EIGHTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and all-seeing God, restored by thy mercy to see another Sabbath day, we would solemnly devote it to thy service, and spend it in rest and spiritual occupation, so as thereby to refresh both our hearts and bodies.

O Lord, in Thee do we trust. We are weak: do Thou strengthen us; dark: do Thou shine upon us; short-sighted: do Thou enlighten us. Help us to trust Thee when we cannot trace thy hand, assured that Thou doest all well, and that all things work together for good to those who love Thee.

Overrule our waywardness when we wander; teach us to act as ever in thy sight, not fearing what man can do unto us. O Thou that orderest all things according to the counsel of thy will, help us to commit our way unto Thee in perfect confidence, assured that Thou wilt bring to pass that which concerneth us. May it be the desire of our hearts to serve Thee, comforted by the assurance that so long as we hold fast by the Lord, none of our steps shall slide. Whatever be the lot of the wicked, the thoughtless, and the profane, may it never be ours. Keep us from becoming envious at the prosperity of others, especially of the ungodly, and suffer no prospect of gain ever to make us think lightly of sin.

Grant that many heavenly messages may pass up and down this day between our souls and Thee. May we take our part faithfully in public and private prayer, asking for our own need, and for that of our neighbours, and for Christ’s Church throughout the world. Especially would we remember the aged, the young, and the afflicted. Build us up in our most holy faith; help us all to say, “I know in whom I have believed,” and may we have a good hope of eternal salvation through Christ Jesus. May we keep before our eyes the doom of the transgressors, who shall be destroyed at the last, and be enabled in all cases to cast in our lot with the righteous, assured that it shall be well with them that fear the Lord. Grant us such a view of thy goodness in the sanctuary this day that we may learn our blessedness as children of God; and if any of us have any doubts as to our being born again, may we seek thy Holy Spirit to create us anew in Christ, that old things may pass away, and all things become new.

Bless our dear relations and friends; enable us to join them in spirit at thy footstool. Help all who this day shall instruct the young. Assist, Lord, thy ministering servants; enlighten their minds, inspire their tongues, prepare the hearts of the hearers, that thy Word may have free course and be glorified amongst us, and bring forth fruit to last for ever. These and all other mercies we ask in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.