FIFTEENTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

O THOU gracious preserver of men, whose merciful providence has watched over us during the darkness and dangers of another night, receive our united thanksgivings for thy goodness. We bless Thee for the light of this morning, awaking us to so many mercies, of which we are utterly unworthy, and for the promise of all the blessings we may need this day. We know that our common mercies, too often received as if our due, and enjoyed without thought of their value or regard to the Giver, yet demand our heartfelt gratitude and praise. A sleepless night, with pain or weariness, would make us more highly value the rest we so commonly enjoy; and the loss of the mercies of our table and our home would make us more grateful for our comforts. O teach us to say from the heart, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation;” and let our bodies, thus fed and sustained, and the life thus lengthened and made comfortable by thy goodness, be a sacrifice to God, acceptable through Christ our Saviour.

We join in blessing Thee, O Lord, for the provision which Thou hast made for our souls, for that redemption we have in Christ, for that fountain of infinite merit at all times and to all men easy of access, for the blessings of personal forgiveness, and acceptance to thy favour, and for the gift of thy Holy Spirit, the source of infinite grace, the Author and Giver of life, and peace, and strength. We bless Thee that we are not cast out of thy presence, after all our ingratitude and disobedience; that through the intercession of thy Son we have the privilege to pray, and the promise of both mercy and grace. In thy Word and in thy sanctuary Thou hast made known Thyself to man; how Thou hast set thine heart upon him, and hast towards him thoughts of peace, and not of evil. We thank Thee that we are disposed by thy blessed Spirit to seek salvation by grace through faith, to trust in Christ alone, and to receive Him as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Oh, lead us into all truth, and teach us to do thy will. Help us to live by faith on the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Himself for us; and may his blessed love be continually in our hearts.

Grant these blessings, O heavenly Father, not only to this family, but to all our connections in life, that all grace, and peace, and every blessing, may be multiplied unto them also. Give thy ministers thine effectual help in preparing food for thy people. Bless our beloved Queen and our nation, and enlighten and save the world. Let these our prayers and praises come up with acceptance, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.