Wednesday Morning — Week 3

O Thou with whom we have to do ! suffer us not to live without Thee in the world. Thou art our Creator, our Preserver, our Governor, and we believe that Thou wilt be our Judge. It is well for us that we can view Thee under another character — the Savior of sinners ; and that before we are called to appear before thy awful tribunal, we are invited and commanded to come boldly to the throne of grace, there to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

May we readily and thankfully avail ourselves of every opportunity to draw nigh to God, in the temple, in the retirement of the closet, and at the domestic altar; and let not our devotion be bodily exercised only. Quicken our souls to call upon thy name. Detach us from the influence of flesh and sense. Impress us with the power of faith, and produce in us that spirituality of mind which will render our services acceptable to Thee, and delightful and profitable to ourselves.

Though Thou art Most High for evermore, Thou regardest the man that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at thy word. Thou fillest the hungry with good things, while the rich are sent empty away. O bring us, however humbling and painful the process may be, O bring us into that state which attracts thine eye, and prepares for the proofs of thy love ! Show us our danger, that we may flee for refuge to the hope set before us. Make us sensible of our disease, and of the eternal death to which it is so rapidly tending, that we may value the Physician, and cry, Heal me and I shall be healed, save me and I shall be saved, for Thou art my praise.

Our deliverance must come entirely from thyself. And Thou hast not forgotten to be gracious. We bless Thee for the purpose of salvation ; for the engagements of the everlasting covenant ; and for the gift of thy dear Son ; the proof and the pledge that Thou wilt also freely give us all things. We thank Thee for the word of truth which proclaims peace by the blood of the cross ; and beseeches us in Christ's stead to be reconciled unto God. O let the message prevail. Let it slay the enmity of our hearts, and lead us to throw down every weapon of rebellion, and mourn over them. With weeping and supplication may we return to Thee from whom we have so deeply revolted ; and while with shame and self-abhorrence we confess that other lords beside Thee have had dominion over us, henceforth may we resolve that by Thee only will we make mention of thy name. With zeal may we engage in that service which is perfect freedom ; and with entireness devote ourselves to that work which is honorable and glorious. May we employ every faculty and use every blessing, as those who know that they are not their own, but bought with a price, and are bound to glorify God in their body and in their spirit which are God's.

Work in us to will and to do of thy good pleasure. Uphold us by thy free spirit; and let the joy of the Lord be our strength.

May we be watchful over our ways ; may we be jealous over our tempers ; and may we keep our hearts with all diligence, knowing that out of them are the issues of life. Divest us of pride, and clothe us with humbleness of mind. Eradicate every root of bitterness, and let the peace of God rule in our hearts.

When we droop, revive us ; when we loiter, quicken us; restore us when we go astray ; and lead us in the paths of righteousness for thy name's sake.

Yea, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death may we fear no evil, knowing that Thou art with us, and that thy rod and staff will comfort us.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us and give us peace. Amen.