SEVENTEENTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY God, who orderest all things in heaven and earth according to thy counsel, give us grace, we beseech Thee, reverently to acknowledge that Thou art just in all thy ways and holy in all thy works. Teach us to look up to Thee as our God and Father in Christ Jesus, who art able and willing, for his sake, to bestow upon us whatever is necessary as well for the body as the soul.

We are not worthy to come before Thee, much less to receive any favour at thy hands; for we have sinned against Thee. Instead of acknowledging Thee in all our ways, we have often walked in the light of our own eyes, and after the imagination of our own hearts. But we put our trust in the merits of thy Son, our Lord and Saviour, who gave Himself a sacrifice for sin, according to thy will. For his sake receive us graciously, and pardon whatever want of confidence we have shown towards Thee. Lead us henceforth, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to trust in Thee at all times. May we continually grow in thankfulness to Thee. Suffer us not in prosperity to forget Thee, or in adversity to think ourselves forgotten by Thee; but, confiding in thy providence and protection, grant that we may always do that which is righteous in thy sight.

Thou who of old didst command the clouds from above, and openedst the doors of heaven, and rainedst down manna upon thy people, continue to give us our daily bread. Feed us with food convenient for us. As man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of thy mouth, help us to hide thy word in our hearts, that we sin not against Thee. Blessed be thy name for returning Sabbaths. May this day be to us a season of rest, worship, and instruction. May we know, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” When we go up to the house of the Lord, cause thy blessed Gospel to come to us, not in word only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.

Be gracious to all who are detained, by sickness or other necessary cause, from the assemblies of thy people. Pity those who wilfully forsake thine ordinances, and bring them to repentance.

To thy care we commend ourselves and our friends. Bless our country, the Queen and all the Royal Family, and all conditions of men among us. Bless thy whole Church throughout all the world, and bring all mankind to the knowledge and obedience of thy Word. Hear these our humble supplications through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.