Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/147

 EIGHTEENTH WEEK. 135

THURSDAY EVENING.

LORD God our Saviour, enable us to lift up our eyes with humility unto Thee, that we may contemplate Thy divine perfections with reverence, and strive to recover that likeness which, by our own evils, we have so grievously defaced. O assist us to attain that spiritual elevation of soul which abhors every evil, and delights in the performance of every good. May the heaven, our inner man, with all the affections composing it, shadow forth continually, that glory, of which Thou art the substance. May our understandings, as a spiritual firmament, display the pleasures and brightness of heavenly knowledge, and be to our souls as a luminous atmosphere, in which the sun of righteousness may arise and shine. And when we view Thy infinite wisdom and goodness, as displayed in the pages of revelation, may we strive so to imitate them in our own life and conversation, that in all things we may show ourselves anxious of being accounted worthy of the exalted name of Christians which we bear. With these humble but earnest desires. O Lord, we close another day, and, under the shadow of Thy wings, hope to enjoy that rest which is needful for the refreshment of our bodies. Lord, into Thy hands we commend our spirits. Amen. Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, Thou hast renewed our strength; we implore Thy blessing on the members of this family, and grant that those to whom Thou hast entrusted its government may constantly look to Thee for aid, that they may guide such as are subordinate to them in the paths of virtue and of truth. Grant also that such as require to receive instruction, admonition, or reproof, may listen with teachable spirits, and submit to be guided by the wisdom and experience whether of their parents, or of their masters; remembering that those who are about to engage in the duties of the world, "may be obedient to their masters; not answering again, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, and adorning the doctrines of God our Saviour, in all things;" remembering also that it is the duty of masters to watch over the souls of their servants, as those that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that would be unprofitable for them.

And we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, to pour upon all those who are called to minister in heavenly things, the especial graces of Thy Spirit. May they be fervent in spirit, earnest in the study of Thy word, zealous in its propagation, and watchful over the souls committed to their charge. Through their labours may sinners be converted unto Thee; may the weak hands be strengthened, and the feeble knees confirmed, and when they are called to give an account of their stewardship, may they be so prepared as to receive the gift of eternal life. Amen.

Oar Father, etc.

FRIDAY EVENING.

LORD Jesus Christ, help us we beseech Thee, that we may set Thee continually before our eyes. May the humility, self-denial,