Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/201

 that we dould arrange the affairs of the world more equitably. We have complained where we ought to have submitted; we have rebelled where we ought to have gratefully yielded. We have grieved Thy good Spirit, and but that Thou art love in its very essence we might have been cast off, and left to perish in our act of rebellion. O God, we acknowledge our transgression, and our sin is ever before us. Pardon us, O merciful Father, and give unto us willing and obedient hearts, that whatsoever Thy wisdom shall see fit to inflict upon us we may patiently submit to, knowing that it is best for us. For "whom the Lord loveth. He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." O Lord, increase our faith. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, deign in mercy to look down upon Thy unworthy servants who are now assembled before Thee, and grant that the members of this family may feel grateful for Thy kind protecting care during the past day. Thou hast not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities, but hast mercifully spared us, affording us time for repentance, adding to our lives yet another day, and still endowing us with health and comfort.

O holy Father, impress us with seriousness and devotion while in Thy presence, and may Thy fear be ever before us that we sin not. Help us to become spiritually minded, that we may commune with Thee, our God and Saviour, free from the distraction of the cares of the world, and become daily more and more devoted to Thy service. Make Thy Word unto us a source of never-failing delight and instruction. In it may we ever behold Thee present. May no precept of its wisdom be by us neglected, but may we feel it our counsellor in the hour of difficulty, our defender in the day of spiritual warfare, our physician in the season of sickness, and our stay and defence when we are called upon, during the last trial, to pass through the valley of the shadow of death. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

GOD, most merciful and gracious, who in Thy providence hast permitted us to rise again from our pillows, who hast continued us in health and strength; our first thoughts we would devote unto Thee this morning; our inmost affections would we offer unto Thee. O that they were more worthy Thy divine acceptance; but Thou, O Lord, wilt not despise the prayer of the humble, nor refuse to accept the contrite and penitent heart.

O Lord God our Saviour, Thy mercies are ever new towards us. We again behold Thy resplendent sun, whose light has so often cheered and animated us. May we so pursue the hours of this day, that Thy sun, should it cease to shine for us again in this world, may yet prepare us to behold a more glorious orb, giving place to that Sun of Righteousness, which Thou, O Lord, art.