THIRTEENTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

O ETERNAL Lord God, most mighty and gracious Protector, we, thine unworthy servants, do humbly present ourselves before Thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ.

We desire to offer Thee our unfeigned thanks for having again permitted us to meet at the family altar, in the enjoyment of so many and great mercies. Put a new song into our mouths, even praise unto thy holy name.

We adore the wisdom and goodness of thy providence over the children of men. For though Thou art the high and lofty one, that dwellest in the heavens, yet Thou beholdest those that dwell upon earth. Thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Thou upholdest all that fall, and raisest up those that are bowed down. Thou art nigh unto all that call upon Thee, and thine ear is open to their cry. We therefore beseech Thee, thou covenant-keeping God, to have respect unto thy people now as in days of old. Oh, defend and protect them from all that would hurt and oppress them. Do Thou be pleased, in thy goodness, to raise up holy and devoted men, mighty in the truth of thy Word and in the power of the Holy Ghost. Qualify them for thy service. Make them valiant for thine honour, and daily prepared to be the leaders of thy people through the wilderness of this world to the better inheritance of the saints in light.

We beseech Thee also to bless us as members of thy Church on earth. Teach us by thy Word and Spirit all the good purposes of thy blessed will, and the work Thou hast given us to perform. We confess and deplore our ignorance, and inability, in our own strength, to work for thy glory. Do Thou strengthen us, as Thou didst thy servants of old. Make us willing and prompt to act, to speak, and think for Thee. Leave us not to ourselves, but defend us from falling into any sin, error, or danger, and grant that all our doings may be ordered by thy counsel.

Whatever duties await us, give strength to discharge them. If we are called, in thy providence, to rule, may we do it in thy fear, knowing that our Master is in heaven; if to obey, may we do it in singleness of heart, as unto Christ. If to instruct, to admonish, or to reprove, may we not hesitate or forbear, seeking thy help. Do Thou speak to us; put thoughts into our hearts and words into our mouths, that with meekness we may so instruct and convince those that oppose, that they may have no evil thing to say against us and thy truth.

Be with us this day. Watch over our footsteps. Keep us from all danger and sin, and at the last receive us unto Thyself, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.