THIRD WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

GREAT and gracious God, we desire that, like thy servant of whom we have now been reading, we may have an altar in every place where we dwell. We know that we cannot live without Thee, and we would never forget to acknowledge Thee, the Author of all our mercies, and the God of our salvation. On this family altar we would now lay our offering of praise and prayer. Condescend to accept it through the Great High Priest of our profession; and let the fire of God, though unseen, fall upon it, enlightening and purifying all our souls. Send into our hearts the Spirit of thy Son, crying, Abba, Father. May He renew us in the spirit of our minds. May He deliver us from the power of sin and Satan, and enlarge our hearts that we may run the way of thy commandments. Help us, O Lord, against ourselves, that we, through the Spirit, may mortify the deeds of the body. Make us, like faithful Abraham, meek and peaceable. May we be willing to yield even to our inferiors whatever we may with a good conscience, rather than live in strife and contention. God forbid that we should cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of, or that those who are enemies to thy cause and Thee should be encouraged by our conduct to continue in sin. Rather may they see in us the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness.

Pardon, O Lord, we pray Thee, all our past sin and folly. Too often have we not only failed to show forth these graces, but have done the works of the flesh and the will of the devil. But we betake ourselves to Thee. We return unto the Lord, from whom we have fallen by our iniquity. Have mercy upon us according to thy lovingkindness. Accept us in thy Son. Wash us in the fountain which Thou hast opened for sin and uncleanness, and make us clean.

For the mercies of the past night, and for all the good gifts of thy providence bestowed upon us, we humbly thank Thee. We pray that thy guidance and protection may be granted to us throughout this day. Be about our path, as Thou hast been about our lying down. Bless and keep all whom we love. May the love of Jesus consecrate our mutual affection, and knit us together in everlasting bonds. Oh! that none of us may remain unreconciled to Thee, or uncleansed and unforgiven. Especially, O Lord, look in mercy upon the young members of this family. Speak to their hearts by thy gracious Spirit, that they may give the morning of their lives to Thee, and have their names even now written in the Book of Life. We ask it all for the Lord’s sake. Amen.