NINETEENTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, before whom angels veil their faces, how shall we, who have broken thy holy law, in thought, word, and in deed, now venture to draw nigh to Thee? We dare not approach thy throne had we not an all-prevailing Mediator, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. The thunders of Mount Sinai would make us afraid; but, thanks be unto God, we are brought within the bonds of a better covenant, and have access with boldness unto the throne of grace, through the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Prepare our hearts now to draw nigh to Thee, as our reconciled God and Father. Give to us thy Holy Spirit, to be in us a Spirit of prayer and supplication, and vouchsafe an answer of peace.

May the moments thus spent in communion with Thee be seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; so that when we enter upon the business of life, our countenances may shine with a holy brightness, and all around take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.

May our minds be thus fitted for the duties of the day, and the events which may betide us. May we carry our religion with us into the world, and so let our light shine before men, that others may glorify God on our behalf.

May thy holy precepts be written upon the fleshy tables of our hearts, so that we may delight in thy commandments, and find them ways of pleasantness and paths of peace.

We bless Thee for thy mercies to us in times past, for health of body and peace of mind, and for all other tokens of thy favour and loving-kindness. Be Thou our Guardian and Guide, even unto the end. Should trials or sickness come upon us, may we receive them as evidences of thy fatherly love, since Thou hast declared, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten;” and may they be sanctified to the good of our souls. And should the candle of the Lord still shine upon our dwelling, give us grateful hearts for unnumbered comforts. May the pillar and the cloud ever rest upon our tabernacle, and may we cheerfully follow the leadings of thy good providence.

Let thy favour rest on our country. Guide the deliberations of our rulers, and control all their plans and proceedings to the advancement of thy kingdom and the increase of godliness in the land. Have pity on the souls that know Thee not. Turn the feet of the wicked into the ways of righteousness, and bow the hearts of many this day in true repentance at the feet of thy dear Son. Bless all who are dear to us, and enrich us with the special tokens of thy love. We ask all in the name of our adorable Redeemer. Amen.