Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/144

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
132
EIGHTEENTH WEEK.

MONDAY EVENING.

O LORD Jesus Christ, who by Thy example has taught us to become holy as Thou art holy; whatever trials we may be visited by, may we learn to bear with patience, knowing that all Thy visitations are light when compared with our backslidings, and the severest trials that come upon us are yet guided by Thy love, and designed to accomplish our salvation. We are encouraged to submit to Thy gracious will, because these afflictions are designed but to secure us an eternal weight of glory. Assist us. O God, to perform all our duties with fervency of spirit; and grant us that daily portion of heavenly bread which may strengthen us and enable us to go through all the trials necessary for our purification.

Lord, let Thy blessing crown the duties which we have been engaged in this day with success. May they have tended ta the advantage of our employers, as well as generally to our fellow-creatures; and may they be conducive to our own health and peace of mind. We thank Thee for the privilege and for the power to labour, and we feel that it is an appointment of Thy divine love, that man in the sweat of his face should eat bread.

And now. Lord, again we implore Thee to be with us and watch over us through the perils and dangers of this night. Heal our souls. O Lord, for against Thee have we sinned and done wickedly. O let Thy goodness and mercy follow us, and blot out our transgressions, we beseech Thee, for Thine own name sake, and remember our sins no more. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


TUESDAY MORNING.

O LORD God our Saviour, our Creator, Preserver, and Regenerator, while the heavens declare Thy glory, and the firmament showeth Thy handiwork, while all creation wait upon Thee, and Thou openest Thy hand and fillest them with good, and man is endowed with the privilege of ruling all things Thou hast made, we can but deplore that we exercise this privilege so imperfectly, and so little to Thy glory. Lord, help us to serve Thee with greater spirituality, and to wait upon Thee with more humility, that we may in all things learn of Thee and be able to serve Thee better.

Give us grace, we beseech Thee, to be sincere with ourselves in the work of self-examination, and that we may secure proper assistance to enable us to perform this all-important duty; may we not only read and hear Thy Word with attention, but wait to hear in our spirits what Thou shalt declare unto us.

Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy blessing be upon Thy true Church, and upon all the members thereof. O build Thou the walls of Jerusalem, and let Thy righteousness go forth as brightness, and Thy salvation as a lamp that burneth. And, O Lord, we beseech Thee, prepare the hearts and understandings of the Gentiles, and lead them by Thy good Providence, that they may come into Thy courts with thanksgiving, and be thankful unto Thee, and speak good of Thy name. Amen.

Our Father, etc.