EIGHTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, pour upon us the spirit of grace and supplication. We thank Thee for all thy goodness and mercy towards us during the past night. We laid down, and slept; we awaked, for the Lord sustained us. May our spared lives be evermore consecrated to thy happy service.

We ask thy blessing, O Lord, on the portion of thy Holy Word which has just been read. May the lessons it teaches be deeply impressed on our hearts, and be ever acted out in our lives. We see Thee there as the Protector of all that put their trust in Thee. May the gracious answer which Jacob received to his prayer encourage us to pray always, and never to faint. In all our ways may we acknowledge Thee, and do thou direct our paths. We know not, O Lord, to what dangers we may be exposed as we pass through this troublesome world. We are encompassed by enemies on every side. Our own evil hearts, and the temptations of the world, are ever leading us out of the only path of peace and safety. How often, alas! do our own sins bring us into difficulties, and cause our hearts to fail. Oh, help us to pour out our souls before Thee in earnest, persevering prayer, that so we may meet all our trials with calmness, confidence, and comfort, assured that in thine own good time we shall experience the mercy and faithfulness of our God. O thou whose never-failing providence ordereth all things in heaven and earth, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men, graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtilty of the Devil or man worketh against us be brought to nought, and by the providence of thy goodness they may be dispersed. Thou, Lord, canst make even our enemies to be at peace with us.

Oh, shed forth, we beseech Thee, the spirit of love throughout this world of strife. May we ever be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. May all who see us take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, and have learned of Him who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. In our intercourse with all men, and specially with those who are near and dear to us, help us to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, and make us fruitful in every good word and work. Thus may we be living epistles, known and read of all men.

Be with us this day. May thy Spirit guide, protect, and bless us. Assist us in all the duties of the station of life in which thou hast been pleased to place us; and if it be thy will, prosper all our plans with thy blessing. Grant this for Jesus Christ our Saviour’s sake. Amen.