For a Benevolent Society

O Thou who art the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of the widow, who hast declared it to be pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father, to visit the fatherless and the widow in their afflictions, bless all thy servants in any way engaged in supporting and carrying on this work of mercy and love. May those that have pity on the poor, find, by happy experience that they have lent unto the Lord, and that He pays them again what they have given.

Help us to remember what a responsible duty is committed to our charge, rightly to divide and apportion those alms which have been entrusted to us, among those in real necessity ; and give us grace to act wisely and faithfully.

In all our visits to the poor and afflicted do Thou go with us. Enable us to speak to them, and act towards them, both in fidelity and in tenderness. With whatever difficulties, disappointments, or reproaches, we may meet, let us never be weary of well-doing. Enable us, in all things, patiently to follow his example who went about doing good.

Bless us and all men in every endeavor to reclaim the wicked, instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, and confirm the believer; and make true religion every where spread, till the earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.