EIGHTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

O THOU who art the God of all the families of Israel, we bless Thee for the mercies of the darkness and of the daylight. Thou hast refreshed us with sleep, and awakened us again to active life. Supply all our needs, in food, and clothing, and various comforts; but, above all, grant us a sense of thy love and favour.

Oh, let our communion with Thyself be real and spiritual. Inspire in us that conscious fellowship with Thee, our God and Father, which shall enable us, at home and abroad, to go about all duties with cheerfulness. We do not know what a day may bring forth, but would own and trust Thee in all the relations, offices, and business of life. Guide us with thy wisdom, protect us with thy power, replenish us with thy grace, and uphold our feeble footsteps lest they slide.

We lay before Thee all that concerns us, and in all implore thy blessing. Whether we pursue the ordinary tenor of our way, or may be surprised into new and unlooked-for circumstances, may we feel equally assured of thy care, and depend upon thine overruling hand. As we commit our ways to Thee, so may we defer to thine unerring wisdom and unfailing goodness. Teach us, O Lord, a quiet submissiveness to thy will; and when we may be bewildered with doubt, or encompassed with darkness, help us cheerfully to consider that our pilgrimage is to a brighter world. May we look upon all that happens here in its relation to invisible and everlasting things. Deliver us from all distrust and suspicion. In patience may we possess our souls. Enable us to come boldly to thy throne, seeing we may with confidence look for mercy, and shall assuredly receive grace from the fulness of Christ. By looking to Jesus, may we be preserved from being weary and faint. Help us to rejoice in thy promises, and to plead them in our prayers. Let each soul present feel a deep concern to secure by faith a personal interest in all the blessings of thine everlasting covenant.

We bring our kindred and friends before Thee, and implore for them like blessings as for ourselves. Especially comfort and heal the sick. Succour the oppressed, and provide for the poor and destitute. Dispose all, according as they receive from Thee, to give to the needy. Above all blessings, be pleased to visit all men with the blessings of thy salvation. Pity the nations of mankind, and scatter the clouds of ignorance and error. Deliver the heathen from cruel idolatry. May the simple truths of the Gospel of Christ be cordially believed, and thy kingdom and glory be established for ever and ever. Hear and answer us for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.