First Week. Saturday. Morning

ALMIGHTY and most gracious Lord God, who invitest us to come to Thee as our reconciled Father in Jesus Christ, give unto us, we beseech Thee, thy Holy Spirit as the Spirit of adoption, that we may draw near to Thee unfeignedly in his all-prevailing name. We confess that we are unworthy to come into thy presence, for we are guilty, sinful, and unprofitable creatures. We have nothing which we can offer to commend us to thy favour; but we beseech Thee to give to each of us a true and living faith in the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. We bless Thee that his blood speaketh better things than the blood of Abel. May it plead effectually for us before thy throne of grace. May it be sprinkled on our consciences, and purge our souls from dead works to serve Thee, the living God.

Make us mindful this day of our solemn obligations to Thee in all our undertakings and doings, and give us grace that we may be kept unspotted from the world. Preserve us from evil. Direct the thoughts of our minds and the affections of our hearts, that they may be in accordance with thy holy Word and will. We thank Thee for thy great goodness in having preserved us in safety to the closing day of another week. Enter not into judgment with thy servants for anything Thou hast seen amiss in us during the time that is past, and grant that we may so spend this day that it may be a suitable preparation for the sacred season of the approaching Sabbath. Keep far from us, as a Christian family, everything that may tend to stir up evil passions, wrath, strife, envy, or jealousy, and may we live together in holy love and peace, as it becomes brethren of the same household.

Bless our Sovereign and the members of the Royal Family. Direct the counsels of our rulers for the furtherance of peace and godliness, and the extension of thy kingdom amongst us. Spiritually bless thy ministers this day in preparing for the responsible duties of the morrow. Guide them to the contemplation of such subjects as may most tend to the edification and spiritual benefit of their people. Comfort those who mourn. Look upon any who are suffering for conscience’ sake, or who are testifying for the Gospel of thy dear Son in the midst of opposition or danger. Restrain the ungodly, and make the very wrath of man to praise Thee. O God, we beseech Thee to grant that we may be found amongst thy true people, and that with all thy redeemed ones we may have our everlasting portion in thy glorious kingdom, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.