SEVENTEENTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

GRANT us grace now to approach Thee, O God, with filial reverence. Let thy voice this morning awaken our souls in songs of gladness and praise. Suffer not our hearts to be oppressed with the majesty of thy glory. Help us to listen, to obey, and to love.

We thank Thee for having spoken unto us by thy Son, and that He is not ashamed to call us brethren. Send forth the spirit of thy Son into our hearts, that we may have faith to call Thee Abba, Father. Blessed be thy name, that we can say, we are not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest; but unto Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, and to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant. Assist us, therefore, to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Suffer us not to refuse Him that speaketh, but so sanctify and cleanse us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled sincerely to resolve that all which the Lord hath spoken we will do.

O Lord, our God, we confess with shame that we have often broken thy commandments. In tenderness and strength Thou hast borne us as on eagles’ wings, yet have we murmured and rebelled against Thee. Thou hast never been unfaithful to us, yet thy covenant have we not kept. As thy peculiar treasure hast Thou defended us; yet have we, like prodigal children, wasted thy substance. O Lord, have mercy upon us; rebuke us not in thy wrath, neither chasten us in thy hot displeasure. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name, and deliver us and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake. Thou art good, and doest good; teach us thy statutes.

O God, Thou who art the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, come, we beseech Thee, and abide with us this day. Subdue our pride. Restrain our lusts. Direct our thoughts. Purify our affections. Guard us from the beginnings of sin. Let not Satan get an advantage of us. Strengthen us for every duty. Make every care and every sorrow a blessing. Let our speech be always with grace. Teach us to do whatever is well-pleasing in thy sight, and so all the day long may the peace of God rule in our hearts.

Merciful Creator, prepare us to meet Thee in the hour of death—in the day of judgment, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised. Grant us then the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. This we ask in his name, and unto Thee, O God, will we give glory and praise for ever. Amen.