Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/27

 Merciful Lord and Saviour, bestow upon us Thy grace, that we may from henceforth serve Thee with diligence and uprightness, and walk before Thee with simplicity and lowly-mindedness.

Lord, sanctify to our souls this day of rest. May it be unto us not only as a season of repose from bodily labour, but of rest aud refreshment from spiritual trial and temptation. Enable us to "enter into Thy gates with thankegiving, and into Thy courts with praise, to be thankful unto Thee, and speak good of Thy name."

O let Thy blessing rest upon this day's duties, and assist us to consecrate every thought and affection to Thy service. May the sacrifices which we offer be those of broken and contrite hearts.

Hear us, O Lord Jesus Christ, for Thine own name and mercy's sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

OST merciful Lord, our heavenly Father, Thou only art worthy to receive adoration and praise. "Thou art the first and the last, and beside Thee there is no God." Impress our hearts and understandings, we beseech Thee, with the sanctity of Thy presence, and grant that, in approaching Thee this evening we may call to mind Thy loving-kindness towards us.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for the renewed opportunity we have had of treading Thy courts in the company of the great congregation. The enjoyment of the privileges of the Sabbath is among the greatest of Thy divine gifts. Thou hast this day caused the streams of truth to flow over the thirsty soil of our minds. This day Thou hast given us to eat of the true bread which cometh down from heaven. How calm and holy have been all things around us!

O Lord, we thank Thee that Thou hast made the Sabbath for man. It is indeed "the joy of our hearts, the glory and the lifting up of our heads." With humility we desire to resign ourselves to Thy gracious keeping, O Lord. We very seldom know what is best for us; and too frequently make our arrangements as though our own prudence could bring us through all difficulties. O Lord, help our weakness, bear with our infirmities and waywardness. And may Thy Divine Providence in all things control us. Fill our souls with Thy truth and good.

May we lay ourselves down in peace; and may we rise again in deep and pious gratitude, that hitherto the Lord hath helped and sustained us. We acknowledge Thy goodness, O Lord Jesus Christ. All glory be to Thy holy name. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, the morning has dawned upon us; we open our eyes to the cheerful light of day; we find our lives renewed, and our hands made strong to labour, by the mighty God of Jacob. We lift up our voices to Thee, knowing that Thou art the hearer and answerer of prayer. They who trust in Thee, Thou, with Thy mercy, wilt compass