SIXTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

O OUR God, the God of all the families of the earth, regard us in thy mercy, and accept our prayer. We ought indeed to praise Thee and to trust in Thee. Day by day Thou hast blessed us; we have wanted no good thing; and better than all, Thou hast given to us thy dear Son. We thank Thee for him, thine inestimable gift. We thank Thee for thy Book which tells of the Saviour, and of how he lived, and suffered, and died for us. O God, awaken in us ever more and more a spirit of praise and thankfulness. Make us so to feel thy goodness, that it may be our desire and our joy to consecrate the life, and strength, and talents which Thou hast given to thy service.

O God, we confess, at thy footstool, our many misdoings, the coldness and deadness of our hearts under the experience of thy loving mercy, the weakness of our faith in thy promises, our frequent disobedience to thy commandments in thought, and word, and deed. Pardon us for these things, we pray Thee. Look upon thy dear Son, and for his sake refuse not our prayer.

Graciously be with us in all the varying circumstances of this day, and by thy Holy Spirit teach us more perfectly the knowledge of thy Word and will. Impress on our hearts the solemn lessons of the chapter we have now read. Grant that whenever Thou sendest to us the afflictive dispensations of thy providence, we may bow ourselves submissively beneath thy chastening hand. Grant that we may see in the death of others the evidence of our own mortality, and give all diligence to make our calling and election sure, that when Thou demandest an account of our stewardship, we may render it up with joy, and not with grief.

Enable us, in all our dealings with others, to be examples of Christian courtesy and unselfishness, of humility and meekness, showing the very mind of Christ, and striving in all things to be like him, and to tread in his footsteps, who did no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth. Thou knowest, O God, how, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us; do Thou, in thy bountiful grace and mercy, help and deliver us, that this day we may be kept from all that would displease Thee.

Look, in thy compassion, upon all who are dear to us. May our relations and friends know both Thee and thy dear Son, and have all peace and joy in believing. Comfort them if they are in sorrow. Sustain and help them in every hour of need. Make all things work together for their spiritual and eternal welfare, and bring them and us in safety to thine everlasting kingdom, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.