Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/179



LORD Jesus Christ, the heavens announce Thee as King of kings and Lord of lords. All the heavenly bodies are subject to Thy control, and all their motions are regulated by Thy statutes. The influences of Thy divine benevolence go forth as a copious stream unceasingly; and not a day transpires but new blessings are bestowed upon us. O what a debt of gratitude we owe Thee! what can we offer unto Thee? we would attempt the song of praise, and with the rejoicing man of old exclaim, "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise unto my God while I have any being."

For that protection which has watched over us during the past night, for the refreshing sleep which has rendered us again strong to labour, for the comforts of bodily existence, and for our food and raiment and comfortable habitation. O Lord, we desire to thank Thee; and we would commit ourselves to Thy wise direction this day, and humbly trust for that parental guidance, without which we must wander from the way of holiness. Erring as we constantly are from the way of Thy commandments, it is because Thy tender compassions fail not that we are not consumed. Thou hast not dealt with us after our sins, neither rewarded us according to our iniquities. O Lord, we desire to bless and praise Thee for all Thy tender love towards us. O God, Thou art our God. Thou wilt be our guide even unto death. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, we thank Thee that Thou hast watched over us this day and brought us again to the footstool of Thy throne. O that there were such an heart within us, that we might fear Thee always and keep Thy commandments," that it might be well with us!

Our souls indeed dwell in the dust; O quicken us by Thy Word, and grant that the purifying influences of Thy Spirit may work an entire change in our thoughts and affections, so that a new heart, even a heart of flesh, may be given us in exchange for our hard and stony hearts.

We have been permitted to read Thy holy Word, and thus to enjoy conversation with Thee. O help us with reverence to feed upon it, and to call to mind its solemn warnings, that when we are summoned into Thy presence, we may not be, like the foolish virgins, unprepared to meet Thee. As the cares, occupations, and anxieties of this life press upon us, and have a tendency to render us earthly minded, may the reading of Thy Word, the example of Thy prophets and apostles, and above all, the record of Thine own life upon earth, teach us so to render earthly occupations subservient to heavenly uses, that we may be weaned from the cares of the world, and have our affections set upon things above. Amen.

Our Father, etc,

LORD Jesus Christ, who hast declared that the heart is deceitful above all things, we pray for deliverance from the corruptions of our evil hearts; help us to keep the certainty of another state of being