ELEVENTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

HOLY and ever-blessed God, the Father of our spirits, the framer of our bodies, the preserver of our lives; in approaching thy throne this morning, we come with humble boldness, making mention of the name and pleading alone the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are sinners, and feel our need of a Saviour. Burdened by a sense of our own unworthiness, but remembering thine own gracious command, in all things to make known our requests unto Thee, we now bow our knees, and offer unto Thee the thanksgivings of grateful and adoring hearts.

O Lord, thou art good, and ever doing good; gracious art Thou in all thy ways. All of us in thy presence have again been the recipients of Divine protection and sparing mercy. Through the silent hours of the night Thou hast sustained us; and while many have been awake through suffering, we have slept and been refreshed. During the season in which darkness has overshadowed our dwelling, we have been free from dangers, both from within and from without; and now ere we enter on the duties and demands of another day, we implore the pardon of all our sins, and unwavering guidance in the way of holiness; that, as a family and household, we may be kept an unbroken circle in the fellowship and love of our God.

Holy Father, in thus approaching into thy presence, we desire to plead the great work of thine own well-beloved Son, who died on the cross, and ever liveth to make intercession for us. When our world was lying in sin, none in it righteous, no, not one, and when no eye pitied and no hand helped the perishing, blessed be thy gracious name, thine eye pitied, and thy hand wrought redemption. For this great salvation we would adore and bless Thee. But, Lord God, the world as yet is far from enjoying the glad tidings of great joy which are for all people. We therefore earnestly beseech Thee, O most blessed God, to send forth light and truth to the ends of the earth, to lead men out of darkness into marvellous light, to subdue their hearts to Thyself, to make an end of war, and so to take to Thyself thy great power and reign, that speedily the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms of thy dear Son.

Bless the poor, O God, and save the dying. Let the afflicted be sanctified, and the sorrowing be consoled. And may we all so remember our latter end, as to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom; that in thine own kingdom at last, with the innumerable host of the redeemed, we may praise Thee for ever and ever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.