-- ~t~ SHORT FAMILY PRAYERS FOR EVERY MORNING AND EVENING OF THE WEEK, AND FOR PARTICULAR OCCASIOX8. ia BY JONATHAN M. WAINWRIGHT, D. D. NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY, 713 BROADWAY. --------MAESW---- WMM9ý - ~Z Entered, according to Act ot eosigress, in the year 1850, by STANFORD & SWORDS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New-York. mvpanstxmt eAlenalDGV: PRIINT93 AT1H. 0. 11oteflON G1. - THIS LITTLE VOLUME! 3*s lDebdcateb I omof a @6iotbrv'% Zobt. '11 r dr ) - 33t rarefut for notbinE; but in zberg tbina bg ptager ana supplication toitb tbanbzos gi~bing, let Dour Trquesto be mate ftnornt unto (got. ftlb tfje Vrace of MOO, tbiDfrf jpasortb all unberztanbfing, stallImbep P.Oue breott antb minbs tljrougD(b cr~iot ZZeOus. PHIILIPPIANS tv. % 7. 4 - --- -~ ---, -- PREFACE. THESE Prayers are not strictly original, nor yet are they a mere selection, or a compilation, but a combination of all these, in the use of the Bible, the Liturgy, and various devotional writers. By this method it was thought that the object in view could best be attained, which was to answer a demand frequently made, for a collection of Family Prayers more condensed than those in general use. It must be observed, however, that the present compliance is by no means to be interpreted as admitting that any portion of time which a family can devote to the exercise of social prayer, consistently with the discharge of other duties, can be unprofitably spent. At the same time it is presumed, that it will be readily admitted, on all hands, to be desirable, in framing aids to devotion, to accommodate every variety of individual preference, and of domestic I" w* __________________________________ I - ~ PREFACE. arrangements, so that no apology can be left for the neglect of so important a duty as that of family prayer. It must also be admitted, that in all families occasions will arise when it is expedient to abbreviate the usual morning or evening exercise by shortening the portion of Scripture to be read, or by omitting a part of the customary prayers. For such occasions it will perhaps be found convenient to have at hand some little work like the present. The service for each morning and evening is so short, that no family in the habit of domestic worship at all, could reasonably desire to have it made any shorter, and yet it is hoped that in no case are the great and urgent topics of prayer passed over. The authority for the use of short prayers is the highest of all authority. We are cautioned by our blessed Lord himself, " not to use vain repetitions," nor " to think we shall be heard for our much speaking." (Matt. vi. 7.) And the model which he has given us by which to construct our prayers, " after this manner therefore pray ye," (Matt. vi. 9,) is equally admirable for its condensation as for its fulness of meaning. The Church too has ever faithfully 6 I. - - - - - - -- -- --- --- PREFACE. observed this direction, in her preference of short and energetic collects to devotional forms long drawn out. But after all it must ever be had in mina, that the real efficacy of prayer in gaining access to the Mercy Seat depends not upon forms, but upon the state of the suppliant's heart while uttering the prayer. If the heart be right and earnest, a few words may bring down rich returns of blessing from on high; while lengthened prayers, offered with a cold heart and a wandering mind, are " a vain oblation "-" a trouble unto the Lord, and He is weary to hear them"--" and when men thus spread out their hands he will hide his eyes from them, and when they make many prayers he will not hear." (Isaiah i. 15.) Let your prayer then be short, and summon your whole soul for the effort-think well before you begin, and what you are about to say, for "( God listens to the voice of the heart, not to that of the lips." Cal -f. I --- A...El..........A- -1 0 uontcnto, SUNDAY MORNING. SUNDAY EVENING MONDAY MORNING MONDAY EVENING TUESDAY MORNING. TUESDAY EVENING WEDNESDAY MORNING WEDNESDAY EVENING THURSDAY MORNING THURSDAY EVENING FRIDAY MORNING FRIDAY EVENING SATURDAY MORNING SATURDAY EVENING a ~ ~ r ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ O ~ ~ O ~ ~ ~ a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e a i) o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ s r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PAGE.. 10. 12 S14 S 16 18 S20 22 S24. 26. 28. 30. 32. 34 S36 A PRAYER FOR SEASONS OF AFFLICTION PETITIONS:1. WHEN A CHILD OF THE FAMILY IS TO BE BAPTISED 2. WHEN ANY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ARE TO BE CONFIRMED... 3. FOR THE RISING GENERATION.. 4. FOR THE CHILDREN OF A FAMILY.. 5. FOR THE SAME.... 6. FOR THE SAME..... 7. WHEN ANY OF THE FAMILY ARE ABOUT TO BE ABSENT ON A JOURNEY. 8. FOR A SAFE RETURN OF MEMBERS OF A FAMILY FROM A JOURNEY.... 9. WHEN ONE OF THE FAMILY S1 AFFLICTED WITH PAINFUL AND FATAL ILLNESS.. 8 38 40 41 42 42 42 43 44 44 45 i1 - CONTENTS. T PAG3E 10. FOR RESIGNATION WHEN AFFLICTION OR CALAMITY BEFALLS A FAMILY..... 46 11. FOR A BLESSING ON OUR LAWFUL CALLING. 47 12. FOR ALL IN AUTHORITY.... 47 13. PREPARATORY TO RECEIVING THE HOLY SACRAMENT 49 14. ON CHRISTMAS DAY..... 50 15. ON NEW YEAR'S EVE..... 50 16. ON NEW YEAR'S DAY......... 51 17. GOOD FRIDAY........... 52 18. EASTER DAY..... 52 19. FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH..,. 53 9 C-A- - --- - -I e I------- Zunbav ftfotining* ~ 7he family being assembled, let a Chapter from the Bible be rea4 or else the following select sentences. Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. We will come before his presence with thanksgiving, and enter his courts with praise. We will lift up our hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Let us pray. Almighty God and most merciful Father, who art ever ready and willing to forgive those who truly repent; Pardon, we beseech Thee all the sins of thought, word, and deed we have committed from the time of our birth to this present moment. Particularly do we now confess before Thee our too frequent neglect of the means of grace provided for us, and we beseech Thee to enable us henceforth by the help of thy Holy Spirit to use them to the greater profit of our souls. Grant unto us this day a peaceful and devout frame of mind, that we may meditate upon thy ways, - --- -- -- - I -I- ~----- LOAe SUNDAY MORNING. and when we come to appear before Thee in thy holy temple, may worship Thee in spirit and in truth. We bless thy holy name for thy unspeakable gift in thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins, and not for our's only, but for the sins of the whole world. Renew and strengthen our faith in his all-atoning sacrifice, and cause the glad tidings of his salvation speedily and effectually to reach every abode of sin, misery, and death. May the work of grace be carried forward in all our hearts this day, and may thy free Spirit purify our souls, loose us from the bondage of every sin, and establish us wholly in the liberty of the sons of God, so that we may live to thy honor and glory, and to our own eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. IV Then shall all repeat the LORD'S PRAYER. Our Father which art in heaven, &c. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. 11 - ----------- (.1 Ounbap Owning. Let us give thanks unto the Lord, for all His benefits and for all His blessings. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, to root out the remembrance of them from the earth. Let us pray. Most merciful God and heavenly Father, who hast given thine only Son to be our Mediator and Redeemer; Make us to know and to feel our numerous transgressions, that we may truly repent and be forgiven through the intercession of the same our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Give thy blessing, we beseech Thee, to the means which thou hast appointed in thy holy Church, for our spiritual improvement, and which we have this day enjoyed; and grant that we may never receive thy grace in vain. Deliver us from the errors and vices of the age we live in; from infidelity, wicked principles, and worldly conformity; 12 p- -- - - - -- ---- - - --~~3 SUNDAY EVENING. from profaneness, heresies, and schism; and enable us ever to keep in mind the obligations of our baptismal covenant. Let thy Holy Spirit be alway present with us, and by His effectual help may we get the mastery over all our sins and corruptions, and be redeemed from all iniquity. These blessings which we ask for ourselves, extend, we beseech Thee, to our dear relations and friends, and to all the members of thy Church. Keep us under the protection of thy ever watchful Providence through the night, and grant that we may wake betimes, strengthened and refreshed in body and mind, and better prepared by the services of this Holy Day, for the various duties of the week upon which we have entered. May we be carried safely through it by thy fatherly goodness, and may all the trials and changes that await us, help us onward to thy everlasting kingdom, to which wilt Thou open for us an abundant entrance; through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,13 - - -- e_- - - -- -~- -~-, I - - -- - -- - JBlonbrv ýfflorning# The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be of an humble spirit. The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants, and all they that put their trust in Him shall not be destitute. Wait on the Lord patiently and he will incline unto you and hear your prayer. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Let us pray. O Almighty God and Merciful Father, Who neither slumberest nor sleepest, and Who hast watched over us during the darkness of the night and hast kept us safe from all its perils; Be Thou also our Protector and Guide throughout the day. Guard us, we beseech Thee, from all dangers both of soul and body, and enable us to be circumspect in our conduct, so that we may never fall again into those sins we have repented of, and may steadfastly resist every fresh temptation to evil. Assist us by thy Holy Spirit in devoting ourselves faithfully to the discharge of all our duties, and in being ready to do good whenever we have the ability and 14 I I MONDAY MORNING. the opportunity. May we never be high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in Thee, the living God, who givest us all things richly to enjoy; and may we always remember that Thou, the Father of Mercies, art the sole author of all our blessings and privileges, and that to Thee we must render a strict account of the use we make of them. Grant therefore that we never have cause to repent of having been unfaithful to our trust, but that we may be constantly going forward in the ways and work of godliness. Into thy hands do we now commit all our affairs, and all who aie dear to us, humbly beseeching Thee so to bless, direct and guide us, that we may pass this and each succeeding day of our lives in obedience to thy will, and in the comforting hope of acceptance at the last day; through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven,-- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 f -01 rel--- --- -- ------ I- I _ W- - - - lu$onbav Ovrning3. Let us give thanks always to the Lord our God, and forget not all his benefits. While we live, let us praise the Lord; yea, as long as we have any being, let us sing praises unto our God. It is of the Lord's goodness that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and lie shall find favor at the day of his death. Let us pray. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy servants would devoutly thank Thee for thy gracious preservation of us the past day; for defending us from the evils to which we have been exposed; and for continuing to us the comforts of this life, and the hope of the life to come. Forgive, we humbly beseech Thee, whatsoever Thou hast seen amiss in our thoughts, words, or actions; and help us to call to mind these our sins and delinquencies, that we may truly repent of them, and by thy grace be enabled to form good resolutions of amendment. Make us ever ready to forgive whatever injuries may have been done to us, and watchful 16 I - -r LII ------- ---------------------- - - -- -- MONDAY EVENING. over ourselves that we may give no cause of offence to others. Teach us to submit to thy Providence in all things; to be content under all changes which Thou mayest appoint in our persons or conditions; to be temperate in prosperity, and in adversity to be meek, patient and resigned; and whatever may be our joys or sorrows in this short and uncertain life, may we ever maintain our confidence in thy mercy and goodness, firm and steadfast to the end. And now, O Lord, ere we retire to our rest for the night, we would commend ourselves, and our dear relatives and friends wheresoever they may be, to thy favor and protection. May we remember Thee upon our bed, and think upon Thee when we ale waking; and being refreshed with moderate sleep, may we rise up again with strength and gladness to serve Thee in all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,17 IDI -- _ - - - iý*B-I - -- - - - - - -- - ------ ~ ~ I~; Cg------------------~- - _____~------ ---- tze3bap ~orning. Our nelp standeth in the name of the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth. Show the light of thy countenance upon us this day, 0 Lord, and we shall be safe. O Lord thou art our God, we will exalt thee, we will praise thy name, thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Let us pray. O Lord our God, Maker and Governor of the world, and Protector of all that put their trust in Thee; We, thy servants, devoutly thankful for thy care of us during the past night, would now supplicate the continuance of thy favor and protection. Let thy goodness, 0 Lord, ever lead us to repentance and amendment of life, and excite us diligently to use the talents and advantages Thou hast bestowed upon us. Open the eyes of our mind, and quicken the sense of our conscience, that we may see our infirmities and watch against them; that we may feel our sins and transgressions and forsake them; and thus approach nearer to that perfection which Thou requir-! 18 -~p--~--~ __l I -~--~I - -I -I~ Zý TUESDAY MORNING. est. May we not place our dependance on the world or worldly things; but lay up our treasure in heaven by faith and works of charity, always remembering our latter end, and the vanity and uncertainty of this life. Send thy Holy Spirit to sanctify our hearts, and to assist us that we may be strengthened to fulfil every duty belonging to our station, and to resist every temptation that may assault us. Prepare us for whatever change in our condition Thou shalt have in store for us, so that sickness as well as health, adversity as well as prosperity, sorrow as well as joy, may promote our spiritual discipline. And grant, O Lord, that throughout this day and to the end of our appointed time, we may walk worthy of our Christian calling, and at last receive our heavenly inheritance through Him who hath purchased it for us with his own most precious blood, Jesus Christ our blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,19 - (9 CS) - ------~~---------i1 'rueobav Tmuingoa~ Pray always, every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. When ye pray use not vain repetitions as the heathen do; but pray with the spirit and pray with the understanding also. This is the confidence we have in God, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I pray, and He shall hear my voice. Let us pray. O Almighty Father, who givest the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night; Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, as Thou hast preserved us throughout the day, to keep us this night under the shadow of Thy most mighty protection. We confess, with shame and sorrow, that we have not served Thee as we ought to do, and that we have been too unmindful of thy mercy and forbearance, notwithstanding our manifold transgressions. But, 0 gracious God, pardon all the offences we have committed against Thee in thought, word, and deed, and all the instances in which 20 I ~ ~ _ _ TUESDAY EVENING. by wrong doing, or by neglect, we may have failed in our duty to our fellow man. Grant us the guidance of thy Providence, and the help of thy Holy Spirit, that we may never again fall into these or the like sins, but that we may henceforward give ourselves up more entirely to Thy service in all the obligations of a holy life, and may thus be prepared for the rest which remaineth for the people of God. Send thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon all those dear friends who are united to us by the ties of nature or the bonds of love and friendship, and dispose us meekly to bear with each others' infirmities, to seek each others' temporal and spiritual welfare, and make us at last partakers together of the inheritance of the saints in light. All which we ask through the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,-- 21 "10)-- - -- - ____ -a 4 A bit ba orning. To Thee, 0 Lord our God, belongeth mercy and power, faithfulness and truth. Thou art our rock and our fortress, oui deliverex. our God, our strength, in whom we will trust. We will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be piaised; so shall we be saved from our enemies. We will keep the ways of the Lord, for He is our God for ever and ever, and He will be our guide unto death. Let us pray. 0 Lord our Heavenly Father, whose power is infinite and whose mercy is everlasting; We, thy sinful and dependent creatures, most humbly thank Thee for thy Providential care of us during the past night, and we beseech Thee to watch over us and to direct our steps throughout the day. Save us from all things that can harm the body, and especially from whatsoever can assault and hurt the soul. We confess before Thee that we have been too often thoughtless and headstrong, that we have given way to tempers which we ought to have controlled, that we have neglected many of our duties and have performed others imperfectly and without 22 ~b---- -- -- -- WEDNESDAY MORNING. godly zeal. But 0, merciful Father, preserve us from all the evils we have most justly deserved, and from the consequences of our past sinfulness, ignorance, or neglect; and send thy grace to be ever present with us, to help us in the time of need, and to comfort us should sorrow or calamity overtake us. Give us faith and patience that we may neither murmur at thy appointments, nor be angry with the instruments of thy justice, but may at all times preserve an humble mind, a godly fear and a quiet conscience. We beseech Thee also to protect and bless our dear friends and relations. Pardon, 0 Lord, their trespasses and sins, help them in their various temptations and trials, make them happy in themselves, and blessings to us and to all around them, and grant that with us they may be partakers of thy grace here and thy salvation hereafter; through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,23 fi- ---- - -- - -- - - U o q ~ - -1_16 tMbhneba Omening. Let us render thanks and praise to the Lord our God whose mercy endureth for ever. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, and brought us in safety to the evening of another day. It is of the Lord's goodness that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants; and all they that put their trust in Him shall not be destitute. Let us pray. O Eternal God, and Merciful Father, by whose care and providence we are preserved and blessed, comforted and assisted; We humbly beseech Thee to pardon the sins and follies of this day, the weakness of our services, the strength of our passions, the rashness of our words, and the vanity and evil of our actions. Be pleased also to accept for Christ's sake, whatever little measure of good we may have purposed or accomplished, and cause us ever to remember that without Thee we can do nothing, and that should we perform all Thou hast commanded, we are yet unprofitable se-vants. We thank Thee for all thy mercies both temporal and spiritual, 24 M ----- - tol,-- - -- WEDNESDAY EVENING. for our food and raiment, for our various comforts and enjoyments, for our freedom from pain and sorrow, and for our deliverance from many other temptations to which we have been exposed. We bless Thee also for the religious privileges we enjoy, for the light of thy Gospel, the ministrations of thy Church, and the assistance of thy grace. We implore Thee, Gracious God, not to withdraw from us these or any other of thy mercies, in consequence of our past sinfulness or neglect, but whilst Thou dost extend to us thy pardoning mercy, grant to us also the preventing and sanctifying influences of thy Holy Spirit, that we may serve Thee more faithfully in time to come. Take us and all who are dear to us, into thy holy keeping this night. May our united prayers continually ascend to the throne of thy grace; and may thy blessing rest upon us now and evermore, for Jesus Christ our Redeemer's sake. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,25 I* -- --- - ---- Lai - -A-*#- - -- - -- -- ---- Q4urzbap 13ovin'. Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh unto you. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth from generation to generation. Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Let us pray. O Lord God, Heavenly Father, the Author and Preserver of our lives, and our constant Benefactor; We thank Thee that Thou dost permit us to see the light of another day, and we beseech Thee to continue to us thy merciful protection, and to bestow upon us whatever may be needful for our present and eternal welfare. Make us truly penitent for all our past transgressions, and enable us in future to be more watchful over ourselves, that we may escape from those sins which do most easily beset us. Give to each one of us, 0 Lord, a clear knowledge of our duties 26 - -I I L--A lk--- THURSDAY MORNING. and responsibilities, and endue us with wisdom and strength from on high that we rmay discharge them with fidelity and diligence. Whatsoever good thing our hand findeth to do this day, may we do it with our might, ever remembering that the night of death cometh when no man can work, and that after death is the judgment. hMay no evil thoughts, or angry tempers, no distressing doubts or fears disturb us, but may we ever put our trust in Thee, 0 Lord, and find guidance, hope and consolation in the blessed Gospel of thy Son. We pray for thy blessing on all our friends and relations, may they also be filled with the knowledge of thy will in all wisdom and understanding, and may we, and they, be of one heart and of one mind: loving each other as brethren, and ever seeking thy glory and our own salvation; through the mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 27 % M- - I - - ----- - - - - ------ ----~-~ iz4UaibbtV (Evnifilgo They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, yea all such as call upon him in faithfulness and truth. Let us pray. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, accept our united and hearty thanks for all the blessings Thou hast bestowed upon us, and especially for those we have received during the past day. Thou hast preserved us in health and safety, Thou hast assisted us in the performance of our respective duties, and Thou dost yet grant us time and opportunity to prepare for the hour of death and the day of judgment. Grant us, we beseech Thee, now and always to remember, that unto whom much is given, of them shall much be required. Teach us to examine our lives by thy Holy Word, and give us true repentance 28 C1p - no ~' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ L ---*--.----- 7-- THURSDAY EVENING. for all our sins, and a lively faith in the atoning merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And now, 0 Lord, wherever we have this day neglected or abused the talents committed to our trust, or have in any respect offended Thee, we humbly supplicate thy pardon. Enable us hereafter to be more watchful against temptation, and more faithful and zealous in doing our duty in that station of life to which Thou hast called us. We beseech Thee to continue to us thy gracious protection through the night. Watch over us and all who are dear to us, and defend us from every danger both of soul and body. May our sleep be sweet unto us, and may we rise with thankful hearts and cheerful minds to see the morning light, and to go on our way rejoicing in thy pardoning grace; through the merits and intercession of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amnen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,29 ff- 1 IL-...... 'ftibQa $fflotniun3. Hear me when I call, 0 God of my righteousness. Have mercy upon me and hear my prayer. 0 Lord rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. They that know thy name will put their trust in Thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the mcrning, for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Let us pray. Most merciful God, and Heavenly Father, who sparedst not Thy Only Begotten and dearly beloved Son, but didst freely give Him up for us all; Enable us, we beseech Thee, this day and ever more to keep in lively remembrance His most precious death and sacrifice. By His atoning blood Thou hast redeemed us from the bondage of sin and death, and hast provided a way for our restoration to thy love and favor. Grant unto us, 0 Gracious Father, through His merits and intercession, perfect pardon for what is past, and a perfect repentance of all our sins, that for the time to come we may serve Thee with a pure spirit 30 6 - -- na L01 no FRIDAY MORNING. and a contrite heart, with devout lips and holy desires. May we, by the help of thy grace, 'walk humbly with Thee, our God, converse justly and charitably with men, and possess our souls in patience and holiness, and our bodies in sanctification and honor. Dispose us faithfully to employ our faculties in the various duties of our calling and with a single eye to thy glory, and make us willing in all respects to deny ourselves that we may live unto Thee. In prosperity suffer us not to forget Thee, our Chief Good; and in seasons of trouble, when the sorrows of our hearts are enlarged, assist us graciously with the consolations of thy Spirit. These, and all other needful blessings, we ask for all who are dear to us, as well as for ourselves; and we humbly beseech Thee, grant to them and us thy favor in this life, and in the world to come life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,31 to] kU ~ ~~--- ------- - - ___ - I--- ffiuBa furning. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Fathei, Jesus Christ the Righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Blessed is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Let us pray. O Most Righteous and Most Merciful God and Father, look down from heaven, the habitation of thy Holiness and Glory, and accept the confession of our sins, and our evening sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. We acknowledge all our unworthiness, and the frailty and perverseness of our corrupt nature, through which we daily transgress thy just and holy laws. But do Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us and pardon us for Jesus Christ's sake, who is our Advocate with Thee, and the Propitiation for all our sins. Grant that our souls may be washed from the defilements of this day in that fountain which hath been opened by the shedding of His 32 k-- -- ----- --- ro Q --I-- FRIDAY EVENING. most precious blood, and that we may go to our rest comforted by thy pardon and sanctified by thy Holy Spirit. Accept our grateful thanks, 0 Lord, for thy merciful preservation this day, for relieving us according to our several wants and necessities, and for giving us all things needful both for our souls and bodies. Forsake us not, we beseech Thee, at any time, but let thy Holy Spirit, without which we can do no good thing, be ever present with us to direct and guide us in all our ways. And now, O Lord, our ever watchful Guardian, be pleased to take us and all belonging to us under thy care this night, that we may rest in peace, and wake in health and safety; and when at last Thou dost summon us to the sleep of death, may we go to it without fear, and in the hope of a joyful resurrection, through Him who died for our sins and rose again for our justification, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,-- 33 ---- ----- - - IL 'DO | fJl Oaturbav ýUorning* The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the ex pectation of the wicked shall perish. Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. Accept, we beseech Thee, the free-will offerings of oui mouths, 0 Lord, and teach us thy judgments. Let us pray. O Lord God Almighty, who never failest them that trust in Thee, but preservest them under thy holy keeping for ever, we beseech Thee that with the returning light thy blessing may be renewed to us, and that it may evermore rest upon us. Put us not to rebuke, 0 Lord, for our evil deeds, but pardon our manifold transgressions, and suffer not our spiritual enemy to get the mastery over us. Help us to begin the day with firm resolutions to watch against temptation, and to perform the duties of our several stations with faithfulness and diligence. Turn away our eyes from beholding vanity, and our hearts 34 61 )--------------- SATURDAY MORNING. from every wrong desire. Set a watch, 0 Lord, before our mouths and keep the door of our lips, and let nothing we shall do or say this day be a cause of regret to ourselves, or of offence or evil influence to others. May it please Thee also to give us the constant assistance of thy Holy Spirit to guide us in all our ways, and by His blessed influence may we be enabled to love Thee above all things and our neighbors as ourselves. And finally grant unto every member of this family, and to all our beloved friends, wheresoever they may be, thy peace and all thy heavenly consolations. Make us to be of one heart and mind, loving and serving Thee on earth, and becoming day by day better prepared for that eternal kingdom which Thou hast promised to thy faithful servants by and through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Out Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 35 - ----- -~-- --- frI %;J 0attrbav (Fulming. 0 Lord, Thou hast searched me out, and known me. Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising. Thou understandest my thoughts long before. Thou art about my path, and about my bed; and spiest out all my ways. Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart; prove me and examine my thoughts, Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me: and lead me in the way everlasting. Let us pray. O Lord God our Heavenly Father, by whose gracious protection we have been carried through another day and another week of our lives, we would render Thee our humble and hearty thanks for the same. Give us, we beseech Thee, a due sense of the manifold favors Thou hast bestowed upon us ever since we were born, and more especially teach us to value, as we ought to do, thy covenanted mercy in Christ Jesus our Lord, through whom alone we enjoy the means of grace and the hope of glory. We confess, O gracious God, that we have not served Thee according to the measure of our knowledge 0 - 36 )----~----------------~ SATURDAY EVENING. and ability. We have time and again broken thy laws and commandments, we have neglected the warnings Thou hast given, we have resisted the influences of thy Holy Spirit, and have just cause to fear thy righteous judgments. But, 0 merciful Father, accept our penitence and cause it to be more sincere and heart-felt, and give us the comnforting assurance of pardon through the merits and intercession of Him who died to redeem us from our sins. Preserve us and all with whom we are united in the bonds of family or affection from all manner of evil this night, and grant that while we take our natural rest we may be defended by thy ever watchful Providence. With the light of another day cause us to see the light of thy reconciled countenance, and as that day is more especially Thine, prepare us to sanctify it and use it to the profit of our souls; through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 37 0 10) 1- - FOR SEASONS OF AFFLICTION. Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground. Whom the Lord loveth He correcteth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. In the time of my trouble I called upon the Lord, and the Lord heard me. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Let us pray. O Lord God, who hast brought us low, and bowed down our hearts in sorrow and affliction, mercifully hear us and assist us in this time of trouble and adversity. Sanctify unto us all thy fatherly dispensations, and let thy dealings with us prove a blessing and an advantage to our souls. We know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that Thou in very faithfulness hast afflicted us, but we beseech Thee lay upon us no heavier load than Thou wilt enable us to bear, and suffer us not to murmur at thy chastisements or to despair of thy mercy. Inspire us with true and heavenly wisdom and patience, that if 38 f Ii.] - --&WA M A PRAYER FOR SEASONS OF AFFLICTIONS. we see not the reasons that direct Thy Providence, we may yet meekly and submissively answer the ends Thou dost propose by it. Lead us, O Lord, to serious reflection on all our ways, and examination of all our actions, that wherein we have offended we may do so no more, and that the sense of our past fail ings may render us more watchful for the future. While we are in the world, keep us from the evil, and let thy good Spirit in all things direct and rule our hearts. And when, O gracious God, we shall have done and suffered all Thou hast appointed for us, may we find our rest in those mansions of peace prepared for the righteous by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven,The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 12k -'J =7. p etition0. ~ Which may be introduced as occasion shall require, into any of the preceding Prayers. f In the " Prayers ana Thanksgivings for Special Occasions," which follow the Litany, and also in the latter part of the offce for the " Visitation of the Sick," there are devotional forms which, with a very slight verbal alteration here and there, can be combined with the preceding, and than which none more appropriate to such changes as occur in every family, by reason of sickness, afliction, &c., could be devised. It is highly expedient, also, that the collects which mark the progress of the Church's Year and Days of Festival and Fast should be introduced into the devotions of the family. It is not thought expedient, however, to enlarge the size of this volume by reprinting them, as it is presumed that in all families belonging to the Church the Book of Common Prayer will always be at hand 1. WHEN A CHILD OF THE FAMILY IS TO BE BAPTIZED. O, Almighty God, Who hast given the promise of thy Spirit to us and to our children, even to as many as the Lord our God shall call; Give thy Holy Spirit to the dear infant this day to be admitted into the bosom of the Church. May he be received into the arms of thy mercy, into the service of Christ, and the communion of Saints; and grant him power to become a child of God, that, being buried with Christ in baptism, he may rise 40 % ý - 10 AMR L -2- - - PETITIONS. with Him to holiness of living here on earth, and to eternal blissfulness in thy kingdom above; through the same, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 2. WHEN ANY OF THE MEMBERS OF A FAMILY ARE TO BE CONFIRMED. Most Merciful God, by whose gracious Providence we have been made members of thy Church by Holy Baptism, we heartily thank Thee for calling us to this state of salvation, and for bestowing upon us such blessed privileges. And now, O Lord, that these, thy servants, are preparing to receive a further degree of thy grace and favor in the Holy rite of Confirmation, we humbly beseech Thee to enlighten their minds with the true knowledge and understanding of those baptismal vows which they are now about to ratify and confirm. Dispose their minds, by thy heavenly grace, carefully and diligently to perform the conditions Thou requirest, and may strength, power, and wisdom be communicated to them from above, that they may truly believe in Thee, trust in Thee, and 41 I. 1*1 - PETITIONS. henceforth live conformably to thy holy will and commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 3. FOR THE RISING GENERATION. Have mercy on the young. Grant that they may be trained up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and may thus learn to do thy will, to walk in thy fear all the days of their lives, and hand down thy truth from generation to generation. 4. FOR THE CHILDREN OF A FAMILY. Bestow thy special blessing upon the children of this family, and inspire those to whom they are entrusted, with true love for them, and with wisdom and prudence, to direct them aright. May they be submissive and dutiful in all things, and live in harmony and love one towards another. Keep them from the contagion of the world, and after a life of obedience to thy laws, make them all members of thy blessed family above. 5. FOR THE SAME. Be Thou a father and a friend to the children of this family. Let thy Providence 42 ri -re l - PETITIONS. lead them through the dangers, temptations, and ignorances of their youth, that they may not run into folly, nor give way to any evil temper or unbridled appetite. May they be trained up to serve Thee faithfully all the days of their life, and at last come to a peaceful and happy death, and to the reward promised to the righteous in thy kingdom above. 6. FOR THE SAME. Keep, we beseech Thee, the children of this family from all wilful, deliberate or presumptuous sins, and' let no wickedness have dominion over them. From stubbornness and pride, idleness and sloth, intemperance and youthful lusts, inconstancy and lying, good Lord deliver them. From irreligious principles and false teachers, unruly passions and violent temptations, from contracting vicious habits, or taking pleasure in sin, from profaneness and ill company, envy and malice, detraction and uncharitableness, good Lord deliver them. From the orrors and vices of the age, from the sins to which their corrupt nature is most inclined to; and from whatso43 ro ) _ j Is~-- ----------~-----[. PETITIONS ever is offensive to Thee, or destructive to their own souls, good Lord deliver them. 7. WHEN ANY OF THE FAMILY ARE ABOUT TO BE ABSENT ON A JOURNEY. O, Almighty God, Who fillest all things with thy presence, and art a God afar off as well as near at hand, be pleased to guide in their journey, those of our beloved family who are to be separated from us for a time. Preserve them from all perils and dangers, and prosper them in their way, and in all their lawful purposes. May they return to us in peace and holiness, with thy favor and blessing, and serve Thee with thankfulness and obedience all the days of their pilgrimage, and at last be brought with us to thy heavenly kingdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 8. FOR A SAFE RETURN OF MEMBERS OF A FAMILY FROM A JOURNEY. O Lord God, our All-merciful Guide and Protector, blessed be thy Name, that Thou hast brought back in safety to the bosom of 44 I L"; T-1 - r-.4 PETITIONS. their family these thy servants. We thank Thee for the protection they have received, and for the pleasure they have enjoyed. May they and we ever keep in memory thy unnumbered favors, and show our gratitude for them by lives devoted to thy service. Help us now and always to put our trust in Thee, that when our earthly pilgrimage is ended, we may all meet in our Father's house above, to go out no more for ever; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 9. WHEN ONE OF THE FAMILY IS AFFLICTED WITH PAINFUL AND FATAL ILLNESS. Father of Mercy, and God of all comfort and consolation, have pity on the sufferings of thy servant. If it be in the decrees of thy Providence that this cup may not pass from us, thy will be done. But, 0 Lord, we beseech Thee, relieve the pains of thy servant, enable him to sustain them with patience and humble resignation to thy will, and avert or release him from the pains of a lingering death. Forgive all his sins and infirmities, and comfort him with the sure and cheering hope, and strong confidence that the 45 O - L-----J PETITIONS. i sufferings which thy Providence seeth fit he should undergo in this life, may, through the merits of our blessed Redeemer, work for him a far more exceeding weight of happiness and glory in the next, to the praise of thy Holy Name. 10. FOR RESIGNATION WHEN AFFLICTION OR CALAMITY BEFALLS A FAMILY. O Lord God, good and gracious, whose mercy endureth for ever, give us now a surer trust in Thee, and an entire submission to thy divine will. Support us under our present trial, and suffer us. not to be dispirited and cast down by fears and anxieties about the future. If this trial is permitted to punish us for our past sins, to render us more humble, or to exercise our patience and trust in Thee, make us submissive and content to bear it; and grant that, setting our affections on things above and not on things on the earth, we may be enabled by thy grace to live a life of faith, of fortitude, and duty, and die in thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 46 1 S---------------------o I Lei C PETITIONS. 11. FOR A BLESSING ON OUR LAWFUL CALLING. Almighty God, who in thy wise providence hast constituted divers ranks and con. ditions amongst men, that they may mutually subsist to the support of each other, teach us to be content with the station wherein Thou hast been pleased to place us. Grant that we may honestly and diligently discharge the duties of our calling, and without anxiety, depend on thy blessing for the success of our lawful endeavors; and that however humble our profession may be in the eyes of men, our fidelity and industry may be acceptable in thy sight, and may bring us in return a convenient subsistence in this life, and in the next the reward Thou hast promised to all those that love and serve Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 12. FOR ALL IN AUTHORITY. 0 Lord our Heavenly Father, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth, we pray for thy blessing upon all Christian rulers and magistrates, and more especially upon the President of the United 47.M- 1% 11 -9-s - \ ------------,f PETITIONS. States, the Governor of this State, and upon all those throughout our land who are invested with executive, judicial or legislative authority. Give them wisdom and grace from above, that by their judicious counsel, faithful administration, and good example and influence, we may enjoy peace and prosperity, the stability of our Union and of our civil and religious liberties, and witness the extension amongst us of sound morals, useful knowledge, and the beneficent arts of social life. To all bishops and other ministers of thy Gospel grant thy spiritual help, that they may faithfully administer thy Sacraments, and teach and preach thy word, to the promotion of pure doctrine and holiness of living amongst thy people. Endue all teachers of youth in schools and colleges with understanding, patience and love, that they may advance the cause of sound learning and godly discipline, and prepare the rising generations to live virtuous, honorable and useful lives. And, finally, be pleased to suit thy graces and blessings to our several necessities of soul and body, and dispose us all 48 I rel rV1_ - W., PETITIONS. to glorify Thee in our lives, that after death we may receive the reward of good and faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 13. PREPARATORY TO THE RECEIVING OF THE HOLY SACRAMENT. Most Gracious God, who hast blessed us in the manifestation of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, the source of all our happiness, and the foundation of all our hopes; We thank Thee for every opportunity Thou dost afford us of approaching the Table of the Lord to partake of that Holy Sacrament instituted to commemorates His sufferings and death, and for the remission of sins, and the nourishment of spiritual life in thy people. Grant to us at this time, we beseech Thee, that preparation of heart which is most acceptable in thy sight; and by the sanctifying influence of thy Spirit purify our minds and bodies from all defilement, that we may be worthy partakers of that holy mystery; through the same, thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 49 IB~-------- --------_ U91 PETITIONS. 14. ON CHRISTMAS DAY. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who sparedst not thine only Son, but freely gave Him up for us all, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life; Grant that at this time our hearts may be filled with gratitude for all the blessings of His advent in the flesh. Enable us to meditate with profit unto our souls, upon that faithful saying which is worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; and may we henceforth live unto Him, and look unto Him for strength, comfort, and guidance, that when this our short life is ended, we may be received by Him into everlasting habitations prepared for those who love and serve Thee. Amen 15. ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. May it please Thee, Almighty God, Who hast blessed us with thy favor and protection during the year now drawing to a close, to forgive us whatever we have done amiss, to turn all our sufferings and sorrows to our spiritual benefit, to guide and preserve us 50 n~a\ - - -t L419 IF- t4 L PETITIONS. throughout all our future days, and permit us when the last year of our life is come, to leave the world in holiness and peace, and with a joyful hope of a blessed immortality; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 16. ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. Blessed be Thou, 0 God, who hast brought us safe to the beginning of another year, and hast made us of the number of those who have time and space given them for repentance. Give us grace, O Lord, to consider how short and uncertain our time is, that we may seriously look forward to another and a better world, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Let not another of our precious years be lost in idleness, or be squandered away in unprofitable employment; but enable us by diligence and care to redeem our misspent time, and become better prepared for our latter end. As age advances strengthen our faith, exalt our hope and enlarge our charity; that when we are summoned to appear before thy awful throne, we may be found clothed in the wedding garments of Christ's righteousness, and 51 - ~------1 -- ---- -------------- --^@ PETITIONS. be welcomed to the realms of everlasting happiness, through the atonement of our blessed Redeemer. Amen. 17. GOOD FRIDAY. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who in the days of thy humiliation for us sinful creatures wast despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, Who wast wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, Who wast lifted up upon the cross that whosoever believeth on Thee should not perish but have everlasting life; Grant that we may be enabled to look with humble hope to that cross for eternal salvation; that through thy most precious blood we may be washed from our sins, and at the hour of death and in the day of judgment be delivered from the condemnation of the law, and be received amongst the blessed in thy everlasting kingdom, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen. 18. EASTER DAY. O Lord our God, we render Thee un52 - I- -- - PETITIONS ~ I feigned thanks and praise for thy great goodness vouchsafed to us this day in enabling us once more to commemorate the resurrection of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, and overcame the sharpness of death that He might open the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Give us grace to manifest our gratitude to Thee for thy unspeakable mercy, by lives devoted to thy service. May we be found amongst them that are risen with Christ, and who seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God; and may we set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth; that being dead to sin, our life may be hid with Christ in God, and when Christ who is our life shall appear, may we also appear with Him in glory; through the merits and intercession of the same our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 19. FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. (From Archbishop Laud.) 0 Eternal God and Merciful Father, we I I t! - -- -- - -- - PETITIONS. humbly beseech Thee bless thy Holy Catholic Church wherever spread upon the face of the whole earth. Good Lord deliver it from all atheism, heresy, schism, superstition, factious maintenance of groundless opinions; that one Faith, one Lord, one Baptism, may in all places be uniformly professed, as thy Church is and can be, but one. And grant, good Lord, that we may continue faithful, living and working members under Christ, the Head, in that Church, the body, all the days of our lives, through the merits and by the grace of the same Jesus Christ, our Lord and only Saviour. Amen. ^ *------ _ ___________--