PRAYERS ADAPTED TO FOB WHICH PROVISION IS HOT MADE IN THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. ALEXANDER V.,GRISWOLD, BISHOP OF THE EASTERN DIOCESE. PHILADELPHIA: WILLIAM MARSHALL & CO. PROVIDENCE: MARSHALL, BROWN & CO. MDCCCXXXVI. Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1835, by W. MARSHALL & CO. in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ~~ -,.-. BOSTON: SUreotyped by Shepard, Oliver & Co. PREFACE. FORASMUCH as many have taken in hand to set forth forms of prayer to be used on various Occasions, it will not, it is hoped, be thought improper, that the author of this little book should offer it to the public. Should it be thought that what renders this attempt war- rantable makes it unnecessary, it should be considered, that the Prayers which have been published, though numerous, and many of them excellent, are so limited in regard to the occa- sions for which they are intended, that none of them with which I am acquainted are adapted to all the purposes for which these are design- ed. Many of our people, of our clergy espe- cially, have long felt the want of a manual con- taining prayers suitable for all the occasions on which they are needed, and for which our church has not made particular and full provi- sion. We have in print many excellent forms of prayer for visiting the sick, and for family worship for the latter especially ; and on this subject we have no want of more. But on other important occasions of frequent occur- rence we have few ; and on some, for which IV PREFACE. provision is attempted in this publication, we have none. It is from a sense of this need, and of my duty as bishop of this diocese, and from the often repeated request of several of my brethren, and not from a confidence in my ability, that I have thus attempted what I view as a difficult and important work. Should it please God, in his merciful goodness, to make it instrumental of some good, or of inducing some person of more piety and wisdom to give us something better on a like plan, I shall have cause of thankfulness. To avoid interference with the labors of others, and all unnecessary addition to the price of this manual, the offices of the church are not inserted in it. The Book of Common Prayer is in the hands of the most or all of those who will use this : the price of that is now very low ; and can be obtained of any size or con- venient form. This is not intended as a sub- stitute for the Prayer Book, nor considered as worthy to be bound in the same volume with any parts of it ; but is, at the discretion of our people, permitted to be used when the prayers it contains are judged to be appropriate and fitting. My object being not to make a book, but to supply certain prayers that are truly needed, I have been careful not to enlarge the work nor increase its price by the addition of any extraneous matter. I have endeavored to set forth such as, in my judgment, are most needed for use and edi- fication. That better may be prepared I have PREFACE. no doubt : till such appear these may be used. They are all designed for occasions of social worship. In private devotions forms are less needed ; and many of these may be used by one person in his closet, changing the plural of the pronoun into the singular number. Though we have, in the Prayer Book, an office for visiting the sick, it is generally allow- ed that something more is wanted in the per- formance of that important duty ; and many prayers for this purpose have been published and used : and it is hoped that what are here published, with some additions for other occa- sions, will meet with the like indulgence. It will be seen that permission is given to use these forms ; but no one is laid under any obli-, gation to do it, who thinks that others are bet- ter and more appropriate. To seek honor for ourselves in praying, or in compiling prayers, would be highly improper and indeed sinful. In preparing these, I seek not the praise of originality ; but gladly avail myself of the labors of others. Next after the Holy Scriptures, I have preferred the language of the Book of Common Prayer, and in many instances I have adopted the expressions of other writers. If we have forms of sound words, suitable for those who would unite in God's holy worship, by whom the words were first used is of very little importance, the in- spired writings excepted. With the following prayers, it is understood that the Lord's Prayer, and any others con- 1* Vi PREFACE. tained in the Prayer Book, may be used, at the discretion of the person who conducts the wor- ship. They are offered to the public as helps to devotion ; and any use of all, or a part or parts of them, which will have that effect, will be agreeable to what the author desires. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. WITH diffidence and after long delay, was published a manual of prayers adapted to oc- casions of social worship, for which provision is not particularly and fully made in the Book of Common Prayer. That such a work was needed appears in the call for another edition ; and, as it is not known that any other work on a like plan will be given to the public, the au- thor has endeavored, by corrections throughout, and very considerable additions, to render this more suitable for the purpose intended. It was, and still is his humble hope, that such a publi- cation may, through God's blessing, be instru- mental in causing prayer to be offered, at times, and on some occasions, when, without suitable forms prepared, it would be neglected; and also in obviating the necessity of extemporary praying, which, in his opinion, is less suitable for social worship. The church has set forth forms for some oc- casions of frequent occurrence and general need ; but some even of those contained in the Prayer Book are, as almost all allow, defective. Such are those for families, for the sick, and for funerals. In the service for funerals, we V1H PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. have no prayer appointed to be used at the house of mourning, or in the church. And surely on no occasions do we more sensibly feel the need, and fitness, and comfort of unit- ing in earnest, appropriate prayer. The author is aware, that in the opinion of some few of our people, no other forms than those contained in the Book of Common Prayer are, for any occasions, needed. But very many are fully convinced that we should dwell with much earnestness in united prayer for things and on subjects which are but very briefly, if at all, noticed in our Liturgy. That such is the view and intention of our church is evident from her having provided forms for some par- ticular occasions, and given directions for pro- viding others, according as they are needed. The two extremes of wholly rejecting prescript forms, and the using of none but those which the church has already set forth, are departures from that middle course, by which, in this, as in other things, her wisdom is evinced. In the author's belief no one thing has tended more to increase the prejudice against our Liturgy, than the using of it on occasions to which it is not adapted, and for which it was not designed. It is with the earnest desire that family de- votion may be more generally practised by our people, that so great a number of forms for family prayer is added in this edition. For the accommodation of those who prefer the Collects of the Prayer Book, a few of them are inserted for the use of Sunday schools. . . -.-, . F jfe-- * " iX PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. Many of the prayers contained in this book may be with fitness used by individuals, in their private devotion, by changing the first person of the pronoun and the verb from the plural to the singular number. That the Lord will bless this humble effort to the promotion of his honor and worship, and to the salvation of mankind, is the prayer of THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. PART FIRST. PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY AND OTHER SCHOOLS. Introductory Remarks, 15 A Prayer that we may be thankful for God's blessings, and have grace rightly to use them. 17 Another, for the use of a Sunday School, IS A Prayer to be used by a Minister, or other suitable person, for a Sunday School 19 A Prayer suitable to be used by Sunday School Teachers in the School or in their other Meetings, 21 Another Prayer for the use of a Sunday School, .... 23 i 'ullects suitable for opening a Sunday School, .... 25 Collects suitable for closing a Sunday School, 26 A Prayer that may be used at the Closing of a Sunday School, . 27 Directions for a larger Form of Sunday School Devotions, . . 28 A Prayer that may oe used in and for any School, .... 29 A Prayer that may be used at the Opening of any School,^ . . 31 For the Closing of any School, 33 Prayers that may be used on any occasions of Catechising Children, or in Sunday Schools, 34 A Prayer that may be used in Meetings of Bible Classes, . . 36 A Prayer that may be used in Meetings of Bible Societies or Asso- ciations, 39 A Prayer that may be used in a Singing School, or a Meeting to practise Psalmody, 41 PART SECOND. PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES AND FOR OTHER OCCASIONS. Introductory Remarks, 43 Morning Prayer, 44 Evening Prayer 46 Morning Prayer, . . 48 Evening Prayer, 50 A Prayer for Sunday Morning, 52 Xll CONTENTS. Sunday Evening, 64 Monday Morning, 56 Monday Evening, 58 Tuesday Morning, 60 Tuesday Evening, 63 Wednesday Morning, 65 Wednesday Evening, 67 Thursday Morning, 70 Thursday Evening, 72 Friday Morning 74 Friday Evening, .... 76 Saturday Morning, 78 Saturday Evening, 80 SECOND WEEK. Sunday Morning, 83 Sunday Evening, 86 Monday Morning, . . . . 89 Monday Evening, 92 Tuesday Morning, 95 Tuesday Evening, 98 Wednesday Morning, 101 Wednesday Evening, 1 04 Thursday Morning, '. 107 Thursday Evening, 110 Friday Morning, . . . *. v " . ,'/..' > .' . .... 113 Friday Evening, 117 Saturday Morning, 120 Saturday Evening, 123 For Christmas Day " . . . 126 For Ash Wednesday or other Fast, 127 For Good Friday 123 For the Beginning or Close of a Year 129 For a Family under Afflictive Visitation, . 130 A Prayer for Persons newly married ; which, with very little alter- ation, may be used by them, 131 A Prayer suitable to be used by Parishioners for their Minister. 133 A Prayer that may be used in Families, or by companies of Chris- tians in Meetings for Prayer, and on other occasions, . . 1 36 Another, 139 Another, 1-42 Another, 145 For the Closing of a Religious Meeting, 147 The Lord's Prayer, Paraphrased, ISO A Hymn to the God of Christians, .... ... 153 PART THIRD. PRAYERS WHICH MAT BE USED IN MISSIONARY MEETINGS, AND ON OTHER OCCASIONS. A Prayer for the Church, 155 A Prayer for the Clergy, 156 A Prayer suitable for Associations, and other Meetings of the Clergy, 158 CONTENTS. ( rayers to be used at the Opening of a Meeting, . . . 161 Prayers to be used at the Conclusion of a Meeting, . . .166 A Prayer for the Success of Missionary Labors, . 171 A Prayer for Missionary Societies, and suitable to be used in their Meetings, 173 Another for a Missionary Society, _ . _ . 174 Another Prayer suitable for Clerical or Missionary Associations, 176 A Prayer that may be used in Meetings on Charitable Occasions, after a Sermon and Contribution, 179 Another, more general, 180 Another Prayer for the Meeting of a Charitable Society, . . 181 For Improvement in Sickness, 182- For a Person in a Decline, 185 A Prayer for a Sick Person, when there appeareth but little or no hope of recovery, 188 A Prayer for a Sick Person, when there is reason to hope that he is convalescent, . 190 A Prayer for one who, from the nature of his_ sickness or other cause, is not able to unite understandingly in it 193 A Prayer for a Sick Child, 195* A Prayer that may be used with a Family and their Friends on a Funeral Occasion, W A Prayer that may be used at a Funeral, when there is not to be a Service at the' Grave, 201 A Prayer for a Family in Affliction 204 A Prayer for a Prisoner, or Prisoners, under Sentence of Death, 206 A Prayer for Courts of Justice, 208 A Prayer for a Legislative Assembly, . ... 210 A Prayer suitable to be used in a Town or Freemen's Meeting, . 212 A Prayer suitable for a Temperance Meeting, . . . . 215 A Form of Service that may be used at the laying of the Corner Stone of a Church, 217 PART FOURTH. OFFICES AND PRAYERS THAT MAY BE USED IN CHURCHES, OH IN PUB- LIC WORSHIP. A Form of Prayer allowed to be used on Days appointed by the Ci- vil Authority as Public Fasts, 223 A Prayer to be used in Seasons of much Sickness, or Epidemic Dis- eases, 223 A Thanksgiving for Deliverance from great Sickness and Mor- tality, 230 An Office for the Burial of the Dead, allowed to be used when the Corpse is carried into the Church, 231 Public Thanksgiving, 242 A Prayer that may be used on the Fourth Day of July, . 245 A Prayer that may be used on occasion of the Close" of a Year, or the Commencement of a New Year 247 For a New Year 249 * See last page of Contents. XIV CONTENTS. Prayers that may be used at the Closing of a Convention, . 2fl A Pray e* that may be used after an Evening Lecture, . . . 253 AnotLer which may be used after a Lecture, . 964 A general P"<*yer for Mariners and People at Sea, .... 255 A Thanksgiving for Escape from great Danger at Sea, . . 256 Prayers which may be used at Sea when the regular Public Service is not performed. A Prayer for God's Grace and Protection, that may be used daily, 268 Another, for a prosperous Voyage, and for Friends on Shore, . 260 A Prayer which may be used in Storms and other Dangers at Sea, 261 A Form of Thanksgiving at Sea for Escape from Danger, . 263 A general Prayer for the Sick, with Collects adapted to some parti- cular Occasions, 264 PART FIRST. PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY AND OTHER SCHOOLS. THE prayers used in Cunday schools should be short, not only to give sufficient time for the other exercises, and because such are best adapted to the state and capacities of children and young people ; but, chiefly, because the teachers and pupils attend the long services of the church, morning and after- noon, and unite in a great variety of prayers and thanksgivings. And for this last reason, it seems inexpedient to take them from the Prayer Book : it is supposed that the school have just united, or are about to unite, with the whole congregation in the prayers contained in that book ; and to repeat them is less suitable than to have some short forms appropriate to the occasion. The prayers should also, in my judgment, be de- signed for all the school teachers and scholars to unite in. The minister or superintendent can pray for the scholars in his closet. If he does it in the school, it is his prayer rather than theirs : and though hearing prayer is no doubt profitable, it is more agreeable to the views of Episcopalians that the prayers should be social ; that all present should unite in praying. Yet some of the prayers which follow are accommodated to the views of those who may think differently. 16 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. The Lord's Prayer. In some of the forms of prayer published for the use of Sunday schools, it would seem, from the di- rections given, that the minister and the children are to perform the whole ; but surely the teachers should always be supposed to bear a part, if not the principal part in the worship. They generally feel most interested; they can pray more understand- ingly than the children ; and none can, more than they, need the grace of God, and the wisdom which is from above, to direct and sustain them in the very important labor of love in which they are charitably engaged. Among the prayers following are some suitable for the teachers, when they desire to unite in praying for those under their care. When a clergyman visits and prays in a common school, it is not generally expected that the scholars will take a part in the worship ; it is his prayer for the school. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 17 A Prayer that we may be thankful for God's blessings. A Prayer that we may be thankful for God's blessings, and have grace rightly to use them. ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the Giver of all spiritual grace, and the Au- thor of everlasting life, with humble hearts and sincere devotion, we implore thy favor and blessing upon us, thy sinful creatures. Unable of ourselves to help ourselves, unworthy to appear before thee, and trusting not in our own righteousness, but in thy mercy through Jesus Christ, we beseech thee, for his sake, to pardon our sins, to sanctify our hearts, and to hear our prayers. To thee alone be- long mercy and forgiveness ; to thee alone it apper- tains to forgive sins. Blot out, we beseech thee, our manifold transgressions, and renew a right spirit within us. Great, O Lord, is thy goodness ; unnumbered are the benefits which thou art daily bestowing on mankind. We adore thee for thine infinite perfec- tions ; we bless thy holy name, for thy unspeakable goodness vouchsafed to our sinful race, and espe- cially for the religious privileges which we enjoy. We give thee thanks for the weekly return of thy holy day^.for all the means of grace, and for the hope of life immortal. We desire, O God, with thankful hearts, to acknowledge thy goodness, in causing the Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, and for giving us various means of know- ledge and helps to religious improvement ; for the establishment and increase of schools and semina- ries of learning throughout our country ; and espe- cially of those schools and associations, which have for their object the instruction of children and of others, in the knowledge of thy word, in the doc- trines of Christ, and the duties of religion. We 2* B 18 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Another, for the use of a Sunday School. bless thee, O God, that many are willing, with pa- tient diligence and pious zeal, to devote a part of the Lord's day to the instructing of the rising gene- ration in the rudiments of gospel truth ; beseeching thee, O God, to increase their numbers, to enlarge their hearts, to strengthen their hands, and reward their labor of love. Give us hearts, O Lord, we humbly beseech thee, to be duly thankful for these thy mercies, and give us grace to use them to thy glory, and to the promotion of our own and others' salvation. May we remember the Lord's day, to keep it holy; may it, by all thy people, be reli- giously devoted to thy holy worship, and to teach- ing, and learning, and practising the truth and pre- cepts of the blessed gospel. And may thy truth be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, as to establish us in a right faith, and bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Another, for the use of a Sunday School. O LORDJ our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who hearest the prayers of those who believe and trust in thee, look down, we be- seech thee, with thy favor and blessing, upon us thy servants, here assembled to teach thy truth and to learn thy will. Give us grace to love thy law, and thankfully, and with faithful diligence, to apply our hearts to the teaching, and to the attainment of whatever is most profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, and for instruction in right- eousness. Open our understandings, that we may understand the Scriptures ; and give us grace, in an honest and good heart, to receive that instruction which will make us wise unto salvation. Preserve GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 19 A Prayer to be used by a Minister. us, O merciful Lord, from all sinful vanities ! may we love the things which thou commandest, and desire, above all other things, them which thou hast promised to those who love and fear thee. Do thou, who alone canst rule the hearts of sinful men, graft in ours such love of thy truth, that what is our duty may be our chief delight. O, may those of us present who are still in childhood or youth, remember our Creator, and gladly devote our hearts and lives to God who made us, and to him who has redeemed us with his blood : and may we all so number our days, and so truly consider the short- ness and the uncertain continuance of this present life, that we may gladly apply our hearts to thy holy, heavenly wisdom : as we advance in age, may we grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Him, who is the way, and the truth, and the life. Give thy blessing, we beseech thee, to this school, and to all and each of us who are present, whose hearts and whose wants thou knowest. O give us thy blessing, according as we need. Preserve us from sin, awaken us to righteousness, and help us daily to proceed in all virtue and godliness of liv- ing; so that we may serve thee faithfully in this world, and finally attain to everlasting life : which we ask and hope, only through the merits of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. A Prayer to be used by a Minister, or other suitable person, for a Sunday School. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Father of our spirits, and the Giver of every good thing, merci- fully behold and bless this school, here assembled in thy presence to teach and to learn the precepts and truths of thy holy word, and the principles of 20 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. A Prayer to he used by a Minister. the doctrine of Christ. Without thee nothing is holy, nothing is good : except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it. May thy blessed Spirit direct and aid them in their humble effoits to know and do thy will : may they receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save their souls. Give thy heavenly benediction to the teachers of this school, who make a free will offering of their labor and care in this pious work. Remember them, O Lord, for good. Give them wisdom and patience and grace to persevere ; that they may not be weary in well doing ; and may be assured that in due time they shall reap if they faint not. May these hours charitably devoted to the benefit of others, be sanctified to their own temporal good and eternal gain. And wilt thou, O gracious God, open the tender minds of these children and youth, that they may understand thy word, and love thy law, and delight to do thy will. Preserve them from the sinful vani- ties which easily beset the youthful mind. Graft in their hearts the love of righteousness and truth : increase in their minds all holy affections, and nou- rish their souls with the bread of eternal life : and of thy great mercy keep them steadfast in the ways of thy laws and in the works of thy command- ments. May they be trained up in the way that they should go, and never depart from it : may they be so sanctified and renewed, that they may be truly members of Christ, children of God, and heirs of his heavenly kingdom. Direct, O Lord, with thy heavenly wisdom, and bless the care and watchful oversight of all parents, masters, and guardians, in their endeavors to bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Grant, if it be consistent with thy unerring wisdom, that the lives of these children and youth may be prolonged upon the earth ; that they may GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 21 A Prayer suitable to be used by Sunday School Teachers. fill and discharge, with honor to themselves and usefulness to society, the several stations and duties of life to which thou shalt - call them. And when they shall have served thee in their generation, may they be received into heavenly habitations, and en- joy an endless Sabbath of happiness and rest from sorrow, labor, and care. Hear us, O thou God of mercy, hear and bless us all, for the sake of thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen, A Prayer suitable to be used by Sunday School Teachers in the School or in their other Meetings. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, and accept our humble supplications and prayers. Trusting in the word and in the merits of our bles- sed Savior, who has taught us to ask in his name that we may receive ; to seek of thee our heavenly Father for wisdom and grace, that we may know and do thy will, we beseech thee to behold, with thy favor and blessing, thy dependent, unworthy creatures, who humbly desire, with penitence and prayer, to bow before thee. Help us to know and to do thy will : direct us in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy con- tinual help, that all our works and all our desires may be to thy glory, and to the good of our fellow- men. Help us especially to be useful in our gene- ration, by imparting to children and youth the knowledge of thy word and will, and directing them in the way in which they should go. If such, O Lord, be thy gracious will, make us instruments of nourishing the tender mind with heavenly wis- 22 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. A Prayer suitable to be used by Sunday School Teacheis. dom; of instructing the rising generation in the paths of righteousness and truth ; of implanting in the minds of those who are or shall be intrusted to our guidance and care, the principles of the doc- trine of Christ, and the duties of moral and reli- gious life. Do thou, O God, who alone art suffi- cient for these things, and whose strength is made perfect in the weakness of thy servants, behold us with compassion forgive our sins, and uphold us with thy free spirit. Preserve us from every mo- tive and desire which is not according to thy holy will. Defend us from all error ; and help us rightly and truly to understand the language 01 thy word, the doctrines of Christ, and the duties of life. In- spire our hearts with Christian love, and with a holy desire to promote thy glory, and the salvation of ourselves and others. Make us apt to teach. May we not be weary in well doing ; but follow the example of him, our blessed Lord, who express- ed his love for children, and spent his life in doing good. And behold, O God, we beseech thee, with thy favor and blessing, the children and youth of our Sunday schools. Open their understandings and dispose their minds to receive instruction, to delight in the paths of wisdom, to love the things which thou commandest, and desire those which thou dost promise. Sanctify to them the instructions of their teachers, and all our humble efforts to enlighten their minds with true wisdom : incline their hearts to virtue and godliness, and raise their affections from the world to thee. Awaken in their minds, we beseech thee, a just and lively sense of the vast importance of early piety and religious knowledge. Give them ears to hear, and hearts to' understand, and wills to obey the things of thy law ; desiring the sincere milk of thy word, that they may live nnd grow thereby. Grant that they fall into m GRISWOLD'S PRATERS. 23 Another Prayer for the use of a Sunday School. sin, neither run into any danger of soul or body ; but that all their doings, being ordered by thy go- vernance, may be righteous in thy sight. Grant that they may be useful in their generation, a com- fort to their friends, a blessing to their country ; and finally, that they may be inheritors of thy everlast- ing kingdom. These things, and whatever else thou shalt see fitting for us and for all men, we humbly ask, through Jesus Christ. Amen. Another Prayer for the use of a Sunday School. O GOD, who art the strength of all who put their trust in thee, and the helper of all u-no flee to thee for succor, mercifully accept our prayers ; and be- cause, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy command- ments we may please thee, both in will and deed* Keep us under the protection of thy good provi- dence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy name. Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy. Direct us in what we do by the sure guidance of thy Holy Spirit : may all things in this school be done decently, in order, and to edifying. Grant to us, O Lord, the spirit to think and to do always such things as are right; to love the ways of thy laws, and the works of thy commandments, and to be ready to every good work. Grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure. Pour down upon us the abun- dance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things, wherein we have displeased thee, and giving us those good things, which we are not worthy to ask, 24 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Another Prayer for the use of a Sunday School. but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord. Thou hast taught us, O heavenly Father, by thy holy apostle, that all our teaching, all our faith, and all our doings, without charity are nothing worth : give us, we beseech thee, that spirit which was in our Savior Christ, that we may follow after that charity which is the bond of peace, and love one another, as thou hast given us commandment. May we love others as we love ourselves, and do unto all men as we would have them do unto us. And wilt thou hear our intercessions, O God, for the whole family of mankind'? Let the light of thy gospel shine upon all the nations of the earth, and grant that they who have received it may live -as becomes it. Keep thy church and household in thy true religion. Grant that all Christians may be so joined together, in unity of spirit, and in the bond of peace, that they may be a holy temple accepta- ble unto thee. And especially, O Lord, to the con- gregation of thy people, with whom we are accus- tomed to assemble, give the abundance of thy grace; that with one heart they may desire the prosperity of thy holy apostolic church, and with one mouth may profess the faith once delivered to the saints. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all the ministers of thy gospel, of every grade, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer the holy ordinances of Christ's religion. And to thee, the Father of mercies, we would add our humble and hearty thanks for thy unnumbered mercies bestowed upon thy sinful creatures, who are unworthy of the least of thy favors. Chiefly we adore thy goodness in the gift of thy Son to be our Savior, and that thou hast called us to a know- ledge of thy grace and faith in him. We bless thee for all the means and opportunities of religious im GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 25 Collects suitable for opening a Sunday School. provement which we enjoy. Though we are un- worthy, through our manifold sins, to offer thee any sacrifice of praise or prayer ; trusting in thy pro- mise to give to those who ask in the name of Jesus Christ, we beseech thee to accept our adorations and praise. Behold with thy favor and blessing the occasion of our present meeting before thee. Guide and prosper our feeble efforts to teach and to learn the ways of righteousness and truth. To those who teach, give wisdom and patience and the spirit of love. Open the* minds of those who are taught, that they may receive instruction, and know to refuse the evil and choose the good, and, like the child Jesus, grow in wisdom, as they increase in years, and in favor with God and man. Give thy blessing to all those who have the care of educating youth : may they so train them up in the way that they should go, that afterward they may not depart from it. Direct us, O Lord, in all we do, with thy most gracious favor, and prosper us with thy con- tinued help. Dispose our ways towards the attain- ment of everlasting salvation, that among all the changes and perils of this mortal life, we may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. Collects suitable for opening a Sunday School. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent, create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, truly lamenting our sins and acknowledging our unworthiness, may ob- tain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission 3 26 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. For closing a Sunday School. and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of men, grant unto us and to all thy people, that we may love the things which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise, that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Direct us, O Lord, in all we do, with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name and words we humbly pray : Our Father, who art, &c. For closing the School. BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scrip- tures to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, and read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hopes of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that what has now been read, and heard, and taught GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 27 A Prayer that may be used at the Closing of a Sunday School. from thy holy word, and according to thy will, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that it may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy name, through Christ, our blessed Redeemer. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. A Prayer that may be used at the Closing of a Sunday School. ADORABLE and everliving God, through whose merciful goodness we are again permitted to enjoy the comforts and the privileges of thy holy day of rest, give us hearts to be thankful for these and for all thy favors. Grant that the truths of thy holy word may be grafted inwardly in our hearts, and bring forth in us the fruit of pure and undented re- ligion. Accept the prayers which have been offered before these, and pardon us wherein they have been defective. May thy blessing be upon all the mem- bers of this school, and upon all its exercises. May the doctrines of the gospel be deeply impressed up- on our minds, and be made the rule of our conduct. Work in us that repentance for our sins past which is not to be repented of, and that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which renews the heart, worketh by love, and overcometh the world. Help us to love thee with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Grant that what is taught us on the Lord's day may be so blessed to the improvement of our hearts, as to influence our life and practice through the week and while we live. Strengthen us by thy Spirit, and guide us in all things by thy 28 GRIS WOLD'S PRATERS. Directions for a Larger Form of Sunday School Devotions. heavenly wisdom, that we may do our duty in the state of life to which it shall please thee to call us. Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, may we live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world ; and when we shall have served thee in our generation, may we be admitted into those man- sions of peace and rest which thou hast prepared for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ ; in whose name we offer up these our imperfect prayers. And to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Directions for a Larger Form of Sunday School Devotions. The person who conducts the worship may first address the school in the following, or other words suitable to COM their attention to the sub- ject of their dependence upon God, and the importance of asking in prayer for his aid and benediction. BELOVED brethren and youthful friends, through the Lord's merciful goodness we are here assem- bled, on his holy day, and in his presence, to give and to receive instruction and knowledge, especially instruction in God's word, and the knowledge of our salvation in Jesus Christ. But we are not able to know the Holy Scriptures, except God shall open our hearts that we may truly understand them ; nor can we keep his commandments, nor do any good thing, without his grace assisting. We ought, therefore, daily and at all times, to ask in prayer for the direction and aid of his Holy Spirit, and humbly and earnestly to call upon him for what we need. Let us now, with humble minds and sincere devotion, unite in beseeching him to behold us with favor on the present occasion, to bestow his blessing upon this school, and that he will direct and aid us in all our endeavors to teach and know and do his will. GRISWOLD'S PLAYERS. 29 A Prayer that may be used in and for any School. Then may be used any of the preceding Prayers, or a Selection of Collects from the Prayer Book. Afterwards a suitable Psalm, or portion of the Psalter, may be named and used; he who conducts the service reading- one verse, and the rest who are present reading- alternately ; and after the Psalm, the Christian Doxology. The service may end here ; or there may be read for a lesson the portion of the Scriptures at that time to be explained: and after the lesson, what follows : Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scrip- tures to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them ; read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them ; that, by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Then may be named and sung a Hymn or Psalm in metre ; and then : The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all, evermore. Amen. A Prayer that may be used in and for any School. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, we beseech thee to pardon our sins, to sanctify our hearts, and mercifully to assist us in these our supplications and prayers. We ador ( e thee as a holy and merciful God, whose right- eous providence orders all things in heaven, and on earth ; and from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed. Without thee nothing is strong, nothing is holy, nothing good. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain. We beseech thee to direct and bless us in what we do. Give 3* 30 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. A Prayer that may be used in and for any School. us wisdom to choose, and grace to perform, what- ever is according to thy holy will. Preserve us from every sin, protect us in every danger, and grant that all our doings, being ordered by thy go- vernance, may be righteous in thy sight. Dispose all our ways towards the attainment of immortal life ; that, amidst the manifold perils of our earthly pilgrimage, our conversation may be in heaven. Make us sensible, O blessed Lord, of thy great goodness, and thankful for all thy mercies. We render thee humble and hearty thanks for blessings daily bestowed upon us, and upon all men, tempo- ral and spiritual. We bless thee especially for the means of knowledge and mutual improvement so bountifully bestowed on this our favored country. And we humbly ask for thy blessing upon all our schools and seminaries of learning. Give wisdom and patience to those who teach, and a meek and teachable disposition to all who learn. Defend them from pride and a vain confidence in them- selves, and incline their hearts to such things as are truly profitable. May we never forget that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and that the most important knowledge is, to know thee the only true God, and ourselves as unworthy sin- ners, and Jesus Christ as the only Savior. Give thy blessing, O Lord, to this school and to all who are engaged in its instruction and concerned in its support. May the children and youth who are here present be partakers of thy heavenly benedic- tion; may they be members of Christ and heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom. Do thou, their Father who art in heaven, take them under thy holy care and keeping. Incline their hearts and open their minds to the light of truth arid the attainment of useful science. Imprint up- oh their hearts an early and thankful sense of thy goodness in giving them abundant means of intel- GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 31 A Prayer that may be used at the Opening of any School. lectual improvement. Preserve them from the snares of sin and all the perils of youth, and con- duct them safely through the journey of life. Help them continually to mortify their evil and corrupt affections, and daily to proceed in all virtue and godliness of living. Make them happy and useful as members of society, and an honor and comfort to their relatives and friends, and prepare them for thy heavenly kingdom. Guide and bless the care and patient labor of those who instruct them in what is good and useful ; remember them for good, and reward their labor of love. To all who are engaged in the important business of instructing youth, give wisdom and grace, both by precept and example, to teach such things as will best promote the good of their pupils in this world, and in the world to come. Help them to rear the tender thought to ripened wisdom, and to conduct the youthful mind, in all its growth, to manly virtue. To all who are present, give thy heavenly grace ; that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present life ; and finally be prepared to dwell with thee in thine everlasting kingdom. For thine is the king- dom and the power, and thine be the glory forever and ever. These things we ask, O heavenly Fa- ther, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. A Prayer that may be used at the Opening of any School. ADORABLE and everliving God, the Author of our being, and the Giver of all good, we beseech thee in mercy to pardon our sins, to hear our prayers, and to give us thy blessing. Without thee nothing 32 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. A Prayer that may be used at the Opening of any School. is strong, nothing is holy, nothing good. Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build. We humbly ask for thy guidance and pro- tection, beseeching thee to direct us in all we design or do with thy most gracious favor, and to prospei us with thy continual help. Look down with thy favor and blessing upon this school now present be- fore thee, and upon all who convene in this place for the acquirement of knowledge. Preserve them from evil and error, and from all things which would be hurtful to them, in body or mind. In- cline their hearts to truth and righteousness, and help them, we beseech thee, to receive such instruc- tion as shall fit them to be useful members of so- ciety in this world and heirs of thy heavenly king- dom. Inspire them with that fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of true knowledge. May they be duly respectful to their parents, teachers, and others in authority over them, inclining their ears to wisdom, and applying their hearts to under- standing. Wisdom is the principal thing ; help us, O Lord, to get wisdom, and to walk in thy com- mandments. We are blind, and weak, and sinful, and need, O heavenly Father, thy mercy and thy care. By thy Spirit and thy providence, be thou, we beseech thee, our Teacher and Guide. May we strive for knowledge, and lift up our voice for un- derstanding. Give thy blessing to parents and masters, and to all who have the care and the tui- tion of the rising generation. Endue them with wisdom and patience, with kindness and love. May the children under their care be so trained up in the way that they should go, that when they are old they will not depart from it. Behold with thy blessing and favor all our schools and seminaries of learning. May they be instrumental in promot- ing righteousness and truth ; and may knowledge and happiness, and pure and undefiled religion, be ORIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 33 For the Closing of any School. spread and increased throughout our land. These things, and whatever else thou shalt see to be good for us, for this school, and for all mankind, we humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us now and evermore. Amen. For the Closing of any School. O LORD, our heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being, we humbly desire to render thee our thanks and praise for all thy daily mercies ; and especially for the favors and blessings which have been vouchsafed to us this present day. We thank thee, O God, for the means and opportunities of acquiring useful know- ledge, which are bountifully bestowed upon us, and upon the people of this our country, beseeching thee to give us grace rightly to use them, to the promotion of thy honor, and of our own best good. Grant us a right judgment in all things, and guide our steps in the paths of heavenly wisdom. May we love the things which thou commandest, and desire those which thou dost promise to them who love and serve thee. Take us, we beseech thee, and all that appertains to us, under thy holy care and keeping. Preserve us from sin and wick- edness, and 'from every danger of soul and body. Help us in the performance of every duty, and every work which our hand findeth to do. Give us grace to be humble and meek ; to be respectful to all to whom respect is due, and just and charitable to all our fellow-men. May we be kindly affec- tioned one to another with brotherly love ; in honor preferring one another; and as much as lieth in C 34 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. To be used on any occasions of Catechising Children. us, may we live peaceably with all men. In all the business of our several occupations, direct us, O Lord, and give us thy blessing. Preserve us from an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from thee, the living God. May we set the Lord always before us ; be thou on our right hand, that we may not be moved from our steadfastness, nor neglect any duty which we owe to ourselves, to our neigh- bors, or to thee. Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech thee, to sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments, that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved, in body and soul, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name and words we offer and conclude our humble supplications : Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come : thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The two following may be used on any occasions of Catechising Chil- dren, or in Sunday Schools. ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, the author of all good and the giver of all grace, with- out whose blessing and aid our designs and labors are fruitless and vain, look down, we beseech thee, with thy favor and heavenly benediction, upon these children and youth who are here before thee, desirous to learn the rudiments of religion the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. We be- GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 35 To be used on any occasions of Catechising Children. seech thee, O God, in thy merciful goodness, to open their tender minds, that they may know thy truth, and understand and receive the doctrines of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Help them to receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save their souls ; and to become in heart and life members of Christ, children of God, and in- heritors of the kingdom of heaven. Grant them repentance, whereby they may forsake sin ; and faith, whereby they may steadfastly believe the promises of God, made to those who are baptized into Jesus Christ. Direct, sanctify, and govern their hearts and their lives in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection, they may ever be preserved from all danger, and that they may live and grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Direct and bless the care and the instruc- tion of their parents, teachers, and others who have, and may have, the oversight of their morals and their education, to their temporal and eternal good. May they all be under thy holy care and keeping: may they live to thy glory here on the earth, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through the merits of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the helper of all who flee to thee for succor, the life of those who believe, and the resurrection of the dead, we humbly call upon thee in behalf of these children and youth now present before thee. Behold them with thy favor and blessing. Open their understandings, that they may receive the in- structions of thy word, and be established in the first principles of thy true religion, and that, like young Timothy, they may from childhood know the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make them 36 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. To be used in Meetings of Bible Classes. wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Graft in their hearts the love of thy name ; implant in their minds true religion ; nou- rish them with the bread of life ; help them to re- nounce all sinful vanities and all the lusts and pride of life, to believe all the articles of the Christian faith, to keep thy holy will and commandments, and to walk in the ways of thy truth all the days of their life. Help them to love thee, their hea- venly Parent, with all their heart and soul and mind, and to do unto all men as they would that others should do unto them ; to submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Receive, O Lord, and bless them as thy children; as thou hast promised by our Savior Christ, give now unto us who ask ; let us who seek, find ; open unto us who knock, that these children may enjoy the benediction of thy heavenly grace. Let thy Holy Spirit lead and guide them through this sinful world in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life ; may they be instruments of thy glory, by serving thee in their generation ; so that finally, by thy mercy, they may attain to ever- lasting life, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. In Meetings of Bible Classes may be used the following Prayer, or any other in this book that may be thought convenient. O ETERNAL God, whose wise and unfailing provi- dence orders all things in heaven and on earth ; who hast compassion on the sinful sons of men, and hast graciously promised to hear the prayers of those who ask in the name of Jesus Christ, behold us in mercy and hear our prayers. We desire to GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 37 To be used in Meetings of Bible Classes. come before thee, not in our own name nor trust- ing in" our own righteousness, but in the name of Jesus Christ, and trusting in thy mercy through him. May thy Holy Spirit direct and aid our de- votion ; open thou our lips, that we may show forth thy praise, and ask for such things as shall please thee. Make us deeply sensible of our fallen, sinful state ; and work in us that repentance which is not to be repented of ; that broken and contrite heart which thou wilt not despise. Make us thankful for thy goodness in preserving our lives from day to day, and from week to week; and in giving us frequent opportunities of social worship, of reading and hearing thy holy word, and talking of thy mer- cies revealed in Jesus Christ. Thy law is undefil- ed, converting the soul ; thy testimony giveth wis- dom unto the simple. May thy righteous statutes rejoice our heart, and thy pure commandment give light unto our eyes. O teach us thy statutes, and help us to talk of thy commandments, and to walk in thy ways. We thank thee, O God, that thou hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning : may we in such wise read and hear and understand and receive them, that we may em- brace and ever hold fast the blessed hopes of im- mortal life. While we search those Scriptures which are the word of life, may we never forget that they testify of Christ, May we give such heed to the sure word of prophecy and its fulfilment in him, that we may say, in the fulness of our hearts, Lo ! this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us : this is the Lord ; we have waited for him ; we will be glad and rejoice in his salva- tion. Accept, O Lord, of our humble and hearty thanks for the unspeakable gift of a divine Savior; that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us : and that he has put away sin, by the sacrifice of himself. We thank thee for all the means of grace 4 38 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. To be used in Meetings of Bible Classes. and for the hope of glory. We bless thee for the weekly return of thy holy day of rest. We adore thy goodness in giving us frequent opportunities of communing as Christian brethren and friends, of meeting in thy presence, of uniting in prayer, of searching the Scriptures, of talking of thy goodness and declaring the wonders that thou dost for the children of men. Thou art still calling us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee. Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore ; help us to receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save our souls, and to live in all things ac- cording to the precepts of thy holy word. Wilt thou, O Lord, reveal thyself to us as thou dost not to the world? Give us that lively faith in Jesus Christ which renews the heart and overcomes the world. May thy word be our study and our de- light ; and may thy Holy Spirit dwell within us, and so sanctify our thoughts and govern our wills, that we may present ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, unto thee, which is our rea- sonable service. As he who hath called us is holy, so may we be holy in all manner of conversation. Give us grace, O Lord, to make a right improve- ment from these opportunities of meeting in love, uniting in prayer, and searching for the truths of thy holy word. Grant that what has been or shall be now read or heard, may be duly impressed upon our hearts, and fruitful in our lives. And may we show our thankfulness for these favors not only with our lips but in our lives, by giv- ing up ourselves to thy service, and walking be- fore thee in holiness and righteousness, to thy honor and praise, and to our comfort and salvation in Jesus Christ. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us evermore. Amen. GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 39 To be used in Meetings of Bible Societies, or Associations. ~ A Prayer that may be used in Meetings of Bible Societies, or Associa- tions. |^ *i O HOJ.Y, just, and merciful God, unto whom all hearts are open and all desires known, and who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, grant unto us, thy sinful creatures here before thee, par- don and peace. Forgive those things wherein we have transgressed against thee, and for the sake of thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, give us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but in his prevailing name. Sanctify our affections, and renew a right spirit within us. We bless thy holy name, that thou didst so love the world as to send thine only begotten Son, not to condemn the world, but that all who believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life ; and that thou hast made that same Jesus who was crucified both Lord and Christ. We bless thee, that after he had made per- fect our redemption, by dying for our sins and rising for our justification, he gave commission to his apos- tles, and commanded them to preach his gospel of salvation to every creature. We bless thee that thou gavest the word, and great was the company of the preachers; and that thou art still calling many to the like ministration and labor of love. Make us duly thankful for these thy inestimable benefits, and work in us a holy and earnest desire to promote the salvation of ourselves and others. Grant that thy name may be known through the earth, thy saving health among all nations. We humbly beseech thee, O God, to guide and to bless the humble and pious efforts of thy people to extend the knowledge of thy word and the doc- trines of Christ to those who are in ignorance and error. Do thou, the giver of all grace, increase 40 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. To be used in Meetings of Bible Societies, or Associations. their zeal, enlarge their means and strengthen their hands. May all Bible Societies, and all who asso- ciate for the distribution of the Holy Scriptures to those who are destitute of thy written word, with all who contribute to their funds and aid this pious work, be under .1hy paternal pare ^n4. holy keeping. O stablish thoifthe work 'of their nands^ufioTi them, and remember them for -good. May thy word have free course and^run swiftly, and the earth be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Let thy blessing and the aid of thy Spirit be with those missionaries and evangelists who la- bor in word and doctrine to spread thy saving truth in foreign lands. Accept, O Lord, of our interces- sions for the perishing souls among whom they labor ; and also for all sorts and conditions of men, that thou wouldsr be > pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all na- tions. Hear our prayers, we humbly beseech thee, for thy holy church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith hi unity of Spirit, in the bond of peace, and in right- eousness of life. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and other ministers of Christ, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly ad- minister the ordinances of the gospel. Open to them an effectual door of usefulness, and bless the word spoken by their mouth, that it may be good to the use of edifying, and minister grace to the hearers. And do thou, the Lord of the harvest, send into it laborers, able ministers of thy word, whose meat and drink it shall be to do thy work. Accept, O Lord, of these our supplications and prayers, and dispose all our ways towards the at- tainment of everlasting salvation. May we live to GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 41 .* A Prayer that may be used in a Sinking School. thy glory in this world, and in the world to come enjoy life everlasting. These things, and whatever else thou seest to be good an.d fitting for us, and for any and all for whom we oHght to pray, we hum- bly ask in the name and through the mediation of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. A Prayer that may be used in a Singing School, or a Meeting to practise Psalmody. ADORABLE and- everliving God, we humbly and devoutly look unto thee, as the Author of our being, and the Giver of every good thing. Let thy merci- ful ears be open to our humble supplications ; and that we may obtain our petitions, help us to ask for such things as shall please thee. Thou knowest, Lord, our hearts and our wants, and the imperfec- tion of our sincerest prayers. We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities, and to give us those good things, which we are not worthy to ask but in the name of Jesus Christ. Give us hearts, O Lord, to be thankful for thy manifold goodness to us, and to all mankind. Help us to come before thee with thanksgiving, to show ourselves glad in thee with psalms, and heartily to rejoice in the strength of thy salvation. While we worship and fall down and kneel before thee, may our souls magnify thee, O Lord, and our spirits re- joice in God our Savior. May we praise our God while we have our being. Direct, O Lord, and bless our humble efforts to set forth thy praise and to honor thy holy name. Help us to obtain such knowledge of psalmody and the art of sacred music, that the songs of Zion may be performed devoutly, in due order and to edifying ; and that the voice of melody may be heard in thy sanctuary, and in a 42 GRISWOLD'S PBAYERS. A Prayer that may be used in a Singing School. manner worthy of thy exalted perfections. May we, through thy grace, sing with the spirit and with the understanding; and make melody, not only with our voices, but in our hearts, to the Lord. Fill our hearts with grateful affections, and cause our souls to unite and harmonize in love. May we feel and say with the holy Psalmist, Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, praise his holy name ; bless the Lord, O my soul, and for- get not all his benefits. Defend us, O Lord, from all vain thoughts and worldly affections. May we not desire to honor ourselves, nor seek the praise of men ; as thine is the kingdom and the power, may thine forever be all glory and praise. Make our offerings acceptable to thyself. Let our prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and the lift- ing up of our hands as the evening sacrifice. And give us grace to set forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, walking according to thy word, and doing all things to thy glory. And may we at length, through thy mercy and our Savior's merits, join the holy, happy choir of saints above, who sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever. Amen. PART SECOND. PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES AND FOR OTHER OCCASIONS. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. THOUGH we have in print a great variety of Prayers for the use of families, and many of them excellent; that this publication may be complete for the purpose intended, a few are here offered to the public. In compiling them the author, as will be seen, has made much use of the Prayer Book, and some use of the prayers published by others, preferring those which are most common and, by our people, most approved. What is aimed at is to prepare some forms suitable for family worship. They who have better forms, or who can pray bet- ter without any, will of course find these of little or no use. If such facilities for the performance of a very essential duty shall be, through God's bles- sing, the means of introducing prayer into some families in which it is now neglected, we shall have much cause to rejoice and bless his holy name. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we 44 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Morning Prayer. forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. Morning Prayer. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, we, thine unworthy creatures, offer thee our humble thanks and praise for thy manifold goodness to us, and to all man- kind. We thank thee, O Lord, especially for the preservation of the past night. To thy watchful providence we owe it, and to thy goodness we thankfully acknowledge it, that we are brought [under circumstances of comfort and peace] to see the light of another day. Give us hearts to be duly thankful for all thy mercies, and give us grace to show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by a holy and obedient walking before thee. As we advance in age, may we grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Sa- vior, Jesus Christ. Do thou, O Lord, who knowest the frailty of our nature and the temptations which assail us, support us by the aid of thy Holy Spirit; sanctify our hearts, restrain us from sin, and excite us to the performance of every duty to ourselves, to our neighbor and to thee. Imprint upon our hearts such a fear of thy judgments, and such a thankful sense of thy goodness to us, that we may live so- berly, righteously, and godly in this present world. GUIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 45 Morning Prayer. And keep in our minds a lively remembrance of that great day of the Lord, when we must render an account of our conduct in this world, and be judged according to our works. Grant us, O Lord, we beseech thee, thy grace and protection this day, and whilst we live. Keep us temperate in all things, and diligent in our seve- ral callings. Grant us patience under any afflic- tions which it may seem good to thee to lay upon us, and minds always contented with our present condition, and resigned to thy holy will. Give us grace to be just and upright in all our dealings ; quiet and peaceable ; full of compassion, and ready to do good unto all men, according to our abilities and opportunities. Direct us in all our ways ; pros- per us in the lawful business of our several stations. Defend us from all dangers and adversities ; and be graciously pleased to take us, our relatives and friends, and all that is near and dear to us, under thy merciful care arid protection ; that we may be thy people, and that thou mayest be our God. [This is the day which the Lord hath made ; may we rejoice and be glad in it. Let thy Holy Spirit go with us to the place of thy public wor- ship ; make us devout and humble, and attentive to the duties of thy sanctuary. May we worship thee, our God and Savior, in spirit and in truth, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save the soul.] And do thou, O God, the fountain of all wisdom, mercy and grace, who knowest what we need be- fore we ask, and the imperfection of our sincerest prayers, have compassion upon our infirmities ; and whatever good things thou shalt see to be fitting for us and for thy church, and for all mankind, we humbly ask, through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 46 ORIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Evening Prayer. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be be with us evermore. Amen. Evening Prayer. MOST gracious God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and hast promised forgiveness to those who confess and forsake their sins, we come before thee, humbly acknowledging our manifold trans- gressions of thy holy laws. Behold us, O Lord, in mercy ; pardon our sins ; sanctify our hearts ; and give us repentance unto life, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Without thee, O God, nothing is strong and no- thing is holy ; grant us, we beseech thee, the aid and direction of thy Holy Spirit. Reform whatever is amiss in the state and disposition of our minds. Preserve us from envy and malice and all uncha- ritableness. May we never suffer the sun to go down upon our wrath ; but go to our rest in peace, charity, and good- will, with a conscience void of offence towards thee and towards men; and be, through thy grace, preserved in thy faith and fear, unto the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all mankind. May the light of thy gospel shine upon all nations ; and they who have received it, live as becomes it. Be gracious unto thy church, and grant that every member of it, in his vocation and ministry, may serve thee faithfully. Bless those in authority over us, and so rule their hearts and strengthen their hands, that they may not bear the sword in vain. Send down thy blessings, temporal and spiritual, upon our relations, friends and neigh- bors ; may they who are dear to us be dear to thee, GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 47 Evening Prayer. and under thy holy care and keeping. Reward those who have done us good, and give us hearts to be duly thankful. If any have done or wished us evil, give to them pardon and better minds, and to us the spirit of mercy and forgiveness. Be mer- ciful, O Lord, to those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or any other adversity ; and do thou, the God of pity, comfort and relieve them, accord- ing to their several necessities, for his sake who went about doing good, thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. And we desire, O gracious God, to render thee our humble and hearty thanks for all thy mercies. We bless thee for the gifts of life and reason ; for our health and friends ; our food and raiment ; and for all the enjoyments of this present life. Above all, we adore thy mercy in sending thy only Son into this world to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and for giving us the knowledge and sense of our duty towards thee. We bless thee, O God, for thy patience with us, thy sinful creatures ; for the guidance, aid, and comfort of thy Holy Spirit ; for thy continual care and watchful providence over us through the whole course of our lives ; and par- ticularly for the mercies and benefits of the past day ; beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to us, and to give us grace to show our thankful- ness in a faithful obedience to His laws, through whose merits and intercession we received them all, thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Be with us, O Lord, we beseech thee, this night ; take us, and all that appertains to us, under thy gracious protection. Watch over us while we rest; defend us from all evil ; preserve us from needless fear, and keep us, we beseech thee, both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls. Prepare us for the labors and for all the duties of another day. May we never forget that a night cometh, 48 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Morning Prayer. we know not how soon, when we can no longer work. When our Lord shall come, whether in the second watch or in the third watch, may we be found faithful, and ready to enter into that rest which remains for the people of God. Grant these things, O merciful Lord, through the merits and sat- isfaction of thy Son, Christ Jesus, in whose name we offer up these our imperfect prayers. Amen. Morning Prayer. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we, truly lamenting our sins and acknowledging our unworthiness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God. who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day, defend us, we beseech thee, by thy mighty power : grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger, either of soul or body ; but that all our doings, be- ing ordered by thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight. Vouchsafe to direct, sanctify and go- vern both our hearts and lives, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection, we may be preserved in body and soul, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Accept, O Lord, of our prayers for all mankind, and especially for those who are of the household of faith. Do thou, by whose Spirit thy church is governed and sanctified, receive our supplications GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 49 Morning Prayer. for all its members ; that in their several states, vo- cations and ministry, they may be free from all ad- versity, and devoutly given to serve thee faithfully in good works. Inspire them with truth, unity, and concord; grant that all they who do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. Send down upon the ministers of thy gospel, and upon the con- gregations committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of thy grace ; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer the ordinances of our blessed Redeemer. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy servants, desire also to render unto thee our humble and hearty thanks, for all thy goodness and loving kindness to us and to all mankind. We bless thee for our creation and preservation ; espe- cially that we were kept in safety through the past night, that we are brought to see the light of ano- ther day, and for all the blessings of this life : but above all, for thine inestimable love, in the redemp- tion of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thank- ful ; and that we may show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days. Dis- pose our ways towards the attainment of everlast- ing salvation : and among all the changes, tempta- tions and other trials of this mortal life, may we ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name 5 D 50 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Evening Prayer. and words we humbly pray : Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Evening Prayer. O MERCIFUL God, the Giver of all good, who hat- est nothing that thou hast made ; who wouldst not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn with penitence to thee, and be saved through faith in Jesus Christ; mercifully forgive our tres- passes; receive and comfort us, thy unworthy creatures, with the light of thy reconciled counte- nance. There is mercy, O Lord, with thee that thou mayest be feared. To thee only it appertains to blot out offences, and renew the soul with holy af- fections. Spare us, O Lord, we beseech thee, spare the people whom thou hast redeemed. Shouldst thou be extreme to mark iniquities, no man living could be justified. For the glory of thy name, turn from us all the evils which we too justly have deserved, and grant us perfect remission and for- giveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. O God, the Protector of all who trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing holy, no- thing good, increase and multiply upon us thy mercy ; be thou in all things our ruler and guide : direct us in what we do, with thy most gracious favor : prosper us with thy continual help ; that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we _ _ GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 51 Evening Prayer. may advance thy glory. Graft in our hearts the love of thy name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us steadfast in thy fear and service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. O God, who art the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men, that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy church universal ; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith, once delivered to the saints, in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. We ask thy blessing upon our benefactors, relatives, and friends. And we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any way afflicted in mind, body, or estate ; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their suf- ferings, and a happy issue out of their afflictions. Accept, O Lord, of our intercessions for all who desire our prayers, and all for whom we ought to pray. Let thy fatherly hand be over them for good ; let thy Spirit be ever with them, and lead them in the way of everlasting life. This we also ask in the name and through the mediation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. O Lord, our heavenly Father, by whose power and goodness we have been preserved through the cares and perils of the past day, watch over us, we beseech thee, while we sleep : under the shadow of thy wings may we safely rest through the silent watches of the night, and rise refreshed, prepared in heart and strength to do thy will, with a thank- ful sense of thy goodness. And whilst we live 52 ORISWOLD'S PRAYERS. A Prayer for Sunday Morning. may we live to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us evermore. Amen. A Prayer for Sunday Morning. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who art always more willing to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve, look down upon us, we beseech thee, in mercy ; forgive us the things wherein we have sinned against thee: and give us hearts to be thankful for those good things which we daily receive. We thank thee, O God, that we are brought to see the light of another day, and the commencement of another week. This is the day that the Lord hath made ; may we be glad and rejoice in it, with holy joy and thank- ful hearts. Give us grace, O Lord, to sanctify thy holy day of rest, according to thy appointment, and to be thankful that the Sabbath was made for man, to be a season for laying aside our temporal cares, and presenting before thee our humble adorations. We look unto thee for thy blessing on our obser- vance of this day which thou hast set apart for thy- self. May we spend this holy time to the honor of thy name. May it be to us a season of refreshing from thy presence, and of mercy to our souls. May thy spirit accompany us to thy sanctuary, and make us joyful in thy house of prayer. Give us grace so to join and engage in the service of thy church, that the words of our mouth and the medi- tations of our heart may be acceptable in thy sigb \. GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 53 A Prayer for Sunday Morning. May we love the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth. Help us to pray with the spirit and with the understanding, and to receive with meekness the words of eternal life. May thy Spirit be with the ministers of thy gos- pel ; and so bless thy word spoken by their mouth, that it may minister grace to the hearers. May it fall upon those who have ears to hear, and in an honest and good heart be received. May the doc- trines of life be ingrafted in their hearts, and bring forth in them the fruits of good living. Dispose, O Lord, and prepare our souls to per- form faithfully all the duties suited to this holy time ; to receive the full benefit of the ordinances which thou hast prepared for our edification and spiritual good, and to walk before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days. Grant O Lord, we beseech thee, that all who draw nigh to thee this day, to give thee thanks for benefits received ; to set forth thy praise ; to con- fess their sins before thee, and to pray for what they need : may do it according to thy will, and obtain thy heavenly benediction. May all thy peo- ple be in the spirit on the Lord's day, and devote themselves to him who is Lord of the Sabbath, and worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Let that light which is above the brightness of the sun shine in our hearts, to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. May we this day experience the power of Christ's resurrec- tion ; that, as he was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we may walk in new- ness of life. And extend, O Lord, thy heavenly benediction to the whole of thy church universal. Pour out thy spirit upon its members, and in thine own good time bring into its bosom those on whom the light 5* 54 ORISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Sunday Evening. of the gospel has not yet shined ; and may all who have received it, live as becomes it. Hear, O Lord, we beseech thee, these our humble supplications and prayers. Preserve us this day from all evil ; give us those good things which thou shalt see to be needful and convenient ; and give us grace that we may rightly use them. This we ask in the name of him who died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Fa- ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with us now and evermore. Amen, Sunday Evening. ADORABLE and everliving God, the author and giver of all good, by whose merciful protection we have been conducted through the perils of the day now past, we desire, this evening, humbly to bow before thee with a thankful sense of thy goodness. We bless thee, O God, for all the means of grace, and for every opportunity afforded to us of becom- ing wise unto salvation. We bless thee for casting our lot in a Christian land, where the gospel of sal- vation is preached, and thy blessed word is a lan- tern to our feet and a light to our paths. We bless thee for the privilege of being nurtured in a church which is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- stone. We desire to be duly thankful that thou hast so loved the world as to send into it thy only begotten Son, not to condemn, but to save it ; and for his gracious invitations to the weary and heavy- laden to come unto him that they may have ever- lasting life. We thank thee, O God, that we are made reason- OBIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 55 Sunday Evening. able creatures, capable of knowing and loving and serving thee : that our lives are still preserved ; and especially for the mercies of the day past ; that we have enjoyed the privilege of another of the days of the Son of man ; that we have had another opportunity of uniting with the congregation of thy people in thy holy worship ; and for all the bless- ings of thy sanctuary. Wherein we have neglected to use and to profit by them, grant us forgiveness, and give us true repentance for all our sins. Help us hereafter to serve thee better and to love thee more, and daily to increase in all virtue and godli- ness of living. Impress upon our hearts, we hum- bly beseech thee, a lively and lasting sense of what thou hast done to save our souls from sin and death : that whilst we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, and put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Grant, O merciful God, that we may not neglect this great salvation, offered us in Jesus Christ. Help us to profit by all the instructions of thy word, and to be a holy people unto thee, zealous of good works. Accept, O Lord, the adorations, and graciously answer the prayers, which have during the past day been offered before thee ; and grant to us and to all thy people, that what of thy truth we have heard with our ears, may be implanted in our hearts, impressed upon our memories, and fruitful in our lives. May we be doers of thy word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. May we contend earnestly for the faith which was once de- livered to the saints ; and to our faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, bro- therly kindness and charity, and give diligence to make our calling and election sure. What we are taught on the Lord's day, may we practise through the week ; and while we advance in age may we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 56 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Monday Morning. May we be duly thankful that the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath, and that the ordinances of his religion are accommodated to our wants, and are profitable to those who rightly use them. May they be profitable to us : may what we have heard read from thy word, and spoken according to thy will, be to us a savor of life. Extend the light of th)l truth to those who are in the darkness of unbelief, and thy saving health unto all nations. We commend ourselves, and all for whom we ought to pray, to the protection of thy good provi- dence. Defend us from the perils of this night: watch over us during the hours of sleep : and if it be thy good pleasure to bring us to the light of an- other day, give us hearts to be thankful for thy goodness, and grace to live to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord ; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. Monday Morning. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, behold with favor thy unworthy- creatures who desire^ under a sense of thy provi- dential care, to offer unto thee our morning sacrifice of prayer and praise. We are here assembled, O Lord, in thy name and presence, waiting upon thee at the footstool of thy grace. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit : blot out our offences and wash away our sins. Who can tell how oft he offendeth 1 O cleanse thou us from our secret faults. Keep us back, also, from presumptuous sins : let them not have dominion over us. Let a GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 67 Monday Morning. just sense of thy forbearance and long-suffering lead us to repentance not to be repented of, and keep us at the foot of the Savior's cross. Inspire us, O Lord, with true devotion, that while we draw nigh to thee with our lips, our hearts may not be far from thee. Keep us ever mindful of our dependence upon thee, and quicken us in the pursuit of things eternal. Dispose us rightly to discharge the duties of this day. Watch over our paths ; preserve us in our going out and coming in, and direct all our steps in the way of thy commandments. In all our dealings, may we be honest and conscientious; make us diligent in the works of our calling ; harm- less in our conversation ; meek in our deportment ; charitable and forgiving towards others ; watchful over ourselves, and never forgetful of thee. May we love thee, the Lord our God, with all our heart and mind and soul, which is the first and great commandment. And may we love our neighbor as ourselves, and do unto all men as we would that they should do unto us. O help us, as our Savior Christ has commanded, to love our enemies, and to bless them who despitefully use and persecute us. May we never be overcome of evil, but endeavor to overcome evil with good. If it be possible, and as much as lieth in us, may we live peaceably with all men. We thank thee, O God, for the preservation of our lives, and for all the blessings which make life comfortable ; and we humbly ask for the continu- ance of thy goodness; that thou wilt preserve us from danger and from sin, and give us such things as are needful and convenient for our present com- fort, and for our eternal good. Help us to keep in continual remembrance the doctrines of Christ, the precepts of the gospel, and the duties of life, which were taught us on thy holy day of rest. May we live as they should live who are taught of God. 58 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Monday Evening. We bless thy name, O God, for the seasons and opportunities of learning our duty and doing thy will which thou art weekly and daily bestowing upon us. Make us duly sensible how much and how wickedly we have neglected the right use of thy blessings, and how little we have profited in seasons of grace. Remember not, Lord, our of- fences past, nor take thou vengeance of our sins. Withdraw not thou thy help ; grant us the comfort of thy salvation, and uphold us with thy free spirit; that our souls may bless thee, and all that is within us may praise thy holy name. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin, and to dispose all our ways towards the attainment of everlasting salvation : and among all the perils and changes of this mortal life, may we ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help. May we continue steadfast in thy faith, and daily increase in thy holy spirit more and more until we come to thine ever- lasting kingdom. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and thine be the glory, forever and ever. Hear us, O Lord, we beseech thee, for the sake of thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Monday Evening. ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the only Potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords, who hast thy throne in the highest heavens, and yet deignest to behold the things that are on earth, worthy art thou of the praise and adoration of all intelligent beings. What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the children of men, that thou dost vouchsafe to them thy care ! Thy glory transcends our utmost thoughts, and goodness shines in all thy works. We, thy sinful and unworthy creatures, humbly GRTSWOLD'S PRAYERS. 59 Monday Evening. desire to approach thee in supplication and prayer, not in our own name, nor trusting in our own righteousness, but in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ. For his sake we beseech thee to pardon our offences, to sanctify our hearts, and create us again unto good works. We are not sufficient of ourselves to think, and still less to do, any thing good : our sufficiency is of thee. With- out thy grace we incline to evil, and to err and to stray from thy ways like lost sheep. Enter not into judgment with thy servants, O Lord ; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. We have an advocate with thee, O our heavenly Fa- ther, and may he be the propitiation for our sins. To thee, through his merits, belong mercy and for- giveness, though we have rebelled against thee. Grant us, we beseech thee, redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of thy grace. O give us the comfort of thy help, and stablish us with thy free spirit. Without thee, nothing is pure, nothing is holy : increase and multiply upon us thy mercy, that, thou being our guide and strength, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Work in us that repentance which is not to be repented of, and that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which renews the heart and overcomes the world. We bless thee, O God, for thy patience and long- suffering with those who are forgetful of thy good- ness, and that time and opportunity for repentance and amendment of life are still vouchsafed to us. We bless thee, O God, that thou hast laid help on one who is mighty, and that Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to those who believe. May the life we live be by faith in the Son of God. Stablish us in thy love ; strengthen us to do good, and guide our steps in the way of righteousness and 60 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Tuesday Morning. peace. Help us daily to examine our hearts and lives, and to be conformed in all things to thy holy will. Thou hast taught us, O God, that all our doings, without charity, are nothing worth; inspire our hearts with true Christian love. May that spirit be in us, which was in our Savior Christ ; a spirit of benevolence ; and a delight in doing good to all men, and especially unto them who are of the household of faith. May we owe no man any thing, but to love one another with that love which is the fulfilling of the whole law. Make us thankful, O Lord, that we are called to a knowledge of thy grace and faith in Jesus Christ ; increase this knowledge and confirm this faith in our hearts, and make it fruitful in our lives. Grant that we may be also of thy chosen people; and give us grace to make our calling and election sure. We beseech thee, O God, to behold with thy compassionate goodness those who are visited with sorrow, and all who, in this transitory life, are in need or sickness, or any other adversity. Grant them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of their afflictions. Extend, we beseech thee, the knowledge of thy truth ; bless thy word wherever it is spoken, and send it where it is not heard ; and may the borders of Zion be more and still more enlarged, till all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. Tuesday Morning. ADORABLE and everliving God, the fountain of all wisdom, mercy and grace, who hast formed the spi- GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 61 Tuesday Morning. rit of man within him. and fitted him to serve and worship thee, we desire, as thy children and the work of thy hands, to lift once more our heart and voice in prayer and praise to thee. Once more have we laid us down in peace and taken rest, and through thy goodness are risen again in safety. May the lives which thy goodness renews every morning, and thy providence every moment sus- tains, be devoted to thee. As a father spareth his son that serveth him, wilt thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us ! We desire, O God, to adore thy name, which is excellent in all the earth, and whose glory is above the heavens. We bless thee for the rest and pre- servation of the night past. O cause us to hear thy loving kindness in the morning, for in thee do we trust. Make us to know the way wherein we should go, for which we would continue daily to lift up our soul unto thee. Cast us not away from thy presence, nor take thy Holy Spirit from us ; but direct our hearts into thy love, and our feet into the way of thy testimonies. May we be ever found in the way of duty, fearing God and working right- eousness ; walking in the steps of thy blessed Son ; making it evident to all that we are influenced by his spirit, guided by his example, and pressing forward to his kingdom. Day by day would we magnify thee, O Lord, and worship thy name for- ever and ever. But we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any worship. Enter not into judgment with thy servants, O Lord, but spare those whom thou hast redeemed. Have mercy upon us after thy great goodness ; according to the multitude of thy mercies do away our offences. We beseech thee to take us this day under thy holy care and keeping. Grant us such measures of thy grace as may fit us for the duties of our re- 6 62 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Tuesday Morning. spective stations. Make us respectful to our supe- riors ; friendly to our equals ; kind to the poor, and charitable and forgiving to those who do us wrong. Cause us to delight in thy holy worship and in the performance of all religious duties. Grant that we may be doers of thy word, and let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify thee, our. heavenly Father. Help us to ho- nor thee in our lives, and give us understanding that we may keep the law with our whole heart Preserve us from all idolatrous affection for the things of this world ; may we never be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. And accept, O Lord, of our intercessions for all mankind. May the light of thy glorious gospel shine throughout this sinful world ; and to all those who are sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, may the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings. May thy word have free course, and, through thy blessing, be a savor of life to those who hear it, producing repentance towards God and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ. Give thy blessing to thy church ; and especially to the congregation of thy people with whom we are more particularly connected. Endue the ministers of thy gospel with heavenly wisdom and holy zeal ; and grant that, by their preaching and living, they may show the truth of thy word and the power of thy grace. Do thou, O God, who knowest our ne- cessities before we ask, and the infirmity of our na- ture, forgive the imperfection of these our prayers, and answer them in thy wisdom and mercy, for the sake of thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 63 Tuesday Evening. Tuesday Evening. O ETERNAL God, mighty in power, and of majesty incomprehensible, who art exalted above the hea- vens, while we, thy sinful creatures, are here upon the earth, we desire, from this our humble state, to laud and magnify thy glorious name. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most Highest ; to tell of thy loving kindness early in the morning, and of thy truth in the night season. We present ourselves, O Lord, before thee, in humble adoration, as creatures unworthy the least of thy mercies. Blessed are they who dwell in thy house, and blessed is the house where thou dwell- est ; blessed is the man whose* strength is in thee, and in whose heart are thy ways. Grant, we be- seech thee, that this blessing may be ours ; visit us with thy gracious presence, and rejoice us with the tokens of thy love. Let our prayers be set forth in thy sight as incense, and may the lifting up of our hands in supplication be an evening sacrifice holy and acceptable unto thee. We acknowledge, O heavenly Father, that we have sinned against heaven and before thee, and are not wcrthy to be called thy children, nor to ask for thy grace. May thy Holy Spirit convince us of sin, of righteousness and of judgment ; and so quick- en our repentance and strengthen our faith, that we may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, and enjoy that peace which the world cannot give. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so great let thy mercy be to- wards us ; as far as the east is from the west, do thou, the God of mercy, set our sins from us. May our Savior Christ be to us wisdom and righteous- 64 ORISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Tuesday Evening. ness and sanctification and redemption, and all our glorying be in him. O may thy grace be sufficient for us, and thy strength be so made perfect in weakness, that we may be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, and strive successfully to enter in at, the strait gate. And help us, O Lord, to offer, and graciously ac- cept our evening sacrifice of praise and thanksgiv- ing. Every day would we give thanks unto thee, and praise thy name forever and ever. Great art thou, O Lord, and marvellous ; worthy to be prais- ed ; there is no end of thy greatness. One genera- tion shall praise thy works unto another, and de- clare thy power. Thou art gracious and merciful, long-suffering and of great goodness ; thou art lov- ing unto every man, and thy mercy is over all thy works. All thy works praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints give thanks unto thee. Make us truly thankful that our voices may be heard among them. We bless thee, O God, for thy daily goodness to us and to all men ; for our life and health, our food and raiment, our mental endowments, and for all our social enjoyments. We bless thee that we live in a land where the gospel is preached and thy word is known; and that we have the offer and the means of salvation in Jesus Christ. Make us, we beseech thee, duly thankful for these thy mer- cies ; and give us grace that we may rightly use them to thy glory, and to our own and others' salvation. . And we pray that these privileges which we en- joy may be extended to all who need them. Let thy Spirit be with thy ministers who labor to evan- gelize the nations of the earth. May thy word be truly spoken, and in an honest and good heart re- ceived. And grant that all Christians may be so joined together in unity of spirit and in the bond of peace, that thy church may be a holy temple, ac- ceptable unto thee. GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 65 Wednesday Morning. And wilt thou, O merciful Lord, grant to this family the abundance of thy grace ! Defend us from evil ; watch over us for good, and take us, and all that appertains to us, under thy holy care and keeping. These things, and whatever else thou seest fitting for us, for our neighbors, relatives and friends, and for thy whole church, we humbly ask, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. Wednesday Morning. i . ' . . ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Maker of all things, the Father of our spirits, the Life of them who believe, and the Resurrection of the dead, thou alone art worthy of all adoration and praise. To thee all angels cry aloud ; the heavens and all the powers therein. The holy church throughout all the world doth worship thee ; and with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name. We bless thee for thy adorable perfections, and for all the wonders thou doest for the children of men. We thank thee for thy unnumbered mercies vouchsafed to us thy unworthy creatures ; and especially that our lives are still preserved, and that we are per- mitted this morning to open our lips that we may show forth thy praise. May these our thankful offerings flow from lips unfeigned, and from hearts sincere. We are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, and our humblest sup- plications will need thy pardon; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our of- 6* E 66 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Wednesday Morning. fences. Give us, O Lord, the spirit of humble supplication: help our infirmities, and teach us how to pray. Help us, O Lord, each one to do his duty in that state of life to which respectively we are called, with diligence and fidelity. May we abound in love ; abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good ; not be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Give us grace to rejoice with them that do rejoice, and to weep with them that weep. May we recompense to no man evil for evil ; but endeavor to overcome evil with good, and to provide things honest in the sight of all men. Help us to resist temptation and escape the snares of sin. Make us ever mindful of thy presence and desirous of thy grace. Open thou our eyes that we may see the excellence of thy law : give us un- derstanding that we may know thy testimonies and write the words of thy gospel in our hearts. Direct and bless us in our endeavors to know and to do thy will : make us contented with what thou shalt provide for us ; industrious in some honest calling, and temperate in all things. Make us thankful for all the good that we receive, and kind to those who need the blessings which we enjoy. May all bitter- ness and anger and evil speaking be put away from us, with all malice : and may we be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as thou hast, we hope and pray, for Christ's sake, forgiven us. Have mercy, O Lord, upon all those who are still in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity, living in sin, and without God in the world. Con- vert their souls and bring them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and become one fold under one Shepherd. We beseech thee, O God, to bless our country GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 67 Wednesday Evening. with prosperity and peace. May this nation be a people serving thee, having thee for their God, and thy word for their guide. Bless our civil rulers, and all who are in authority over us, with wisdom, jus- tice and truth. And wilt thou extend the blessings of light and liberty, and pure and undefiled religion, to all the nations of the earth. May thy kingdom come : may the time arrive when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. Let thy spirit, O Lord, be with us this day and while we live. Give us grace to love and fear thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments. In all our doings and desires; in our going out and coming in ; in the business of our callings, and in the work which our hands find to do, wilt thou rule our hearts, strengthen our hands, and give us thy blessing. May we love the things which thou commandest, and desire those which thou dost pro- mise ; and among all the manifold changes and pe- rils of this world, may our hearts be surely fixed where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us evermore. Amen. Wednesday Evening. ADORABLE Creator, who art exalted above all thrones and dominions, dwelling between the che- rubim, in the holy place of the highest heavens, and yet humblest thyself to behold the things that are in heaven and on earth, and to hear the prayers of thy unworthy creatures, be pleased now, we be- 68 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Wednesday Evening. seech thee, to hear the petitions which we would offer in the name of Jesus Christ. Another day is taken from our scanty span of life, and may it awaken in us a lively sense of the importance of time, and that the period is swiftly approaching when time with us will be no more. Teach us, we beseech thee, so to number our days that we may apply our hearts to true wisdom. Grant that the time and opportunities which thy patient goodness may yet vouchsafe to us, may be rightly used to the purposes of our Christian calling. As we advance in age, may we grow in grace. We beseech thee, O God, to turn thy face from our sins, and to blot out all our iniquities. Make us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. The sacrifice in which thou delightest is a meek and humble spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, O God, wilt thou not despise. Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our fore- fathers; neither take thou vengeance of our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood, and be not angry with us forever. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name. Though we have wickedly transgressed, to whom can we go for pardon and acceptance but unto thee, O thou Savior of men, who alone hast the words of eternal life ? If thou speak the word, we shall be healed. Cast us not away from thy presence, nor take thy Holy Spirit from us. Direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and our bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy command- ments. May we seek first, and above all things, the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In- crease and multiply upon us thy mercy, that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 69 Wednesday Evening. the perils and trials of this life, that we may arrive at the glorified state of thy heavenly kingdom. Create us again unto good works. Inspire in our hearts that charity which is the bond of perfectness ; which suffereth long and is kind ; which envieth not ; which seeketh not her own, and thinketh no evil : inspire us with that Christian love which worketh no ill to our neighbor, and is the fulfilling of the whole law. Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy church may serve thee in all godly quietness ; and that all those who confess thy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. May it please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are de- ceived ; to strengthen such as do stand ; to comfort and help the weak-hearted ; to raise up those who fall, and subdue our spiritual foes. We beseech thee, O Lord, to bless the people of this our country ; defend them from every evil, and from every foe. Surely trusting in thy defence, may we not fear the power of any adversary ; may the Lord be our God, and his word our guide. Bless the people and the government of this state in which we live. Give thy blessing to the inha- bitants of this town, and inspire thy church and people here with godly zeal and Christian love. Send down upon the ministers of thy gospel, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of thy grace and the continual dew of thy heavenly benediction. Do thou, who hast graciously promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son's name, mercifully incline thine ears to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee, and grant our petitions for the sake of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 70 GRISWOLD'S PRATERS. Thursday Morning. And may the peace of God, which passeth un- derstanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God ; and the blessing of the Father } Son, and Holy Ghost be ever with us. Amen. Thursday Morning. O LORD God, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth; who alone givest life and health and peace ; thou art our God, and early will we seek thee. Thou art nigh unto them who call upon thee faithfully. Thy eyes, O Lord, are over the righteous, and thy ears are open to their prayers. Thou art nigh unto them who are of a contrite heart, and wilt save such as are of an humble spirit. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts: hear the prayers and accept the praise which we desire this morning to offer before thee. Have re- spect, we beseech thee, to us and to our offering, and meet with thy blessing those who desire to seek thee in prayer, and make thy throne to us a throne of grace. We would look unto thee, O God, as our Father who art in heaven, and the Creator and Preserver of all mankind. Thou hast made us, and not we ourselves : we are thy people, and the sheep of thy pasture ; we worship and fall down and kneel be- fore thee as the Lord our Maker, and the Giver of all good. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with thee, O heavenly Father, and may he be the propi- tiation for our sins. We are unworthy to offer unto thee any sacrifice ; through Him alone, our merito- rious High Priest, we approach thee, O God, that we may find mercy and grace to help us in the time of need. O Lord, increase our faith, and let thy Spirit Kelp our infirmities, and teach us to ask GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Thursday Morning. for such things, and with such devotion, as shall please thee, and that our prayers may ascend as grateful incense. We give thee thanks for the preservation of the night past, and for the comforts vouchsafed to us this morning ; beseeching thee to take us, this day, and all that is ours, under thy guidance and pro- tection. Grant that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, and righteous in thy sight. Teach us the worth of our immortal souls, and the great salvation wrought for us in Jesus Christ. May we never be ashamed to confess him before men ; but glory in bearing his cross, and being his disciples. May our conversation be such as becometh his gospel ; and may the whole conduct of our lives, the words of our mouth, and the meditation of our heart, be always acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our Redeemer. We thank thee, O heavenly Father, for all the blessings we receive, both of providence and grace. But above all we adore thee for thy inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. Give us, we pray thee, that due sense of thy goodness, that our hearts may be duly thankful, and our lives be devoted unto thee. May thy Spirit lead us into all truth, and make us fruit- ful in every good word and work. Let not the cares of this world cause us to neglect the one thing needful ; but help us rather to lay up our treasures where moth and rust cannot destroy them. Ac- cording as we have opportunity, may we do good unto all men. May we love those that love the Lord Jesus, and may the spirit which was in him be also in us. May we abhor that which is evil, and in all things cleave to that which is good : be kind and affectionate ; rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation ; given to hospitality. Hear us, O Lord, in mercy : in all we think and 72 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Thursday Evening. do, may thy Holy Spirit aid and guide us ; that in this world we may live to thy glory, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. The Lord bless us and keep us ; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon us and give us peace, now and evermore. Amen. Thursday Evening. O ETERNAL God, thou Shepherd of Israel, whose all-seeing eye surveys the inhabitants of this lower world, behold us thy dependent creatures with thy favor and blessing. Thou, Lord, hast been our refuge from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made, thou art God from ever- lasting, and world without end. All thy works praise thee, and thy saints give thanks unto thee. Thou art righteous in all thy ways, and holy in all thy works. Thou art about our bed, and about our paths, and spiest out all our ways. There is not a word of our mouth, nor a thought or intent of our heart, but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether. The darkness is no darkness to thee : with thee the night is as clear as the day. Wherewith shall we, thy sinful creatures, come before thee, and bow our- selves before the high God? What sacrifice shall atone for our multiplied transgressions? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with rivers of oil ? Thou hast shown us what is good ; thou hast laid help on one who is mighty. Thou hast given thy only Son to be our Savior, who has put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. O give GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 73 Thursday Evening. us that faith in him which worketh by love, that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thee. We beseech thee, O heavenly Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities, and through the merits of our Savior, and for the glory of thy great name, turn from us all those evils that we most justly have deserved ; and in all the afflictions that we may suffer, may we confide in thy mercy and sub- mit to thy will. May we ever look unto thee as the greatest good, and to thy loving kindness as better than life itself. May we never neglect thy great salvation : being justified by faith, may we have peace with thee. Make us wise and faithful in all the duties of life and of religion. Let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, nor any vain desire pos- sess our hearts. Help us so to number our days, and to view the uncertainty of their continuance, that we may ever be watchful and prepared, as they who wait for the coming of their Lord. Re- strain us from all immoderate desire of temporal things, that we may use the world as not abusing it. Help us rightly to value the true riches, and to have our conversation in heaven. Cause us to love thy word, and to delight in thy laws ; and so en- lighten our minds and purify our affections, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Accept, O Lord, of our prayers for all of our fel- low-men ; that thy ways may be known unto them, and thy saving health be extended to all the na- tions of the earth. Have mercy upon all who are now living in sin, and in the darkness of unbe- lief. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and dislike of thy holy word ; and bring them, blessed Lord, into thy flock, that they may be all of 74 GRISW OLD'S PRAYERS. Friday Morning. one fold, and under the one true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Be pleased, O God, to continue thy gracious pro- tection to us this night. Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls. O thou Keeper of Israel, who never slumberest nor sleepest, take charge of us and ours, and watch over us for good. Preserve us from sin and from peril : may we lie down in peace and take our rest in the com- forting belief that it is thou, O God, who makest us to dwell in safety. Fit and prepare us for that heavenly rest which remaineth for the people of God. We offer these, our evening devotions, in the name of Jesus Christ : and may his grace be ever with us. Amen. Friday Morning. O GOD, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who art eternal, immortal, invisible, the Maker of the world and of all that is therein, worthy art thou to receive glory and honor and power ; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Our life is thine : our hearts are in thy hand, and our secret thoughts are known to thee. We adore thee as the giver of all good. The eyes of all wait upon thee ; thou openest thy hand and fillest all things living with plenteous- ness. Thy mercies fail not, but are new every morning ; of the least of them we are unworthy. What shall we render unto thee, O Lord, for all thy benefits ! Awaken in our souls an earnest, thank- ful desire to take the cup of salvation offered us in Jesus Christ, and through him to call upon thy holy name, as the only hope of all the ends of the earth. Accept, we beseech thee, this our morning GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 75 Friday Morning. sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and hear the supplications and prayers which we desire, with humble adoration, to offer before thee. We bless thee, O God, for thy preservation of us from the commencement of our lives to this present time, and especially for the rest and refreshment of the past night ; that we were permitted once more to lie down in peace and take our rest, and that thou, O Lord, hast made us to dwell in safety. We thank thee for this and for all thy daily goodness to us and to all men ; but chiefly do we bless thy holy name for the redemption of mankind in Jesus Christ ; that in him mercy and truth are met to- gether, righteousness and peace have kissed each other ; that through his offering himself for our sins thou canst be just in justifying those who believe in him. We rejoice with thankfulness that he is the resurrection and the life ; that, by rising from the dead, he became the first fruits of those who sleep in death ; that when he ascended on high he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men even the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost to be our comforter. Grant, O merciful God, that we may not neglect this great salvation. For his sake who came to call, not the righteous, but sinners to repentance, behold us with pity and forgive us our sins. Though we have erred and strayed from thy righteous ways, have left undone what thy word requires, and often transgressed thy holy laws, cast us not away in thy displeasure ; but sanctify our hearts, and work in us repentance towards thee, and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ. May we engage, O Lord, in the business and ac- tive duties of this day with a just sense of thy overruling providence, knowing that except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman 76 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Friday Evening. waketh in vain. It is but lost labor that we haste to rise up early, and late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness : without thy blessing our la- bor will not prosper. Though we plant and water, thou only canst give increase. Wilt thou, O gra- cious Lord, direct and bless us in all we do. Take us, we beseech thee, and all that appertains to us, under thy guidance and protection. Keep us ever mindful of thy presence, and of the one thing need- ful. Prosper us in the business of our several sta- tions, and give us grace to be diligent in every duty. Give thy blessing to those who are set in au- thority over us ; direct their counsels and strengthen their hands. May we remember that the powers which be are ordained of God, and that they bear not the sword in vain. Bless the people of our country with union, prosperity and peace. Send down thy blessings upon our neighbors, relatives, and friends. May they who are dear to us be dear to thee. These things, and whatever thou seest to be fitting for us and for all men, we humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Friday Evening. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than we desire or deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving our manifold transgressions, and assisting us in our supplications and prayers. O thou God of mercy, absolve us from our offences and cleanse us from our sins. May it please thee to give us true repen- tance ; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. 77 Friday Evening. ignorances, and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy word, that we may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. To thee, O Lord, belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against thee, and have not obeyed thy voice, to walk in the laws which thou hast set before us. Thou art glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders ; great in majesty, and great in mercy. Give us grace, in deep contri- tion, each one for himself, to say, God be merciful to me, a sinner. Gracious is thy word, declaring that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus; and that he is the end of the law for righteousness to those who believe. Grant unto us that righteous- ness which is by faith in the Son of God ; and may thy Spirit bear witness with our spirit that we are thy children, accepted in the Beloved. We thankfully acknowledge thy goodness in the blessings vouchsafed to us during the day past ; in preserving our lives, continuing to us many bles- sings, and giving us time and means for knowing and doing thy will. Give us, we beseech thee, a more lively sense of thy benefits ; awaken us to righteousness ; turn thou us, and we shall be turn- ed. Work in us to will and to do that which is pleasing in thy sight. May we put on the whole armor of God ; fight the good fight of faith, and be conquerors, and more than conquerors, through him who loved us and gave himself for us. While thou art pleased, in thy patient goodness, to hold our soul in life, give us grace to serve thee better and love thee more. Do for us, we beseech thee, and work in us whatever shall be necessary and con- venient for our present comfort and our eternal good. Tuke from us all sinful ignorance and hard- ness of heart, and preserve us from the deceitful- 7* 78 GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. Saturday Morning-. ness of worldly things : may we pass the time of our sojdurning here in thy faith and fear ; and live so soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, as becometh those who expect shortly to give an account to thee, who wilt judge all men ac- cording to their works. Make us a household fear- ing thee and working righteousness. Hear our prayers and supplications for all man- kind. Inspire, continually, the universal church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord ; and grant that all they who do confess thy holy name, may agree in the truth of thy word, and live in unity and godly love. May those in authority truly and impartially administer justice ; and the people perform their respective duties, in all godly quiet- ness. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacra- ments. And grant that all thy people, with meek heart and due reverence, may hear and receive thy word, and truly serve thee in holiness of life. Hear us, O Lord, for the sake of Jesus Christ. And to thee, our only God and Savior, be glory and ma- jesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Saturday Morning. O BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scrip- tures to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may\ embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. Bless to our edification all that we 4iead and hear from the GRIS WOLD'S PRAYERS. 79 Saturday Morning. Holy Scriptures ; may it be so grafted irl our hearts as to bring forth in us the fruit of good -hating. ^ % Thy statutes, O Lord, are right, and^noiid re- joice the heart ; thy judgments are true and right- eous altogether. By them are thy servants taught, and in keeping of them there is great reward. Give -us understanding, that we may keep thy law with our whole heart. Make us to go in the path of thy commandments, and to have a delight there- in. Enlighten our minds with the truths of thy gospel and the doctrines of life, and help us to re- ceive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save our souls. We are here assembled, O Lord, in thy name and presence, waiting upon thee at the footstool of thy grace. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit : blot out our offences, and wash away our sins. Who can tell how oft he offendeth ? O cleanse thou us from our secret faults. Keep us back, also, from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over us. May we never so presume upon thy mercy as lightly to esteem the riches of thy goodness, or neglect the work of our salvation. Knowing that the righteous are scarcely saved, may we give all diligence to make our calling and election sure. Cause us to be hum- ble, and devoutly given to serve thee by good works. Keep alive in us a true spirit of devotion, that whi^e we draw nigh to thee with our lips, our heart may not be far frofn thee. Quicken us in the pur- suit of spiritual things. May we never be so cum- bered with worldly serving, as to neglect those things which are truly needful to our eternal good. Dispose us, O Lord, we beseech thee, rightly to discharge the duties of this day. Watch over our paths; compass us about with thy favor; pre- serve us in our going out and coming in ; and 80 GRISWOLD'S PRAYERS. Saturday Evening. direct all our steps in the way of thy command- ments. In all our dealings may we be honest and conscientious; diligent in the works of our calling; godly in our conversation ; meek in our deport- ment; charitable and forgiving towards others; watchful over ourselves, and never forgetful of thee. Sanctify to us such pains and sorrows, and other afflictions, as thou mayest see it fitting to lay upon us ; make us patient in suffering, and in all things resigned to thy holy will. Make us dilig