TO HEADS OF FAMILIES. RESPECTED CHRISTIAN FRIENDS, A new edition of this Family Prayer-Book having been solicited, it now appears, considerably enlarged, and carefully revised. The prayers have been composed and selected with continual reference to the high and sacred objects of religion:-To you, therefore, they are respectfully submitted as the expression of an earnest wish to advance the spirit of true devotion, and pure Christianity. Hingham, August, 1823. PRAYERS. SUNDAY MORNING. OUR Father who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name. As the children of thy family, and the objects of thy care, we would now come to dedicate to thee the lives thou hast spared through another night. Thine ever watchful providence hath been over us for our safety. We have laid ourselves down and slept, and have awaked; because thou hast sustained us. With grateful and humble joy would we hail the return of this day, consecrated to the special exercises of piety, the instructions of religion, and the outward worship of thee our God. We bless thee for the institution of a day of sacred rest; a day set apart from worldly cares and employments; a day, which we are to keep holy by worshipping thee, who art a spirit, in spirit and in truth. In the name, and as the disciples of Jesus Christ, we would present our united tribute of prayer and praise to thee, our Crea tor, Preserver, and Benefactor. We would acknowledge thee, as the only living and true God; the high and lofty One, who inhabitest eternity. Thou, O God, dwellest not in temples made with hands; the universe is thy temple. Thy mind pervades creation. We cannot retire from thy presence. Our thoughts and purposes are exposed to thy view, and thou knowest more of us than we know of ourselves. Thine eye is at this moment upon us. O. God, most holy, we come to ask for mercy, because we have sinned; and to implore the influences of thy spirit, because in thee is our hope. We rejoice that there is one above us, who is infinitely wise, infinitely powerful, and infinitely good; who loveth us more than any other being loves us; who careth for us more than any other being can care far us; who careth for us more than we care for ourselves. Heavenly Father, we desire to sanctify this day, as we ought, to thee: and as we now remember with gratitude the salvation of the night past, may we this day meditate upon the salvation, which is offered us in the gospel. May we, with lively faith, remember him who died that we might live; and so attend to the things that concern our everlasting peace, that this day may be as one of the days of heaven to our souls. Gladly may we embrace the opportunities, with which, as a family, we are favoured, to go up together to the place, where thy name is adored, and where pardon and acceptance are proclaimed in Jesus Christ. Dispose us, we entreat thee, to engage in the solemn duties of thy house, with sincerity and fervour. May we have the spirit of Jesus; so that our devotions may be pure and exalted. With attention and candour, may we receive the instructions and admonitions of the Christian preacher. With submission of heart, may we bow to the authority of thy precepts; and with gladness may we receive the declarations and promises of thy mercy. With ardent desires may we ask spiritual blessings for ourselves; and with true charity intercede for others. O Lord, we are thy servants, bound to give thee that which cometh from thy hands. We would this morning consecrate ourselves to thee in the deepest solemnity; resigning to thee those hearts which thou hast formed for thyself; surrendering all we possess to thy gracious disposal, humbly praying that nothing may ever separate us from thy love. Thus beginning the life of heaven here, may we attain its full enjoyment hereafter. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, |