THIRD WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, give us access to Thee this morning, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, and enlarge, day by day, our desires after spiritual blessings.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for the rest and protection we have enjoyed during the past night. Suffer us not to forget all the benefits we receive at thy hands, but give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful. Let our gratitude for spiritual blessings be seen in our holy and consistent lives. Help us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things; make it the rule of our lives. In all the concerns of daily life enable us to be consistent with our Christian profession. Help us in difficult circumstances to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. In our dealings with those who know not Thee, keep us doubly watchful; let us not go beyond nor defraud them in any matter. May we have grace to walk in wisdom towards them that are without. Teach us to value the acquaintance and prayers of those who serve Thee, and ever to show them the respect which thy Word enjoins.

Help us now to enter upon our daily duties in a Christian spirit; prepare us by thy grace for all the events of the day. Amidst the busy occupation of the day suffer us not to forget the worth of our souls. Let us not be deceived by the vanities of the world. Thy providence calls upon us to be in the world; oh, let us not be of it! Teach us the secret of true religion. Unite us to Christ Jesus. Help us to realise our dependence upon Him all day long. May He be the ground of all our hopes, the object of our love, and the pattern of our lives. Watch over us until the day shall close; prepare us to expect temptation; give us the victory over it; preserve our bodies in health and safety; and sanctify all that befalls us. Increase our desires for the good of others. Open our bowels of compassion for all the sinful and guilty around us. O Lord, bless all our relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Have pity upon the multitudes who have no pity upon themselves; open their eyes to see their danger, and lead them to flee for safety to Thee. Finally, O Lord, revive thy work in the world. Lay this desire upon all thy faithful people. Put it into the hearts of all Christians to pray this prayer. Let prayer ascend up from thy true Church on earth without ceasing. O Lord, give thy dear Son the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession.

Hear these our supplications, O Heavenly Father, and graciously answer us, for the sake of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.