TWENTIETH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

O LORD our God, we present ourselves before Thee this morning to ask thy blessing, and to acknowledge thy mercy. Thou hast dealt very graciously with us, and we beseech Thee now to give us thy Holy Spirit, and to enable us to pour forth our hearts before Thee in sincerity and truth. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may live this day as those who are bought and cleansed with the precious blood of Christ. Six days we know we should work, always remembering whose servants we are, and that for every thought, and word, and act, we must give account to God. We know not what a day may bring forth, nor how a night may terminate; but we pray that both morning and evening, and all day long, our hearts may be sprinkled with the atoning blood of Christ, and that we may neither be injured by man nor by Satan.

To Thee we desire to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable through Christ. To Thee we would present the first-fruits of all our increase, and the first thoughts and desires of each day. We acknowledge that we are very sinful, and that the leaven of wickedness has been working within us; but we implore Thee to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Strengthen, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the hands of all who are engaged in thy service, and grant that those who go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, may come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. We would especially pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and the ingathering of all her scattered tribes. Bless all societies whose object it is to send forth labourers into the harvest, and grant that the kingdom of Christ may soon be established.

Help us to feed more and more upon thy holy Word, receiving all Thou hast revealed with the simplicity and trustfulness of little children. May all who read thy Word be thereby strengthened and refreshed as by the bread of life. Enable us so to hide thy truth in our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee. Thou knowest, heavenly Father, the coming events of each day, its duties, temptations, and cares. Give us, we pray Thee, such a supply of thy grace, that we may walk according to thy will, and glorify thy name. Whilst remembering One, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, may we think with compassion upon the needy, and relieve their distress; and do Thou, whose blessing alone maketh rich, direct us with thy counsel now, and in the time of harvest gather us into thy heavenly garner, for Jesus Christ’s sake, in whose name we ask, both for ourselves and all who are dear to us, these and all other mercies which Thou seest good for us. Amen.