THIRTEENTH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

O THOU from whom all blessings flow, and with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning, bow down thine ear, we beseech Thee, and listen to our morning prayer. It is of thy goodness that we have slept in peace and safety, and that we can again unite in praise and thanksgiving at thy footstool. Blessed be thy holy name for all thy mercy to us. May it lead us to a deeper repentance for sin, and cause us to be more and more ashamed of our past ingratitude towards Thee, and of our forgetfulness and disobedience to thy commandments.

We know not what a day may bring forth, or how, in a moment, we may be brought into grievous sorrow and temptation. Teach us, therefore, O God, to be humble, patient, and submissive, and to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. Enable us always to trace thy hand in all that concerns us, and to desire, above all things, that thy dealings with us may mould us more and more into the image and likeness of thy dear Son. Give us thy Holy Spirit this day. May thy Word be hid in our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee. By thy power uphold and defend us, and let not our feet wander from the ways of thy commandments. In ourselves we are frail and feeble, and our wills infirm of purpose; leave us not then, we pray Thee, but be with us, and watch over us in all our goings out and comings in. Cleanse us from every sin in the atoning blood of Jesus, and give to our hearts the peace which passeth all understanding.

Look in thy compassion on all who are in trouble and necessity. Grant them the tokens of thy presence, and fill them with the consolations of thy Spirit. As Thou hast commanded us to love our brethren, and to bear one another’s burdens, so we beseech Thee to hear our prayers for all thy suffering people. To such as mourn under the heavy pressure of sin, do Thou give peace. Show them the sufficiency of the Saviour, and the merits of his perfect sacrifice. To such as weep under bereavement, do Thou make Thyself known as the Father of the fatherless and the God of the widow. To those who are distressed by worldly anxieties, give faith in thy promises, that they may cast their care on Thee, and hear thy voice speaking to them in trial.

May thy mercy continue to rest on our land. May our Queen be enabled to rule in thy fear, and may all in authority under her be endued with wisdom and grace to do what is just and right in thy sight. Bless all thy ministers in their work, and shed on all whom we would remember at thy throne the fulness of thy grace and love. Hear us, gracious Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.