OCCASIONAL PRAYERS

AND

COLLECTS.

SHORT PRAYERS FOR MORNING AND EVENING.

For the Morning.

O LORD, to whom I owe my life and every comfort of it! I most earnestly pray that I may live always mindful of my dependence upon thee, and of the mercies I have received from thee. May I consider that no action, word, or thought, of mine, is unknown to thee; and therefore be at all times careful to think, to speak, and to do, what is right. As I hope to be eternally happy, may I seriously attend to those duties which must qualify me for being so. Grant that I may keep it always uppermost in my thoughts, that thy favour is to be obtained only by the holiness of my life, and by doing in it all the good in my power. Let it be ever in my heart to do all kind offices, and to promote peace and happiness among my neighbours. May I be true and faithful to all my engage ments; and especially to the promises and vows of obedience made to thee. May I be careful to govern my passions, to correct in myself every vicious in

clination, to keep my body in temperance and chastity, to be true and honest in all my dealings, and to do to others what I should in their case expect them to do unto me. Give me health and strength cheerfully to go through the duties of my calling. Bless the labour of my hands; and accept of my honest industry, as a part of the duty I owe to thee, as well as to myself, my relatives, and my country. Let no temptations of pleasure, or of profit, rob me of my uprightness and virtue. In thy favour and the hope of thy eternal mercy, I shall be happy, in whatever station of life thou art pleased to place me. Let this hope, founded on the gospel of thy Son, be my comfort, my refuge, and support, in all circumstances.-Our Father, &c.

For the Evening.

O LORD, who hast preserved me this day! I bless thee for thus continuing thy care and goodness towards me. Grant that I may shew my thankfulness, by my sincere endeavours to perform thy will in all things. I most humbly implore forgiveness of every sin that I have committed; and it is likewise my most earnest prayer, that I may never so dangerously deceive myself, as to think thou wilt forgive my sins, if I do not forsake them. Let it be my firmest belief, that nothing can recommend me to thy favour, if I do not lead a holy and a useful life; and that when I allow myself in any kind of guilt, even my prayers will be an abomination to thee. Enable me so to live, as always in thy presence: and since all my actions and

thoughts are known to thee, let me, neither in deed nor will, be guilty of any thing that can displease thee. Enable me to improve in virtue and goodness; to correct in myself every bad habit; and to resist every vicious inclination. May nothing disturb my rest this night. Vouchsafe me such refreshing sleep, as may fit me for the duties of the following day. Thou alone knowest how near my death may be; but as every day brings me nearer to it, grant that I become every day fitter for it. Prosper all who have done me good: pardon all who have done me evil: and grant that we may at last meet in peace and love in thy everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour; in whose name and words, I farther pray -Our Father &c.

For the Morning.

may

O LORD, my Heavenly Father, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things! Thou causest the light to shine out of darkness, and renewest the face of nature. Every day will I wait upon thee, for in thee are all the springs of comfort and being. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord : in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and look up.

With the return of the morning, thou renewest unto me thy loving kindness: with the return of the morning, O God of my life, it is my wisdom and duty to devote myself anew to thee; and my happiness and privilege, to repose my hope and trust in thee.

Various are the duties which lie

before me: many severe may be the My wisdom is but weakness: while

are the snares which beset me: trials to which I may be called. ignorance: my strength is but every thing, O my God, my comfort and usefulness here, and my happiness hereafter, depend upon my right conduct. Known unto thee are my dangers and difficulties be thou my present and daily help. May my devotions be humble, sincere, and earnest. May uprightness and integrity preserve me; and my worldly business be pursued under a sense of thy authority and presence, and with a regard to thy glory and acceptance. In the most unbended moments, may I never fall into sin and folly. May I always

be able to maintain composure and seriousness of mind, and purity of character. In the management of my calling, may I be discreet and just. In the hours of relaxation, may I have wisdom to follow manly and rational amusements only; and possess resolution to indulge only in pleasures that are sober and innocent. May my whole deportment be virtuous and amiable; and my words be guided by truth and kindness. May my mind be meek and humble; and my heart benevolent, compassionate, and generous. Endue me with fortitude to resist every temptation. Warm my breast, in the enjoyment of every blessing, with devout gratitude; and assist me to bear affliction with patience and submission. Suffer not my heart to indulge any sinful passion, or to entertain any evil thoughts. Help me to look forward to the end of life, and prepare for it. Assist me to sow the

seeds of divine knowledge, of religious wisdom, of increasing virtue now; that having sown to the spirit, of the spirit I may reap life everlasting.

Through all future scenes, may thy power be my defence may thy counsels guide me; thy presence surround me with favour; thy providence be my refuge; thy acceptance my animating motive to perseverance in well-doing: and may the days of my mortal life be succeeded and crowned with thy everlasting mercy in Jesus Christ, for whom I praise thee, as thy greatest and best gift; and through whom I would ascribe unto thee, the Most High, all glory and praise. Amen.

For the Evening.

O GOD, by whose almighty power and merciful goodness the events of life are directed! To thee I render unfeigned thanks for the protection with which thou hast vouchsafed me through this day past. Thou knowest, O God! the secrets of our hearts, and the frailties of our nature: but, according to thy mercy in Christ Jesus, forgive whatever thou hast seen irrational, immoral, or irreligious in my conduct. Inspire my soul with an earnest desire to flee from sin, and to follow righteousness : impress on my thoughts this awful truth, that there can be no peace for the wicked: cherish in my heart a spirit of faith and obedience towards Christ my Redeemer and give me grace so duly to meditate on the end for which my life has been prolonged,