Prayers for Sabbath Schools

Our Father who art in heaven, we adore Thee as the everlasting God, by whom the worlds were made, and by whom all things are upheld and governed. The heavens declare thy glory and the earth is full of thy riches ; Thou art good unto all, and thy tender mercies are over all thy works. We praise Thee for our bodies and our souls, so fearfully and wonderfully made ; for our capacities and faculties, designed not only for this short life, but for eternity ; and for our various means and advantages for knowledge, and virtue, and happiness. We bless thy name, that in the greatness of thy mercy towards our fallen race, Thou hast sent thine only begotten Son into the world to manifest thy will, and to die for us; and that there is redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins, renewal unto holiness, and the unfailing hope of heavenly glory, to all who penitently receive Him. We thank Thee for the gospel in which all this grace is revealed, and all this blessedness. O that our hearts may be duly affected by this wonderful display of thy love. Convinced by thy Holy Spirit of the corruption of our nature, and made contritely sensible of our innumerable offences against Thee, may we deeply feel our need of redemption from sin and from wo. And looking with true penitence and faith to thy Son Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer and Saviour, may we obtain forgiveness and peace through his blood, be purified in heart and practice, even as He is pure ; and as his humble and devoted disciples, may we live henceforth not to ourselves but to Him who hath called us into his kingdom and glory.

We offer our prayer to Thee, O our Father, especially for the dear youth and children who are statedly convened here, under thy kind providence, for instruction according to thy holy word. They are in the infancy of being, just beginning to think, and feel, and act for eternity. Naturally they know Thee not, and their hearts are not right with thy law, or thy truth ; and in this evil world they are exposed to innumerable errors, and vices, and ruinous influences. They need thy mercy; they need thy care ; O may they be kept by thy Spirit. May they early remember their Creator, and inquire earnestly after Thee. May they duly prize the opportunities and privileges with which they are favored ; tenderly remembering the thousands and millions in the world who are perishing for want of instruction. May they cry after knowledge and lift up their voices for understanding, — seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasure ; that by thy grace accompanying the means, they may truly know the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God ; and be fitted to serve Thee and their generation, according to thy will in this world, and to enjoy Thee in the fulness of thy kingdom and glory in the world to come.

Give wisdom and grace, we beseech Thee, to their parents, and to their teachers, for their respective situations and duties ; and bestow upon them severally every good and perfect gift.

Graciously prosper the means of divine instruction, and of all useful knowledge, and true virtue and happiness, in this place, and throughout our land. Remember in mercy the dark places of the earth, and let the whole world soon be filled with the light of thy glory ; for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy beloved Son, and our adored Redeemer and Saviour. Amen.