Page:The church manual (Church of the Brethren 1916).djvu/51

50 1. An acknowledgment of God as "Our Father," our Protector, and our Preserver.

2. Thanksgiving and praise for his protecting care over us, and for his mercies shown to us, — for the hope of salvation through Christ our Mediator,— for the influence of the Holy Spirit, that we may be led in the right way,— for the Gospel privileges enjoyed, etc.

3. Ask for what we feel that we need. "Give us this day our daily bread," physical and spiritual. Ask for his watchful care over us and his blessings upon our business and labors.

4. Pray for our neighbors and friends, the poor and needy, sick and afflicted, the ungodly and the sinner, for kings and rulers, and for the peace and prosperity of our land and nation.

5. Pray for the peace and prosperity of the church; for its ministers and laborers; for its missionaries, and every work designed for the extension of Christ's kingdom on earth; and conclude with the Lord's Prayer.

Lord, thou who hast been good and merciful in all thy dealings with the children of men, we come humbly before thee, that we may render to thee our thanks for thy mercies shown to us. We thank thee