Friday Evening — Week 2 (William Jay)

O God, Thou art greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Thee. Thou art King of kings, and Lord of lords: Thou art the blessed and only Potentate: Thou only hast immortality—thy greatness is unsearchable; but thy name is love. Thy compassions never fail. Thy mercies are over all thy works: and Thou hast displayed the exceeding riches of thy grace, in thy kindness towards us by Jesus Christ.

We are not only allowed, but even enjoined to seek thy face; and assured that they who seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. We acknowledge that we have forfeited all claim to thy regard, and are not only unworthy but guilty. We are convinced that if ever we are saved it must be according to thy mercy, for there is nothing in us from which our recovery can arise, or on which our hope can fix. But Thou hast commended thy love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us—died for the ungodly. And Thou hast sent the gospel to announce the intelligence and to certify, that whosoever believeth on Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

O Thou God of all grace, as Thou has given us a Savior, produce in us that faith by which we shall be enabled to receive Him, and make Him all our desire, all our hope, and all our glory. May we enter Him as our refuge; build on Him as our foundation; walk in Him as our way; follow Him as our guide; and conform to Him as our example.

May we never be ashamed of Jesus or of his words, but go forth to Him without the camp, bearing his reproach. May we never draw upon ourselves reflections by unholy or imprudent conduct, nor count it a glory, when buffeted for a fault, to take it patiently; but if we suffer for truth and righteousness' sake, may we rejoice that we are partakers of Christ's sufferings, knowing that when his glory shall be revealed, we also shall rejoice with exceeding joy.

May we never make the multitude our model; never wait for the company and countenance of others, when conviction derived from thy word excites us to advance. Like Caleb, may we have another spirit, and follow the Lord fully; and with Joshua, say to all around us, Choose you whom you will serve—but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Preserve us from the present evil world. May its smiles never allure, nor its frowns terrify us from the path of duty. May its vices never defile, nor its errors delude us. May we not live looking at the things which are seen and temporal; but as heirs of immortality, may we feel that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth, and declare plainly that we seek a country. And may our title to it daily become more clear; and our meetness for it more perfect; and our foretastes of it more abundant.

May our house be the tabernacle of the righteous; and let it be ever filled with the voice of rejoicing and of salvation. May those who are stationed at the head of the family know their duty towards those who are placed under their care; and may they know their duty to us; and in our several relations may we walk by the rule of thy word, that mercy and peace may be upon us; and that observers may exclaim, Behold, how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Bless the religious denomination to which we belong, and let every christian church flourish. Wherever we see the grace of God may we be glad; and willingly leave to the Author of all good the choice of his own instruments. Bless the government of our country. Regard in mercy all its lawful interests, domestic and foreign. Sanctify and perpetuate and extend our religious advantages. Let thy word have free course and be glorified. Let thy way be known on earth, and thy saving health among all nations.

And now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.