Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/141

 SEVENTEENTH WEEK. 129

its mercies. Enable us to show our gratitude, that, as dutiful and obedient children, the image of Thee, our Father in the heavens, may be teflected by us.

While we are citizens of this world, we would humbly implore Thee to assist us in mingling with our fellow-creatures, and in performing under the constant remembrance that only can these duties be successful, as our affections and thoughts are brought under the government of the spirit of Thy truth. We pray Thee, therefore, to impress us with a devout reverence towards Thy holy name, and for everything which that name implies. Great, wonderful, and glorious! Father of eternity! Redeemer! Saviour! Mighty God! Prince of peace! All that is holy, noble, and excellent is comprehended in Thy name. Thy name is the shield and hiding-place of the righteous; it is a strong tower into which they enter and are safe. We bear this name upon us as a mark of discipleship, which, by a life of charity and usefulness here shall prepare us for a new name in Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD and Saviour, we pray Thee, help us to attain that blessed state when every action shall be shunned that we would in the least degree consider, by the light of Thy truth, inimical to our advancement in the divine life. And aid us to acquire the blessed frame of spirit, that our conduct may be as pure on earth as if it were exhibited before the gaze of the angels in heaven.

As we plead with Thee, O Lord, we humbly desire that everything we engage in may be referred to Thee, prior to our entering upon it; for without this Thy divine blessing can never accompany us. If it be Thy good pleasure to crown our temporal efforts with success, may we consider that the gifts bestowed upon us proceed from Thee to enlarge and extend the sphere of our usefulness, and, instead of being elated and lifted up by them, we shall only endeavour to show forth more devout gratitude and thanksgiving. But should it please Thee, in Thy inscrutable wisdom, and through the perfect knowledge of our states, to withhold prosperity from us, or even to visit us with adversity, we shall know that we are in want of some of that fine gold, that pure unmixed goodness, which can only be secured by our passing through the crucible of affliction, and being tried by the fire of purification, and we shall conclude that the means best suited for the attainment of this goodness is best known to Thee, and therefore we shall be happy to say "Thy will be done."

And now, Lord, we pray that the eye of Thine omniscience may watch over us this day; that the power of Thine omnipotence may preserve us against our enemies, and that Thy gracious presence may be felt in our going out and in our coming in. Amen.

Our Father, etc.