Thursday Morning (Fourth Week)

O LORD our GOD, we desire to approach the footstool of Thine eternal Throne, adoring Thee as the everlasting GOD, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who faintest not, neither art weary. Thy wisdom never fails — Thy love never wearies—Thy resources never exhaust. The kindness of the kindest knows a limit, but Thy kindness knows no limit. Life would be one vast blank without Thee; but with Thy friendship, favor, and blessing, we are rich, whatever else Thou mayest take away. Vicissitude is written on all around us—time may estrange the nearest and dearest on earth, but “Thou art the same”—loving us at the beginning, Thou wilt love us even unto the end.

We come unto Thee this morning in the name of Thy dear Son. All our hope is in Him. A dying, risen JESUS, is the only secure shelter for the weary and heavy laden. Oh give us to know the blessedness of that one Gospel-word, “No condemnation.” Our sins reach unto the clouds—we cannot answer for one of a thousand ; but we rejoice that we can look up to one who has answered for us.

Blessed SAVIOUR, Thou canst make every mountain of sin a plain. We can bury all in the ocean-depths of Thy forgiving mercy. We seek no other refuge and need no other refuge but Thee. We would do nothing and be nothing that Thou mayst be all in all. Relying on Thee we can look calm and undismayed on all the unknown and chequered future. We can cast all our own cares as they arise on Thee, feeling not only that Thou carest for us, but that Thou makest these very cares Thine own. We can look forward to the last enemy of all—to death itself without alarm ’ the rays of Immanuel’s love will dissipate the gloom of the dark valley, and cause us to rejoice in hopes full of immortality.

Meanwhile, do Thou sanctify to us all the dealings of Thy providence. May these prove heart-searchers, quickening our footsteps Heavenward. Let us follow the leadings of the Great Shepherd of the flock. Let us repose in the blessed assurance “we shall not want.” Thou wilt not overburden us—all is gentle leading, gentle guiding. We have known Thee in the past, we will trust Thee in the future. Thou wilt lead us by a right way. Guide us while we live by Thy counsel, and when we come to die, may death be to us a falling asleep in the arms of infinite love.

Bless the church everywhere—may all Thy ministers be men of GOD, valiant for the truth, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; sustain the faith of those who amid manifold discouragements are laboring in Heathen lands; may the LORD send His Angel to stand by them, and shut the mouth of every gainsayer. Oh hasten that glorious time, when the year of Thy redeemed shall come, and the whole earth shall be filled with Thy glory.

Bless all of us who are here assembled. Known unto Thee are our several wants, and trials, and perplexities. Make Thy grace be sufficient for us. May a sense of Thy presence hallow all the day’s duties, and lighten all its trials. And all we ask is for JESUS’ sake. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

The Grace of our Lord, &c.