Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/346

 approach Thee; for by drawing near to Thee we come within and are surrounded by the sphere of Thy influence, and are brought more immediately into communion with Thee; and they who surrender themselves to Thy wise guidance are prepared for every casualty. However great may be the difficulties which surround us, however imminent the dangers with which we are threatened, Thou O Lord seest both them and us, and by Thy providence Thou canst make a way whereby we may escape. To Thee, therefore, we come with the most profound reverence, desiring to be at all times led and guided by Thy hand. Help us to repress all uneasiness or anxiety about the future, and to remember that the present moment is the only period we can call our own; while it lasts, help us to exercise and improve it profitably, that in this world we may taste of as much happiness as will conduce to our regeneration. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LMIGHTY God, the Father of all mercies, we approach Thee this evening, and in a spirit of thanksgiving and praise desire to adore Thee for the blessings of this day. What Thou hast so bountifully given, we with cheerful gratitude receive. Thou who hast filled our months with food, hast also filled our hearts with gladness. As the chill and darksome air admits the benign influence of heavenly light, as the dry and parched earth imbibes the soft dew and gentle showers, as the thirsty soul takes in the sweet and cooling stream, so do our understandings and our hearts expand under Thy gracious influences, and feel grateful for the infinitude of Thy blessings. Fain would we offer unto Thee the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to Thy name. O accept our poor offerings, and let them find favour in Thy sight, O Lord.

As Thy bounties flow forth from the inexhanstible fountain of Thy love, and are bestowed upon us with a free, ungradging, and unsparing hand, may the remembrance of Thy gracious: words, "Freely ye have received, freely give," stir us up to show our gratitude in deeds of beneficence and love to others. As Thy love knows no limit, but is universally diffusive, so may our gratitude be displayed by an active and diffusive benevolence, a warm and fervid affection for our neighhour's good, and an unceasing desire, accompanied by an unceasing labour, to promote the happiness of all, and spread abroad, with a prudent but willing hand, what Thou hast so beneficently bestowed upon us, being ever assured that no want can come upon us, because in our Father's house there is bread enough and to spare. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD our God, we will extol Thee, we will magnify Thy name for ever and ever; Thy mercy knows no limit; Thy goodness is universal, and is equally extended to all; and it is the duty of all, while they pray for the supply of their daily wants, to give thanks to Thee at all times for the benefits they have enjoyed. O Lord, behold Thy servants, one