Wednesday Morning — Week 4

O God, Thou art incomprehensible, and in none of thy works and ways can any of thy creatures find Thee out unto perfection. Yet Thou hast not left thyself without witness, nor called us to worship an unknown God. Thou hast been pleased to reveal thyself to us as far as our wants and welfare require ; and among other endearing characters we can discern Thee as a God hearing prayer.

Thou never saidst to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. A glorious high throne from the beginning has been the place of thy people's sanctuary. And thither would we repair, in all our difficulties, necessities, and distresses, and find it good to draw near to God. Possess us with the spirit of grace, which is always a spirit of supplication. May we live in a prayerful frame of mind, that will always allow of our immediate and pleasing intercourse with Thee; in the ordinary concerns of life may our thoughts and desires often ascend to the skies ; and in habitual devotion may we find a resource that will soothe our sorrows, sanctify our successes, and qualify us for all our dealings with our fellow creatures.

We bless Thee that Thou hast made us capable of knowing Thee, the Author of all being ; of resembling Thee, the perfection of all excellency ; and of enjoying Thee the source of all happiness. Though we are unworthy to share in thy loving kindness, it is thy pleasure that we seek after it; and Thou hast said, Their hearts shall live that seek God. Therefore look Thou upon us, and be merciful unto us, as Thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. May we be accepted in the Beloved, and know that in Him we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins. May we view Him as the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth; and as the source of all that grace by which we are renewed in the spirit of our minds. May we always contemplate our duties in connexion with those promises which ensure ability for the performance of them ; and while weak in ourselves, may we be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

Attend us, O God, in every part of our arduous and trying pilgrimage. We need the same counsel, the same defence, the same comfort, we implored at the moment of our setting out. Cast us not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. May we live in the Spirit, and may we walk in the Spirit. And may our path be as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Let our religion be more obvious to our own consciences, and more perceptible to the eye of those around us. May all that see and hear us take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. While He is representing us in heaven, may we represent Him on earth ; while He pleads our cause, may we plead his, and be concerned in all things to show forth his praise, who is making all things work together for our good.

Arise, O God, and appear in thy glory. Give the word, and let the company of those that publish the glad tidings of thy kingdom be great. May thy house be filled with inhabitants, and thy table furnished with guests; and let all that love thy salvation, say continually, The Lord be magnified

Be gracious to our absent connexions—our hearts' desire and prayer to God for them is, that they may be saved. Continue the gentleness of thy goodness to this household. To the care which has watched over us through another night, we give up ourselves in prospect of the duties and events of the day. Let thy presence go with us, and thy blessing attend us; and whether we wake or sleep, may we live together with Christ. In whose words we address Thee, as Our Father who art in heaven ; hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for-ever and ever. Amen.