FIFTEENTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

WE thank Thee, heavenly Father, that Christ our Passover has been slain for us; that Thou hast brought us out of the land of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage; that Thou hast released us from the thraldom of sin, delivered us from the power of Satan, and translated us into the kingdom of thy dear Son. We thank Thee that when we had no helper, when there was no eye to pity and none to deliver, thine eye took compassion on us, and thine arm wrought out salvation. We adore that love which condescended to our low estate, remembered us in our sin and misery, and snatched us as brands from the burning.

O God, we had no claim upon thy love; Thou mightest justly have left us to perish; we merited thine eternal wrath, but Thou hast not dealt with us according to our sins. Thou hast redeemed us with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Enable us ever to live under the influence of this love. Constrain us, by the mercies of Christ, to present our bodies a living sacrifice to Thee; and grant that, sprinkled with the blood of atonement, we may find mercy in that day when Thou shalt be revealed in flaming fire, taking vengeance on thine enemies.

Hasten the time, O Lord, we beseech Thee, when all our fellow-creatures in every part of the earth shall be made acquainted with Christ our Passover, and all the captives of Satan brought into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, so that the whole world may be filled with thy glory.

We desire to praise Thee, O Lord our God, for thy preserving care through another night. We laid ourselves down and slept, we awaked, for the Lord sustained us. We thank Thee for the measure of health and strength in which Thou hast raised us up. We gratefully recognise thy hand in all the mercies we enjoy. Thou hast spread our table for us, and supplied our returning wants. Give unto us thankful hearts, and enable us to consecrate all we have and are to thy service. Grant us thy presence throughout this day. Help us to keep a close watch over our steps, words, and thoughts, that we sin not in any way against Thee. Prepare us for the discharge of every duty; shield us from all harm; strengthen us in every temptation; and assist us to maintain a good conscience both toward God and man.

Bless every member of this family. May young and old be the partakers of thy grace, and in every relationship of life may we act as becometh the children of God.

Hear Thou, in heaven thy dwelling place, and when Thou hearest, forgive; and do for us exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think, for the sake of thy dear Son. Amen.