NINTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

O LORD, help us, we pray Thee, so to read thy Word as to find it at all times profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Through thy tender mercy we are permitted to begin another day, and we ask Thee to help each of us through all its hours, and in all its duties. May we be conscious that Thou art with us, and that we have the blessing of the Lord, that maketh rich. Thou hast assured us that they who delight in thy Word shall be as trees planted by rivers of water, and that whatsoever they do shall prosper. Lord, may it be thus with us to-day. Keep us from sin; keep us from error, from mistakes, and from all evil and danger; whatever we do, help us to do it unto Thee, and do Thou make it to prosper. And we especially ask Thee to keep us this day from temptation; let it never be too strong for us, but may we always see a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it. We know that the devil goeth about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour; we know something of our own utter weakness and sinfulness, and of our natural tendency to yield to his temptations. Hold Thou us up, therefore, or we cannot be safe; keep us by thy mighty power; strengthen us with all might by thy Spirit in the inner man, that we may be able to resist the devil. Help us to use the shield of faith, wherewith we may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; and may we ever be encouraged in the midst of all our conflicts and strivings against evil, by the sympathy of Jesus, who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Let us not be discouraged by any trials, or difficulties, or persecutions that may happen unto us; in all things may we seek to approve ourselves unto Thee, having a conscience void of offence. Help us cheerfully to commit our way unto Thee, our Lord, counting it a small matter what may be the judgment of men concerning us.

We offer Thee our hearty thanks for the blessings of another night, and for the unnumbered mercies by which we are surrounded this morning. Thy love, O Lord, is new every day. Oh, help us anew every morning to give ourselves up as living sacrifices unto Thee. We pray for all who are dear to us; give them all Thou seest needful for them in this world, and in the world to come grant them life everlasting. We pray for the whole world. Send out thy light and thy truth to the uttermost parts of the earth, so that all people may know Thee, the living God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Hear these our prayers and praises, O Lord, for the sake of our beloved Saviour. Amen.