FOURTEENTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and eternal God, Lord of heaven and earth, the world is full of thy glory. Help us to come near to Thee with reverence and godly fear, and to kneel at thy footstool, remembering that Thou art our Creator and our King. We ask for lowly hearts, such as become those who feel thy presence and thy majesty. We thank Thee that Thou hast revealed Thyself unto us not only as a God of glory, but as a God of grace, delighting in mercy, and pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin. In Christ Jesus Thou art full of love towards us; and for his sake Thou wilt save and bless all who come unto Thee through Him. Thou givest us boldness of access into thy presence, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Behold us, Lord; we come to Thee, for Thou art our God. Look down, and let the light of thy countenance shine upon us.

We thank Thee that Thou makest Thyself known to us as a covenant-keeping God, faithful to thy gracious promises, providing for all the wants of thy people, defending them from their enemies, and working for their deliverance. Lord, we beseech Thee, provide for us; guard us this day from sin and danger; lead us not into temptation; or, if Thou permit us to be tempted, be near us to preserve our feet from falling. Let not the snares of the Evil One entrap us, nor the assaults of sin have power to subdue and overcome us. We would make the Lord our refuge, and abide for ever under the shadow of the Almighty.

Gracious God, look in mercy and love on the whole Church of Christ. Make thy people more and more a blessing to all around them. Especially be with thy ministers in their preparation for the labours of the coming Sabbath-day. May thy Spirit take of the things of Christ, and show them wondrous things out of thy Word. Give them clear views of thy truth. If they are in error, give them light and understanding. Endue them abundantly with thy grace; give them fervour of spirit, tender compassion for the weak and the perishing, and let the unction of thy grace be on all that they say and do. Increase the number of faithful labourers in thy vineyard. Raise up men to serve Thee in the ministry who shall be mighty in the Scriptures, and zealous for Christ. May all who have the training of future pastors receive wisdom and grace from above, that their labours may be blessed of Thee, and tend to the welfare of thy Church and the increase of the Redeemer’s kingdom.

Be with us, and all who are dear to us, this day and for evermore. We ask every mercy for his sake who loved us and gave Himself for us, Jesus Christ thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen.