NINTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY God, whose compassions fail not, look, we beseech Thee, in loving-kindness and tender mercy, upon us here gathered together before Thee. We approach Thee in the all-prevailing name of Jesus Christ. Thou that hearest and answerest prayer, hide not thy face from us; but for thy dear Son’s sake hearken to our cry, accept and bless us.

We thank Thee, gracious God and Father, for rest and preservation during the past night. Thou hast protected us when we could not protect ourselves. Thou hast watched over us, and brought us in safety to see the light of this day.

We beseech Thee to fit us for the duties of the day. Give us that preparation of the heart which is from the Lord. Grant that in thought, in word, and in deed, we may glorify Thee continually, remembering that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, and are therefore not our own, but bought with a price. Oh, may thy good Spirit teach us what we ought to do, and also give us power faithfully and diligently to fulfil the same.

We desire, O our God, to acknowledge thy hand in all the events of our daily life; for thy Word hath showed us that famine and plenty, abundance and scarcity, sorrow and joy, are ordered by Thee, and are the ministers of thy will. Teach us to trust Thee at all times, with a perfect heart. If we abound in the good things of this life, enable us to trace our blessings to thy bountiful hand. And shouldest Thou call upon us to suffer privation or sorrow, may we still believe that Thou doest all things well for them that put their trust in Thee. Grant, gracious Father, that, by the teaching of thy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ may become increasingly precious to our souls. May we feed on Him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving. And as we beseech Thee to strengthen us by thy Spirit for the duties of life, so we beseech Thee to arm us for its trials. It may be our lot to encounter wrong-doing, or neglect, or oppression. Hard words may be spoken against us to-day. Hard things may be done. Give us, we humbly pray Thee, the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Being reviled, may we not revile again. May we commit our cause unto Thee, knowing that Thou wilt bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our judgment as the noon-day. And now send us forth, O Lord, to our work with thy blessing resting upon us. Bless also our friends and relatives. Bless our Queen and country, and all others for whom we should pray. O God, our God, hear us and answer us in these our prayers, for Jesus Christ, our Saviour’s sake. Amen.