at  liberty  to  please  himself  both  as  to  the  form  and arrangement of  his  prayers. Some forms  are  useful  if  not necessary for  all. We shall  give  several  of  those  forms which have  been  most  approved,  and  are  most  used,  to  suit the different  tastes  of  different  minds,  and  to  afford  to  all the advantage  of  occasional  variety. A greater  variety  may be gained  by  adding  at  choice  one  or  more  of  the  "Occasional Prayers."

In the  name  of  the ✠ Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of the  Holy  Ghost. Amen.

Blessed be  the  holy  and  undivided  Trinity  now  and for ever. Amen.

Come, Holy  Ghost,  fill  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful,  and kindle in  them  the  fire  of  thy  love.

Send forth  thy  Spirit,  and  they  shall  be  created,  and thou shalt  renew  the  face  of  the  earth.

O God,  who  on  this  day  didst  instruct  the  hearts  of the  faithful  by  the  light  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  grant  us  in the  same  Spirit  to  relish  what  is  right,  and  ever  to  rejoice  in  his  consolation. Through Jesus  Christ, &c. Amen.

O my  God! I firmly  believe  that  thou  art  here present, and  perfectly  seest  me,  and  observest  all  my actions,  all  my  thoughts,  and  the  most  secret  motions of my  heart,  I  acknowledge  that  I  am  not  worthy  to come  into  thy  presence,  nor  to  lift  up  my  eyes  unto