THIRD WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Morning

FATHER of mercies and God of all grace, we bless and praise Thee for all the kindness Thou hast shown unto us in the commencement of another day. Thou hast preserved us during the watches of the night, and by thine hand our eyes have been opened to see the morning light. Blessed be thy holy name for refreshing sleep, for convenient food and raiment, for health and strength, and for all thy mercies which Thou givest us so richly to enjoy. Teach us to take all the comforts of life from thy hand, and in their use to be truly thankful unto Thee, O Lord; and when Thou sendest sorrow or trouble of any kind, help us to believe that Thou doest all things well, and to say, “Thy will be done.”

We beseech Thee, good Lord, to refresh and strengthen our souls with that portion of thy sacred Word which we have read. Make us true pilgrims, such as feel that this world is not their rest, and teach us daily to walk as in thy sight. Keep us, holy Father, from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. In all the business of life let integrity and uprightness preserve us. Make us peaceable subjects, good neighbours, faithful servants, loving relatives, and true followers of thy dear Son Jesus Christ. In thought, and speech, and conduct may we be made like unto Him, who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. If our patience shall be tried this day by unkindness or injustice, preserve us, O God of peace, from anger and resentment, so that our fellow-men may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, and have learnt of Him. Guide our rulers with heavenly wisdom; prosper our country, and let peace and plenty enrich our native land. Have mercy upon all who are suffering affliction, and help them who have no earthly helper. We confess before Thee, O Lord, our manifold sins and transgressions. Pardon us for the sake of Him who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree. Bestow upon each one of us now bowing down at thy footstool that faith in Jesus which purifieth the heart and worketh by love. Grant unto us that true repentance which leadeth unto life, and is not to be repented of. Redeem us from all iniquity, receive us graciously, and love us freely. Let the fruits of holiness abound in our lives, so that we may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things; and when we shall depart from this life, may we sleep in Jesus, and rise to dwell for ever amid the joys which are at thy right hand. These our humble prayers and praises we present in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all praise and glory for ever. Amen.