Prior to entering anew on the active business of life, we kneel in Thy presence, humbly claiming Thy divine guidance and blessing, while we devote ourselves to our several duties.
In our several labours, while we with industry and perseverance pursue them. O help us to set Thee, our gracious Lord and Master, before our eyes; that so, convinced of Thy omnipresence, we may carefully and earnestly shun everything that has a tendency to alienate our souls from Thee, their rightful Sovereign. The joy and pleasure which this day may be allotted to us, or the trials and perplexities which Thou mayest permit to approach us, shall still find us rejoicing in Thy goodness, or humbly and gratefully submitting to our trials; knowing that in the season of prosperity we should rejoice, and in the season of adversity consider that we are equally the subjects of Thy care, and the children of Thy providence. Into Thy hands, O Lord our Saviour, we desire to commend our souls. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
MONDAY EVENING.
EVER blessed, glorious, and beneficent Lord God Almighty, we approach Thee at the close of this day with heartfelt gratitude. In nothing is Thy love more abundantly shown than in Thy gracious forbearance. For though we have all sinned, and come short of Thy truth, yet hast Thou borne with us, remembering that our nature is frail, and very prone to evil.
With deep humiliation, O Lord, we confess our sins, humbly praying that Thou wilt give unto us penitent hearts, and assist us to walk for the future with uprightness. Of all the blessings Thou hast showered down upon us, help us to be grateful for the capacity given of attaining higher and more interior degrees in the regeneration. Thou hast given us a capacity for the reception and attainment of truth; thus of acquiring a good conscience. O give us diligence and earnestness, that no opportunity may be lost in securing this inestimable quality. All earthly blessings are enhanced in value, all spiritual delights rendered more exquisite and elevating, as they are received and enjoyed under the guidance and sanction of a good conscience; for a good conscience is Thy approving Spirit within us. As we with faithfulness perform our duties, ever looking up to Thee for help in time of need, as amidst temptations and sensual pleasures Thy truth enables us to repel the seducing blandishments to sin, it is the influence of the Spirit of truth which is the preservation of a conscience void of offence before God and man; and this enables us to rest in peace under the severest trials, and to feel the assurance that He who walketh uprightly walketh surely. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
TUESDAY MORNING.
ALL merciful Redeemer and Saviour, who, previous to the passion on the cross, didst give to Thy disciples the solemn exhortation, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation;" help us, we beseech Thee, to keep this precept before us.
