TENTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

O GOD Almighty, who givest us good things without number, without money, and without price; we lift our hearts to Thee in thanksgiving and in praise. We laid ourselves down, we slept, we awaked; for thou, O Lord, didst sustain us. Yet we are not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, or to present any offering to Thee; but, sinners as we are, do Thou receive us for his sake who Himself became our Surety, and ever liveth to make intercession for us.

Lord God, be gracious to us this day, and help us, we beseech Thee, to spend it as in thy sight, and with eternity in view. May we use the world as not abusing it, being temperate in all things, and watching unto prayer. Oh, fill our hearts with fervent charity towards all men, and especially towards those with whom we shall associate, whether at home or elsewhere. May we be intent, not on spying out their faults, but on furthering their interests, lovingly ministering to their wants, and seeking their happiness according to our ability. O God, save us from selfishness, in all its forms. Root it out of our souls, and grant that in things temporal and spiritual we may ever remember that we have nothing which we did not receive, and that Thou wilt soon require of us an account of our stewardship. May all our conduct, in public and in private, be regulated by the principles of thy Word; and then we shall not be ashamed, but Thou wilt in all things be glorified, through Jesus Christ.

Be with us, heavenly Father, amidst the varied troubles of our daily life, that, taught and strengthened by thy good Spirit, we may rest thankfully in thy will, knowing that whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. And should we be called to suffer for Christ’s sake, may we arm ourselves with his mind. May we never be ashamed of his name, but rejoice in the privilege of being partakers of his sufferings; so that when his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad with exceeding joy. But forbid, we earnestly implore, that, through forgetfulness of Thee, we should at any time bring shame and sorrow to our own souls, and give occasion to thine enemies to blaspheme.

Pardon all our past sins. Draw us to Thyself by thy constraining love; and when the day is ended, may we feel that we have made some progress in the way to heaven and Thee. Shed every blessing on all whom we love, wherever they may be. Bless thy Church. Let the time to favour Zion, yea, the set time, come; that thy glory may be revealed, and all flesh see it together. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive, and save us evermore, for the alone merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.