Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/249

 Thy servant, our minister, in Thy name engages: and O bless all his efforts; sanctify his every act; fill him with the graces and influence of Thy Spirit; pour upon him the unction of Thy perfect love, and grant that he may experience a refreshment of spirit, by beholding his congregation attentive and devout. Through his instrumentality may sinners be converted unto Thee. And may all who assemble in Thy name feel the blessedness of Thy sacred presence, and be strengthened to go on their way rejoicing. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

SABBATH EVENING.

0 GOD of providence, inte Thy hands we commit our spirits this evening. Enable us to rest in peace and safety. May wo lay ourselves down in humble confidence, knowing that Thou wilt sustain us. May we be among the number of the beloved, for "so givest Thou Thy be + loved sleep." But if, daring the silent watches of the night, waketnlness should come upon us, may we meditate upon our beds and be stil]. May some divine theme be brought to our recollection, and may blessed 'and holy influences from a heavenly society so inke possession of us, that the night may pass in silent but profitable conversation upon Thy peerless excellence. Thy never-faiting love. Thy constant and unwearied merey, and Thy righteous dispensations. May the page of truth be illuminated by the glorious rays of Theo, the Sun of rightcousness, so that, though darkness and silence may reign in our chambers, the interiors of our minds may be filled with the light of truth, and the Sun of righteousness arise upon us with healingin His wings. © grant our prayers, mercifal Saviour, for Thine own name's sake. Amen.

Our Father, ete.

LORD Jesns Christ, we beseech Thee, help us to keep a watch upon our passions and inclinations. May the knowledge of Thy goodness and truth enable us to place ourselves entirely under Thy divine guidance. Fill every affection in our wills with Thy love, and enlighten every thought in our understandings with Thy truth, so that the hereditary bias to evil and falsity, which exists in the mind of every one of us, may be prevented from becoming actual sin; and grant that this day, and every day, our chief desire may bo to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."" May pride, malice, and uncharitableness be subjected to the reign of humility, love, and forbearance. Whatever the trials may be which this day are permitted to assault us, still may out hearts experience a settled steadfastness in Thee. May the seed of truth which this morning has beon from Thy holy Word sown in our understandings, be watered by the dew of Thy blessing; may it prosper abundantly, and bring forth fruit according to our several degroes of reception, some thirty, some sixty, some an hundred-fold. Amen.

Our Father, etc.