Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/384



LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, another day has by Thy goodness dawned upon us, and calls us into Thy presence. Our first thoughts, our first affections, are due to Thee; accept them, O Lord, as the morning sacrifice, and let our chief desire be to do Thy will. We have been preserved during the past night by Thy divine providence. Thou hast refreshed and invigorated us by sleep, and rendered us strong to labour. What can we offer unto Thee for all the benefits Thou hast conferred upon us? There is nothing that we can do to show our gratitude but obedience to Thy commandments, and this obedience we can only pay by constant assistance from Thee. We wait upon Thee, O Lord, that we may renew our strength. O help us, for without Thy aid all our efforts must end in disappointment. Assist us to set Thee constantly before our eyes, and as Thou art a God of order, help us to be orderly in all our pursuits. Thou hast given us our several employment, and appointed us individually to move in some sphere of active duty. Give unto us a method of so fulfilling our duties, that there be nothing of confusion in our pursuits, remembering that "Thou art not the author of confusion," may we so labour that by an imitation of Thee even in our natural pursuits, we may evidence the sincerity of our faith. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God almighty, we thank Thee for the blessings and protection of the past day, and for all the mercies we have enjoyed hitherto, and we approach Thee this evening to invoke Thy further protection, and to pray that Thou wilt guard as through the perils and dangers of the night.

With thankful hearts we acknowledge Thy goodness in bestowing upon us Thy holy Word; make us to walk in Thy statutes; "Give us understanding that we may keep Thy law, yea, that we may observe it with our whole heart."

Lord, help us to contend against the evils which infest us; and deeply impress us with that spirit of true devotion which shall enable us to hear and do Thy will. May the example set by Thee when tabernacling in the flesh be ever imitated by us. May patience, perseverance, endurance, gentleness, and disinterestedness distinguish us in all our actions towards others. May this temper and spirit not only be exhibited towards those who love us, but towards all. O may Thy words, "Love your enemies, bless them which curse you, do good to them which hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you," be ever borne in remembrance that so Thy example may be operative upon us, end we may learn to die daily unto self. Amen.

Our Father, etc.