ELEVENTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Morning

HOLY Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we thank Thee for all thy goodness and mercy to us; goodness undeserved, and mercy great beyond our utmost thought. Thou hast again kept us in safety during the hours of the night, Thou hast blessed us with sleep, and the morning has brought to us fresh proofs of thy loving-kindness. We praise thy holy name for health and strength, and for the good which Thou hast mercifully provided for the refreshment of our bodies. Thou, O Lord, preservest man and beast. We beseech Thee to behold all who are suffering the bitter pangs of hunger, and send them help out of thy vast store-house; for the silver and the gold are thine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Merciful Lord God, we thank Thee that we are not driven from our native land by famine, like thine ancient servant Jacob and his sons; that our Lord and Saviour has provided better blessings for all who confide in Him than those which Joseph obtained for his father’s house. Let us daily feel that man liveth not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Feed us this day with the bread of life. Strengthen us, sanctify us, comfort us by thy everlasting Word, that it may be our guard and our guide; and when the time shall come that we must die, may thy sacred promises cheer and sustain us in death, and assure us of an entrance into thy kingdom.

We pray that thy gracious providence may watch over us throughout all the labours of the day; especially keep us from sin, that we may not grieve Thee. When we are beset by temptation, be Thou our strength, and in all our ways uphold, direct, and teach us. We beseech Thee, O Lord, to protect those who are exposed to great peril of life in their daily labours. We pray Thee to provide for the relief of those who are unemployed. Comfort the afflicted, support the aged, bless the bereaved, and cheer the dying through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Father of mercies, we entreat Thee to bless our country. As thou hast exalted our nation by so many privileges, so also grant unto us grace to serve and honour Thee. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the just. Bring men of all classes to know, and love, and serve Thee. Bless our beloved Queen and all the royal family. Enlighten our rulers with heavenly wisdom, prosper our commerce, and give us peace by all means.

And now we cheerfully and thankfully betake ourselves to our daily duties. Be not far from us, O our God. To Thee we dedicate ourselves and all our service, through our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.