Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/315

 our God, hear us. Give unto us such an assurance of Thy goodness and power as will enable us to overcome our evils; enable us to contend against our corruptions; and afford us consolation in the midst of all our trials. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LMIGHTY and most merciful Lord God our Saviour, who art the hearer and the answerer of prayer, enable us to draw nigh to Thee this evening. With humility and gratitade we desire to acknowledge Thy divine protection in bringing us safely through this day. Truly have we cause to humble ourselves before Thee; for though Thou art ever mindful of us, we are too often forgetful of Thee; and though Thou art daily and hourly showering down Thy mercies upon us, yet still our hearts respond not to Thy love; and we frequently go backward and turn to our own evil gratifications. Have mercy upon us, O Lord; turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.

Assist us to keep Thee ever before us, and may no object of Thy wide creation pass before our notice without recalling to our remembrance Thy divine perfections, and confirming in us the belief that Thou art the life of all. May all that calls forth our admiration still lead to the devout ascription, "O God, Thou art our God; early will we seek Thee."

O God, it is by the strength with which Thou hast endowed us, that we have been enabled to pursue our various callings this day. Thou hast given us pleasure in their performance; and though, from natural infirmity and weakness of body, we soon become wearied with labour, yet this tends to draw us more closely unto Thee; and by waiting upon Thee, we renew our strength. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

OST merciful Lord God our Saviour, who in Thy Word has given us such instructions as, if obeyed, will tend to render us contented here and happy hereafter, we approach Thy mercy-seat this morning, humbly acknowledging Thy divine goodness. Again hast Thou refreshed and invigorated our bodies by sleep: and during the night watches Thou hast, unseen to us, still been our guardian, and turned aside the shafts of our spiritual enemies that they have not injured us, and no evil hath come nigh our dwellings.

Thy merey is great unto the heavens; Thy truth reaches unto the clouds. Thou hast graciously regarded our necessities, and having refreshed our wearied frames, Thou hast given us bread to eat, raiment to put on, and a comfortable habitation in which we may at all times find shelter. O that, with all Thy blessings, renewed as they are, day by day, yea, moment by moment, we possessed greater confidence in Thee, our Lord!

Help us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to acquire a quiet and contented