me from all dangers during the night that is past; grant that I may think of Thy goodness to me with love and gratitude. As Thou art the author of all good things, teach me by Thy Holy Spirit to pray aright. Thou knowest all my thoughts, and words, and actions, and Thou hatest iniquity. O Lord, graciously pardon what Thou hast seen amiss in me for the sake of Thy beloved Son, who died on the Cross to save sinners from eternal misery. Have compassion on the weakness of my youth, and keep me from the evil of this sinful world. Subdue all my proud and evil tempers, and teach me to love Thy Sabbaths, Thy worship, and Thy word. Make me affectionate, respectful, and obedient to my parents* and teachers. May I always regard those as my best friends, who instruct me in Thy will, and who point out to me the true road to eternal happiness. Enable me to love * Here and in all other such places it is necessary that Children be taught to name only such of their relations as are alive my brothers and sisters, and all my companions, and to be civil and obliging to every one. O Lord, bless and protect me during the course of this day, and receive these my petitions for the sake of Jesus Christ my only Saviour. Amen. Our Father which art in heaven, &c. The grace of our Lord, &c. EVENING PRAYER. ALMIGHTY GOD, in whom I live, and move, and have my being, and who hast mercifully brought me to the close of another day, Thou art worthy of my love and confidence; the food that nourishes me, the raiment that covers me,-the friends that instruct me,-are all the gifts of Thy goodness towards me. O help me to praise Thee for these and all the blessings of this life, but especially for the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace and for the hope of giory. Forgive, merciful God, whatever has been wrong in any part of my conduct this day. O wash away all my guilt in my Saviour's precious blood. According to the baptismal vow that was made in my name, enable me to renounce the sinful works of the world, the flesh, and the devil,-instruct me in the principles of the Christian faith,— and incline my heart to keep Thy holy will and commandments. Bless O Lord, all my relations and benefactors, and keep them and me this night under Thy gracious protection. Refresh us with comfortable sleep, and bring us in health of body and peace of mind to the light of another day. Grant that as I grow in age, I may grow in wisdom and in heavenly grace; and in the knowledge and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Accept these my imperfect petitions for Thy dear Son's sake, who has taught me to pray, Our Father which art in heaven, &c. The grace of our Lord, &c. Prayers for young Persons. MORNING PRAYER. FATHER OF MERCIES, Thou preserver of my days, enable me with the returning sun to seek the light of Thy countenance. Enlighten my dark mind with the beams of Thy glorious gospel, and warm my cold heart with a grateful sense of Thy tender mercies towards me. Thou art infinitely above my highest thoughts, yea, above all the adorations that are offered to Thee by the angels of light:-But as is Thy Majesty so is Thy mercy, and in Thy gospel Thou hast revealed Thyself as willing to pardon every penitent sinner, who seeks for mercy through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. Gracious Lord, lead me under a deep conviction of my own guilt, depravity, and helplessness to my Redeemer; who in order to save sinners from everlasting ruin veiled His glory in the flesh, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Too long, O Lord, have I been tied and bound with the chain of my sins, but let the pitifulness of Thy great mercy loose me. Arm me with that faith which overcometh the world, which purifieth the heart, and which quencheth all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Endue me with strength against all the assaults of temptation, and especially those to which my early years expose me. Keep me from ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of Thy word. Enable me to improve every passing hour, and to fulfil my several duties with diligence and cheerfulness, being influenced by a grateful remembrance of the redeeming love of Christ. To Thy divine protection and blessing I commend (my Father and Mother, my brothers and sisters, and) all my relations and friends: Bestow upon them the richest blessings of Thy grace; grant them the knowledge of Thy truth, and help them to esteem Thy favor better than life itself. Unto Thee do I dedicate my soul and body this morning. Vouchsafe me a con |