ELEVENTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

WE devoutly acknowledge Thee, O Lord, as the supreme object of our adoration, reverence, and love. Bestow on us the precious gift of faith, that we may always trust in Thee. Each day and each hour may we hear thy voice speaking to our inmost souls. May we all do thy will cheerfully, as in the sight of the Lord. Even in those things which contradict our natural inclinations, may we learn to obey Thee. Throughout this day may we have the deep consciousness that Thou art with us, directing our steps, inspiring our thoughts, and regulating our purposes. Let everything we do, whether secular or sacred, be done as in thy holy presence and for thy glory. Preserve us from the snares which may beset our path. Destroy our selfishness, and teach us to love others even as ourselves. Give us a growing love of all holiness, and a growing hatred of all sin. In the midst of an evil world, give us thy Holy Spirit, that we may maintain a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men.

We adore Thee, O Lord, as the Fountain of all our blessings. Accept, we pray Thee, of our united thanksgivings for thy watchful care throughout the night, for the mercies of the morning, and for the manifold blessings which tend to make our existence here below holy and happy. May all thy gifts be employed for Thee, and be rendered back to Thee in holy and acceptable service. In every gift may we recognise the Giver. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that our life may in all things be well-pleasing to Thee. We devoutly thank Thee for the gift of thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners. May we so believe in Him that we may reap all the benefits of his death and passion upon the cross, and at last be counted worthy to share in the joys of his heavenly kingdom.

We pray Thee, O Lord, to bless our country with peace, and with that measure of prosperity which shall be most conducive to the furtherance of thy purposes of mercy and love. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end. Establish the reign of righteousness and truth throughout the world. [Be gracious, we beseech Thee, to the children of our household. Bless them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may be restrained from all evil, and be renewed in thy likeness.] And now, Lord, we commend ourselves, as a family, to thy fatherly care and protection during another day. Be thou our Guard and Guide. In every perplexity be Thou our wisdom. In every sorrow be Thou our solace. In every perplexity be Thou our shield and strength. Hear us, gracious Lord, in these our supplications, for the sake of Jesus Christ our only Saviour. Amen.