Family Prayers By Ashton Oxenden & C. H. Ramsden   FIRST WEEK—SUNDAY EVENING   ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, at the close of this Thine own holy day of rest, we come to offer up once more our united prayers and praises.   We thank Thee for all that we have heard and learned today; for the opportunity which we have had of seeking Thee in Thy house of prayer, and for the message of mercy which Thou has sent to us by Thy ministers. Write, O Lord, upon our hearts and memories the lessons of truth, which this day has been set before us. May Thy Holy Spirit apply the word with power to our consciences; and may we be doers of it, and not hearers only.   Forgive, O Heavenly Father, in Thy great mercy, all that has been imperfect and sinful in our worship. We confess that we have been weak in faith and cold in devotion; that our thoughts have wandered in prayer, and while we listened to Thy Word. Pardon the iniquity of our holy things. Grant, O Lord, that we may prize more highly the means of grace; and do make them more profitable to our souls.   Lord, let Thy love be abundantly shed abroad in our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit. Take away all pride, and ignorance, and unbelief. Make us more humble, more holy, more heavenly-minded. May we daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. May we seek more and more to follow the blessed steps of His most holy life.   We thank Thee for any comfort we have experienced this day while waiting upon Thee. May every earthly Sabbath, as it passes away, leave us holier, and better prepared for an eternal Sabbath in heaven.   And if there be any one whom we love among us who is living for this world only, and who is still far from Thee, O Thou good Shepherd, who did lay down Thy life for the Sheep, bring that wanderer into Thy fold. Soften that hard heart, and quicken it by Thy grace. Fill it with deep anxiety for salvation, and then pour in the balm of heavenly comfort.   Water with the dew of Thy blessing, O Lord, the seed sown this day by the ministers of Thy gospel. Lead every penitent to Christ; comfort every mourner; build up Thy people in their most holy faith.   And now, O Heavenly Father, grant that peaceful sleep may close this holy day; and while we lay our bodies down to rest beneath Thy care, let our souls enjoy that quiet confidence and happy trust, which is the portion of Thy children.   Hear in mercy these our supplications, and accept our praises, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. 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. _________________________________________________________ Family Prayers, Ashton Oxenden & C.H. Ramsden Edited & Reprinted by Chuck Long.  Website: www.Godsgwg.com. Email: Godsgwg@juno.com