FOURTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, once more, through thy kind and gracious providence, we are gathered, a united family, at thy footstool. Thou hast given us sleep and rest; Thou hast renewed our strength. We have awakened with fresh energy for the duties of the coming day.

We thank Thee for these great and ever-recurring blessings; Thou art, indeed, ever mindful of us. During the hours of darkness Thou hast watched over us. Whilst lying in unconscious sleep thine eye has never closed. Trouble has come to many during the past night, yet Thou in thy goodness hast kept and guarded us. Through thy loving-kindness we are enabled to offer up our praise and thanksgiving.

We thank Thee for thy Word read. May we ever feel conscious that thine eye is upon us; may we never lose sight of thy all-pervading presence. Whatever our occupation may be this day, whatever the duties which we may be called upon to fulfil, may we remember Thou God seest us. And as Thou didst open up a fountain in the desert to Hagar of old, so open, O Lord God, the fountain of thy grace, that in our constant weaknesses and necessities we may be comforted and strengthened by thy help.

We know not, O Lord, what may befall us this day; we know not what temptations may assault us; we know not what dangers may beset our path: Thou knowest all, O God! Help us graciously by thy mighty power; if we are tempted, help us to resist and overcome; and if dangers arise, send us a speedy deliverance: direct our every footstep, and lead us and bless us in all things. And not only, O Lord God, do Thou protect and guide us, but do Thou graciously help us to manifest in our conduct a Christian character. In all our doings may we act with sobriety and uprightness, as those who have one day to give an account of things done in the body, whether they be good or bad.

But, O Lord God, we cannot maintain this holy life unless Thou thyself pourest out upon us thy Holy Spirit. Of ourselves we can do nothing; our good resolutions we cannot carry into effect; we are weak and utterly impotent without thy gracious favour. Help us, O Lord God! help us, and Thou shalt have the praise and the glory.

And now we go forth in thy strength; leave us not, forsake us not, but be with us throughout every hour and every moment of the day.

These and all other mercies, together with the forgiveness of our sins, we humbly ask in and through the name of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be glory and praise now and ever. Amen.