Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/16

4 We have indeed "erred from Thy ways, like lost sheep;" but Thou hast followed us in our wanderings, and by Thy divine dispensations hast brought us to Thy fold again. O Lord, enkindle within us a flame of holy love and gratitude; and may the immensity of Thy goodness, as evidenced in the great work of our redemption, be ever before us.

In the plenitude of Thy divine love, deign to look upon us, O Lord. Turn us, again, O Lord God of hosts, and let the influences of Thy good Spirit quicken within our souls ardent aspirations for Thy heavenly kingdom.

While we behold the span of human existence, how much there is to be done, and how little time to do it in, help us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, so to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Help us in the important duty of self-examination. Help us that we may lead lives of practical holiness. Hear us, O Lord Jesus Christ, for Thine own name sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

REAT and adorable Saviour, we humbly desire to know Thee as Thou revealest thyself in Thy divine perfections. As a God of love, O help us to love Thee, as Thou hast loved us: as a God of truth, O let Thy light shine. Thy wisdom guide us, and by Thy truth we pray Thee to aid us in the regulation of our life and conversation. In all things may we learn of Thee and follow Thee. In the performance of all our duties, still may we behold Thee ever before us. As our best efforts are imperfect, and we know not how to bring our affairs to a prosperous issue, may the dispensations of Thy providence make us ever submissive, and however much they may appear to inflict suffering, may we remember that Thou hast no other design in permitting their operation upon us, than the security of our everlasting good.

With this earnest desire to know Thee, that we may thereby know ourselves, and with this humble supplication, that we may set Thee continually before us, learn of Thee, and strive in all things to be conformed to Thy image, Lord, we go forth to commence the duties of another day. As Thou hast protected us during the past night, so do we feel assured that Thou wilt be with us during this day. To Thy wise guidance and direction, O Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly commit ourselves. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

INFINITE and adorable Lord God and Saviour. Thou knowest how frail we are; Thou art acquainted with all our thoughts: there is not a word in our tongue, but lo! O Lord. Thou knowest it altogether.

We acknowledge that our hearts appear to be set in us to do evil, and again and again have we to confess how easily we are drawn aside and enticed of our own lusts. But O Lord, merciful and gracious, help us to overcome our evils, give us strength to contend against them in their most seducing and enticing forms, and give unto us clean hearts, and renew a right spirit within us.