NINETEENTH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

GRACIOUS and loving Father, in whom we live, and move, and have our being; by whose mercy we have awakened this morning from our sleep refreshed and strengthened, we bless Thee for this renewal of thy goodness. By Thee we have been sustained through the night, that we may be ready to fulfil the work given us to do. For these and all thy mercies, spiritual and temporal, we adore thy mercy. Grant our souls much of thy grace, and enable us to present our bodies this day a living sacrifice to Thee in all our service, and to consecrate all our ordinary employment to thy glory. From Thee alone cometh the power to fulfil even our worldly callings. Help each one of us ever to feel this entire dependence upon Thee in all the circumstances of our life. The wisdom and understanding which we need, even for our ordinary work, come only from thy Spirit. Grant, therefore, that we may be skilful in our various spheres of duty; not slothful in any business, but serving Thee. May we do nothing carelessly, but all as unto the Lord; nothing in our own sufficiency, but everything in dependence on Thee for its success and blessing. Sustain our minds in the strength needed for daily duty, and our bodies in the health sufficient for the fulfilment of our appointed service. May we ever labour as of the ability which Thou givest, and be preserved from indolence and slothfulness, as well as from pride and self-seeking. Above all, may we feel that we are bought with a price, and daily walk in the peace and power of thy salvation. May we thus count nothing our own; but, inasmuch as Thou hast given us all things in Christ, even wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption, may we render all we have and are to Thee. Stir us up willingly to help the poor, as far as lieth in us, by personal service, and freely to give of that which Thou hast given us, as we have opportunity. Make us all to walk this day as those whose bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost. May we be clothed with the beauty of holiness; may our conversation be as it becometh godliness; may others take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. Grant us to feel more interest in the spiritual welfare of all around us, and make us ready in finding occasions of doing them good. May we carefully, through grace, check the corruptions of our evil nature; and may our temper at all times be such as to help forward unity and godly love in all forbearance and meekness. Bless all dear to us this day; preserve them and us, outwardly in our bodies by thy providence, and inwardly in our souls by thy grace. Hear our prayers and pardon all our offences, through Jesus Christ our only Saviour. Amen.