Practical Piety, Prayers
A Family-Prayer for the Morning.
FAther of Mercies, and God of all Comfort a2 Cor. 1. 3.; All thy works praiſe thee, and thy Saints bleſs thee bPſal. 145. 10.; of that number we that are here before thee deſire to be, and therefore come into thy preſence, to acknowledge that all the good we have cometh from thee; and therefore, that all our praiſes are due unto thee. Help us, we beſeech thee, in an acceptable manner to pay this debt, and to perform this duty of Thankſgiving; wherein, in the firſt place, we wonder at the riches of thy free grace, whereby thou haſt been pleaſed, from all Eternity, to elect and chooſe a company of the ſons and daughters of men for thine own portion, foreordaining and appointing them to Grace here, and to everlaſting Glory in Heaven cEpheſ. 1. 4. 11.: And we bleſs thee exceedingly for any teſtimony we have, that we are in the number not only of the called, which are many, but of the choſen, which are few dMat. 22. 14.. We praiſe thee alſo for creating us after thine own Image, and giving us life and breath eAct. 17. 25.: for, How could we have had an everlaſting well-being hereafter, if we had not had a being here? But amongſt, and above all, we give thee all poſſible thanks for that great and admirable work, of Redemption fEpheſ. 1. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 18., wrought by the Lord Jeſus Chriſt for the Salvation of Mankind, utterly loſt and undone in and by the ſin of our firſt Parents: whereupon it is come to paſs, that whereas, at firſt, we were made righteous gEccleſ. 7. 29., now there is none righteous, no not one hRom. 3. 10., but our Underſtandings are full of darkneſs; our Conſciences, of deadneſs and defilement; our Wills, of perverſneſs; our Affections, of diſtemper; our Converſation, of diſorder; yea, every way we carry about with us naturally abundant matter of condemnation, nor can Men or Angels help us; but, bleſſed be thy Name (O God) that thou haſt been ſo pitiful and of ſo tender mercy, as to lay help upon One that is mighty iPſal. 89. 19., and that is able to ſave to the uttermoſt, thoſe that come unto God by him kHeb. 7. 25.. O How many be there, that neither have, nor hear of, this mercy? Great is thy goodneſs therefore, (which we do with all our hearts acknowledge) that we live in thy Church, and therein enjoy thoſe lively Oracles and Ordinances, wherein, as, all other truths, neceſſary to Salvation, are made known unto us; ſo, more eſpecially, the Doctrine, and benefit of the great work of Redemption, is fully revealed, and freely offered, and that with all powerful motives to perſwade our hearts, to accept of that gracious offer for our own good▪ yet, conſidering, how many there are in the Church unto whom the Lord Jeſus may ſay [I would, and ye would not] we cannot but reckon it a ſingular favour that any grace is beſtowed on any of us by the means of grace vouchſafed unto us, and for any gratious change which thou haſt wrought in us; for it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do, of his good pleaſure lPhil. 2. 13.. But, beſides all theſe, our hearts are glad, our glory rejoyceth, and our tongues (that ſhould be our glory, by ſetting forth thy glory) do, with all our hearts, praiſe thee for the unconceiveable glory and happineſs reſerved in Heaven for all thoſe, who through the abundant mercy of the God and Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, are begotten again unto a lively hope through the Reſurrection of Jeſus Chriſt from the dead m1 Pet. 1. 3. 4., which aſſureth us that all is done and ſuffered which was neceſſary to keep us from being undone, and to recover us unto a ſtate of perfect bleſſedneſs. Mean-while, we confeſs unto thy praiſe (O thou that inhabiteſt the praiſes of Iſrael) how good thou art unto us even in this preſent evil world, in that we have the benefit of our Underſtandings, Senſes, and Members, (which divers want) and of Health, Liberty, credit, maintenance, ſucceſs in buſineſs, recovery from ſickneſs, vouchſafed to us above many other of thy dear Servants; We bleſs thee for preſerving us in ſo many dangers, for removing ſo many of our fears, for granting ſo many of our deſires, and for not granting what we have deſired amiſs. We praiſe thee for watching over us by thy good Providence from time to time; in particular, for the late mercy of the night paſt, and the new mercy of the preſent morning nLament. 3. 23., for we are leſs then all thy mercies, then a nights reſt, or a mornings refreſhing; yea, our ſin, and unworthy walking before thee, is ſuch, (which here we freely confeſs unto thee) as that it were juſt with thee, that all thy favours ſhould be turned into frowns, and that thou ſhouldeſt do us hurt and conſume us, after thou haſt done us good oJoſh. 24. 20.. But with thee there is mercy that thou mayeſt be feared, Let us have occaſion to fear thee, reverence thee, and admire thee; and to ſay [Who is a God like unto thee pMic. 7. 18.?], how incomparably good is our God? by pardoning the tranſgreſſions and continuing the comforts of ſuch ſinful and worthleſs creatures as we are? Let it ever repent us (O Lord) of our ill dealing with thee; but let it never repent thee of thy gratious dealing with us. This day, in ſpecial, let thy goodneſs towards us appear, in keeping us from any evil thing to which we ſhall be more inclined or more tempted; and in making us ready to, and able for, every good word and work, to which of our ſelves, we ſhall be more unable, indiſpoſed, and unprepared; or wherein, by tentation, we ſhall be more hindred. Guide us (O Lord) in the right way, and therein Guard us: let us undertake no buſineſs, but, what thou approveſt, and in that do thou bleſs and proſper us: eſpecially, we humbly crave thy protection, all the day, in thoſe works and wayes wherein there are more dangers, and hazards. Preſerve us (we beſeech thee) from vile and vain thoughts when we are alone qJer. 4. 14., from idle words when we are in company rMat. 12. 36., and from an empty carriage and unprofitable expence of time ſEpheſ. 5. 15, 16., whether we be alone, or in company. And ſince thou haſt appointed man to labour tGen. 3. 19., and the day, to labour in uPſal. 104. 23.: Keep us (we pray thee) from idleneſs and neglect of our Callings; from infidelity, and depending on our labour and induſtry; from diſcontent, if we live hardly by it; and from intemperance, ſtate-pride, covetouſneſs, and worldly confidence xPſal. 62. 10., if we thrive and proſper in it. Let all our dealings (through thy grace, O God, that art the God of all grace) be juſt and equal, without over-reaching y1 Theſ 4 6.; and, as there ſhall be occaſion, let us be charitable, according to our ability, without grudging z2 Cor. 9. 7.; And be pleaſed to ſet and keep our hearts in ſo good a frame, that, notwithſtanding our worldly occaſions, We may be watchful to do, and ready to receive any ſpiritual good; and let our deſire be to be in that company that will give occaſion of both, with the ſhunning not only of wicked, but unprofitable Society. Enable us, we humbly pray thee, to adorn our Profeſſion, by providing for honeſt things, not only in the ſight of the Lord, but in the ſight of men a2 Cor. 8. 21.. Let thy fear (O God, who art great and terrible) be upon our hearts, and before our eyes all the day long bProv. 23. 17., that ſo we may preſume to do nothing which it will, or ſhould, grieve us to think upon at night; Let there be cauſe rather to bleſs thee in the Evening, as for thy goodneſs toward us, ſo for ſome goodneſs in us, and that the day hath not paſſed without uſing our Talents ſo, as to bring in ſome advantage to our great Lord; mean-while, being here before thee, to confeſs how good thou art, every way, unto us, we would not go out of thy preſence without praiſing thee our moſt merciful God, for ordaining ſuch peace for us cIſa. 26. 12., as that we may with ſafety both abide at home, and go abroad, about all our occaſions. It is of thy great goodneſs, that we are not forced to go in by-ways for fear of violent men, but the high-wayes are freely occupyed, and we have cauſe to rehearſe the righteous acts of the Lord towards the Inhabitants of his Villages dJudg. 5▪ 7. 11., who now dwell without fear, in ſuch undefenced places. In ſpecial, we bleſs thee our gracious God for that Government whereby we enjoy this peace and liberty; humbly beſeeching thee to ſettle ſtill amongſt us, and ever to preſerve over us, a religious and righteous and rightful Magiſtracy for our preſent tranquillity and felicity. And ever to eſtabliſh amongſt us an able and faithful Miniſtry, for the ſaving of our ſouls and our everlaſting happineſs in the day of the Lord Jeſus; for whom we bleſs thee; in whom we enjoy, and joy in thee eRom. 5. 11.; and to whom with thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, we acknowledged to be due, and deſire from our ſouls to give all Glory, Majeſty, Dominion and Power, now and evermore, Amen.
A Family-Prayer for the Evening.
O Moſt holy and moſt glorious Lord God, we poor and polluted creatures acknowledge our ſelves altogether unworthy to be admitted into thy preſence ſo much as to confeſs our ſins; yet ſince thou art pleaſed to offer thy ſelf unto us in Jeſus Chriſt under the name of a Father, aſſuring us, that If we confeſs our ſins, thou art faithful and juſt to forgive us our ſins f1 Joh. 1. 9.; we are therefore bold, in him, to come before thee, confeſſing (O Father) that whereas, at firſt, we were made very good gGen. 1. 31. & v. 26., and very like God: Now, through our own fault and fall, every one of us is ſhapen in Iniquity, and in ſin did our mother conceive us hPſal. 51. 5.; And beſides this corruption of nature (enough, of it ſelf, to condemn us), Againſt Thee, Againſt thee only iVerſ. 4.(for there is but one Law-giver kJam. 4. 12.,) have we ſinned in the whole courſe of our lives. Juſtly, (O Lord) mayeſt thou draw up an heavy charge againſt us for our ſins of omiſſion (upon which our Saviour will paſs his laſt Sentence lMat 25. 41, 42, &c,) for we cannot but acknowledge that we have left, made light of mMat. 22. 5., and (like leaking veſſels) let ſlip nHeb. 2. 1., many Sermons; Our fruits (after much ſeed ſowen) have been ſo few, that we deſerve our ſtripes ſhould be many oLuk. 12. 47.; unto which this other evil is added, that we have often ſleighted the Lords Supper, either by not caring to receive it, or by neglecting to prepare for it. We have idled away alſo, or profaned many Sabbaths; at leaſt, we have gone heavily under the ſervice of that day which we ſhould call a delight pIſa. 58. 13.: And whereas heart-ſearching is exceeding needful for the well-ordering of our hearts and lives, we confeſs, that many examinations of our hearts and wayes, for which thou haſt hearkened qJer. 8. 6., we have neglected; yea, though this duty of Prayer (by our ſelves, and in our Families) be ſo needful, ſo beneficial, and ſuch an al-ſanctifying r1 Tim. 4. 5.ſervice, yet, for a long time, either we have been very careleſs and mindleſs of it, or elſe, careleſs and heartleſs in it; But beſides all theſe omiſſions and neglects of duty, we do further confeſs, that we have committed much evil, and been guilty of much Rebellion againſt thy Majeſty; yielding ordinarily unto Satans temptations (who never ceaſeth to put fair colours upon the forbidden fruit); ruſhing (often) into evil company, and partaking with them in the unfruitful works of darkneſs; and, when we have been alone, ſadly and ſecurely ſatisfying the luſts of our evil and diſtempered hearts, eſpecially, in the evils more pleaſing and ſutable to our ſinful natures; In regard of all which, and all other our many and great tranſgreſſions, we deſerve (O moſt juſt God) to be deprived of all thy bleſſings, and to be laden with thy judgements as we have laden thee with our ſins. But whileſt we are diſpleaſed with our ſelves for them, and it is in our hearts deſire, not only to confeſs them, but forſake them, and turn to thee from them; We beſeech thee (O Father of Mercies) in the Name, and for the merits of Jeſus Chriſt, to be merciful to us ſinners ſLuk. 18. 13., laying every one of our ſins (for we are not able our ſelves to bear the leaſt of them) upon that Lamb of God on whom the Lord hath laid the Iniquity of us all tIſa. 53. 6., freeing us alſo (of thy free grace) from all thoſe evils which are either on us, or due unto us for the ſame; And, that we may be hereof aſſured, Give us, we pray thee, that moſt excellent grace of Faith (without which the Word (of Promiſe and of Pardon) cannot profit uHeb. 4. 2., that thereby receiving the forgiveneſs of our ſins, our ſpirits may rejoyce in God our Saviour xLuk. 1. 47. Matth. 9 2. 1, which ſince we cannot do but in the Publicans way, who ſaid, God be merciful to me a ſinner, that is, in a way of repentance, therefore, do thou (O Lord) work, and (if any thing of godly ſorrow be already wrought) do thou more and more work ſo upon our ever too-hard-hearts, as that we may remember our former evil wayes, and doings, that have not been good, and lothe our ſelves in our own ſight for all our iniquities yEzek. 36. 31., Nor let us lothe our ſins only, and our ſelves for them, but leave them alſo; and ſettle it in our hearts, after thou haſt ſpoken peace to us, not to turn again to folly zPſal. 85. 8.. And, becauſe our own reſolutions are ſoon altered, and by our own ſtrength we cannot prevail a1 Sam. 2. 9., therefore we beg of thee our God to whom power belongeth bPſal. 62. 11.,) ſo much ſtrength, as that, though ſin while we are here, dwell within us, yet it may not have dominion over us: eſpecially, let us be ſtrong in the Lord, and the power of his might, for the ſubduing of our ſpecial ſins, and thoſe Goliahs that ſeem to ſet at defiance the whole Army of the Graces of God in us. Neither let it ſuffice us, to depart from evil, unleſs alſo we do good, and live ſoberly, righteouſly, and godly in this preſent world cTit. 2. 12.; And that this may be better done, Good Lord make us mindful of the uſe of all good means of a godly life, ſuch as are the hearing of thy Word heedfully dHeb. 2. 1., the receiving of thy holy Sacrament preparedly, the keeping of thy Sabbath conſcionably, praying to thy Majeſty often and earneſtly, together with converſing with good company (as there ſhall be liberty and occaſion); and a gaining of time to commune with our own hearts, and ſo to think on our wayes, as that we may turn our feet to Gods teſtimonies ePſal. 4. 4. & 119. 59.: Thus, and every other good way (O our God), lead us by thy good Spirit into the land of uprightneſs fPſ. 143. 10., and into a ſtate of bleſſedneſs. And, becauſe it is our duty to pray for thy Church, whereof we are members, as well as for our ſelves; yea, and our honour alſo (who art but duſt and aſhes) to be admitted ſo to do; therefore we beſeech thee, Do well in thy good pleaſure unto Sion, build thou the wals of Jeruſalem gPſal. 51. 18.; Make it the ſtudy of thoſe that are thy people to be an holy people, as thou their God art an holy God h1 Pet. 1. 15.: Where thy Church hath reſt, make them careful to walk before thee in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghoſt iAct 9. 31., that ſo their peace may be continued, or they prepared for trouble if their quiet ſtate be altered; Where thy Church is in trouble, make them mindful of, and able for, that truly penitent humbling themſelves before thee, and faithful ſeeking unto thee, whereby their peace and proſperity may be reſtored. Strengthen, in all parts, their hearts and hands, that ſtand in the juſt defence of Religion and Right. In ſpecial manner, we beſeech thee, to have a gracious reſpect to this ſinful Nation, (with the adjoyned Dominions). Enable with all eminent gifts, and eſpecially ſanctifie more and more with ſaving grace the Kings moſt Excellent Majeſty, our Supreme and moſt gracious Governour; and ſo pour forth thy Spirit upon all in higher Authority, that they may with all wiſdom, diligence, faithfulneſs, and good ſucceſs, manage the great affairs of State. Be pleas'd to eſtabliſh, and ever to preſerve, and ſtand by the two great Ordinances of Magiſtracy and Miniſtry, that by the preaching of the one, the power of the other, and thy bleſſing on both, Errour and Ungodlineſs may be reſtrained, truth and holineſs may be promoted, and in that way all outward good things may be miniſtred. Bleſs (we humbly pray thee) outwardly (as thou ſeeſt meet), but eſpecially ſpiritually, all that fear thy Name, (yea, have mercy on them, call them, and put thy fear into them, that yet fear thee not); In ſpecial, we deſire thy favour in behalf of thoſe to whom we have any relation, and whom we are deſired or ought to pray for; more particularly this Family. In ſingular mercy, vouchſafe thy grace to any in it that yet want it, and encreaſe thy grace in thoſe that have it. Extend thy compaſſion (O thou that art the Father of mercy) to thoſe that be any way afflicted, with ſickneſs, pain, poverty, injuſtice, reproach, reſtraint; And, (more eſpecially,) to thoſe that ſuffer, either in Conſcience, or for Conſcience; Give them all wiſdom to ſee what thou intendeſt; grace to give thee what thou expecteſt; ſtrength to bear what thou inflicteſt; and in thine own way and time make them glorious by deliverance kPſal. 149. 4.. And now (O Lord) we return humble thanks unto thy Majeſty for the mercies of this day, in regard of our ſouls, and bodies, and buſineſſes; deſiring that we may ſtill make a good uſe of all our croſſes. And ſo, craving pardon in Jeſus Chriſt for the ſins of this day, for which we are here before thee to judge our ſelves, we reſign up our perſons, and all we have, into thy gracious hands, beſeeching thee ſo to watch over us this night, as that our ſouls may be kept from ſin, our bodies from ſickneſs, our goods from loſs, and thoſe decreaſings that we deſerve lPſal. 107. 38.. And (withal) ſo to bleſs our Reſt unto us, that we may awake with cheerfulneſs in the morning, well enabled for thy Service, and the duties of our Callings the day following; And all this for Jeſus Chriſts ſake, in whom we beſeech thee to accept theſe our poor and weak Prayers, which we conclude with his abſolutely perfect Prayer, ſaying mLuk. 11. 2.as he hath taught us; Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.
A ſhorter Prayer for the Morning.
Moſt gracious God, we do here humbly preſent our ſelves before thee, to offer unto thee the Sacrifice of praiſe, that is, the fruit of our lips; and to give thanks unto thy Name aHeb, 13. 15.for the reſt of the night paſt, and the mercies of this morning; We confeſs, thou mighteſt juſtly have awakened us out of our ſleep at mid-night (as thou didſt the Egyptians) with a great cry; or elſe have made our ſleep (as when thou ſmoteſt their firſt-born,) the ſleep of death bExod. 12. 29. 30.: but we have lien down in peace, and ſlept, becauſe thou Lord only makeſt us dwell in ſafety cPſal 4 8..
Truly, the light is ſweet, and a pleaſant thing it is to the eyes to behold the Sun dEccl. 11. 7.; but, How excellent is thy loving kindneſs in cauſing the Sun of Righteouſneſs to ariſe unto us with healing in his wings (d)? Bleſſed be thy Name for giving the Lord Jeſus to be a light to lighten us Gentiles, as eMal. 4. 2.well as to be the glory of thy people Iſrael fLbk. 2. 32., And that we have together with him (and not without him) all things alſo gRom. 8. 32.; We praiſe thee for the health of our bodies, the peace of our mindes; for our underſtanding, and all the powers of our Souls; for our ſight and hearing, and all the parts of our bodies; for the liberty of our Perſons, the bleſſings of our Eſtate, and all the comfort we enjoy in our Friends and Relations; Yea, for all thoſe fatherly Corrections, whereby thou haſt ſought to drive our fooliſhneſs far from us hProv. 22. 15., and to make us mend our pace in the wayes of Wiſdom iRev. 3. 19.: In ſpecial, we thank thee for any well-grounded hopes we have of a better life, and that Inheritance which is incoru…ible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, re…ed in Heaven for us, and for which alſo we are preſerved k1 Pet. 1. 2, 4..
O Lo… of ti…e are leſs then the leaſt of all thy mercies lGen. 32. 10., and if thou lay upon us the heavyeſt of thy judgements, we have no right to complain m2 Sam. 19. 28., being men of death, and ſuch as have deſerved everlaſting condemnation; For we brought into the world with us a corrupt nature wherein is the ſeed of all ſin nJob 14. 4. Pſal. 51. 5., and by reaſon whereof in the whole courſe of our lives, we have neglected, or done negligently what thou requireſt, and have (moreover) too too careleſly ruſht into thoſe evils both in thought, word, and deed, which thou forbiddeſt.
But ſince thou art a God that delighteſt in mercy oMic. 7. 18., and that haſt been pleas'd out of thine infinite love to mankind, to lay upon thine only Son the iniquity of us all pIſa. 53. 6.; We that are the ſheep that have gone ſo far aſtray, come boldly unto the Throne of Grace in his Name, intreating thy Majeſty, that by that Lamb of God that hath taken away the ſins of the World qJoh. 1. 29., our many and great ſins, our day-ſins and our night-ſins may be ſo taken away, that if they be ſought they may not be found rJer. 50. 20., being removed from us as far as the Eaſt is from the Weſt ſPſal 103. 12., that ſo, in all the ſorrows of this world, we may joy in God (through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt) by whom we have now received the atonement tRom. 5. 11..
Make us able (we pray thee) by thy grace, to prove that our ſins are forgiven, becauſe they are forſaken (ſ), and that we have right to the promiſes (u) Prov. 28. 13.of the Tree of Life, becauſe we do thy Commandements xRevel. 22. 14., and walk ſincerely in the duties of Chriſtianity, and of our particular Callings, that thereby though we cannot procure, yet we may aſſure our happineſs, and in that way of thine may come to be poſſeſſed of it yJam. 1. 25..
That we may the better perform the duties belonging to us in our ſeveral places, Help us (we beſeech thee) to take heed both of Idleneſs and ill Company that are Enemies to Imployment. And if we do labour diligently, let us ſhew the power of godlineſs in not aiming at our own advantage and ſelf-ends. Set our hearts (O God) in ſo good a frame as that we may follow our buſineſs, day by day, in obedience to thy Word, with reſpect to thy glory, and to the doing of good to thoſe that we live amongſt, and ought to be helpful unto. For theſe ends and purpoſes, we beg of thee (as of a God Al-ſufficient) to preſerve us from danger by thy Providence; to enable us for what we are to do by thy power; and to make all we do to thrive and proſper by thy bleſſing, without which it is in vain, to riſe up early, to ſit up late, and to eat the bread of ſorrows zPſal. 127. 2..
Have a gracious reſpect (we humbly pray thee) unto all thine and ours, according to all thy wiſdom and goodneſs, and according to all their need and occaſions; Be pleas'd to look with ſpecial favour upon the Churches of the Saints in all places, eſpecially in this and the neighbour-Nations. Herein, Pour forth thy choyſeſt bleſſings on the head, and thy choiſeſt graces into the heart of the Kings Majeſty, with the reſt of the Royal Family. Furniſh thoſe with ability and fidelity that are in Authority in the State, and that watch over the ſouls of thy people in the Church. As for our ſelves and all that are under authority, make us ever ready to render unto Caeſar the things that are Caeſars, and unto God the things that are Gods aMat. 22. 21..
Let thy fear (O Lord) be upon our hearts all the day long bProv. 23. 17., that walking conſcionably as in thy preſence, we may preſent our ſelves comfortably before thee in the Evening with the ſenſe and feeling of thy grace in us, and goodneſs towards us in Jeſus Chriſt, through whom we glory in thee cRom. 5. 11., and to whom (with thee O Father, and the Eternal Spirit,) we acknowledge to be due, and deſire to give all honour and glory now and evermore. Amen.
A ſhorter Prayer for the Evening.
MOſt glorious God, and in Jeſus Chriſt our moſt loving Father, It is of thy great mercy that we have been preſerved and followed with many fatherly favours this day, and that we are in ſo good a condition before thee to offer up this Evening Sacrifice unto thee. We muſt needs confeſs (and we come unto thee to confeſs) that thy gracious dealing with us is altogether undeſerved, and that any evil that is, or ſhall come upon us in this world, is far leſs then we deſerve; For, if we look to our beginnings, we that (at firſt) were made good and like our God, have by our ſin (in our firſt Parents) forfeited and loſt that holineſs in which, and that happineſs unto which we were created; ſo that thou mayeſt juſtly call us tranſgreſſors from the womb aIſa. 48. 8., we having procured this unto our ſelves, that we are every one of us ſhapen in iniquity, and in ſin did our mother conceive us bPſal. 51. 5.: And this corruption that over-ſpreads our natures, ſo declareth and diſperſeth it ſelf alſo in our whole carriage, that as there is no day of our life wherein we do not many wayes partake in thy mercy, ſo no day paſſeth over our heads wherein we do not in many things provoke thy juſtice; In regard whereof, we do not more need our daily bread for our bodies and being, then a daily pardon of ſin for our ſouls and for our well-being. And bleſſed be thy Name (O gracious God) who art ſo far from leaving us without hope of a pardon, that thou calleſt us unto thee, and teacheſt us to ſeek it from thee as from our heavenly Father; Unto thee therefore we come, acknowledging, O Father, that we have ſinned againſt Heaven and againſt Thee, ſo that we are not worthy to be called thy children; But though we forget to be towardly children, yet do not thou forget to be a compaſſionate Father, but be pleaſed to come forth and meet us, and kiſs us with the kiſſes of thy love cLuk. 15. 20.. Declare thy ſelf in Jeſus Chriſt a God reconciled unto us, and that our ſins and iniquities thou wilt remember no more dJer. 31. 34.; So ſhall we remember thy Loves more then Wine eCant. 14., and thou ſhalt put gladneſs into our hearts more then can poſſibly be had from all worldly enjoyments fPſal 4. 6, 7.; Nor do thou kiſs us only, but clothe us gLuk. 15. 22.: Take away our filthy garments, (which by our prodigality we have brought our ſelves unto), and clothe us with change of rayment hZech. 3. 4.; for, as our great deſire is, that the righteouſneſs of Chriſt (which is the righteouſneſs of God) may be put upon us to ſhelter us from thy juſtice; ſo we beg alſo for the clothing of the new Man iEph. 4 24., that we may be meet to partake in thy mercy, and may walk worthy of thee our Lord unto all pleaſing, being fruitful in every good work kCol. 1. 10.: Give us, (we beſeech thee), that Knowledge which is the Light of the Soul lLuk. 1. 77, 79. 2 Cor. 4. 6.; that Faith, which is the Life of the Soul mGal. 2. 20.; that Love, which is the Heat, and holy Fire of the Soul nCant. 8 6.; that Holineſs and Meekneſs which is the Beauty and Ornament of the Soul oPſal. 45. 13. Prov. 31. 30. 1 Pet 3 4, 5.: and that Hope which is the Anchor of the Soul pHeb. 6. 19: And thus prepare us for that glorious place, whither our Fore-runner is for us entred qHeb. 6. 20., and who hath given us aſſurance, that where He is, there ſhall alſo his ſervant be rJoh. 12. 26..
Nor do we pray for our ſelves only, but (as in duty we are bound ſIſa. 62. 6, 7.,) for thy whole Church: Thy Church is thy Treaſure tExod. 19 5., Lord, where thy peculiar treaſure is, there let thine heart and peculiar favour be alſo; Caſt thine Eye of compaſſion on thoſe therein that are under any ſpecial affliction; Yea, Look (O thou All-ſeeing, and All-pitying God) into all corners of the World, and ſhew thy ſelf the God that comforteth thoſe that are caſt down u2 Cor. 7, 6.. In ſpecial manner, Let the Eyes of the Lord our God be alwayes on this Land, and the adjoyning Kingdoms, from the beginning of the year even to the end of the year xDeut. 11. 12..
Make our gracious King a glorious Defender of the Faith, Worſhip, Wayes, and Servants of Jeſus Chriſt; Let the Spirit of wiſdom and the fear of the Lord reſt on thoſe Eminent Perſons of his Majeſties Privy Council; ennoble with grace the whole Nobility. Give a Spirit of Government and of Godlineſs to all in Authority, that under his Majeſty and his Magiſtracy we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlineſs and honeſty y1 Tim. 2. 1, 2..
Let thy Miniſters (O Lord) be clothed with righteouſneſs, and (ſo) let thy Saints ſhout for joy zPſal. 132. 9.. As for our ſelves and others that live under the light; Give us grace (we beſeech thee) to live as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of Life (in our life), that ſo thy faithful Labourers may rejoyce in the day of Chriſt, that they have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain aPhil. 2. 16..
Bleſs we pray thee all our Friends, and all we ought to pray for, (whether Friends or Enemies), eſpecially bleſs thoſe belonging to us with ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly things; yea, miniſter to them and us, and all thine, all thoſe good things of any kind, which we have, or ſhould have, asked either for our ſelves or them bEph. 3. 20..
And now (O Lord), with humble thanks for the mercies of this day, we commend our ſelves and all we have into thy gracious hands, intreating thee to preſerve us from the ſins, and ſorrows of the night, and to grant us that ſafe and quiet reſt, whereby our bodies may be reſtored, and our ſpirits revived for the ſervice of the day following; And that for Chriſts ſake thine only Son, and our alone Mediator and Advocate: In whoſe Name therefore, and in the confidence of whoſe Interceſſion we come unto thee; and to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghoſt, three Perſons and one God, we render (as is moſt due) all Honour, Obedience, and Thankſgiving, now and evermore. Amen.
I ſhall only add two ſhort Prayers for Children, whereby they may be trained up to this neceſſary duty, that ſo they may get much acquaintance with God (by beginning betimes) if they live longer, and may not be without all acquaintance with God and Godlineſs if they die ſooner.
A Prayer for Children for the Morning.
MOſt high and holy God, who haſt ſet thy glory above the Heavens, and yet out of the mouths of little Children, yea, of Sucklings, haſt ordained ſtrong and powerful praiſe aPſal. 8. 2. Matth. 21. 16.; I bleſs and magnifie thy Name (which is ſo excellent); for that, out of thine unſpeakable love, thou haſt given to thy children and to their children bAct. 2. 39., Jeſus Chriſt, and together with him, all things cRom. 8. 32.; that I am born in thy Church dPſal. 87. 5., that thou haſt ſo provided for my bringing up, that I may know of a child the holy Scriptures, which are able to make me wiſe unto Salvation e2 Tim. 3. 15., that by thee I have been holden up from the womb fPſal. 71. 6., who have been no way able to look to my ſelf; And in particular, for that thou haſt kept me in ſafety this laſt night, and raiſed me up comfortably this morning; O Lord, I confeſs, I am a tranſgreſſor from the womb gIſa. 48. 8., for who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one hJob 14. 3. 4.: And, though I have lived but a while in the world, yet I have ſinned much; ſo that it were juſt with thee, ſuddenly to ſeize upon me, and to take me out of this world before I am prepared for a better. But, Lord look upon me not as I am in my ſelf, but in Jeſus Chriſt, and in and through him, pardon me who am ſo ſinful; Teach me who am ſo ignorant; Sanctifie me who am ſo corrupt▪ Make me to remember thee my Creator in the dayes of my youth iEccl. 12. 1.: Help me to hide thy Word in mine heart, that I may not ſin againſt thee kPſal. 119. 11. & v. 9., but may thereby, even while I am young, clenſe and amend my wayes; Order my ſteps in thy Word, that no iniquity may have dominion over me lPſal. 119. 133.. And that I may not be wanting in any duty that thou requireſt of me: Grant me thy grace, (O God), that I may be ſubject and obedient to my Parents and Governours; tractable to my Teachers, diligent in my buſineſs, humble and gentle in my behaviour, fearful to learn of any that which is evil, and careful to learn of all that which is good: Be pleaſed (O Lord) to ſtrengthen and perfect my natural parts; but eſpecially vouchſafe that as I grow in years, ſo I may grow in grace. Protect and bleſs me (I beſeech thee) this day throughout, that in the evening I may praiſe thee for thy great goodneſs in Chriſt Jeſus. To whom, with thee O Father, and God the Holy Ghoſt, be rendred all Glory, Dominion, and Service, now and evermore. Amen.
A Prayer for Children for the Evening.
O Moſt wiſe and gracious God, I acknowledge my ſelf a ſimple and ſinful Creature; I was ſhapen in iniquity, and in ſin did my Mother conceive me aPſal 51. 5.: That fooliſhneſs which is bound in the heart of a child bProv. 22. 15., is faſt bound in mine; and that corruption which abides in all, abounds in me, which ſadly ſhews it ſelf in my backwardneſs and unwillingneſs in better things, and my ſelf-will and earneſtneſs to walk in the wayes of mine heart, and in the ſight of mine eyes cEccl. 11. 9., though for all ſuch things thou wilt bring me to judgement.
Notwithſtanding all this; Be pleas'd (O bleſſed Father) to look upon me in thy Chriſt, as thy child; Unto me and into me, let every good and ſaving gift come down from the Father of lights dJam 1. 17.; Give me ſo much underſtanding as to know my ſin, and judge my ſelf for it e1 Cor. 11. 31.; ſo much repentance▪ as to feel my ſin, and abhor my ſelf for it fJob 42. 6., and ſo much faith as to flie to Chriſt for pardon and power againſt it; Lord, Refuſe not to give me that pardon gLuk. 7. 47, 50.; Lord, deny not to give me that power hPſal. 119. 133. Rom. 6. 14..
Give me grace to know thee the God of my Fathers, and to ſerve thee with a perfect heart and a willing mind; for the Lord ſearcheth all hearts, and underſtandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts; If I ſeek him, he will be found of me, but if I forſake him, he will caſt me off for ever i1 Chr. 28. 9..
Bleſs (O God) all thy people, eſpecially thoſe whom thou haſt made neer unto me; more eſpecially, my Parents and thoſe that have the care of me; Make them wiſe, and willing, to do me good; and me humble and careful to receive it.
I praiſe thee (O thou that art the Keeper of Iſrael kPſal. 121. 4, 5.,) for keeping me this day: Be pleas'd (O Lord, who doeſt neither ſlumber nor ſleep) this night to watch over me, and to raiſe me, with health and ſtrength, to do thee ſervice the day following;
And all this for Jeſus Chriſts ſake thine only Son, and my alone Saviour, in whoſe Name I call upon thee as he hath taught me. Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.
FINIS.