Fifth Week: Tuesday Evening
O God, we are thine, and Thee we are bound worship. We grieve to think how many there re who cast off fear, and restrain prayer before Thee. 13ui, whatever be the determination of others, our purpose, by thy irace, is taken: and as for us and our house, we will serve tl,e Lord.
We would not live a day, or an hour, without Thee in the world, careless of thy favour, or regardless of thy glory. Impress us, individually and deeply, with a sense of thy omniscience; that Thou art about our path, and our lying down, and acquainted with all our ways. Especially may we feel it, when we enter thy more immediate presence, and engage in the exercises of devotion. Then may we remember, that thine eyes are upon us; that Thou requirest truth in the inward parts: and that nothing can screen, even our motives and principles, from thy penetration.
Too little, we acknowledge, has this been our experience in former engagements: w« have often been careless, where we should have been full of reverence; we have been strangers to the power of godliness, while familiar with its forms. Thou hast been nigh in our mouths, but far from our reins. Much of our guilt has originated from our religious means and privileges; from the low estimation in which we have holden them; the little advantage they have contributed to our growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.
Over all this may we sorrow after a godly sort, and may the sincerity of our repentance, be seen in our future alarm, and endeavours; and especially in our self-renunciation, and dependence upon another — for when we are weak, then, and then alone, we are strong. May we every moment feel, how necessary it is to be more intimate with Him who came, not only that we might have life, but that we might have it more abundantly; whose grace is sufficient for us; whose spirit helps our infirmities, and can strengthen in us the things that remain, that are ready to die.
We bless Thee for an Advocate with the Father; for a propitiation of infinite value; for a fulness that filleth all in all. In Him, believing, mav we rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. And may we know how to obtain relief for a burdened conscience, without feeling reconciled to our imperfections. May we abhor the thought of turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, or sinning, that grace may abound. Because we are not under the law, but under grace, may we reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord; by thy mercies, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, and asking. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards rne? Through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, may our affections be set on things that are above, and may this be the growing desire of our souls: (), that my feet were directed to keep thy precepts. We would not seek great things for ourselves; but be content with such things as we have. Deliver us, O Lord from the love of money, which s the root of all evil. May we value our substance, not as the medium of pride and luxury, but as affording us the means of support and usefulness; and may we guide our affairs with discretion, that we may owe no man any thing, and be able to give to him that needeth. Establish in us the royal law; may we love our neighbour as ourselves; and feel it not only our duty, but our pleasure, as we have opportunity, to do good unto dll men; especially unto them that are of the household of faith.
Bless all the churches of the faithful. Thou h-ast given them rest; may they walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and be edified and multiplied.
Display thy power and thy glory in the sanctuary. Be with thy servants, who show unto men the way of salvation. Make them wise to win souls; may they speak the things only that become sound doctrine; may they never expect success, as the result of their eloquence an I reasonings, but from the excellency of the power that is of God.
May our highly favoured country be safe and flourishing, under the shadow of the Almighty.
Regard our friends and relations. Those that are absent from us, we commend to the care and direction of an ever present God. Let those that know Thee not, be made wise unto salvation; let not those, who are endeared by so many ties, be separated from us for ever — How can we endure to see the destruction of our kindred?
Keep us in all places and circumstances. Hide us this night in the secret of thy pavilion, and in the morning encompass us with songs of deliverance.
And now, blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who only dceth wondrous things; and blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.