THIRTEENTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and self-existent God, who hast made Thyself known to us by thy name, Jehovah, assist us to worship Thee. Keep back thy servants from presumptuous sins; inspire us with confidence in thy mercy and faithfulness, and let our morning sacrifice be acceptable in thy sight.

We thankfully acknowledge thy goodness in preserving us from the dangers of the past night. We laid us down and slept, we awaked, for the Lord sustained us. We bless Thee for the supply of our bodily wants, for the light of thy holy Word, and above all, for the wondrous provision which Thou hast made for our present and everlasting salvation. Thou who didst hear the groaning and pity the wretchedness of thine ancient people, hast had compassion on us. In our utter misery thine eye pitied us, and thine arm brought salvation. We adore Thee, gracious Father, for the unspeakable gift of thy beloved Son, and for the assurance that with Him Thou wilt give us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Thou hast redeemed us without money, even with the precious blood of Christ; and as thy servant Moses was commissioned by Thee to proclaim thy merciful designs to his brethren, his kinsmen according to the flesh, so by thy grace the ministers of thy Word publish to us the good tidings of salvation. Give us, we pray Thee, to feel our need of redemption through Jesus; forbid that, in anguish of spirit, we should despair of thy mercy; but, with believing hearts, may we accept the pardon which Thou offerest unto us.

May we, O God, be delivered from the yoke of Satan, from the seductions of the world, from the depravity of our own hearts, and be introduced into that spiritual liberty which thy Son came to preach and to give to us. If He make us free, we shall be free indeed: may we experience his ability to save to the uttermost them that come to Thee through Him; and may we thus become thy people, and prove that Thou art to us a God. Help us, as thy redeemed servants, to do thy will, to resign ourselves to thy disposal, and thus to magnify thy grace.

Be present with us throughout this day: preserve us, if consistent with thy will, from accident, disease, and sudden death; give us victory over temptation; guide us in all our perplexity; help us to act in our worldly business as under thine inspection, and in all things may we serve the Lord Christ. Guide us with thy counsel, and ultimately bring us to that country which is better than the earthly Canaan, and in which we shall see Thee as Thou art, and be happy and safe in thy presence for ever. We ask it for Christ’s sake. Amen.