TWELFTH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

O THOU that hearest prayer! quicken us, we beseech Thee, by thy Spirit, that we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth; and grant us access to Thee, by faith in Christ Jesus.

Another day is before us. We know not what it may bring forth. Unexpected trials may sadden us, or unexpected mercies may cheer us. Feeling the uncertainty of the future, we seek renewed grace, and strength, and wisdom, to sustain, direct, and guide us under all the circumstances that may befall us. Prepare us for whatever Thou art preparing for us.

If temporal mercies are continued to us, if the enjoyment of family and social privileges be prolonged, if our household abide in safety this day, we beseech Thee to preserve us from the peril of prosperity, by adding to all thy other gifts the grace which alone can fill our hearts with a sense of dependent gratitude.

Or, should it seem good to Thee to visit us with affliction, we pray for a submissive, resigned, and patient spirit. We pray for the gift of faith, to enable us to trust Thee where we cannot trace Thee. We know thy people are often chosen in the furnace of affliction. We know that the rigour of Egyptian bondage went before the deliverance of Israel from the oppression of their cruel taskmasters. If, therefore, trial be before us, Lord, increase our faith! Grant that we may hear the rod and who hath appointed it; that we may see God in our affliction, and so see good in it.

And now, heavenly Father, committing all that is uncertain to thy gracious providence, we pray for present grace for present duty. Whether it be our province to rule or serve, to be active in the world or diligent in the home, shed abroad thy love in our hearts, by thy Holy Spirit, that our day’s work may be a work of faith, our day’s labour a labour of love. Let thy presence go forth with us. Suffer us not to forget Thee, and fall into sin; but in every temptation be Thou at our right hand, and make a way for our escape. May it be our aim to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things; and to this end grant that we may abide in Christ.

We supplicate thy blessing upon all near and dear to us. Bless them with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Be gracious to our land, and to our Sovereign. Regard all conditions of men. Succour the oppressed. Break the fetters of slavery in every land. Comfort the sorrowful and bereaved, and in Thine own time, and in thine own way, set up thy kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, in the hearts of men, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.