SIXTEENTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and eternal Jehovah, we praise Thee that we can enter thy presence in the exercise of that perfect love which casteth out fear. We would at this time come as dear children to a loving Father, and thank Thee for preserving us through the perils and dangers of another night. Truly thy mercies are new every morning; great is the sum of them. Make us sensible of thy loving-kindness; give to us thankful hearts, and let us not forget thy benefits.

We have no power, no might of our own, to help ourselves. But our eyes are unto Thee. We would run to Thee as our sure refuge and rock of defence. We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared to us, the noble works that Thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them. As Thou wert pleased to work then, even so mercifully interpose in our behalf now. As thou didst preserve them, bless and keep us. Let no weapon forged against us prosper, and enable us to condemn every tongue raised against us in judgment.

Be pleased this day, and at all times, to give us an abiding sense of thy gracious and watchful providence. We trust that whatever may be the trials, the sorrows, the cares, and the disappointments which may beset us, Thou wilt be pleased to sanctify them to our eternal good. We would cast all our care on Thee, believing that Thou doest all things well. We come to Thee poor, empty, and needy. Give us all we need this day for this day’s necessities. All good of every kind must come from Thee. Help us this day to walk consistently with our profession. May we have an abiding sense of thy presence. Enable us to live as those who love the Saviour. Let us do nothing which may grieve thy Holy Spirit, or cause thine enemies to blaspheme. Bless us in our avocations. May we do all things as unto Thee. Make us active in the discharge of every duty. Grant us opportunities for doing good, and bestow upon us the mind and spirit to make use of them.

And now, Lord, we commend ourselves to thy keeping, for we cannot keep ourselves. Hold Thou up our goings in thy paths, that our footsteps slip not. Look favourably on all who are dear to us [and especially bless with thy grace the children of our family. Draw their young hearts to Christ, and even from their childhood sanctify them to thy service]. Be with all thy ministers, and prosper them in their labours for Thee. Cause thy people to shine as lights in the world, that thy name may be glorified in them. We humbly beg every mercy in the name and for the sake of thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.