NINTH WEEK.—MONDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who showest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness, we desire to bless and praise thy holy name for the instruction and encouragement which we may derive from considering thy dealings with thy servants of old, and especially with the patriarch of whom we have been reading.

Grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that we may remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us through this earthly wilderness, may recall our sins to remembrance, and fulfil the vows which we made in the day of trouble. May we recall past instances of Divine interposition in our behalf, and of communion with Thee, O Father of our spirits. May we call to mind the promises which Thou hast made to us to support and cheer us on our way, and humble ourselves before Thee for all failures, and especially for the many vows and resolutions which we have neglected to keep.

We desire, O Lord, to come before Thee, as humble suppliants for the mercy revealed and promised in thy Word through Jesus Christ. We rest simply on Him by faith; and while deeply lamenting our sins, we ask for the grace and strength of thy promised Spirit, that we may go and sin no more. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name. For thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life. Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy, that Thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal.

May we carefully watch over the souls of those who are dear to us. May we bid them also to arise, and, with us, to seek the Lord; and do Thou graciously prosper our efforts, and crown them with success. Diffuse, we beseech Thee, the knowledge of salvation at home and throughout the world, and accompany the preaching of thy Word with the out-pouring of thy Spirit, that sinners may be converted and live, and the name of the Lord Jesus be magnified.

Accept our praises and thanksgiving especially for thy protection during the past night, and for all thy mercies, temporal and spiritual; and do for us, and all whom we should remember in our prayers, exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.