Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/135

 For all the benefits and blersings of the past week, O Lord, we desire to adore and praise Thee.

And now. Lord, as we retire to rest, may our thoughts repose on Thy goodness. If permitted to behold the coming Sabbath, may it be unto us a season of spiritual refreshment, of love, joy, and peace, through the influence of Thy Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, Thou art the life of Thy Word, yea, Thy name is called The Word of God; when we read the sacred page of truth, may we ascribe unto Thee the glory due to Thy name, bring an offering of our most hallowed and purified affections, and strive to worship Thee in the beauty of holiness, so "wilt Thou, O Lord, give strength unto Thy people and bless them with peace."

O God, Thou art worthy alone to receive the praise and adoration of Thy creatures. Aid all those belonging to this family to worship and serve Thee this day. May it be unto us as a remembrance of the great and glorious triumph, when "Death was swallowed up in victory:" when Thy glorification was consummated, and the whole pattern of the regeneration of man placed before him. May it bring anew to our minds the glorious promise, "He that overcometh I will give to sit down on my throne;" and stimulate us to so faithful a performance of our duty, that we may feel an inward assurance of the truth, "that where Thou art, there also shall Thy servant be." O may we, and every member of Thy Church on earth, unite in a song of glorification: the Lord God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ, the omnipotent reigneth.

Lord, let Thy gospel trumpet sound loudly this day. Let every faithful pastor of Thy Church feel the influences of Thy blessed Spirit, animating him with life and vigour to bring souls unto Thee. And may he and every devout worshipper find this day a day of spiritual refreshment to his soul. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

N the evening of this holy day, O Lord, we beseech Thee, help us narrowly to inspect the state of our affections, to look with scrutiny into our understandings, that we may see if there be any wicked way within us; and O let Thy truth lead us in the way everlasting.

Lord, (as a family,) we desire to dedicate ourselves anew to Thy service. May we not only elevate Thee upon our family altar, and know and worship no God else beside Thee, a just God and a Saviour, but may we enshrine Thee in our inmost souls, so that we may make a covenant with Thee which can never be dissolved, and always have Thee within us to apply to in time of need. Inscribe upon our understandings, "Holiness unto the Lord." In all our trials may we remember that Thy grace is sufficient for us; and learn to place such entire dependence on Thy righteous dispensations that we may say from the heart, "Not our will, but