Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/28

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them about. Thou art our portion from generation to generation. Thou suppliest us with the good of Thy love, and this we feel as the meat of our souls, as the nourishment best suited to render us strong to labour, and to fit us to bear the trials of our earthly state.

O Lord, we desire to thank Thee that Thou hast brought us through the perils and dangors of the night. For, though unseen by us, our spiritual enemies have been watchful to do us evil. But Thy love never sleeps! Thy protecting providence hath operated mightily for our deliverance.

And, now O Lord, we beseech Thee, lead us this day by Thy truth, and keep us from the indulgence of our corrupt inclinations. We wait upon Thee, we place ourselves under the watchful care of Thy divine providence. If danger beset us, we know Thou art a very present help in time of trouble. We go forth to our work and our labour until the evening. Prosper, we beseech Thee, the labour of our hands. Teach us to be faithfnl to the earthly steward Thou hast placed over us, so that we may receive from Thee the true riches. Instruct, guide, and lead us in the way we should go. O cause Thy light to shine upon us, and we shall be saved. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


MONDAY EVENING.

O THOU, who hast provided a dwelling-place for the children of men, and in all generations hast been mindful of them; our King and our God, our kind Father, and faithful and devoted Friend: O Thou who dwellest in light and glory, and yet condescendest to men of low estate, let Thy presence be felt among us, as we again bow ourselves in humble prayer before Thee.

We adore Thee, for Thou art our all-sufficient provider. Assist us to love Thee with greater fervency. Thou hast protected us, and brought us through every difficulty, and again are we arrived at the conclusion of another day. Grant unto us, O most merciful Father, a sense of Thy constant loving-kindness. Keep us, we beseech Thee, as the apple of Thine eye, in the broad noon of day, and in the deep gloom of night. When we retire, may we shut the door of our hearts against the world, and as Thou hast exhorted us, enter into our closets of secret communion with Thee. When we mingle in the world, may a recollection that "Thou God seest us," prevent a vain and frivolous spirit. Whether we be engaged in business, or relaxing in pleasure, may we consider the high stake of eternity before us, earnestly contending for righteousness, and keeping ourselves free from evil.

As we are about to commit ourselves to sleep, may a deep and solemn feeling possess all our minds, and may we remember that Thy providence can alone determine whether we shall awake in this or in the eternal world. Hear us, we beseech Thee, and for Thy name and mercy sake, Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, grant these our humble petitions. Amen

Our Father, etc.