TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Morning

O LORD God, our voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, early will we direct our prayer unto Thee, and will look up. We are spared, and in health, because Thou defendest us. We laid us down and slept, we awaked, for the Lord sustained us; and it is Thou only who makest us to dwell in safety.

We desire to trust under the shadow of thy wings. Hold Thou us up always, and we shall be safe. Let our faith in Thee be strengthened. Let thy love be shed abroad in our hearts.

We adore Thee as the God of providence. Thou leddest thy people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Help us to remember that to us Thou hast given richer blessings: the atonement of thy Son, a greater High Priest; the guidance of thy Spirit, and a Leader who cannot err. May we prize our privileges, and improve them. Do not let us fall into the sins of thine ancient people. Save us from murmuring, as some of them murmured; and from tempting Christ, as some of them also tempted; and let us be filled with holy fear, lest, a promise being given us of entering into that rest, any of us should seem to come short of it.

We bless Thee for the Sabbath, and for the sanctuary. May our hearts be in tune for their services and enjoyments. May we wait upon Thee in thy house. Let us carry prepared hearts to the hearing of thy Word; and let it be a word in season to us. Let all ordinances lead us to Christ. Let his mind be formed within us by thy Spirit. Let his comforts rule our hearts. Let us be truly his followers; and may we be made strong by the service of the temple for the constant service of life.

Let thy ministers be anointed from on high with all boldness; may they preach thy truth. Send thy Spirit forth according to thy word, and this day may thy people be quickened into a higher life, and may many sinners be converted unto Thee. Look upon the ungodly around us, and upon the families who have not called on thy name. Bless every effort which is made to save them. Thou willest not that they should perish. Oh, let thy Spirit convince them of sin, and direct them to the Saviour of sinners.

Now, O heavenly Father, we humble ourselves in thy presence. We are sinners, and we would not hide our sin. We are unworthy to approach Thee, or to join in thy praises. Our hearts cleave to their evil ways, and start aside like a deceitful bow; in us, that is, in our flesh, there dwelleth no good thing. But Thou art plenteous in mercy unto all that call upon Thee. Pardon us, O Lord, and help us to serve Thee acceptably, for the Redeemer’s sake. Amen.