Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/53

 if we would live for heaven, we must love Thee above all things, and our neighbour as ourselves; and to bring ourselves under Thy perfect love, we must learn of Thee. Help us, O Lord Jesus Christ, in all things to learn of Thee, that we may find rest to our own souls. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

O THOU who sittest enthroned in light and glory ineffable; allow us, a few of Thine unworthy creatures to approach Thee, and reverently to bow at Thy footstool, acknowledging our utter unworthiness.

The more we reflect upon the multitude of Thy tender mercies, the more are we lost in wonder at Thy goodness and condescension; O that a deep and affecting sense of Thy majesty, and of our meanness, of Thy bounty and of our indigence, may pervade us. O that we may at all times feel that the Lord alone is righteous.

Attend unto our cry, O Lord, give ear unto our prayer! Search and try our hearts, visit us this night by the exploring power of Thy truth, and grant that a deep sense of our unworthiness and of Thy goodness may cause us to lay open our whole souls before Thee, so that our sins being manifested, we may loathe ourselves for our iniquities, and resolve, by the aid of Thy grace, to go and sin no more. Hold up our going in Thy paths, we beseech Thee, that our footsteps slip not. O Thou that savest by Thy right hand those that put their trust in Thee; let Thy Saving mercy be seen and felt by us. Keep us, as the apple of Thine eye, hide us under the shadow of Thy wings. So shall we behold Thy face in righteousness, and "when we awake, we shall be satisfied with Thy likeness."

O Lord, we desire to adore Thee for Thy divine protection, extended to us this day. Thou hast been our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer, our God, our strength, our buckler, and the horn of our salvation, and our high tower. Thy name has been to us a secure pavilion: we have entered in, and been safe in Thy protection. Be with us through this night, for Thy name and mercy sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

reat Lord of all things, omnipotent and eternal Jehovah, we approach Thy divine majesty this morning, and with reverence adore Thee for the quiet and refreshing sleep we have enjoyed; and for the renewal of our strength thereby. Thou art an ever present God.

Thou knowest our down-sitting and up-rising; Thou understandest our thoughts afar off. Thou compassest our path. Thou art acquainted with all our ways, and if we commit our souls to Thee, Thou wilt bring us through every danger.

O Lord, our Saviour, how mindful of us art Thou; and yet, how unworthy are we of all Thy care! O that there were a more fervent spirit within us. O that we were more sensible of the numberless obligations we are under to Thee. Help us, O Lord, to love Thee with our whole heart, and to serve Thee with willing minds.