Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/181

 hail the returning light as a symbol of the spiritual truth which chases away the clouds of night and error, and which causes our minds to be more and more receptive of Thy eternal Word. Grant, O merciful Lord, that this truth may become unto us more and more glorious, shining with more and more brightness unto the perfect day.

O Lord God of our salvation, grant that this truth may be our guide through the dangers of this day; and preserve us safely in every trial with which Thou seest fit to visit us, to make trial of our constancy. Support us in the duties we have to perform, and strengthen us that we may perform them with efficiency, and grant that Thy love may be so shed abroad in our hearts that whatever we engage in may be begun, continued, and ended in Thee, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD our Saviour, increase our faith, we beseech Thee, and help us to draw near to Thee with pure hearts. Hitherto we have been rather formalists than faithful professors of Thy Word and doctrine. Without attending to its spirit and its life. May we from henceforth strive to have Thy law engraved upon our inward parts. May we daily converse with Thee through the medium of Thy Word of truth. May we die unto sin and live unto righteousness, and, forsaking the world and all that pertains to it, lay down our own sinful life, learn of Thee, and follow Thee that we may find life eternal.

O God, who rulest in all the kingdoms of the earth, who by Thy wisdom exaltest and abasest, help us not only with unrepining but with thankful hearts to adore and worship Thee for the providential mercies of this day. Thou hast cared for us, Thou has watched over us for good. Thy patience with us, Thy longsuffering, Thy forbearance, witnesses to the extent of Thy goodness. It is indeed an everlasting love. Humbled as we feel, and as it is our duty to feel in Thy presence, we cannot sutliciently abase ourselves. O heavenly Father, grant that every member of this family, for the future, may be more devoted to Thy will, and may we serve Thee with greater spirituality, in singleness of eye and in purity of heart. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, again we draw nigh to Thee. As we go forth to our respective duties, there is not an object we pass but reminds us of Thee, our beneficent Parent, and calls for the return of gratitude and love. O how numerous, how great, how glorious are the works of Thy hands! When we look around upon this globe of which we are inhabitants, how prodigious is its magnitude; how numerous are the tribes of animated beings who inhabit it; how vast is the wisdom that could devise subsistence for such multitudes of creatures! Thou openest Thy hand and suppliest the wants of every living creature. All wait upon Thee, that they may receive their meat in due season. That Thou givest them they gather; Thou openest Thine hand and they are filled with