FIFTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Morning

O LORD, our Heavenly Father, help us to come to Thee this morning with deep humility, sincerity, and faith. Thy Word has reminded us that sin is very grievous in thy sight. We confess before Thee, O Lord, that we are sinners. We remember with shame that our sins have been committed against the clearest light and knowledge. Thou hast sent thy beloved Son to die, a sacrifice for our sins, and thy good Spirit to cleanse us and to guide us in thy way; and yet, O Lord, we have lived in rebellion against Thee. We know, therefore, that our sins must be peculiarly offensive in thy sight. As Thou hast graciously taught us this, we humbly beseech Thee to make us to feel it deeply in our hearts. Humble us, O our Father, at the thought that we should have so often and so grievously offended Thee. Give us grace that with penitent hearts we may truly repent and turn to the Lord.

O holy and righteous Saviour, our Creator, Redeemer, and Judge, we humbly entreat the forgiveness of all our sins. Without thy mercy, Lord, we know it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for us. We implore, in the name of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for us, the assurance of thy forgiving love. Throughout this day help us in thy strength to resist and overcome every temptation, and henceforth to live only to Thee.

We ask the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that we may follow the example of thy servant Abraham, who commanded his children and his household after him to keep thy way. Make our house, O Lord, thy house; and so rule our hearts that we may ever be helpers together with Thee in promoting each other’s holiness, happiness, and usefulness here upon earth, and hereafter may we all reign together with Thee in glory everlasting.

Upon all our dear relatives and friends we beseech Thee to bestow thy rich blessing. May those who love Thee rejoice continually in thy favour. And, O Lord, grant thy mercy especially to those who are yet in sin. Spare them, we beseech Thee, and, by thy Holy Spirit, change and sanctify their hearts, that they also may be all thine for ever.

We ask thy blessing on this, thy day, upon all the preachers of the Gospel throughout the world, and especially upon thy servant our beloved pastor. Prosper him and them, O Lord, in all their efforts for the extension of thy kingdom.

Accept our thanksgiving for thy protection through the night, and for the blessings we this morning enjoy. Be with us to guide and bless us throughout this day, for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.