Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/251



LORD Jesus Christ, in all our approaches to Thy divine person may we remember the reverence that is due to Thy perfections. May we hold in deep veneration all Thy divine qualities, attributes, and powers. May Thy divine name, and all that pertains to Thy sacred person, be uttered with that subdued feeling of piety, which expresses a deep sense of our many evils, but which at the same time expresses the most fervent devotion and gratitude for the permission which is accorded us of approaching Thee. Thou knowest what we need before we ask it. Blind as we frequently are to our true interests, we neither know what to pray for, or how to pray. O Lord, teach us to pray—not for the blessings of this world, not for earthly prosperity and length of life, great as these blessings may appear in our own estimation—but teach us to pray for the graces and influences of Thy Spirit, for the truth which, by its application, cleanses us from sin; for the good which, derived from Thee, enables us to pursue our various avocations, and practically to exhibit our love for Thy truth. Lord, so teach us to pray, that our whole affections and thoughts may be so turned to Thee, that our greatest desire may be to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," knowing that all things needful will then be added unto us. May our affections and thoughts be ever lifted up to Thee; so shall we be endowed with power from on high to do our duty to thee and to our neighbour. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, how great is Thy love towards us! When we were dead in trespasses and sin, it was Thy love that raised us to newness of life. When our souls were as those that go down into the grave, it was Thy love that "brought us up out of the horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set our feet upon a rock, and established our goings:" yea, "Thou hast, in love to our souls, delivered us from the pit of destruction, and hast cast all our sins behind Thy back"

Great and glorious Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, as Thou hast thus in Thy love and mercy revealed Thyself before us, O grant that we may be deeply impressed by a sense of Thy goodness, and strive to show our gratitude by serving Thee with newness of spirit. As Thou orderest all things well, may it be our care to follow in the order of Thy providence. Whatsoever Thou appointest or permittest, grant us willing minds to submit to. Avert all anxiety respecting the things pertaining to this world. "May we be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, meke known our requests unto Thee." And, O Lord, assist us to follow after "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report," that all our affections and thoughts may be sanctified to Thy service. Be with us through this day, we beseech Thee, and prosper Thou the labour of our hands, for Thy own name sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.