Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/73

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rise with renewed spirits, that we may glorify Thy holy name, and enjoy the spiritual privileges of communion with Thee. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


NINTH WEEK.—SABBATH MORNING.

O LORD Jesus Christ. Thou art the Lord of the Sabbath. It was made for man, and was sanctified and set apart for the holiest uses, that we might learn to know, love, and worship Thee; that we might read and hear Thy word, and thus hold conversation with Thee; and that while our spirits enjoyed the refreshing influences of Thy presence, our bodies might repose from labour and gain new strength.

This day may works of goodness, love, and mercy, occupy and engage our hands and hearts; and O dispose our minds to receive with delight the religious instruction which is so freely offered unto us.

How gracious were the words, O Lord, that flowed from Thy lips, when on earth Thou didst instruct the people; how full of love, mercy, and condescension!

And Thou art still the same! And Thy gracious accents still declare, "Lo! I am with you always, even to the consummation of the age."

O Lord, Thou canst not change. "Thou art the same yesterday, today, and for ever." May Thy ministers, therefore, look unto Thee, learn of Thee, imitate Thee, and be as shining lights in the midst of their generation. May their accents be those of love, and O crown with success the teachings of all who labour in Thy vineyard.

Lord, enable us to improve the hours of this day; may we worship Thee in spirit and in truth. As we enter the house of prayer, may we compose our minds to its solemnity, knowing that the Lord is in this place. May we begin this week with Thee, and, if it be Thy will, finish it in Thy love and fear, till we join the great congregation in one eternal Sabbath in Thy kingdom. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


SABBATH EVENING.

O LORD Jesus Christ, on this evening of the Sabbath we desire to approach Thy footstool, and to worship toward Thy holy temple. O Lord, consider and hear us. Lighten our eyes, lest we sleep the sleep of death.

Heavenly Father, though we have beheld numerous worshippers in Thy presence, and Thy churches in all places have doubtless collected many who have feared Thee and sought after Thy truth, yet are there many who say in their heart, "There is no God." We pray for these, O gracious Lord. O let the righteous dispensation of Thy providence find them! "Awake, awake, put on Thy strength, O arm of the Lord!" For they that deny Thee know nothing of Thy goodness.

Send forth Thy word and try them. Let Thy righteous dispensations penetrate into their inmost souls, until they know that the Most High ruleth over all, that doubtless there is a God that judgeth the earth.

May all believers be ultimately brought to see and to acknowledge that