In the Secret Place
Private Prayers for Two WeeksGeorge Everard, 1880
"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." 1 Peter 4:7
INTRODUCTION
Faithful, sincere, believing prayer is the secret of strength to every Christian. It is the power by which he overcomes the Tempter. It is the channel by which he receives daily help, wisdom, grace, and consolation from above. Few promises in Holy Scripture are more encouraging than that spoken by our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6Hence the Adversary seeks by every means to hinder the Christian in this duty and privilege. Many are the devices which he uses for the purpose. Just as the commander of a besieging army might endeavor to cut off the water-supply, blocking up or destroying the conduit-pipes or otherwise, thus hoping to take the city — so the enemy of God and man strives to hinder a Christian's prayers. If only he can prevent the child of God seeking peace and help from above, he knows that, sooner or later, he shall be able to take the citadel of the heart. It is for this reason I write these introductory remarks. In putting forth a manual of private prayer, it may be well to name a few of the more common hindrances that are found to lie in the Christian's path. I will add also a few words as to the best means by which they may be overcome. I will briefly mention eight points on which it is of the utmost importance you should be on your guard.
1. Any breach of the law of love, anything of strife, envy, ill-feeling, or separation in the home — is a great disturber of communion with God. For this reason Peter urges the husband and wife to live together "as heirs of the grace of life, that their prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter 3:7). It is only in the spirit of mutual forbearance, love, and unity — that prayer can thrive and grow. Only the still water can reflect the bright stars in the sky above. Only the heart at peace with others, can look up to Heaven and receive back the light which God is ever ready to bestow.
2. Worry is another enemy to be avoided. If you yield to perpetual anxieties and distractions about family matters, or business, or daily duties, or if you dwell continually upon troubles that you imagine are coming — you will seldom be able to pray with comfort. These burdens must be laid down at Christ's feet. Entrust them all to Him. Leave Him to undertake and manage for you, and He will do it far better than you can for yourself. If He laid down His life for you, if He has all power in Heaven and in earth, and if nothing be too small or unimportant for His eye to notice — then exercise more simple confidence in Him, and cast all your care on Him who cares for you.
3. The spirit of hurry is another of these dangers. Prayer need not be long, and in many cases it cannot be; but some time must be given to it in which you can quietly speak to your Father in Heaven. Had you to go into the presence oft our Queen, it would be very unsuitable that you should rush in with a hurried step, and, after a moment's conversation with Her Majesty, hastily leave the royal throne. But is it not far more so when you go into the presence of the Great King? Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place is holy ground. Wait a few moments before the lip is opened, that you may consider the glory and holiness of Jehovah. God is in Heaven and you on earth, therefore let your words be few and real. Do not be content with muttering a short prayer after you have crept into bed. Lay aside all hasty speech, all thoughtless, hurried petitions, and worship Him "with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire."
4. A worldly spirit must be avoided if prayer is to be true and effectual. If the harp is out of tune, if the strings are loose or broken — then how can it give forth a delightful strain of pleasant melody? And if you come to the throne of grace with a mind preoccupied with a thousand eager, feverish worldly desires — then how can you offer such hearty spiritual worship as will be music in the ear of our Father in Heaven? If you would pray and praise aright — then watch continually that you are not conformed to the world.
Ever seek grace and power from above, that you be renewed in heart and mind to desire above all things an increase of spiritual life. Cherish heavenly thoughts throughout the day. Cultivate short prayers throughout the day. If possible, at noonday get a few minutes alone with God; and from morning to evening, again and again, let some short petition arise to your Father in Heaven. Even in your busiest hours you may steal a moment for silent prayer; and it will oil the wheels of everyday work, and form a link of connection between your morning and evening prayer. In this way you will find prayer more profitable and helpful to yourself, and more acceptable to your Father in Heaven.
5. Permitted sin is another deadly foe to effectual prayer.
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
"Dead flies spoil the precious ointment."
"He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shall be an abomination."
If you allow yourself in any sin, or inconsistency, or neglect of duty — if you give the rein to the tongue or the temper — if worldly thoughts are allowed to lodge in the heart — if you set up any idol, money or pleasure or human praise or anything else, in the sanctuary which belongs to God — if you indulge yourself in that which is your own besetting snare — be sure that you will lose all comfort in prayer. Either prayer will conquer sin, or sin will take away all power in prayer.
6. Mere lip-service in prayer is no less fatal than any of the other evils I have named. It is the shell without the kernel. It is the husk without the wheat. It is the body without the soul. It is the form without the power or reality. You may repeat the most beautiful words by rote, you may utter the Lord's Prayer hundreds of times over — but if there is no earnest desire for the things you ask, "What does it profit?" God looks at the heart, and He sees the emptiness and worthlessness of all such seeming devotion. Beware of it as one of the greatest perils. It is in vain that you worship God and draw near to Him with your lips — while your heart is far from Him. He will never accept it at your hands. "In Spirit and in truth" is the one great requisite.
On this account, it is needful to exercise much caution in the use of a manual like this. It may prove a hindrance instead of a help. Never be content with using a prayer, however Scriptural and helpful in its way, unless your heart goes along with each petition. Only take this book to guide and assist you in coming to God, but do not rest in it as if you needed nothing further.
When you pray, think what you need, and what God has promised — and then plead both with your Father in Heaven. Think of your own special sins and temptations, and spread them out before the mercy-seat.
If you use the prayers of this book, speak also to God in your own words. A crutch is useful for one who is weak, but a strong man is able to walk without one. Therefore go forward, and seek to grow in the spiritual life. Ask of God a praying heart, and then His grace within you will stir you up to pray in words and desires which will be acceptable to Him. Never forget it. A sigh, a groan, a look, an inward longing of the soul has in it more of real, true prayer, than any number of words merely repeated from the memory, or read from a book, without the deep feeling of an humble, believing heart.
7. A wandering of the mind in prayer is another evil to be carefully avoided. I imagine there is no child of God but has continually to lament wandering thoughts — something coming in to divert the attention, and often carrying you miles away from the presence of the Lord. Even those who most grieve and regret this evil find that it often comes and disturbs them. It meets them in the sanctuary, it meets them in family worship, it meets them in their private devotions. It is a weed that is ever growing, and no remedy has yet been found that can completely root it out of the garden of the heart.
Yet some guidance may be given in the matter. Strive to be very definite in your prayers. Think of what you most need, and then put it very distinctly before the Lord. Endeavor always to speak as to a living person. If you could more fully realize and always recollect that when you pray, a living Redeemer and Friend bows down the ear to hear, that He is close by you, that you are not speaking into the air, or to the walls and ceiling of the room where you are — but that you speak your words to one who as truly sees you and hears you as if you saw Him with your very eyes before you, this would help you more than anything.
Believe, also, that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy, and freely forgives these your infirmities. When conscience tells you that you have been wandering in thought, at once turn again to the Lord, trusting in the precious blood, and looking afresh for the present help and quickening of the Holy Spirit.
8. Unbelief is the last hindrance I will name. You must believe that God is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Many doubts are abroad in the world. Many question whether God hears prayer. But there is a living God, our Creator, our Father, and He does hear the cry of all who truly call upon Him. He makes use of the laws of nature, which He has appointed, to fulfill His own purposes of mercy in answering the prayers of His people. In the course of His wise providence, He disposes men's hearts, and turns about trials and sorrows, and all events, to work out His own wise designs. Give no heed to unbelieving fears. Unbelief dishonors God, keeps back the blessing you might receive, and robs you of all joy and comfort in prayer.
On one occasion we are told that Christ "could do no mighty works because of the unbelief" of the people. On the other hand He said, "According to your faith, be it unto you." Therefore in prayer believe much, expect much, and hope against all delay and discouragement. Sooner or later, in the very best way, God will abundantly reward the prayers of all humble, true worshipers.
Look up to Heaven and behold a gracious Father standing "with both hands full of precious gifts, and delighting to shower them down on such as wait upon Him.
Behold a merciful High Priest and Advocate pleading at the mercy-seat, full of sympathy and loving-kindness, presenting His own merits on your behalf, and thus securing every spiritual and temporal blessing for those who trust in His name.
Behold the Eternal, Ever-blessed Spirit, the Comforter, ready to aid you, ready to quicken you in prayer, and to make intercession within you in longings which no words can utter.
Behold unnumbered promises, like so many bright angels, beckoning you forward, and encouraging you to pray without ceasing.
Behold the example of God's saints in all ages, who witness to you of the faithfulness of God in hearing prayer.
Behold the joyful eternal rest that awaits all who love to pray, where weeping prayers shall be exchanged for joyful praises, and where your eyes shall see the King in His beauty.
Consider all this, and then rejoice to make use of this privilege of prayer.
Morning and evening and at noonday,
in the glare and heat of the world,
in the silent watches of the night,
in joy and in sorrow,
in youth and in old age,
in health and on a sick-bed,
in the full strength of life and in the solemn hour of death
— still pray on, pray always, pray hopefully, pray joyfully. And then through eternity you shall bless God for His everlasting mercy, and the countless and untold benefits He has granted in answer to your prayers."Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom come. May Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13
O short text of Scripture precedes the prayers for each morning and evening; and it is suggested that a few moments' thought should be given to it before the prayer is offered. This may enable you to pray more earnestly and in stronger faith.
FIRST WEEK
SUNDAY MORNING.
"With joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:3
O Merciful and Gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I draw near to You in His name. Look not upon my manifold sins — but look upon Him, my righteous Advocate. For His sake turn away Your anger from me, and behold me in loving-kindness. Lift up the light of Your countenance upon me. Teach me evermore to rejoice before You, and to praise You with my whole heart.
O Heavenly Father, I praise and bless You for this Your holy day. It is a token of Your great love toward me. I bless You for the help You afford me by these days of rest and worship. O may I use them faithfully! Give me a delight in Your house of prayer. Give me grace to call upon You in spirit and in truth. Holy Father, quicken me that I may give earnest heed to Your Holy Word, and write its precious lessons on my heart. Stir up my soul that I may sing Your praise with joy, and may I find by experience that a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. O give me in rich measure the grace of Your Spirit, and let me draw water with joy out of these wells of salvation.
O loving Savior, this day draw me closer to Yourself, and make me love You more and more. Show Yourself unto me, that I may increase in the knowledge of You and of Your salvation. I thank You that You have died in my stead. I thank You than You have risen again to save me by Your life. I thank You that You are ever pleading my cause at the Father's right hand. Teach me to trust You utterly. You will save me even to the uttermost. O Lord, perfect that which concerns me, and forsake not the work of Your own hands.
O Almighty God, who alone does great marvels, send forth upon Your Church the healthful Spirit of Your grace. Bless abundantly the congregations of Your people. Give unto Your ministering servants spiritual wisdom, reality, and power. Endue them with boldness and love, and enable them to exalt and glorify Your Son Jesus Christ. Let the dew of Your Spirit rest on the congregation with whom I worship.
O Father, build up and strengthen Your people in Your fear and love. Guide the anxious ones to the Savior's footstool. Make Your arrows sharp in the hearts of Your enemies, and awaken every sleeping conscience. And now, Lord, be with me all through this day. Make it a resting-place where I may gain strength for the coming week. Make it a step upward toward Your rest above. Hear me, O Lord God Almighty, and grant me all my petitions, for Jesus Christ's sake.
SUNDAY EVENING.
"He fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks." Luke 17:16
O Heavenly Father, receive me once more to Your favor this night. Another holy Sabbath has quickly passed. Accept the worship I have this day offered in the name of Jesus. Bless me, even me, before I go to rest, and lift up the light of Your countenance upon me.
O Lord Jesus, my gracious Master, I would now come to Your footstool. I thank You for all Your love, and I cast myself entirely on Your mercy. O Savior, I come to You, as I would ever come, poor and needy, and with nothing in myself but sin and evil. Take me as I am, and make me all You would have me to be.
Blessed Lord, at Your feet I would confess the many sins of this day. You have given me great privileges — but I have not used them as I ought. You have given me Your house of prayer — but I have often come before You with a wandering heart.
O forgive my lip-service. Forgive my dullness and forgetfulness in hearing Your word. Forgive the coldness of my heart when singing Your praise. O pardon every sinful thought that has defiled my soul this day. Freely cleanse me from every evil thing in the fountain of Your precious blood. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow! Give me true and godly sorrow for all that is past. Then, Lord, speak peace to my soul. Say to me this night, "Go in peace; your sins are forgiven!"
O Lord, be my Teacher. By Your Holy Spirit write upon my heart the lessons I have this day heard outwardly with my ears. Recall to my memory what may have been forgotten. Fix as a nail in a sure place, whatever truth I need for my soul's profit. Teach me the importance of eternal things. Show me more of my exceeding sinfulness. Open the eyes of my understanding that I may know You more perfectly, as all my salvation and all my desire.
O Lord, I beseech You, let Your continual pity cleanse and defend Your Church. Draw forth the graces of Your people. Fill them with faith, love, hope, and zeal. Free them from all worldliness and unbelief, and make them active and diligent in doing Your work. Breathe Your quickening Spirit upon those dead in sin, that they may arise to love and serve You. Build up Your true servants in the knowledge and faith of Your Son. Look in mercy on all I love, and lead every one of them to the Savior's footstool. O hasten the day of His appearing, and may Your children ever be looking forward to that blessed hope.
O Savior, keep me henceforth very near to You. All through the coming week may I see You ever by my side. Let no cloud come between. May I strive to please You in all things. May I practice what I have learned in Your courts, and may I shine as a light in an evil world. O help me still to praise and glorify Your name, and to give You thanks forever. Hear me, and grant me exceeding abundantly above all I ask or think, for Your name's sake.
MONDAY MORNING.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
O God, my Creator, my Preserver, my Father in Christ Jesus, I bless You for Your loving care of me during the past night. I bless You for another day in which to serve You. Your mercies are new every morning. You never fail to guard and keep those who trust in You.
O give me the spirit of true thankfulness. I praise You, O my Father, for every day of health and comfort which You have given me. I praise You for relations and friends, and whatever kindness I have received from them. But I praise You most for Your love in the gift of Jesus. May I prize Him above all things, and may I love Him with my whole heart.
O Good Shepherd, who came to seek and to save the lost, be my Shepherd, Redeemer, and Friend. Seek Your servant, whenever I go astray from You. Fetch me back, whenever I turn away from following You.
O Savior, lead and guide me all through the coming week! Make Your way plain before my face. Deliver me from every snare and danger. Chasten and correct me, if it is needful. Only leave me not to follow the sinful devices of my own heart. Show me what I ought to do, and every hour give me grace and strength to do it. Help me continually to trust in You for all I need, and may I ever love You and keep Your commandments.
I thank You, O Lord, that You have laid down Your life for Your sheep. Bestow on me all the benefits of Your death. Let Your cleansing blood remove each guilty stain. Break the bonds of every sin, and set me free to serve You with gladness. Send to me Your Spirit to abide always in my heart. As You have given Yourself for me, may I give up all to You and follow You faithfully all the days of my life.
O Lord Jesus, have mercy upon those who are wandering far from Your fold. You know how many are living without You and without hope in the world. O turn their hearts back again, and bring them to Yourself. Give them true repentance, and make them to hate the sins they have loved. O bring the lost and perishing to Your footstool, and make them know the blessedness of Your believing people. O God, hear these my humble petitions. Grant to me whatever You know I need that I have failed to ask. Grant unto me pardon and peace. Cleanse me from all my sins, and may I serve You with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
MONDAY EVENING.
"Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." Genesis 5:24
Almighty and Everlasting God, whose name is Holy, I would humbly come to Your footstool this night. I am frail and feeble, but You are great and glorious. I am vile and sinful in Your sight, but You are of purer eyes than to behold evil. O give me true humility! Give me a broken and a contrite heart! Make me to know my iniquity and my sin! O Father, I have sinned against You, and am no more worthy to be called Your child. But receive me graciously and love me freely, for Jesus' sake. Through Him may I ever rejoice in You as my Father and my God.
O my Father, I bless You that You invite me to walk with You! Teach me the greatness of this privilege! May I ever see You close at hand, and believe that You are ever with me. Keep me near to You all the day long. Stir up my heart often to speak to You in prayer, and speak to me by Your Word and Your Spirit. May I taste and see how good You are! Continue Your favor and loving-kindness to me. Fill me with all joy and peace in believing. May I abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
O Almighty God, renew me day by day by Your Spirit. Change me into Your own image. Sweeten my temper, and may I never grieve Your Holy Spirit by bitter and angry words. Cleanse and sanctify my thoughts, and purify me from everything that is evil. Give me a single eye to Your glory. May I ever please You in will and deed. May it be my delight to do Your will, and to finish the work You have put into my hands.
O blessed Savior, keep me from all doubt and unbelief. Keep me firm on the Rock of Ages. You know, O Lord, that I am often cast down and discouraged. My sins are too strong for me. My heart is cold and prone to wander. I fail to make progress as I desire. But teach me, Lord, still to cleave to You. Without You I can do nothing. You are the Savior of sinners, and as a sinner I come to You. O cast me not away from Your presence. Take not Your Holy Spirit from me. As a branch in the Vine, may I abide in You.
O Lord Jesus, I would trust You without wavering. I leave myself in Your hands. Let Your grace be sufficient for me, and make Your strength perfect in my weakness. O Savior, keep me to the end. Where You are, Lord, may Your servant be! While here below, show me Your salvation, and enable me to live for You. When my days on earth are passed, may I see Your face and be with You where You are in Your glory. Fulfill, O Lord, these my petitions, and keep me and all I love through this night and evermore, for Your name's sake.
TUESDAY MORNING.
"Whatever you shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified In the Son." John 14:13.
O Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto You do I lift up my eyes. May I seek You this morning with my whole heart. Quicken me, and I shall call upon Your name!
I bless You, O my Father, for each gracious promise You have given me. I bless You that whatever I ask in Your Son's name and according to Your will — You will give it. Stir me up to desire spiritual blessings. Help me to pray in faith, and then open wide Your good treasure and give me beyond all I ask or think. Fill me with Your fullness in Christ Jesus. Bless me and make me a blessing in Your Church.
O Heavenly Father, give me a deep sense of my own sinfulness, and teach me to place all my hope in the death of Your Son. I thank You that You have given Him to be both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life. Grant, O Lord, that I may trust only in His finished work, and evermore walk in His footsteps.
O Holy Savior, fill me with Your Spirit, and teach me to follow You. O form in me the same mind which shone so brightly in You! Renew me in Your own image! Make me meek and lowly in heart. May I ever be ready to take the lowest place, if only I can glorify You or comfort Your sorrowing ones. O Man of prayer, give me the spirit of prayer, and make me constant in this blessed duty. Forgive my frequent weariness and wanderings in drawing near to You. Whenever I fail, O let Your Spirit help my infirmities, and enable me to pray and not to faint.
Merciful Father, who has made all men, and hates nothing that You have made — have compassion upon all the creatures of Your hand. Remember in mercy Your ancient people, the Jews. Take from them all hardness of heart, and bring them in faith to the Savior's footstool. Pour out Your Holy Spirit on the nations who know You not. Send to them the light of Your Gospel, and dispose them to receive it in faith and obedience.
O Lord, be with me through this day, and every day of my life. Hold me up — and I shall be safe. Stretch out Your hand, and lift me up whenever I fall. O Father, may I see You at my right hand, and ever walk before You with a good conscience. Keep me and uphold me unto the end, for Jesus Christ's sake.
TUESDAY EVENING.
"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says unto you, 'Give me a drink' — you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you living water!" John 4:10.
O Almighty God, You never fail to help and govern those who trust in You. I bless You for Your care and love through another day. I thank You that You have given me food and clothing and all I need. O Father, in Your good providence, You care for all Your creatures. Not a sparrow is forgotten before You. But I thank You for Your special care for those redeemed by the blood of Your Son. Come very near to me this night. Place beneath me Your everlasting arms. Guard me from all evil, and let no harm come near my dwelling place.
O merciful Father, I need continually Your forgiving mercy. Pardon whatever You have seen in me which is contrary to Your will. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity in the atoning blood of Jesus. May His death answer for all my guilt. May I lie down this night at peace with You and with all the world.
O Lord Jesus, may I know You as the only Savior of sinners. You are the Fountain of grace and salvation. Give me the living water which You have promised to those who ask You. I want to love You more, and serve You better, day by day. O merciful Redeemer, bestow on me Your Spirit in larger measure. Let Your grace be with me as a well of water, springing up to everlasting life. Make me to hunger and thirst after You, and then abundantly satisfy every desire. O fill me with Your fullness, Lord, and put gladness in my heart, even the joy of Your salvation.
O Lord, grant that I may become a blessing to others. May I glorify You, by doing Your will and walking in Your footsteps. Give me boldness to confess Your name, and may I never be ashamed of Your Word.
Out of the abundance of my heart, may I tell others of Your love. Bless me with Your favor, and make me a blessing in Your Church. Gracious Father, this night I commend to You myself and all I love. Remember in Your mercy, all those who dear to me. Be near to all beneath this roof. Make us wholly Yours. Deal tenderly with those in any sorrow or adversity. Make their trials work together for their good. Teach them by these earthly troubles, to make You their continual Refuge. O Father, hear these my humble supplications, and when You hear, forgive, and save me, for Jesus Christ's sake.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
"I will be careful to live a blameless life — when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home." Psalm 101:2
O my God, my Father, draw near to me this morning, for I need Your help. I have nothing of my own but misery and sin, but in Jesus is my hope. Ever look upon Him, my righteous Advocate, and for His sake behold me in Your favor and loving-kindness. As Your forgiven and accepted child, make Your face to shine upon me. Keep me, O Father, from all evil, and help me to walk before You all the day long.
O merciful Redeemer, the Friend of sinners, come to me and abide with me continually. Come to me in the morning, and enlighten me with the bright beams of Your love. Come to me at noon, and keep me calm and quiet in the midst of life's duties. Come to me at evening, and enable me to rest in peace beneath the shadow of Your wing. O Savior, be near to me at all times, wherever my lot is cast. Ever take up Your abode in my home. Sanctify it by Your presence. Give unto us the peace that surpasses understanding. Drive away all strife and disputing, and make us all to be of one heart and mind in Your fear.
O Lord Jesus, my gracious Master, forgive me wherever I have failed in my duty. Save me from evil tempers and from everything that would injure those about me. Keep me from a sullen or murmuring spirit. Make me ready to forgive when others speak hastily or unkindly. May I not be easily provoked, but patient and gentle towards all men. O make me in everything like Yourself, and let Your Spirit ever dwell within me. Subdue within me whatever is amiss, and fill me with unselfish love to every one beneath this roof.
O Father, bless all my relations and friends. If any are yet far from You, O bring them near through the blood of Your Son. If any are in sorrow and trouble, cheer and comfort them. If any are near to death, prepare them for their latter end, and bring them safely to the land of everlasting life, there to dwell with You forever and ever.
I thank You, O merciful God, for all Your mercy and loving-kindness toward me. I bless You for all the benefits I have received at Your hands. O continue to me Your goodness and favor, and teach me evermore to praise You, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me — and I give unto them eternal life." John 10:27, 28.
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, and hear my prayer this night. You never slumber nor sleep; O be my Keeper through the hours of darkness. Preserve me from all evil. Whether I wake or sleep, be ever near me as my Helper and my Friend.
I beg You, precious Savior, feed and nourish me in the green pastures of Your truth. Make me to love Your word and to search continually for the treasures it contains. May I ponder Your promises, and practice all Your precepts.
O Blessed Jesus, may I know You as my Shepherd, and hear Your voice, and follow You. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Make me ready to hearken to the faintest whisper of Your Spirit, or to the least warning of conscience. Manifest Yourself to me as I read Your Word, and draw me closer to You by the cords of Your love.
O Holy Savior, teach me evermore to follow You, and to walk day by day in Your footsteps. Clothe me with humility, and make me meek and lowly in spirit. Fill me with holy charity, and dispose me ever to be forbearing and forgiving toward all. Destroy in me all selfishness, and make me thoughtful for the happiness of others. In every trial, make me patient and submissive. In the darkest hour, teach me to hope in God. Give me strength according to my day, and let no temptation come to me which I am not able to bear.
O Lord, teach me to remember the blessedness of Your fold above. You will give eternal life to those who follow You. You will lead them to living fountains of waters, and shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. O bring me safe to that blessed rest!
O God, keep me from the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Lead me onward day by day, and fit me for Your Presence. Guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
O Father, let Your choicest blessings be poured on those I love. Make them Yours, and keep them Yours forever. Comfort them in sorrow, and bring them through every trouble to Your everlasting kingdom, for Jesus Christ's sake.
THURSDAY MORNING.
"The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him." Ezra 8:22
O Lord God of Heaven, I come to seek Your face this morning. I bless You for Your watchful care through another night. I bless you that You have raised me up in health and strength to serve You today. O may I serve You with a willing mind. May it be my food to do Your will.
Most loving and merciful Father, forgive me all my sins, negligences, and ignorances. Cleanse me from all guilt in the precious blood of Christ. Give me a quiet conscience through the assurance of Your pardoning mercy. Though I have often strayed from You, receive me back to Your favor. Cover me with the robe of Your Son's righteousness. Satisfy my soul with good things. Lift up the light of Your countenance upon me, and keep me henceforth in the paths of holy obedience.
O merciful God, let Your hand ever be upon me for good. Defend me from all the assaults of the enemy. You know the cunning wiles of the devil. You know how prone I am to depart from You. preserve me, O Lord, day by day, from every temptation and snare. Keep me from all appearance of evil. Make me sincere and truthful in all I say. Keep my tongue from uttering any word which will injure another. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by Your Holy Spirit. Sweeten my temper, and subdue my will. Do not allow me to follow the pomps and vanities of this present world. Teach me, O Lord, to lay up treasures in Heaven, and to seek those pleasures which are at Your right hand for evermore.
Heavenly Father, look down in mercy on Your Church in this land. Make us to be a nation fearing You and working righteousness. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but guide the just. Raise up faithful witnesses for Your truth, and may such as preach Your Gospel be filled with Your Spirit. Turn the hearts of those who reject Your Word, and make them truly to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ.
I beg You, O merciful Father, to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger or in trouble. Defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all that are desolate and oppressed.
O God, accept these my prayers and supplications, and guide me this day and always in Your faith and fear, for Jesus Christ's sake.
THURSDAY EVENING.
"I am the Lord your God — open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10
O Merciful God and Father, receive me to Your care this night. I have too often forgotten You. I have lived too much for this present world. But I beg You, O my Father, forgive me all that is past, and give me a holier mind. Sprinkle me this night with the blood of Christ, and breathe into my heart Your quickening Spirit! Lift up my thoughts to Yourself. Draw me — and I will run after You. Keep me henceforth in Your fear and love, and make me wholly Yours.
O God, who is plenteous in mercy and truth, give me, I beg a larger measure of Your grace of You. You give to all men liberally and upbraid not. O deal bountifully with Your servant! O Lord, You are my God, and You have bidden me open my mouth wide. I ask of You great things. Fulfill me with Your grace and blessing. Give me stronger faith. Help me to trust You always and in everything. Whatever cares or sorrows oppress me, O teach me to rely upon You! Give me a more fervent love to You. May the love of Christ constrain me, and may His name ever be precious to my soul. O give me large-hearted charity. Rid me of all selfishness, and make me ever ready to do good to others. Cheer me with brighter views of my heavenly Home, and quicken in me a lively hope of Christ's appearing.
O Heavenly Father, show me my own poverty and emptiness, and evermore fill me out of the fullness which is in Christ. Let Your Spirit work in me mightily. Humble me in the sense of my own sins and shortcomings, but teach me to rejoice always in Christ and in His perfect righteousness. Sanctify me through Your Word, and cleanse me from every secret sin.
O gracious Redeemer, keep me through another night in peace and safety. Be my hiding-place and my shield, and let Your mercy embrace me on every side. Even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, protect and shelter all I love. Bless all my relations and friends.
O Lord, be near to me evermore. I thank and praise You for all Your love to me in past days. Abide with me still. Save me from every snare and temptation, and when You come again, may I be made like unto You in Your eternal and glorious kingdom. O fulfill these my hearty desires, for Your name's sake.
FRIDAY MORNING.
"There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
O God of love and peace, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I come again to You this morning. Uphold me this day with Your righteous right hand. Strengthen me according to Your Word. Leave me not, neither forsake me, but keep me from falling, and lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake.
O Lord, I beseech You, let Your Holy Spirit ever rest upon me. Take from me the heart of stone, and give me the heart of flesh. Give me a clearer view of my past sins, and make me grieve that I have so often dishonored You. Enter not into judgment with Your servant, but for Jesus' sake cast all my sins into the depths of the sea!
Gracious Savior, teach me to trust wholly in Your precious name. Without You I am undone. I have no merit but Yours. I have no righteousness but Yours alone. I have sinned — but You have died. I am altogether without excuse, but You plead for me. In You, the Father is ever well pleased.
I flee to You, O merciful Redeemer, as my only Refuge. You are able to save to the uttermost, and will never cast out any who come to You. Receive me, and make me wholly Yours. When the burden of sin oppresses me — give me peace through Your blood. When life's troubles weigh upon me — give me rest in Your care. When I am tempted to do wrong — aid and support me. Bring me safely through every danger to the Home prepared for those who love You.
I now commend myself to Your care through the coming day. Merciful Father, go forth with me to the duties which lie before me. Whatever I do, may I do all to Your glory. Give me good success in whatever I undertake, and may I cast all my care on You, for You care for me. Hear me, O Lord, I humbly beg You, for Jesus Christ's sake.
FRIDAY EVENING.
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." John 4:23
O God the Father of Heaven, mercifully receive me this night. I praise and bless You for Your goodness and Your grace. Still let Your mercy follow me. Regard me in Your tender love, for I do not trust in my own righteousness, but in the name of Jesus. For His sake, welcome me to Your favor, and grant me all that I need. O Father, give me a praying heart. Grant me the spirit of grace and supplication. Those who worship You must worship You in spirit and in truth. O help me thus to draw near to You. Quicken me, that I may seek You earnestly. Increase my faith, that I may come to You with confidence and hope. Whenever I kneel down to pray, keep me from wandering thoughts. May I behold You near at hand to hear my prayers. Whatever I ask of You according to Your will, may I receive through Him who ever lives to intercede for me.
O God, the God of all grace, may I fervently desire more of Your love! As the deer pants after the water brooks — so may I thirst after You, my God! O give me to drink abundantly of You, the Fountain of living waters! May I ever trust Your promises, and delight myself in Your salvation! Day by day may I know You better, and cleave to You with my whole heart!
O God, another day is past — and all my days and years will soon be gone. Teach me to remember that my time is short. I know not what a day may bring forth. O teach me to live for eternity! Whatever my hand finds to do, may I do it with my might! May I use every gift in Your service. May I please You at all times both in will and deed. Like the Savior, may I go about doing good. Trample selfishness and sloth under my feet, and make me diligent and active in Your service.
Heavenly Father, You have bidden us make prayers and supplications for all men. Have mercy upon all who are set in authority over us. Endue them with Your Holy Spirit, and enrich them with Your heavenly grace. Guide the rulers of Your Church, and make them wise in ordering all its affairs. Rid our land of all error and unbelief. O God of love, may the pure light of Your Gospel shine brighter and brighter, and may multitudes be brought into the fold of the Good Shepherd.
Increase among us true religion, and pour down upon our country showers of blessing. Grant this, O merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's sake.
SATURDAY MORNING.
"Your Father knows what things you have need of before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8.
O Lord God of Israel, there is none like You in Heaven above, or in the earth beneath. You are the true and living God. You are the High and Holy One who inhabits Eternity. Help me this morning to worship You with reverence and godly fear. Fill me with holy awe as I approach Your Divine Majesty. Bring me very near to You, O God, as my reconciled Father in Christ Jesus. In His name may I come to You as Your child, crying, Abba, Father. May I believe Your promises, and rest in Your care. You know what things I have need of before I ask — and You are able and willing to give me every good thing.
Give me, O Father, health, and comfort, and success — as far as You see best for me. Remove each trial and burden which is too heavy for me to bear. Grant me above all things, the continual aid of Your Spirit. Let the fruits of the Spirit be more and more manifest in me. Grant me love, joy, peace, and longsuffering in increasing measure. Strengthen my faith exceedingly, and keep me from ever doubting Your goodness or Your grace.
O Lord Jesus, set up Your kingdom in my heart. Cast down every idol from Your throne. Subdue every sin and evil passion, and rule in righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As Your faithful soldier and servant, may I fight under Your banner, and do what lies in me to turn sinners from their evil way. I beg You, O Lord, put forth Your mighty power, and hasten Your kingdom. Send out Your Spirit, and let Your Word have free course and run and be glorified. Raise up faithful and devoted messengers of Your truth, and let the name of Jesus be everywhere spread abroad. Breathe upon dead souls, that they may live. Direct and guide those who are seeking You. Strengthen and build up Your own people, and may they glorify You by holy and consistent lives.
Almighty God, my Heavenly Father, I heartily thank You for the knowledge of Your grace, and for all the manifold blessings You have given me. May I live this day in remembrance of Your love. May I praise You, not only with my lips — but with my life. Make me zealous in good works, keep me from all sin and evil, and fill me with Your grace and blessing, for Jesus Christ's sake.
SATURDAY EVENING.
"He who covers his sins shall not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall find mercy." Proverbs 28:13.
O Almighty God, who searches the hearts of men, I would draw near to You this night in sincerity and truth. O Lord, You know what I am and what I have done. May I hide nothing from You! Search and prove me, and what I do not see — teach me.
O Father, I confess with shame the many sins of the past week. I have been an unprofitable servant. I have loved the world far too much, and have not sought Your glory in all things. I have left undone the things I ought to have done, and have done the things I ought not to have done, and there is no soundness in me. Most merciful God, I beseech You, do not deal with me after my sins, nor reward me according to my iniquities. Give me true repentance. Create in me a new and contrite heart. Forgive all my sins, negligences, and ignorances through the Savior's blood. Endue me with the grace of Your Holy Spirit, that I may amend my life according to Your Holy Word.
O Lord Jesus Christ, my only Hope and Savior, I look to You this night, and cast myself entirely upon Your mercy. You died that I might live. You are even living at the Father's right hand to plead my cause. I would fix my eye on You alone! To whom but to You can I go, for You have the words of eternal life! Be my Refuge and my Hiding place, in life and in death.
O Lord, prepare me for the Great Day of Your coming. Teach me to follow You in all holiness of living. Give me victory over the temptations of the world, and enable me to mortify the deeds of the body. Free me from all sloth and self-indulgence, and make me zealous in every good word and work.
O Heavenly Father, give me quiet rest this night, and may I awake in the morning to praise You with joyful lips. Prepare the hearts of all Your children to worship You in Your house. Bestow upon them an abundant measure of Your Spirit. May Your courts be filled on the morrow with true worshipers, and may the word of Your salvation lead many to Yourself. Look mercifully on all whom I love, especially. Turn their footsteps into the narrow path, and lead them in the way everlasting. O God, hear these my humble petitions, for Jesus Christ's sake.
SECOND WEEK
SUNDAY MORNING.
"I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." Isaiah 44:3
O Merciful Father, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, I praise You for another day of rest and gladness. This is the day that You have made. May we rejoice and be glad in it! O may I call this day a delight, the holy and honorable day of the Lord. May I strive to honor You, not doing my own ways, nor finding my own pleasure!
When I go into Your courts, quicken me that I may call upon Your name. O You that search the hearts, banish far from me all vain and wandering thoughts. Fix my soul on You, that I may offer unto You true worship. As the deer pants after the water brooks — so may I pant after Your grace and mercy. Prepare my heart to receive the good seed of Your Word. Put away from me all levity and thoughtlessness, and teach me to hearken to Your voice in meekness and obedience. Draw me, blessed Savior, nearer to Yourself. Show me more of the evil of sin, and more of Your free salvation. Deepen Your work in my soul, and fill me with Your light and love.
O glorified Redeemer, I look to You for Your Holy Spirit. Send down upon Your Church the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. May He work mightily in every heart! Enlighten the ministers of Your Word with the knowledge of Your truth. Go forth with them, and enable them to preach Your Gospel with power from on high. Give light to those in darkness. Touch the hearts of those who profess and call themselves Christians, and make them Christians indeed. May all who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity and be zealous in all good works.
O Father, may all Your children be taught by You this day. May they drink deeper into the saving truths of Your Word! Fill them with an earnest desire to save precious souls, and prepare Your people for the Great Day of account.
Gracious God, fulfill Your own promise, I beseech You, and make Your Church a praise in the earth. Pour water upon him who is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground. Increase the number of such as fear You. O bless the young in our families and in our Sunday-schools! Turn their hearts to Yourself in their early days. Make them as young plants growing by the river of life. Show them that Your ways are ways of pleasantness and peace. Comfort this day all that mourn. Cheer with Your presence those who are unable to go to Your house. Be to them as a little Sanctuary in the chamber of sickness or affliction.
O Heavenly Father, hear these my humble petitions. Be with me through this day and every day of my earthly pilgrimage — until I reach Your kingdom and glory. Grant this, I beg You, for the Redeemer's sake.
SUNDAY EVENING.
"He looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' Hebrews 11:10.
O Eternal God, the Refuge and Strength of all who trust in You, may I close this sacred day in Your presence. It has quickly gone, but may the remembrance of it remain with me through the coming week. Hasten my footsteps towards the rest that awaits Your people. O give me the spirit of Your servant of old! May I ever look for a city which has foundations, of which You are the Maker and the King!
O Father, teach me that I am a stranger and sojourner on earth. My years are spent as a tale that is told. Teach me so to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. May I so pass through temporal things, that I do not lose the eternal things. O gracious and merciful Father, while here below, may I know Your excellent loving-kindness. May I put my trust under the shadow of Your wings. And when my time on earth is passed, may I find a place in that home where neither sin nor sorrow can ever come!
I beg You, O God, enable me to live as a citizen of Zion. Give me a heavenly mind, and help me to set my affections on things above. Adorn me with every grace of Your Spirit. Renew me in the likeness of Christ, and make me holy, harmless, and undefiled. Clothe me in the fair clothing of His righteousness, and may I rejoice only in Him.
O Lord, make me very useful in Your service. Keep me from all inconsistency, and make me a true follower of Christ in every area of life. Make me considerate for the welfare of those around me. Deliver me from all selfishness and self-will. Give me genuine sympathy for those in trouble, and make me wise in relieving their sorrows.
Heavenly Father, who is rich in mercy, and gives liberally to all who ask — bless all those who are near and dear to me. Lead them in the paths of righteousness, and teach them by Your Spirit to trust only in Jesus. May they know Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Be near to them in days of trial, and in the hour of death, let Your rod and Your staff comfort them.
Finally, O Lord, my Savior and my God, accept my hearty praises for all Your goodness to me. I thank You for Your dying love. I thank You that You have forgiven all my sin. I thank You for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. Help me evermore to praise You. In sorrow and in joy, may I bless Your name continually. And when my work is finished here below, may I praise You, O loving Savior, in Your everlasting kingdom, for Your name's sake.
MONDAY MORNING.
"What nation is there so great, who has God so near unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for?" Deuteronomy 4:7
O Merciful Lord God, my Father in Christ, I bless You that You are near to all who call upon You. Be very near unto me this morning. Make me to ask such things as shall please You, and grant me abundantly according to Your bounty and loving-kindness.
O Lord, teach me to know the joy of Your presence. When I wake and when I sleep — be continually with me. Be near in Your good providence to order all things for my true welfare. Be near to uphold me with Your hand, and to shield me from all evil. Be near to pardon, to help, and to comfort me in every time of need.
O Great High Priest of Your Church, plead my cause, and support me in the hour of temptation. Keep me from every evil thing. May I hate every thought of vanity and sin. Increase in me true religion. Fill me with Your Spirit. Make me sincere and truthful in all that I say. Teach me to care for the poor and needy, and may I keep myself unspotted from the world.
O gracious Savior, support and comfort me whenever I am in trouble. You are touched with the feeling of my infirmities. You know my every secret want and woe. To whom but to You can I go, when the deep waters of sorrow overwhelm me? O help me to bring every burden to You. Cheer me with Your love while trials lasts. Humble me, and prove me, and do me good in my latter end. Draw my affections from all beside, and fix them on Yourself. Be the Resting-place and Portion of my soul.
Most merciful Father, You have commanded us to pray one for another. Bless and give wisdom and grace to all in authority. Let Your favor rest on our country. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end. Pour out Your Spirit on all ranks and degrees of men. Turn many to righteousness, and build up Your Church among us. Make such as know You — zealous in Your service, and holy and consistent in their lives. Bring back to the remembrance of the hearers Your Word spoken yesterday in Your House. Turn us again, O Lord God Almighty; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved.
Accept, O Father, these my humble petitions. All through this week be ever near, and for Your name's sake, teach me and guide me. Grant this, for Jesus Christ's sake.
MONDAY EVENING.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6
O Almighty God, my Heavenly Father — teach me to draw near to You, and draw near to me. I come to You in the name of Jesus, my only Mediator and Advocate. I bless You that You are ready to hear. O fulfill Your own promise. You see in secret. You know each secret desire. Bow down Your ear and hear me. Make my heart Your sanctuary. Enrich me with all the graces of Your Spirit. In the day when all secrets are known, may I find an abundant answer to every petition.
I beseech You, most merciful Father, to cleanse me from secret faults. The darkness hides nothing from You. You have marked every unholy thought and every sinful imagination. O forgive me everything that Your eye has seen amiss. Forgive every envious or unkind thought, every unjust suspicion and covetous desire. Fill me with Your Spirit, and make me holy as You, O God, are holy.
O gracious Savior, kindle in my heart the spirit of true and genuine love. You have loved me and given Yourself for me. May I believe Your great love, and love You above all. You are worthy to be loved far above any creature. O that I may yield to You my best affections! May nothing steal my heart from You. Make me love You more and more, and may Your love constrain me to live no longer to myself but to You. Take from me all unbelief, worldliness, and hardness of heart — and may Your love be my joy on earth and my everlasting portion in Your kingdom.
O Lord, send Your Holy Spirit and endue me with tender charity toward all men. Give me fervent love to Your people, and may I ever pray for them and seek their welfare. Give me true compassion for those that are ignorant and out of the narrow way. Make me wise to win souls, and enable me to speak a word in season to those who are far from You. May I take up my cross and follow You in this blessed work.
O my Father, hear these my prayers. Watch over me through the night, and keep me safely beneath Your watchful care. Bless all whom I love, and give them every blessing I desire for myself. I ask it, for Jesus Christ's sake.
TUESDAY MORNING.
"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
O God, the God of all grace, I approach You this morning in the name of Jesus. Bow down Your ear and hear me, for I am poor and needy. I thank You for Your tender care through the past night. Be with me, and keep me as I go forth to the duties of this day. May I set You always before me, and whatever I do, may I do it for Your glory.
Heavenly Father, fulfill Your promise and make all grace abound toward me. I have no power of myself to do anything aright. Without Your continual help, I cannot please You. But strengthen me according to Your Word. Cleanse me from the sins and neglects of days gone by. Assure me of Your forgiving love. Teach me henceforth to serve You better.
O Lord, give me grace sufficient for every duty, and enable me to overcome every temptation.
Most merciful Savior, be my Shepherd and Friend, and bring me daily nearer to Yourself. Draw me, and I will run after You. Give me the spirit of prayer. Through the toils and temptations of each day, may I often lift up my heart to You. When You say, "Seek My face," may I ever say unto You, "Your face, Lord, will I seek." O may I take on me Your easy yoke and light burden. Day by day may I follow in Your footsteps, and in everything learn of You. May I leave every care and trouble with You. Undertake for me at all times. If others are thoughtless or unkind, cheer me with Your smile. If I am lonely and desolate, say unto me, "I will never leave you, nor ever forsake you." May I come and tell You all my sorrows. Keep me always happy in Your love. May I rejoice in You all my days.
O Lord Jesus, You were ever holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners — make me holy as You are holy. Keep me from the evil that is in the world. Make me watchful, and may I never go in the way of danger. Teach me to take up my cross daily and deny myself. Make me ready to give up my own will for the good of others.
O God, have mercy on those who are walking in the way of evil. Turn their hearts back again to Yourself. Guide those who desire to know and love You. Teach them out of Your Word, and fulfill them with Your Spirit.
Be near to all my relations and friends. Be their God and Father evermore.
O Father, hear these my humble petitions. You know all that I need — give to me according to Your wisdom and Your love. Through the day direct and control all that I say or do. Bless me, and make me a blessing wherever I go, for Jesus Christ's sake.
TUESDAY EVENING.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:6-7
O Almighty God, the God of peace and love, be merciful unto me this night, according to Your Word. Receive me through Christ Your well-beloved Son. He was made sin for us, that we might be accounted righteous in Him. For His sake, hide Your face from my sin, and accept me as Your dear child. Heal my backslidings. Love me freely, and let the dew of Your grace ever rest upon me.
O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things both in Heaven and earth, I would acknowledge You in all my ways. I thank You heartily for Your goodness in days past. May I trust You for all that is yet to come. You are the only wise God. O keep me from leaning on my own judgment — but guide and direct me in all that I do. Show me the way in which I ought to walk, and teach me always what I ought to do. Give me strength sufficient for my day, and uphold me in Your holy paths.
Heavenly Father, enable me in everything to make my requests known unto You. Keep me from being anxious about the future. Help me to do my duty day by day, and to leave the outcome in Your hands. You know my frame, and remember that I am but dust. O deal with me in Your pity and compassion, even as a father pities his children. Be the helper of the helpless, and undertake for me in every trial and concern. Be ever near me, and may I rejoice that You will make all things work together for good to those who love You.
O Lord, I beg You, send me Your Holy Spirit to renew and sanctify me. You know that I have loved the world too much, and that I have not loved You as I ought. May I henceforth give You my whole heart. Give me victory over my own besetting sin. O deliver me from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy.
Gracious Father, keep me from envy, and hatred, and all uncharitableness. Set a watch before the door of my mouth, and may I never speak evil of others. Fill me with holiness, love, and peace, and prepare me for Your Home above. May each night find me more like Jesus, and may I be ready to meet Him with joy at His coming.
O my Father, through the hours of the coming night keep me as the apple of Your eye. May no harm come near this dwelling. Bless all whom I love, and make them truly Yours.
Grant these my humble petitions, for Jesus Christ's sake.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
O Eternal God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, help me to draw near to You with a true heart. May I come to You with boldness in the name of Christ. Behold Him pierced and wounded for my transgressions — and for His sake, blot out all my iniquities. Receive me to Your favor, and keep me through this day in peace and safety.
Most merciful Father, make me to abide in the path of Your commandments. I have no might or power to serve You, but my strength is in You. I wait upon You continually. Renew me day by day by Your Holy Spirit. Uphold me by Your own right hand. Increase my faith, and give me a firmer confidence in Your promises.
O God of love, pour into my heart greater love to Your name. Fill me with lively hope, and may I mount upwards in holy joy and fervent desire for Your grace. O may I run with patience the heavenly race, and never tire on the road to Zion. Lift me up whenever I fall, and make me watchful lest I grieve You by any willful sin.
I beseech You, O Lord, make me mindful of every duty, especially in my own home. Make me active and diligent in the work I have to do. Keep me from any jealous or envious feelings. May the law of kindness be on my tongue. Teach me to remember the blessing that rests on the peacemaker, and make me gentle and forbearing toward all. Give me the love that is patient and kind. Through the grace of Your Spirit, make me ever ready to return good for evil, and to pray for any who deal unkindly toward me.
Most merciful Lord, cast Your bright beams of light upon Your Church. Enlighten all Your children by the teaching of Your Spirit. Sanctify them by Your truth, and bring them at length to those unspeakable joys which You have prepared for those who sincerely love You.
O my Father, I thank You for Your daily mercies. I thank You for Your loving care over me. I thank You for every gift of Your good providence. I thank You for Your Holy Word and the knowledge of Your Son Jesus Christ. O give me a heart full of gratitude to You, and teach me to show forth Your praise by living to Your glory. Hear me, O my Father, and be with me through this day, for Jesus Christ's sake.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 5:16.
O most Merciful Father, I draw near to You again this night. I praise You for the many mercies of this day. I praise You for bringing me safely to its close. You have given me strength for the duties I have had to perform. Be with me now, and guard me safely through the hours of darkness.
You who hear the prayers of Your children, I thank You for the throne of grace to which You invite me. I thank You for the new and living way You have opened through the blood of Christ. I thank You that He is now my Great High Priest — ever interceding for me. O teach me to come boldly into Your presence, that I may pour out my heart before You. Quicken me by Your Spirit, that I may come to You with full assurance of faith. Even as a little child, may I look to You for all that I need.
O Lord Jesus, You are touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and care for us in all cares. Help me ever to be looking unto You. Let Your pardoning mercy cover all my sin. You know what I am. I have grieved You continually by my forgetfulness and coldness of heart. I have broken my best resolutions. I have yielded too often in the hour of temptation. In everything I have come short of serving You as I should. O loving Savior, pardon all my misdeeds, wash me in Your blood — and I shall be whiter than snow.
Gracious Savior, give me grace and help in each time of need. In days of comfort and prosperity — keep me from forgetting You and going back to the world. In days of trouble — keep me from murmuring and impatience. May I know that You do all things well. When I am tempted in any way to do wrong, stand by me, and help me to resist every snare.
Most merciful Lord, keep me from all evil, and save me to the uttermost. Give me true zeal that I may abound in every good word and work. Work in me both to will and to do according to Your good pleasure, and fill me with the joy of Your salvation.
O God, behold in Your Fatherly goodness, all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate. Let Your everlasting arms be beneath them, and Your Fatherly wing over them. This night be near unto me and all those I love.
Waking or sleeping may I abide in fellowship with You. Refresh me with quiet sleep, and enable me to serve You better on the morrow, for Jesus Christ's sake.
THURSDAY MORNING.
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children — then how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" Luke 11:13.
O God, My Heavenly Father, I come to You this morning in Your own appointed way. I come to You through Him who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Sprinkle me afresh with His precious blood. Receive me for His sake, in Your tender love. Since He ever pleads for me — hear my prayers, and give me all I need.
O Father, I thank You that You are kinder than any earthly parent. You are more ready to give to those who ask You, than a father to give good things to his children. Increase my faith in Your love. May I rest upon Your tender care. Whatever I ask of You, may I look to receive according to Your wisdom and Your grace.
O God, I ask of You today the filling of Your Spirit. You have promised that He shall make His abode in the hearts of Your children. O send to me the Comforter, to convince me deeply of my sinfulness. Take from me the heart of stone, and give me the heart of flesh. Teach me and lead me into all truth. Reveal to me more of the love and grace of the Lord Jesus. May I know Him more and more. May I ever look to Him as mighty to save and help me, and may I trust Him for evermore.
O Holy Spirit, come and make my heart Your dwelling-place. Cleanse it from all defilement, and make it Your abode continually. Renew me in the likeness of Christ. Adorn me with humility, love, and holiness — and sanctify me wholly both in body and soul.
Almighty God, the God of all flesh, have mercy on those who are yet far from You. Turn the hearts of such as reject Your Word. Open their eyes, and show them their error and their sin. Look upon those now living in the practice of evil. Make them hate their sins, and choose Your service as their delight. Awaken the thoughtless, and guide those who desire Your salvation. Restore backsliders to Your fold, and make all Your children more perfectly to do Your will.
O Father, hear my prayer, and be with me all through this day, for Jesus Christ's sake.
THURSDAY EVENING.
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him 1 John 4:16
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, give me this night a due sense of Your glorious Majesty. May I worship You with reverence and godly fear. But I would come to You with boldness, for You are my loving Father in Christ Jesus. O teach me to see my exceeding need — and Your own exceeding grace and bounty. For Christ's sake, O my Father, bring me very near to You, and enable me to trust You this night and always.
O Heavenly Father, Your name is Love. I was far from You by wicked works — but You beheld me in Your mercy. I thank You for Jesus, as the atoning sacrifice for my sins. I thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. I thank You for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. O may I love You, for You have first loved me. Manifest Your love to me more and more, and fill me with the spirit of gratitude and praise.
O blessed Savior, may I ever abide in Your love. Let Your Spirit rest upon me, that I may trust Your Word and rejoice in Your free salvation. Keep me in the sunshine of Your presence, and may no willful sin cause You to hide Your face from me. May I seek Your face continually, and never be weary of searching Your Word. Make me to love Your Holy Table, and prepare me from time to time to draw near in faith, that I may partake of the emblems of Your dying love.
O Lord Jesus, teach me to love others — as You have loved me. May I forgive any who wrong me — as You have forgiven me. May I bear with the infirmities of the weak. O keep me from all harsh judgments of the conduct of those about me. Make me ever ready to cover their failings with a mantle of charity. May I rather pray for them, than speak hastily against them.
O Father, receive me tonight to Your care. May I lie down in peace and sleep, for You, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Bless all whom I love, and watch over them for good.
Forgive me the sins and shortcomings of this day. According to Your mercy, remember me for Your goodness' sake, O Lord. Hear me, O Father, and do for me better than I ask or think, for Jesus Christ's sake.
FRIDAY MORNING.
"The same Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon Him." Romans 10:12.
O my heavenly Father, I come to You this morning to bless You for Your goodness. You dwell in the heavens, but You behold Your redeemed people in mercy. I bless You for all Your benefits. I bless You for Your preserving care through another night. I bless You for the light and comfort of another day.
O God, renew to me Your goodness through this day. You are good and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon You. For Your dear Son's sake, give me whatever I need. Give me a conscience free from guilt through the blood of Christ. Bestow upon me every grace of Your Holy Spirit. I am but as a little child. I am weak and helpless in myself, and I cannot please You without Your special grace.
O Lord, help me every moment to do Your will. Teach me to walk worthy of You. May I watch against every sin. Mortify in me all selfishness, and pride, and self-will. Root out of my heart, every wrong desire and everything that is contrary to Your Word.
I beseech You, O Father, subdue in me every rebellious and murmuring thought. Clothe me with humility and love. Fill me with holy charity towards all men. May I ever be looking unto Jesus, and thus be conformed to His image, and changed from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord.
O Lord, I beseech You, let Your continual pity cleanse and defend Your Church. Let Your Spirit descend upon us in larger measure, and banish from our midst all error and unbelief. Make Your people fruitful in every good word and work. Regard in mercy, those who have many temptations and few privileges. Be gracious to our soldiers, wherever their lot may be cast, and make them good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Remember our sailors with Your favor. Keep them from storm and tempest at sea, and the snares that beset them when they come on shore.
O Lord, have mercy upon all men. Show Your pity upon all prisoners and captives. Take beneath Your special care the fatherless children and widows, and all that are desolate and oppressed. Deal in tender mercy with all those in trouble and distress, and give them a happy outcome from all their afflictions.
O Father, hear these my humble petitions. Bless me this day, and bless all those for whom I would pray, for Jesus Christ's sake.
FRIDAY EVENING.
"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry." Psalm 34:15.
Unto You do lift I up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. You delight in the prayers of Your children. May I delight to call upon Your name. O Father, I am not worthy to come to You. My sins are increased, and my trespasses have grown up unto the heavens. But I plead with You the name of Jesus. May His blood answer for my guilt. May His perfect righteousness cover all my unrighteousness. Only for His sake, I ask You to regard me with favor and loving-kindness.
I bless You, O Father, that Your eyes are ever upon Your redeemed children for good. You know their sorrows. You mark every tear and every sigh. O teach me to trust You in every hour of trouble. May I bring to You every need and care. May I cast every burden on You, for You will sustain me. You will hearken to each secret cry. Your ear will attend to my humble petition. Come, blessed Lord, and abide with me continually. Do not hide Your face from me. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
O Lord Jesus, I would look unto You for all that I need. Your arm is mighty, and Your promise is sure. Bruise Satan under my feet. Help me to resist every temptation. Keep me from turning aside to the right hand or to the left. Deliver me from the snares of this present evil world. May I never follow the example of the ungodly, nor desire the sinful pleasures which draw many from You. May I love Your holy Word, and find a joy in the study of Your Word. O Savior, remind me that I am not my own — I have been bought with Your precious blood. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may live for You and yield up all I have to Your service.
Gracious Father, take me this night beneath Your loving care. Your loving-kindness is better than life. O may I put my trust beneath the shadow of Your wing. Let Your mercy embrace me on every side. Bless all my friends, and those who pray for me. Keep them from harm and danger. Cleanse them from all sin, and make them fit to be partakers of the inheritance of Your saints.
O Lord, pardon whatever is amiss in my prayers, and fulfill all my petitions, for Jesus Christ's sake.
SATURDAY MORNING.
"The LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said: Ask for whatever you want me to give you." 1 Kings 3:5
O Merciful And Gracious God, I hear Your voice this morning inviting me to seek You. You are more ready to hear, than I to pray, and You call me to Your mercy-seat. O Father, teach me to ask such things as are pleasing to You. Increase my faith, that I may believe Your willingness to hear — and bow down Your ear and grant me above all I ask or think.
O Lord, I beg You, give me true wisdom. Without You I go astray continually. Guide me every moment by Your counsel. Let Your Holy Spirit be my Teacher. Unfold to me the treasures of Your Word. Make me to understand its precious truths. Show me the evil and the danger of sin.
O Father, give me a clear knowledge of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Reveal to me the path of holiness — and enable me ever to walk in it.
Blessed Lord, my only hope and Savior, may I look unto You for all wisdom, righteousness, and strength. You gave Yourself for me to redeem me from all iniquity, and to purify me wholly for Yourself. Fulfill in me the purpose of Your love. Forgive through Your blood, all that has been amiss in days past, and help me to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world. Make me harmless and blameless, without rebuke, ever seeking to glorify Your name. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may shine brightly for You. May I live looking for Your appearing in the clouds of Heaven.
O Lord God Almighty, bless our country, and make Your face to shine upon us. Let Your favor rest on our civil leaders. Give wisdom to those in authority, and may they rule in Your fear and love. Establish among us, the true doctrines of Your Holy Word. Banish all profane swearing from our streets. Let Your name be honored and Your holy Sabbaths be kept sacred for Your service. Comfort all Your sorrowing children. Turn the hearts of the careless and unbelieving. Pour forth Your Spirit abundantly on all who minister Your Word tomorrow, and increase the number of Your people in our land.
O Heavenly Father, hear my prayer. Be with me this day and evermore, for Jesus Christ's sake.
SATURDAY EVENING.
"It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24.
Almighty And Everlasting God, I come to You at the close of another week. Be my refuge and strength amidst all the changes of this passing world. O Father, I cast myself upon Your mercy in Christ Jesus. My debt is great, and I have nothing to pay. But I thank You that Jesus has paid my debt and borne my sin in His own body on the tree. For His sake receive me and bless me this night, and make Your face to shine upon me.
Gracious Father, I bless You that Your door of mercy is still open. You are waiting to be gracious. You have promised to hear us even before we call, and to answer while we are yet speaking. Give me the spirit of prayer, that I may truly call upon You — and then open Your hand and show Yourself rich in answering my petitions.
O Eternal God, make me to know how frail I am. My life passes away like a shadow. Day by day and week by week my time is running out. Teach me to use well, the days that remain. May I seek first Your kingdom and righteousness. Give me a sure hope that will never make me ashamed. Keep me from all sin, and create in me a new and contrite heart. Enable me to fix my hope on Jesus alone. Let His blood and righteousness be the ground of all my confidence. O Father, fill me with Your Spirit, and may I rejoice in Jesus as my unchangeable Friend and Savior.
O Lord of all power and might, look down in mercy on Your Church. May the Holy Spirit the Comforter be present tomorrow in all the assemblies of Your people. May Your Word be proclaimed with power, and may many souls be led to Jesus. Strengthen and comfort Your own people, and prosper the labors of all who work in Your vineyard.
O You who are the Hope of all the ends of the earth, raise up faithful laborers to preach Your Word among the heathen. Send forth Your light and Your truth into every land. Let Your Spirit go before and prepare the hearts of the people. Turn them from idols to serve You, the Living and the true God. Let the name of Jesus be precious to multitudes, and may His Kingdom advance and spread.
O Lord God, be near and hear these my prayers. Keep me and all I love beneath Your watchful care, for Jesus Christ's sake.
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS
A prayer before reading the Bible
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the precious jewel of Your Holy Word. I thank You that every portion of it is given by the inspiration of Your Spirit, and is profitable for my instruction in the way of life.
O merciful Lord, send to me Your Spirit to guide me into all truth. Shine upon every page, and teach me whatever I need to know. Open my eyes to behold the wonders of Your love and mercy. Out of Your Word reveal to me my exceeding sinfulness, and bring me in true humility to Your footstool. Show to me the glory of Christ. May I learn more of His free grace and of His full salvation. Point me to Him as my only Hope and Savior. Through Your Word may I trust wholly in Him, and grow more like Him in holiness and love. Sanctify me by Your Word.
O Father, may I search Your Word continually and prize it more than all the treasures of the world. Keep me from reading any book which will take away my delight in it, and keep me from everything in my daily life that is contrary to its precepts. O make Your Word to me a living word, and may those about me see that I follow its holy teaching.
Hear me, O Father, and be my teacher, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
A prayer for the New Year.
O Heavenly Father, Your mercy reaches unto the heavens and Your faithfulness unto the clouds. In Jesus' name I come to You at the beginning of another year. How can I praise You as I ought for all Your tender care in years that are past? Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.
Be my everlasting Refuge. May I enter upon this new year accepted in the Beloved, and cleansed from every sin of past years. Whatever may happen in the future, I would leave with You. I would commit to You, every need and every care. Take charge of me both in body and soul. Teach me to profit, and lead me by the way that I should go. O guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
O God, the only wise God, You alone know the path that lies before me. If this year should be my last, prepare me for the great change. Give me a sure hope in Jesus which nothing can shake. May I ever rest upon Him who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever."
O gracious Savior, be my All. In health or sickness, in life or death — be my shelter and my safeguard. Keep me ever by Your side, and when the shadows of earth pass away, may I see Your glory and be with You where You are.
O Lord Jesus, help me through this coming year to bear more fruit for Your name. May I not be like the barren fig-tree, only fit for the axe — but may I be a fruitful bough filled with the fruits of righteousness and watered continually with the dew of Your blessing. Fill me with love to You and with unselfish kindness toward all around me. Comfort me, and by Your Holy Spirit establish me in every good word and work, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer for a birthday.
O Eternal God, my Father and my Friend, I praise You for Your goodness and loving-kindness toward me. I would remember all the way that You have led me, and bless You for every token of Your fatherly care.
I thank You, O Father, for preserving me through every danger of my past life. I thank You for sparing me to enter upon another year. I thank You for all the promises of Your Word which You have given to cheer and sustain me.
O Heavenly Father, keep me henceforth in Your fear and love. As I look back on my sins, and failures, and neglects, in days gone by — assure me of Your forgiving mercy; through Him who bore my sins in His own body on the tree, wash them all away, and accept me for His name's sake.
Help me, O Lord, to spend well the days or years that yet remain. My days on earth are as a shadow. My life is as nothing before You. But teach me, O Lord, to live always as in Your sight. I give myself afresh to You this day. I lay myself and all that I have at Your feet. May I be wholly Yours. May Your Spirit sanctify me both in body and soul. Make me more holy, and useful than I have ever been before. From this day bless me indeed, and make me a blessing wherever I go. Guide and direct me in all my ways, and uphold me with Your own right hand. Support and comfort me in every sorrow. Never leave me nor forsake me, but bring me in safety to Your kingdom.
O Father, teach me to trust in You at all times, and when life is over may I sit down forever with You in Your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look down in mercy on Your Church. I come to claim the promise of Your Spirit. You have promised to send down the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, upon Your people. In the name of Jesus, our ascended High Priest, I beseech You to fulfill Your own word. O Heavenly Father, let Your Blessed Spirit come as the rain and the dew from above. Fill Your ministering servants with the spirit of wisdom, and zeal, and power. Endue them with tender compassion for the souls of men, and strengthen them with might to go forth everywhere to testify of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May the love of Christ constrain them to live for Him, and to abound in every good word and work.
Come, O north wind, and blow, O south wind, upon the garden of the Lord. Drive away all ignorance, error, superstition, and unbelief. May the fruits of righteousness increase and abound, and may those who love You be of one heart and mind in Your service.
O Lord Jesus, have mercy on all those who have no mercy on themselves. Awaken the careless. Convince the lost sinner. Turn to Yourself those who are far astray. O pour water on those that are thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. O bless the young. Pour Your Spirit on the children of Your servants, and Your blessing on their offspring. Give power and success to the teaching of Your Word in our Sunday schools, and guide the footsteps of many a young pilgrim into the way of peace.
Blessed Lord, who has all power in Heaven and in earth — revive Your work in the midst of the days. Reveal Your mighty arm, and let Your Spirit work mightily in Your Church. Deepen the life of Your children, and fill them with all joy and peace in believing. Bring in multitudes within Your fold, and glorify Your name more and more, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer for missions to the Heathen.
O God, You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, prosper Your Word and send forth the Gospel of Your salvation to every part of the world. O Lord, You have given Your Son Jesus Christ to be a light to enlighten the Gentiles. You have bidden us preach Your Gospel to every creature. We wait upon You, O Lord, for the power and grace we need. Give the word, and great shall be the company of the preachers. By Your Holy Spirit raise up many to carry the message of Your salvation to the heathen. Fit them for their great work. Send down Your heavenly light into their minds, and endue them with constant zeal to proclaim Your truth.
O Lord, break down every hindrance, and may Your Word have free course and run and be glorified. May every idol fall and every prejudice be subdued before the power of Your Gospel. Dispose many to come and learn from Your servants, and then give them courage to confess the Savior's name. O Lord, raise higher the standard of holy living among the heathen who receive Your truth, and by their good works may Your light shine forth among their countrymen.
We beg You, merciful Lord, be gracious to the native congregations gathered out of heathen lands. Send out among them more and more Your light and Your truth. Confirm them in the faith. Sanctify them through Your Word. Make them witnesses among the heathen that yet know You not. O Father, specially bless the native pastors. Make them burning and shining lights. Enable them to abide steadfast in Your fear, and to carry Your Gospel to the regions beyond them.
O Savior, prosper this good work. Give to Your Church at home the spirit of cheerful liberality and holy zeal in spreading Your truth, and in the day of Your coming may we see many of every land clothed in white robes rejoicing to meet You. Fulfill, this petition, for Your name's sake. Amen.
Short Petitions for Mid-day, adapted from the Psalms.
Unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindness. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Your mercy, remember me for Your goodness' sake, O Lord. Show me Your ways, O Lord — teach me Your paths. O holy and merciful Savior, my eyes are ever toward You. Keep my soul and deliver me. Let me not be ashamed, for I trust in You. Amen.
O Lord, You are my light and my salvation, in You do I trust. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said unto You, "Your face, O Lord, will I seek." Hide not Your face far from me, put not Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Hear me, O Lord, when I cry with my voice; have mercy also upon me, and answer me. In the time of trouble, hide me in the secret place of Your Tabernacle. O Lord, set me up upon a rock. I will sing praises unto You, O God, for I shall see Your goodness, and Your mercy endures forever. Amen.
Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You who is the Savior of those who put their trust in. O hold up my goings in Your paths, that my footsteps slip not. Keep me from the paths of the destroyer. May I behold Your face in righteousness, and be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Amen.
Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto You when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Be my strong habitation whereunto I may always resort. Be my Refuge and my Fortress, my God — for in You do I trust. May Your mercy and truth preserve me. So will I sing praises unto Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. For the sake of Your Anointed, fulfill all my petitions. Amen.
Bow down your ear, O Lord; hear me, for I am poor and needy. Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for I cry unto You daily. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth. Knit my heart unto You, that I may fear Your name. You, O Lord God, are a God full of compassion and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O Turn unto me, and have mercy upon me. Give Your strength unto Your servant, and save him who trusts in You. Show me a token for good, and help me and comfort me, for Your name's sake. Amen.
Prayers for Holiness, adapted from Paul's Epistles.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might by Your Spirit in the inner man. May Christ dwell in my heart by faith. Being rooted and grounded in love, may I be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. O Lord, fill me with all Your fullness in Christ Jesus our Lord, and for His sake do for me exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Unto You shall be the glory in the Church, by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
O God, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Grant that the eyes of my understanding may be enlightened, that I may know what is the hope of Your calling; and what is the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints. Manifest toward me the exceeding greatness of Your power, which You have wrought in the resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ. O Lord, I pray that my love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. Grant that I may approve the things which are excellent, and that I may be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ. May I be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, and may I thus live to Your praise and glory for His sake. Amen.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, may I be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. May I walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of You. Strengthen me with all might, according to Your glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness. O God of Hope, fill me with all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God of peace, sanctify me wholly. I pray that my whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless to the end. Fulfill in me all the good pleasure of Your goodness and the work of faith with power.
May the name of the Lord Jesus be glorified in me and I in Him, according to Your grace. O Lord, make me to increase and abound in love toward Your saints and toward all men, and establish my heart unblamable in holiness before You, at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.
Prayer before taking a journey.
O Almighty God, my Guardian and my King, I ask You to protect and keep me during the journey I am about to take. For the sake of Your dear Son, be ever near me as my Father and my God. You are the watchful Keeper of Your people. You never slumber nor sleep. O preserve me, I beseech You, from all danger and evil on the right hand and on the left. Be my shield and my strong habitation. May I ever flee to You, and may I be assured that You will never fail me.
Gracious Father, grant me Your peace wherever I go, and may I serve You with a quiet mind. Prosper me in my journey, whatever may be its object. Comfort and refresh me, if I go for rest and recreation. Give me wisdom and strength for any duty I am called to perform. Give me a word in season to cheer any burdened heart; and may I be able to add to the enjoyment of those I meet. When alone or with others, may I ever see You beside me. Give me the spirit of kindness and sympathy, and may both my words and my life bear witness for You.
O Father, at all times and in all places, may I glorify You. Bless me and make me a blessing in the home where I stay. May I leave behind a savor of Christ, and may His name be exalted through me. May I never be ashamed to own Him as my Master, and teach me ever to walk in His footsteps. May I honor Your Word, and give me some token that my journey has not been in vain.
O Father, hear me and bless me, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Prayer before a voyage at sea.
O Almighty God, who holds the winds in Your hands, and rules the raging of the sea — I commit myself to Your care. If Your presence goes not with me — do not allow me to go forth on this voyage, for I have no help but in You. O Father, be very near to protect us both by night and by day. Preserve us from fire and storm and every other danger. Guard both the passengers and the crew, and keep us ever in Your holy fear.
O mighty Savior, who stilled the waves and said to them, "Peace, be still!" teach us that Your power is still the same. Be with us in the ship, and should any sudden fear arise, enable us to turn to You and rely upon Your aid.
Give unto all on board the spirit of true religion. May Your Word be honored and Your holy day observed. Give me grace to be useful during the voyage. Both by word and example may I do good, and not harm, to those about me.
O gracious Savior, give us a favorable voyage, and bring us in peace and safety to our journey's end. As I pass through the waves of this troublesome world — be my Refuge and Strength; and when the journey of life is past — may I reach the haven of eternal rest, for Your name's sake. Amen.
Prayer after a safe voyage.
O Mighty And Merciful God and Father, I bless and praise You for Your faithful care over me. I bless You for bringing us in safety through the perils of the deep. I bless You for Your merciful hand which has been over us for good. O that I may praise You for Your goodness, and for Your wonderful works toward the children of men!
Gracious Father, for Your dear Son's sake, be with me now on the dry land, as You have been on the sea. Suffer me not to forget Your tender loving-kindness. Stir up my heart to love and serve You more than ever before.b
O Father, You have preserved my life from many dangers. May that life be wholly given unto You. Forgive all that is past, and cast my sins into the depths of the sea. May the blood of Christ cleanse me from all guilt. Henceforth let Your Blessed Spirit rule in my heart. May my peace be as a river, and my righteousness as the waves of the sea. Make me to excel in every Christian grace, and to abound in all good works.
O Heavenly Father, hear this my prayer, and fill me with holy joy and gratitude to You, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
A prayer in trouble, gathered from the prophecy of Jeremiah.
O Savior in time of trouble — why should You be to us as a stranger? Why should You be as a mighty man that cannot save? Yet You, O Lord, are in the midst of us. We are called by Your name. Leave us not. O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, it for Your name's sake. For our backslidings are many — we have sinned against You. O Lord, my Strength and my Fortress, be my Refuge in the day of affliction. Heal me, and I shall be healed. Save me, and I shall be saved — for You are my praise. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment — not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. O Lord God, behold You have made the Heaven and the earth by Your stretched out arm, and nothing is too hard for You. You show loving-kindness unto thousands. Great in counsel and mighty in works — Your eyes are open upon all the ways of men. O Lord, I call upon You — answer me, for Your name's sake, and show me great and mighty things, according to Your loving-kindness. Amen.
Prayer under the loss of a child, or near relative or friend.
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me, for my soul trusts in You, and under the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge until these calamities be over and past. O Father, I call upon You in my trouble, for none else can comfort me. I know not where to look, but to You. Be my shield and hiding-place. Draw me near to Yourself, and enable me to cast my burden upon You.
O Friend of sinners, You were anointed to bind up the broken-hearted and to comfort all that mourn. O Lord, fulfill this Your good pleasure. Put away every sin that would hide from me the light of Your countenance. Clothe me in Your spotless righteousness, and help me to lean on Your everlasting arms. Be my stronghold in this day of trouble. Be to me as a Brother born for adversity, and as a Friend that loves at all times. Leave me not to my own sorrowful thoughts, but help me to stay myself on Your sure and faithful promise.
Blessed Jesus, may I think of Bethany and all Your love to the mourning sisters. You wept by the grave, and You are still the same. In all our afflictions, You are afflicted. You are full of sympathy for all who turn to You. O Savior, think of me and plead for me in my trouble. In the loss of one so dear, O may I find my all in You. Sanctify this trial to me. Make me to care less for the world, and more for You. Show me the sins by which I have grieved You, and may Your Blessed Spirit take up His abode in my heart. Make me submissive to Your holy will. Teach me to believe that all is done in perfect wisdom and love. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away — blessed be the name of the Lord!
O Lord, raise my heart to the blessed Home of Your saints. Prepare me for those unspeakable joys which You have prepared for such as love You. I thank and praise You for that land of joy and hope. I thank You for all Your servants departed this life to share its blessedness. O Father, keep me from the evil of this present world, and then bring me to the City where sin and sorrow are unknown, and where tears and temptations can never come.
O God, accept these my petitions, and be ever with me, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
A prayer in time of sickness.
O Heavenly Father, You are a merciful God. You do not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Teach me to trust in You, even when You chasten me. Teach me to see my sins laid on Jesus, and for His name's sake assure me of Your favor and loving-kindness.
O Lord, in weakness and suffering be at my right hand. Help me to bear with patience each trying hour. Whatever cross of pain or weariness You appoint, O keep me from distrusting Your love or murmuring at Your dealings with me. O Father, may I ever lean on You, and wait on You — until You relieve and comfort me. Fulfill in me the purpose of this correction. Give me a humble spirit, and a clearer sight of my sin and unworthiness. Lay me low at Your footstool as I remember my own vileness — but lift me up in hope and joy as I remember Your exceeding mercy. Bind me closer to the Savior.
O blessed Jesus, I would ever hide myself in You until every storm of life is past. Remind me of Your own bitter anguish which You bore for my sake, and may I know that You care for me. Be ever at hand to cheer me by Your sympathy and love. If it be Your will, restore me again to health and strength, and may I use the rest of my life better than that which is past. Make me live for eternity. The present life is but for a moment. O that I may so pass through temporal things, that finally I lose not the eternal things! In sickness and in health, let Your Spirit ever abide with me, and may I glorify Your name continually both in life and in death.
O Savior, glorify Yourself in me, and may I at last behold Your glory and dwell with You in Your kingdom, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer in the Prospect of Death.
O Eternal God, I flee to Your mercy as my Refuge and my Hope. I dare not trust in anything I have done. My best days have been full of sin. O God, save me and deliver me, for Your mercy's sake. Wash me from every sin in the blood of Jesus. Look upon me, O Father, in Him. May His righteousness cover every spot and stain of evil.
Blessed Savior, help me to rest in You. In this solemn hour be very near to me, and hide me in Your wounded side.
O Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world — grant me Your peace! Say to my soul, I am Your salvation! Comfort and cheer me with Your presence. When I pass through the river, be with me. Let not the waters overflow me. O keep me from all doubt and fear, and may I stay my soul on You. May Your sure promise be the pillow of my soul! O Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes on You shall never die. O keep me still trusting in You. May Your everlasting arms be underneath me. Hold me up, that I sink not. O Savior, bring me safely to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with You, world without end. Amen.
A prayer of thanksgiving after the birth of a child.
O Merciful and Gracious Father, I give You hearty thanks for Your great mercies toward me. You have heard the voice of my prayer, and saved me in the hour of danger. I found trouble and heaviness — but You supported and helped me.
O Lord, what shall I render unto You for all Your benefits toward me? Grant that I may ever love and praise You and call upon Your name. May I yield to You afresh the life which You have preserved. Endue me day by day with Your Holy Spirit, that I may look unto Jesus as my righteousness and strength. Teach me to serve and please You more and more, and may I live only to glorify You.
O Father, I bless You for the precious gift You have committed to my charge. Give Your special blessing to this little one. Make him wholly Yours. As years advance, may he grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of You.
O Lord, may I nurse this little one for You. Give me grace to train him up in the way he should go. O Good Shepherd, teach me to follow in Your footsteps, and make my life a pattern that my child may safely copy. Be evermore his Guide and Protector. Keep him in Your narrow way. Bring him at length to Your fold above, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A parent's prayer.
O God, I beg You to send Your blessing on the children whom You have given me. I would give them back to You, and beseech You to enrich them with Your grace. For Jesus' sake bless them indeed. Bestow on them Your Holy Spirit. Touch their hearts, and lead them to Yourself. May they learn to love the Savior's name and to follow in His footsteps. Draw them to Yourself by the cords of Your love. Show them the happiness of Your service. O teach them the blessedness of those who early seek You. May their whole life be gladdened with Your presence.
O God, who gives wisdom to those who ask You — make me wise in training my children for You. Teach me the solemn responsibility that lies upon me. Give me grace to live before them as a Christian should. Keep me from putting any stumbling-block in their path. Keep me from any word or action that may bring a reproach on Your name, and help me to adorn Your Gospel by the beauty of a holy life. Save me from all haste and passion when they do amiss, and make me ever gentle and kind in my dealings with them. May I never discourage them by needless harshness, but make me firm in keeping my word toward them.
O Father, keep us all in Your fear and love. May the voice of joy and praise be ever heard in our home. May none of its members be absent in the day when You make up Your jewels. Grant these my petitions, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
A prayer for a visitor among the poor.
O Lord Jesus Christ, You have ascended to the Father's right hand as a Prince and a Savior. Be my Savior and my King. May I trust You for all I need, and faithfully serve under Your banner. O Lord, make me a good soldier of Your cross. May I never be ashamed of Your name, and may I strive to set forward Your kingdom and Your glory.
O Lord, it is written in Your Word that "those who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever." Fulfill to me this blessed promise. May I labor to win souls for You. Let Your Holy Spirit rest upon me and quicken my love and zeal in Your service. Make all grace abound toward me that, having all sufficiency in all things, I may abound in every good word and work.
Blessed Savior, I rest on Your promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Be ever with me when I go forth to sow the seed of Your Word, and to speak to others in Your name. Give me the spirit of wisdom, meekness, and patience. May I know when to speak, and when to be silent. Let Your Spirit ever go before me, and dispose the hearts of sinners to receive Your truth. O Lord, ever stand by my side and suggest and control the words I utter. Fill me with the joy of Your salvation, and out of a full heart, may I tell others of Your willingness and power to save.
O Lord, I beseech You, raise up many to work for You, and prosper every effort that is made in Your name. At the day of Your coming, may I be found with my loins girded and lights burning. May I hear Your voice saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant — enter you into the joy of Your Lord!" O hear this my prayer, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer for a Sunday-school teacher.
O Lord, My Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have called me to be a worker in Your vineyard. Endue me with Your Holy Spirit and enrich me with Your heavenly grace, that I may be faithful in my work and never grow weary in Your service.
O loving Savior and Redeemer, fill me with sincere love to You. You know all things. You know every heart. I beg You, help me to trust You with my own salvation and to love You more and more. May I diligently feed Your lambs, and lead them to You, the Good Shepherd. Stir up my heart in tender compassion for such as are careless and thoughtless. Teach me day by day out of Your Word, that I may know how to teach them. Make me careful to put no hindrance in their way by my own life or conduct. Keep me from all vanity and love of dress and display — anything that might be a stumbling-block in their path. May I never by word or deed cause them to reject Your Word, but may I recommend Your Gospel by everything I say and do.
O God, give me the spirit of prayer. Make me delight in drawing near to You, that I may be able to teach the children to pray in sincerity and truth. I know that without faith and prayer, my work will be in vain. Lord, increase my faith, and quicken me that I may call upon Your name.
O Father, bless every one of these little ones, and lead them early to Yourself. Make them willing to learn, and then help them to practice what they know. May they love the name of Jesus and walk in His footsteps. May they be loving and obedient to their parents, and kind one to the other. Wash them in the precious blood of Jesus, and preserve them to Your heavenly kingdom, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
A prayer for a young person in service.
O Heavenly Father, teach me ever to look up to You as a little child. Through the Savior's blood, forgive me all my sins, and may I ever rely on Your Fatherly care. You have placed me where I am. You have appointed for me the work I have to do. Lord, help me to do it for You, and to act in everything as Your servant. May I not strive to please myself or my fellow-creatures, but to please You, who examines the heart. Give me Your Holy Spirit more and more. Help me to love You best of all, for You have loved me. May I look to Your favor as my great reward; and when anything troubles me, may I fly to You as my only refuge.
O Savior, be my righteousness and strength! Show me Your ways, and help me to walk in Your footsteps. Keep me from all sin and evil. Keep me from every wicked word and thought. Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity, and make me faithful and true in all my ways. Make me to hate all slander and evil-speaking, and may I ever be kind and gentle toward all. May I never hearken to the persuasions of the wicked. May I be careful over the use of my time. Save me from the love of dress, and from the pleasures of sin, which are but for a moment.
O Lord, I beg You, bless my fellow servants and all who belong to this family. Make every one a true Christian, and may every one in this home be found at last in the Father's house.
O Savior, make me pure in heart, that I may see You in Your kingdom. Give me a delight in Your Word, and may I choose that good part which shall never be taken from me. Lord Jesus, be to me as a Friend who loves at all times, and bring me safely through every temptation, and may I be with You where You are forever and ever. Amen.
A prayer for an anxious inquirer.
O God, the merciful God, I come to You in my trouble and distress. My guilt is very great in Your sight. My sins are more than I can tell. I dare not hide anything from You, for You know me altogether.
O Father, for Your dear Son's sake, be merciful unto me according to Your Word. Give me a broken and a contrite heart, and show to me whatever I have done amiss. O God, pardon all my sins and blot them out of Your Book. Not for my repentance or prayers, but only for Jesus' sake — freely forgive me and deal with me according to Your loving-kindness.
O Lord Jesus, my only Savior, I flee to You and look to You alone for all I need. You have died for sinners — and therefore for me. You are able to save to the uttermost — therefore You can save me. O save me, or I perish! O save me from the power of my sins and deliver me from every evil habit! Keep me from all the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Fulfill to me Your own promise, "Him who comes unto Me I will never cast out."
O Lord, I believe! help my unbelief. None are too bad for You. None are beyond the power of Your grace. O teach me to trust You utterly! Welcome me just as I am, and supply my every need. Blessed Jesus, I cannot change my own heart or atone for the very least of my sins. But You can do all. Give me true repentance. Wash me in Your blood. Fill me with Your Spirit. Renew me in Your own image. Work in me both to will and to do after Your good pleasure.
O Lord, accept this my prayer. You listen to every sigh or groan. My desire is not hidden from You. In Your wondrous love, receive me now to Your favor and bring me to everlasting life, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer for any special season of dedication to God's service.
O Lord, uphold me Your child with Your heavenly grace, that I may continue Yours forever, and daily increase in Your Holy Spirit ever more and more, until I come to Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
O Father, I am Yours and Yours alone. You have made me for Yourself. You have preserved me all my life through by Your watchful care. You have redeemed and saved me by the precious blood of Your dear Son. Let Your Spirit rest upon me, and teach me that I am not my own. I would yield myself to You as a living sacrifice to be wholly given to Your service.
O God, cleanse my heart from every evil thing, and incline me to live to You alone. Make it my delight to please You in all that I do. Make it my food and drink to do Your will, for that will is Love. May I find that Your service is perfect freedom. O Savior, may I wear Your easy yoke continually, and resist every temptation of the world, the flesh, and the devil!
Blessed Lord, glorify Yourself in me. Fulfill in me all the good pleasure of Your goodness, and the work of faith with power. Increase my faith, that I may trust You at all times. Kindle my love toward You, that I may rejoice in You above every earthly object. Give me, for a helmet, the hope of Your coming kingdom. Make me zealous in every good work and especially in winning souls for You.
O Lord Jesus, I cast myself upon You for all that I need. You know my weakness. You know my proneness to go back to the world. Only Your omnipotent hand can sustain and uphold me. Loving Savior, be my constant Guide and Protector. Make me a vessel unto honor, very useful in Your service. Prepare me for Your own glorious appearing and set me at Your right hand forever. O Lord, let this my petition be ever before You, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer before coming to the holy communion.
O Lord Jesus, You have bidden me come to Your Table in remembrance of Your dying love. I would obey Your call. Bring me to Your banqueting-house, and may Your banner over me be Love. May I come with a joyful heart, and draw me very near to Yourself.
Gracious Savior, may I know more of Your exceeding love and the innumerable benefits You have purchased for me by Your blood. Give me Your Spirit, as the Spirit of remembrance, that I may think of Your blessed promises. Lord, feed me with the bread of life! By faith in You, may my soul be strengthened and refreshed as I partake of the bread and wine. Lift up my heart to You, my glorified and ascended Savior, and plead my cause at the Father's right hand. Come, Lord, and manifest Yourself to me as You do not unto the world! May I see You present by my side and speak to me a word of peace and consolation. Make me to rejoice in Your salvation. I adore and praise You, that You have loved me and washed me from my sins in Your own blood. O may I love You more and more!
O Lord Jesus, teach me to honor You when I leave Your Table. Make me very watchful and consistent in my daily walk. Let none speak evil of Your name, through my fault. O that I may be lowly and loving and in everything like You! Teach me to deny myself for the sake of others, and may I gladly yield myself and all I have to Your service! Give me the spirit of kindness and forbearance towards those who join with me at Your Table, and whensoever I can, may I be ready to do them good.
O Lord Jesus, fill me with Your grace and heavenly blessing, and bring me to Your marriage Supper in Your kingdom, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer for purity.
O Holy And Merciful God, help me to draw near to You in the name of Jesus. Teach me to remember that without holiness, no man can see Your face — and that no unclean thing can enter into Your presence. O Lord, I humble myself before You. Behold, I am vile — what shall I answer You? You know how far I have gone astray. Cleanse me from every spot and stain of evil, through the blood of Christ. Give me true repentance for all that is past. Bestow on me the continual aid of Your Spirit, that I may crucify the flesh, and mortify the deeds of the body.
O God, my Father, help me to flee from youthful lusts, and rather to die, than sin against You. Remind me that my body is the temple of Your Spirit, and may I never defile it by anything polluting or unchaste.
O Savior, who once suffered being tempted — You are able to support those that are tempted. Lord, keep me from sin in whatever form it may assault me. Keep me from the evil look, and turn away my eyes from beholding vanity. May I never utter a word that may do harm, nor listen to a word that may injure my own soul. Keep me from the tongue of the flatterer, and from the persuasion of the wicked. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the power of Your Spirit, and renew in me a right spirit.
Blessed Master, be ever near me, and keep me from every snare. O keep me from the sin whose end is bitter as wormwood, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Fill me with love to Yourself. Adorn my life with every Christian grace and virtue. Bruise Satan under my feet, and bring me to Your kingdom, for Your name's sake. Amen.
A prayer against intemperance.
O Merciful God, I am ashamed to come before You, for I have sinned. I have fallen by my iniquity, and I have no power to rise. But in You is my help. There is forgiveness with You, through Christ. For His sake pardon all that is past, and give me grace to live a new life.
O Lord, You have bidden us deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. You have commanded us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. I look to You for power to do this. Make me very watchful against the approach of temptation. Keep me from any company where I may be in danger. May I never go into places and scenes where I shall be likely to fall.
Blessed Savior, I look to You to keep me day by day. You refused to turn stones into bread, to satisfy Your hunger. You suffered thirst by the well of Samaria, and on the cross of shame. O Lord, You have done this for me, to give me the living water that springs up to everlasting life. For Your sake, help me to deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Keep me from all self-indulgence, and enable me to keep the vow of abstinence I have made.
O Lord, You know how far I have fallen. O lift me up by Your own hand. Give me victory over the sin that has beset me, and make me an instrument of rescuing others. Remind me that no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven, and grant I be not drunk with wine, but be filled with Your Spirit, and at last sit down with You in Your kingdom, for Your name's sake. Amen.