FOURTEENTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

HEAVENLY Father, we draw near to Thee with our hearty thanksgivings. To Thee we are indebted for the light of the morning, for life, for health, and for sound minds; above all, for Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Each day we rise, we would call upon thy name, and make mention of thy faithfulness. Rested and refreshed with sleep, we would go to the duties and trials of a new day underneath the shadow of thy wings. Leaning upon our own understanding, we are sure to go astray; and trusting in our own strength, we are certain to fail. Oh, be pleased to direct our steps into the ways of thy precepts. Help us to set Thee the Lord constantly before us; and whilst Thou givest us our daily bread, give us also daily grace. When duty is to be done, may our hearts be inclined to it, and may our hands perform it diligently. When temptation approaches, put us on our guard, and open for us a door of escape. When opportunities of usefulness are presented, may we have the understanding to discern them, the heart to seize them, and the power to turn them to good account. Empty us of self, and fill us with the mind that was in Christ Jesus. Enable us to live for Thee; and when we again seek repose, may the blessing of our God descend upon us.

O God of the prophets, we would rejoice over their accomplished word. Hasten the time when the Gospel shall be preached among all nations, and when the rod out of the stem of Jesse shall wield its mighty power to the subjugation of all hateful passions, and to the rise and reign of pure and undefiled religion throughout the whole earth. May each of us, in our own experience, know the sanctifying influence of the cross of Jesus. Believing that in our corrupt human nature lie the seeds of all evil, we would come to that cross, and have them all destroyed there. We ourselves cannot root up such evils, but thy grace is sufficient for us. Create within us clean hearts; and may we be careful not to grieve thy Spirit, who seals us unto the day of redemption.

Father, we implore Thee for thy richest blessings. We ask not wealth, nor power, nor fame; but we ask the blessing that makes rich and adds no sorrow. Oh, give us not only the pardon of our sins, but the delightful conviction that they are all cast out of thy sight and out of thy remembrance. Thus may we have thy peace reigning within us, and taste even here the joys that are at thy right hand. These our morning supplications we leave with Thee, and we now arise and go forth in humble faith that not only throughout this day, but even unto death, Thou wilt be our God and Guide. And all we ask is for Christ’s sake. Amen.