PRAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE CELEBRATION
OF THE LORD'S SUPPER,

AND A

PRAYER FOR THE SICK.

BY THE

REV. WILLIAM BISHOP, M. A.

RECTOR OF UFTON NERVET, BERKS, AND LATE FELLOW OF ORIEL
COLLEGE.

OXFORD,

PRINTED BY W. BAXTER,

FOR J. PARKER, OXFORD; AND C. AND J. RIVINGTON, ST. PAUL'S
CHURCH YARD AND WATERLOO PLACE, London.

·BODI

PREFACE.

THE importance of family prayer has been felt and acknowledged by the best men in all ages. Public devotion forms a bond of union between Christians of the same neighbourhood assembled at the house of God. Private devotion enables us to lay open the whole heart to our Almighty Father, and to address him in prayers suited to the present state of our feelings and our wants. Family devotion cements and strengthens the tie which subsists between the different members of a household. It calls them together each morning, before the business of the day commences, to beg a blessing on the little flock which has been brought within the same fold. And in the evening, what can be more satisfactory to the feeling and thoughtful

mind, than that they, who have been associated in the various concerns and occupations of the day, should be associated also in thanksgiving and supplication, before they separate for the night?

The forms of family prayer which I have hitherto seen, by seeking to comprise in one service the whole complex of Christian duties, rather distract than engage and detain the attention. And when the same forms are used each day, the perpetual recurrence causes a sense of weariness to steal even on the most serious.

It appears to me (and I am indebted for the suggestion to a friend) that the former objection might be obviated, if some leading duty were made the subject of prayer for each occasion. This method would likewise remove the latter objection by furnishing a sufficient variety, and might be made also to bring within the compass of the week the circle of Christian duties.

The manual now offered to the public has been drawn up, chiefly from Nelson on the Fasts and Festivals, with a view to these objects. If it is adopted by a single family, and thus contributes, though within the most limited sphere, to the encouragement and practice of domestic devotion, the Author will rejoice that he has been made thus far the instrument of usefulness.