And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
~ Luke 17:5
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
~ Hebrews 4:3
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
~ Psalm 34:18
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
~ 1 Peter 5:9
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Family Prayers, and Prayers on the Ten Commandments, by Henry Thornton. 1846.
First Morning.
O Lord, God Almighty, who art the Creator and the Governor of the world, and hast abundantly provided for the various wants of Thy creatures; who hast ordered the day and the night to succeed each other, and when Thou hast refreshed man with sleep, requirest him to pursue his work until the evening; who hast also ordained that he shall be born to trouble, and hast appointed the grave to be the end of all living; We thank Thee, that, while Thou hast thus placed our lot in this life, Thou hast not left us without hope in that world which is to come. We adore ‘Thee for the gift of Jesus Christ Thy Son, by whose Gospel life and immortality are brought to light, and we are fully instructed in all those things which concern our salvation. We bless Thee for the pardon of sin, through faith in a Redeemer; for the guidanoe of Thy providence; and for the consolations of Thy Spirit. We thank Thee for Thy holy sabbaths; for Thy written word; and for all the other means of grace, which Thou hast entrusted to us.
Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may this day pursue, with fidelity and diligence, that work which Thou hast assigned to us; and that we may, at the same time maintain a spiritual and heavenly mind. In the midst of life we are in death; O let us remember this awful truth; and let us live this day as we shall wish that we had done, if it should, indeed, prove our last. Save us from the sins to which we are most prone. Leave us not to the natural dispositions of our own minds, which are ever inclining us to evil; but put Thy Spirit within us, and teach us to cultivate every Christian temper, and to abound in every good work. Strengthen our faith in the glorious promises of the Gospel; and fill us with that joy and peace in believing, which shall be more than a compensation for all the temporal sacrifices to which we may be called. Dispose us to bear affliction with a patient and quiet mind; or, if Thou shouldest continue to us prosperity, to be ever watchful over ourselves, and moderate in our enjoyments; and let us impart freely to others the good gifts which Thou showerest down upon us. Inspire us with zeal in the fulfilment of our relative duties; with integrity in our dealings; and the spirit of kindness to all men. Let us continually examine ourselves; and, advancing in self-knowledge, let us prevail over our several infirmities. Let us grow in grace, and in all goodness, and in meetness for Thy heavenly kingdom.
We pray for Thy blessing on all our friends and relations: may they also be filled with the knowledge of Thy will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; and may we, and they, be of one heart, and one mind, loving each other as brethren in Christ, and uniting our endeavours to promote both the good of all men and Thy glory.
Have mercy on the poor and the afflicted-strengthen the weak—succour the tempted—and guide the ignorant into the way of knowledge.
Bless the rising generation; save them from the dangers of this evil world; sanctify to them the events which shall befal them; make them instruments in Thy hand for the advancement of the interests of Thy Church on earth, and members of Thy blessed family in heaven.
We offer these our humble and imperfect prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Our Father, &c.
The grace of our Lord, &c.
https://takeupcross.com
takeupcross