Morning Prayer on Thursday

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for unto Thee will I pray. O gracious and merciful God! I laud and magnify Thee in this morning hour, not only because Thou hast sustained and preserved me with Fatherly care from my youth up, but also because Thou hast been my Strength and Shield during the past night, and hast permitted me to rise again in health to welcome the light of day.

O Thou in whose favor is life! What is man that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that Thou visitest him? I lay unconscious in sleep, but Thy visitation preserved my spirit. Thou didst surround me and my house with an angel-guard, so that no harm or misfortune could befall me. Thou hast refreshed me with a peaceful sleep, such as was, perhaps, denied to many sick, sorrowing, and anxious souls. And yet I deserved chastisement fully as much and even more than they. For I have not been as grateful to Thee as I should have been for the unspeakable mercies which I have received from Thee during all my life, nor have I offered to Thee such unceasing praise and thanks as I ought.

But by Thy grace I will begin today to make amends for my sinful neglect. I promise Thee, in this morning hour, that I will serve Thee with body and soul, and will yield myself wholly unto Thee. My lips shall not offend Thee today, nor burden me with a heavy responsibility by engaging in foolish and sinful conversation. My feet shall shun all sinful paths. Mine eyes shall not gaze upon what Thou hast forbidden. My hands shall not engage in deeds of unrighteousness. My ears shall be turned away from false doctrine, and from evil communications which corrupt good manners. I will devote myself, O Triune God, wholly to Thy service. O, do Thou dwell in me, and sanctify, guide, and cleanse me more and more by Thy grace!

Let me seek today the society of the godly. And if, in the course of my daily occupation, I shall be thrown into the company of wicked persons, preserve my heart and conscience from any share in their sinful words and deeds. Bless my labors, so that, in child-like dependence on Thy Providence, I may do my work cheerfully, and be assured that Thy blessing ever rests upon me. And now I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help; my help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Do thou, O Lord, bless and prosper and preserve me here in time and throughout eternity. Amen.