FAMILY PRAYERS
BY John MacDuff, 1885
Prayer in a national calamity--such as plague, pestilence,
famine, or war
Holy father, You are now seeing fit—in Your adorable
providence, to read aloud to us, as a nation, solemn lessons of rebuke and
judgment. We acknowledge anew that our sins are the fruitful cause of
national calamities. Instead of wondering at these vials of Your wrath, we
have rather reason to wonder and be amazed that You have forborne so
long--that You have been so slow to deal out merited retribution. Lord,
listen to our fervent suppiications for Your returning favor; avert further
calamity. Let us fall into the hands of God--for great are His mercies. Do
say to the destroying angel, as He is even now hovering around us, "It is
enough, stay now your hand." May this national chastisement lead to national
repentance. May we come forth from the furnace purified as gold--vessels of
glory more and more fit for the Master's use.
We commend ourselves and all belonging to us to Your care
and keeping--never leave and never forsake us; and all that we ask or hope
for, is in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and
Savior. Amen.