Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/61

 righteousness. We desire to humble ourselves before Thee; wash us, we beseech Thee, that we may be clean.

We are assured by Thy word, that all Thy paths are mercy and truth, unto such as keep Thy covenant and Thy testimonies. O let Thy covenant be ever before us, Thy testimonies our constant contemplation.

What man is he that feareth the Lord, him shall He teach in the way he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease, and his seed shall inherit the earth. Watch over us this night, for Thy name and mercy sake, O Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God Almighty, we humbly approach Thee in prayer this morning. We would lift up our hearts with our hands unto Thee in the heavens. We would join the multitude of worshippers now before Thee, in ascribing unto Thee glory and strength; we would that, with angelic hosts above, we could worship Thee in the beauty of holiness.

Our sins press heavily upon us; we feel and know that we have done wickedly; and if Thou shouldst enter into judgment with us, who among us could be justified? O enable us to become truly penitent for our past offences; and let the remembrance of Thy mercy impress upon us the duty to sin no more.

O Lord God Almighty, when we look abroad in the universe, everywhere we see that Thou art present: Thou hast set Thy seal upon all the works of Thy hands, and yet are men so corrupt that frequently they deny Thine existence altogether. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." But can this really be believed by those who utter it? or does it originate in our pride and selfishness, and in our desires to enjoy, unrestricted, the sensual pleasures of evil? Alas! what is man, if left to himself? If Thou, O Lord, uphold us, none of our steps can slide; but if we turn aside from Thee, immediately evil assails us. Help us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to contend against our evils, and grant us the grace of repentance, for Thine own name and mercy sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

THOU who art ever near to such as call upon Thee in truth, let Thy gracious presence be near unto us, and grant that we may ever assemble in Thy love and fear.

Thou hast brought us to the close of another day: Thy bounty has fed us; Thy providence has preserved us; Thy power has protected us; and we meet in peace around our family altar. May Thy high and holy Name be magnified and adored! The whole creation proclaims Thine eternal power and Godhead. All Thy works praise Thee, and Thy saints shall bless Thy Name for ever.

Thou hast indeed been very gracious unto us this day. In Thee have we put our trust, and Thou hast delivered us. Thou art our rock, and our fortress; our times are in Thy hand; deliver us, we beseech Thee, from