Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/67

 HEAVENLY Father, we thank Thee that Thou has preserved us through the day. Help us, we beseech Thee, in the work of puriftieation; for without Thee we can do nothing. Day by day we wait upon Thee; day by day we be nearer to Thy divine person, and feel that true blessedness which is the reward of those who love and fear thee and do Thy commandments.

We would dedicate ourselves, soul and body, all that we have and all that we are, to Thy service. Whether Thou bestowest abundance or permittest us to exist in poverty, we would still glorify Thee in our bodies.

We feel and know Thou hast given unto us emulous spirits, and thus is there no evil in our attempts to better our condition. But O impress us with the remembrance that the active spirit which Thou hast bestowed upon us was given that we might be constantly striving after perfection. And, as Thou only art perfect, we should be continually drawing nearer and nearer unto Thee.

Help us to covet the best gifts. May we strive to increase our temporal substance that we may be endowed with greater power to do good. While we pray for that true spirit of resignation which shall enable us, in whatsoever state we are therewith to be content, may our greatest and most anxious care be how we can best show forth Thy glory by imitating Thee in all things.

Thou hast brought us safely to the end of this day; and now, gracious Lord, we pray Thee, protect us through the night. May the angel of Thy presence have charge over us! May our bodily frames find refreshment and repose. If watchfulness be upon us, may we meditate upon our beds and be still. May Thy word, or some portions of it, be near at all times to comfort us and to bless us. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

OOD and upright art Thou, O Lord, therefore wilt Thou teach sinners in the way. The meek wilt Thou guide in judgment—the meek wilt Thou teach Thy way; and all Thy paths are mercy and truth unto such as keep Thy covenant and Thy testimonies."

O teach us to prize spiritual above temporal blessings. While we eat our daily portion, grant unto us a portion of the true bread that endureth unto everlasting life.

O Lord help us to delight in works of piety and usefulness, and make us sensible that even our worldly pursuits may be sanctified to noblest uses; "for to do good and to communicate" is to worship Thee; and "with such sacrifice Thou art well pleased."

May the calm serenity which Thy spiritual influences spread around the righteous, be felt by every member of this family. May the heartfelt satisfactions which lie treasured in godliness communicate their peace to those who now kneel before Thee; and may we so use the benefits Thou hast given us that others may be partakers with us of Thy bounty.

Aid us to seek after and to ask for the best gifts. If we have not wealth, it is noble not to covet it. If we have it, direct and aid us to do