NINTH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

O THOU Almighty Protector, who during the darkness of the past night didst cover us with the shadow of thy wing, we awake to behold the light of this morning in peace and health, because Thou hast kept us. Now that Thou hast raised us from sleep, continue thy protection to us against all our enemies. May those who malign us and contrive evil against us find that Thou dost confound them and put them to shame. Keep not silence. Be not Thou far from us. Plead Thou our cause, O Lord, when we cannot plead our own, and make our righteousness clear as the noon-day. If we are truly thy servants, we know that the world will hate us, but let not men wrongfully rejoice over us, who hate us without a cause. Stir up Thyself, and help us in all our need, as Thou didst thy servant Joseph when Thou wast with him, and didst show him mercy, and didst give him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

We remember also how Thou didst appear on behalf of thy servant David, whose song of distress and deliverance we have now been reading. May thy Word encourage us in the midst of all our temptations. With the saints of ancient days may we look directly to Thee for aid, and for the righteous vindication of our cause. Thou hast it in the power of thy providential purposes to clothe with shame and dishonour all who magnify themselves against us.

Then, O Lord, shall our souls be joyful in Thee; they shall rejoice in thy salvation. Let us never be ungrateful for thy delivering mercy. With all our strength may we join in thy praises, and say, “O Lord, who is like unto Thee in goodness, power, mercy, and justice? Who is like unto Thee, who in thy great goodness deliverest the poor who have nothing to repay: who in thy great power defendest the weak, that have no strength; and comfortest the afflicted, who are in sorrow?”

Let thy name be magnified, O thou mighty and merciful Deliverer, who hast pleasure in the prosperity of thy servants; and may thy right hand be extended in favour of all who in any land are oppressed by their enemies for righteousness’ sake. Let thy Church be secured by the saving strength of thy right hand, and defended from the malice and evil devices of all her enemies; so, O gracious Father, shall our tongues perpetually speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise. Help us by thy grace to live a life of praise and obedience. Let us not this day turn from the way of thy commandments. May the daily experience of thy love constrain us to follow, in all things, thy perfect will. Hear us, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.