FOURTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Morning

O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, who givest liberally and upbraidest not, bestow upon us, we pray Thee, all the things that accompany salvation. Impute not against us our many sins, known and unknown; and graciously enable us to enjoy day by day the comforting sense of thy forgiveness. Unworthy and guilty in ourselves, we plead the saving righteousness of thy dear Son. Cover us with it, O God, that our sins may be hidden from thy sight, and that we may be found without fault before thy throne. Create in us the clean heart, and renew us, from day to day, in knowledge and true holiness. Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. Work in us to will and to do of thy good pleasure whatsoever is well-pleasing in thy sight. Grateful for the blessings of the past night, we desire to consecrate ourselves afresh this morning to thy service. Oh, help us to live not to ourselves, but to Him who died for our sins, and rose again for our justification, and now ever liveth to make intercession for us.

Especially, O God, we pray for a strong faith, that in all things we may give glory to Thee by our unwavering confidence in thy word and in thy love. We trust, O Lord, not in ourselves or our principles, but only in thy promises. Confirm our faith, that we stagger not in unbelief. Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. What Thou hast promised Thou art able to perform. In thy hands we place ourselves, body, soul, and spirit. Work in us thy holy will, conform us to the image and likeness of thy dear Son, and grant that we may be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting.

Extend the same favours, O Lord, to our relations, neighbours, and friends. Endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace. Let thy Gospel be preached to all nations, and unite Jews and Gentiles in one fold under the good Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Prosper all societies formed to promote thy glory and the peace and happiness of mankind. Succour the tempted, give patience to the afflicted, comfort the persecuted, and give peace to the dying. Grant that the rising generation may remember Thee, and walk in thy ways. May all thy ministers diligently feed thy sheep, and especially the lambs of thy flock. Bless thy Church, and enable all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity to abound in love and humility towards one another, that Christ’s people may be one, and that the world may know that Thou hast sent him. Hear us, O God; grant us thy presence and protection through the day, and do for us above all that we can ask or think, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.