Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/87

 uncongenial soever to our spiritual desires the avocations of natural life may be, we shall patiently bear with them; and all the difficulties that beset us we shall endeavour to turn into blessings. For if we be usefully employed, everything in which we engage imparts a blessing, and all things have their use. When Thou, O Lord, art in all our thoughts, we can only show our love to Thee as we make it manifest by love to our neighbour; and by this love shall all men know that we are Thy disciples. We thank Thee, therefore, that Thou hast given us strength to go forth to our work and to our labour until the evening. Prosper Thou the labour of our hands, and unto Thee will we ascribe all glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

FRIDAY EVENING.

0 MERCIFUL Lord and Saviour, at the close of another day our souls wait upon Thee; Thou art our help and our shield. As our hope and trust is in Thee. O Lord, and in Thee alone, let Thy mercy be upon us. Again has Thy watchful and tender care preserved us, and the evening calls us together to Thy footstool, to unite in thanksgivings and praise. We would humbly approach Thee. O Lord, and seek Thy countenance and favour. How rapidly speeds our natural existence away! Each returning morning resurrects us anew, and each returning evening reminds us that here we have no abiding city; this is not our rest. The evening of our life in this world, many of us have entered upon, and the night will soon close upon us, and while our bodies return to the dust, our spirits must return to God who gave them: may death, when it approaches, not find us in the midst of our sins; but may it find us, as faithful servants, waiting and watching for the coming of our Lord.

Thine eyes. O Lord, are upon the righteous. Thine ears are open to their cry. O may our prayers ascend up before Thee as the evening sacrifice.

In looking back upon the past day, and inremembering our expressions in prayer this morning, we desire. O Lord, to review our conduct under the light of Thy truth. As regeneration advances, all the animal passions become less and Jess fierce, and we can learn of the progress we have made by the spirit of gentleness and forbearance with which we meet opposition. As ' truth from good is soft and gentle (A.C. 6359] so may we feel the spirit of gentleness animate us in all we do." Lord, help us to acquire this spirit. Help us in all things to learn of Thee. And unto Thee will we render all the glory. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

ALMIGHTY God, the Protector and Friend of all them that trust in Thee, deign to look down upon this family now prostrate before Thee, and upon every family who humble themselves in Thy presence let Thy grace descend. O shed abroad Thy love in all their hearts. O Lord God of our salvation, who art near to all who call upon Thee in truth, grant unto us an inward perception of Thy presence. Tran-