Page:The pastor in his closet.djvu/27

 I desire, therefore, good Lord, to prepare myself for this day’s worship, that I may truly worship Thee, that my soul may have an appetite for this feast. I do rejoice in the gift of the Lord’s day; I do confess my own needs and the needs of this people for such a season of prayer; but yet, Lord, I fear lest I should lose some portion of the richness of the feast through my own strayings of soul, or my coldness. Look now upon me that Satan may not overcome me, that I may begin worthily in a true spirit, that I may keep worthy thoughts, and offer pure worship, such as may be acceptable to Thee out of Thy great mercy. In all public offices of religion keep my soul pure, disentangled from the world, undistracted, and intent on Thee.

As I have many things to do, to pray—to read Thy Holy Word—to preach accordingly—to offer up supplications for the sick, and thanksgivings for those to whom Thou hast shewed mercy—to baptize— to receive the blessed Sacrament of Thy Body and Blood—to administer it—to lay in the grave those of our brethren whom it hath pleased Thee to take from us unto Thyself,—help me, Holy Jesus, in all these acts of devotion, that the spirit of devotion may be sustained throughout, that all my ministrations may be done with a