Family Prayers

By Ashton Oxenden & C. H. Ramsden

 

SECOND WEEK—SUNDAY MORNING

 

ALMIGHTY GOD, who has set apart one day in seven for the special good of our souls, enable us to keep this day holy. Thou has bidden us to rest from our worldly labors and employments; do also shut the world out of our hearts, and take full possession of them Thyself.

 

We confess, O Lord, that we have not rightly improved our past Sabbaths. Pardon us for our abuse of these holy seasons. Make this day, we beseech Thee, more profitable to us than any that we have yet spent. Give us Sabbath feelings, and a Sabbath blessing.

 

O Lord, enable us to bear in mind that this is Thine own day. Prepare us especially for Thy house. Make us to feel that a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand spent elsewhere; and that Thy house is indeed the house of God, and the gate of heaven. Give us, when there, the enjoyment of Thy presence. Keep us from wandering and worldly thoughts; and grant that we may approach Thee in a devout and holy frame. Enable us to draw near to Thee this day as Thy forgiven and accepted children. Let there be no cloud of guilt to hide Thee from us and to hinder our communion with Thee.

 

Lord, we cannot pray to Thee aright without the help of Thy Holy Spirit. May He rest upon us abundantly, teaching us both what to ask, and how to ask it. And when Thy gospel is preached, give us the hearing ear and the understanding heart; and enable us to receive with meekness the engrafted Word which is able to save our souls.

 

Bless, gracious God, the Church to which we belong; make it the instrument in Thy hands of leading many to heaven. Be with Thy servants the elders and pastors of Thy flock. Raise up faithful and earnest men for the work of the ministry. Do Thou Thyself teach them, that they may teach others. Especially be with the elders of this church, who is set over us in the Lord. Strengthen them for their work. Enable them rightly to divide the Word of truth, giving to each of us our portion as we need it. And wherever Thy Gospel is preached today, whether at home or abroad, grant that its influence may be felt, and that thousands may be turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Call many wanderers, Lord, into Thy fold this day; soften many hard hearts; and speak peace to Thy people.

 

O Holy Spirit, let Thy grace descend upon us in larger measure. Let Thy power be felt among us, awakening those who are asleep, leading us all to greater earnestness, and making us more holy in our lives.

 

Grant, Lord, that a special blessing may rest upon our children, and all the parents who are called to teach them. Be with each one of our fellow-worshippers. Help them, and us, and all who are dear to us, this day on our way to heaven.

 

Hear these our prayers, we beseech Thee, and grant our requests, through the intercession of Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

 

The Lord bless us, and keep us; the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon us, and give us peace, now and for evermore. Amen.

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Family Prayers, Ashton Oxenden & C.H. Ramsden

Edited & Reprinted by Chuck Long.  Website: www.Godsgwg.com. Email: Godsgwg@juno.com