through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." Phil. iii. 9. O Prayer. ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast had such compassion on a world of sinners, that Thou hast sent Thy dear Son to redeem it, grant that I may be a rich partaker of all those blessings which He has purchased for me. I thank Thee for the many means of grace which Thou hast provided; and above all for that sacred Feast, to which I have this day been invited. my holiest services. Lord, forgive my want of faith, earnestness and love. Pardon the guilt of Thou knowest how mixed they have been with sin, and how sadly imperfect even the best of them are in Thy sight. There has been no lack of grace, O Lord, on Thy part; all the lack has been on mine. Thou hast been all strength; but I have been all weakness. With Thee there has been all fulness; but with me all emptiness. Thou hast been ready to give; but I have been slow to receive. Warm now, I beseech Thee, this cold heart of mine. Revive, Lord, Thy work within me. Put new life into my soul. Be pleased to make this approaching Communion one of rich blessing to me. Reveal Thyself more fully to my soul. Draw near to me, and make me to "taste" and see how gracious Thou art. Bless my preparation. Enable me to examine my heart as in Thy sight. Assist me in my holy meditations. Give me strength to carry out any good resolutions I may form. Pour out upon me a spirit of prayer. May I be honest with myself, and earnest with Thee. Give me largely of the Holy Spirit, to convince me thoroughly of my sins, to show me the fulness and preciousness of Christ, and to make me holier in heart and life. May this be a time of blessing, a season of refreshing from the Lord to my soul. Hear me, O my God, in Thy great mercy; and graciously bestow on me all that I have asked for, and all that I need, for the sake of Jesus Christ, my ever blessed Saviour. Amen. |