Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/63

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know that he can at all times have the Most High for his guest. He that inhabiteth eternity dwelleth also with the poor in spirit. Didst Thou accompany and prosper righteous Abraham, and wilt Thou abandon us? Nay, O Lord; if we listen to Thy call,—are obedient to Thy commands, and follow Thee whithersoever Thou leadest,—we never need fear but Thou wilt provide.

Increase our faith, we beseech Thee. If we be the sons of Abraham, true children of Thee, we have Thee ever near us. While we sojourn upon earth, Thou, O Lord, art our Land of Promise. While we seek our way to Heaven, Thou, O Lord, art our way. While we delight in Thy truth, Thou also wilt be our Truth. We resign our spirits into Thy hands. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


FRIDAY MORNING.

IF it had not been for Thee, O Lord, if it had not been for Thee, our enemies had been too strong for us; they had swallowed us up alive. For we know and feel that while we sleep our enemies are most watchful. But Thou, Lord, hast been with us, and in the night of trial Thou dost not forsake us; for though weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning. Thou turnest our mourning into rejoicing; Thou takest away the spirit of heaviness and girdest us with the garments of praise. O Lord our God, we will give Thee thanks for ever and ever.

Thou hast revealed Thyself unto us as the Lord God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and of great goodness; and we desire with humble gratitude to acknowledge that Thy goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our life.

Lord, we approach Thee this morning, and humbly entreat Thee for a renewal of Thy goodness; and while by Thy word we are instructed in our duty to Thee, may we, by Thy power, be preserved in the faithful performance of it.

Help us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to regard with conscientious integrity the obligations which belong to us in the family and in the world. If we have the government of the house entrusted to our care, may we mildly, gently, but firmly, exercise the authority entrusted unto us. May Thy fear be before our eyes, and in Thy fear may we go forth this day, and faithfully do our duty. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


FRIDAY EVENING.

0 LORD our God, how excellent is Thy loving kindness! Thy throne is in the heavens. Thy kingdom ruleth over all. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst founded the earth or the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou art God. Who can enumerate all Thy excellencies, O Lord? Thy wisdom is unsearchable; Thy power is omnipotent; Thy purity is immaculate; and Thy goodness and mercy are over all Thy works. Glory be to Thy holy name, O Thou Most High!

O Lord, in approaching Thee this evening, we feel our utter unworthiness, and our sin is ever before us. O aid us to keep watch against the