We render Thee our sincere thanks for Thy word and its blessed truths conveyed to us, for its warnings, consolations, comforts and inspirations towards a better life given to all who would receive it in a faithful and upright heart. Receive the most humble and earnest returns of a glad and thankful heart for the blessings of nature and the blessings of grace, for health and wealth, for the help and support of every minute and the gifts of every day. What are we, O Lord, and what is our fathers' house, that Thou, Ŏ great and merciful God of men and angels, shouldst multiply upon us the proofs of Thy loving-kindness?

We mourn that the closing year, with its broken vows and lost opportunities, has so much to fill each of us with shame. May we confess our manifold sins and shortcomings with the earnest desire to forsake them all for ever. Blot out our iniquities through the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and grant us Thy Spirit, that we may realize that we truly are made partakers of the new and everlasting testament and the covenant of grace.

The departing year has carried hence the hopes and treasures of many hearts. Dear friends have disappeared, whose coming steps we shall hear no more. Bring home to us a sense of our mortality and the brevity of our earthly career. Made wiser by the solemn lessons of the past, may we henceforth walk more worthily of our vocation as children of God. Guide us through the perils of all coming time and at last, when we shall tread the verge of Jordan, may we turn to Thee as our Father and our best Friend and be made partakers of Thy everlasting kingdom of peace and glory, through the merits of our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

NEW YEAR.

We bow before Thee, O Thou God of our lives, and seek Thy blessing. May the coming year prove a new year indeed, bringing new thoughts, new desires and better resolutions. Happy, thrice happy, will it be for us if it lead us into a new and divine life. Should it bring trial and sorrow, and take from us health and friends, still happy will it be, if, through Thy grace, we are enabled to use it well according to Thy holy word and will, making Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, our great and only example. O let not this year be marked by broken vows, by a sinful surrender of our souls to the tyranny of wicked passions, by indolence, and deadness of heart. But may it prove for ever memorable as a year in generous purposes and Christian deeds. By the Divine power of Thy holy Spirit may we convert all the changes of life into opportunities of grace; and so may we be raised above the power of time, and breathe the air of an eternal world, even while we sojourn in this vale of shadows. O may Thy word be our rod, and Thy Son our Guide, that we may dwell in Thy house for ever and ever. Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY.

Almighty God, we beseech Thee graciously to behold this Thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and to suffer death upon the cross. Thou hast not spared Thine only Son, but delivered Him up for us all, that He might bear our sins, that Thou mightest remove from us the power of the adversary and save us from everlasting death. Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. All we like sheep have gone astray and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord's Passion that we may obtain remission of sin. May this holy season of Lent prompt us never to forget what our Saviour accomplished for us, when he languished on the cross and Himself tasted the awful agonies of death. May we thereby at all times be reminded of what we owe Him-a thankful heart and faithful love, true repentance of our sins and a life pleasing in His sight. In the duty of the day strengthen and sustain us; and, in the night of affliction and trouble,

may we look to Thee, beloved Saviour. Comfort us with the assurance that Thou will wipe away all tears from our eyes. And when we come to the dark valley of the shadow of death, be Thou our Guide and Comforter, and bring us to the regions of endless day. We commit ourselves entirely to Thy disposal; and whenever we enjoy or suffer, whether we live or die, may we be mercifully accepted at the throne of everlasting peace and glory. Amen.

EASTER.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou invincible and almighty Victor over sin, death and hell, we give Thee thanks for Thy glorious resurrection, whereby Thou hast conquered death and hast brougt unto light everlasting life. Thou art the almighty Lord and livest from eternity to eternity. Thou hast saved Thy people from death and redeemed it from hell. Death, where is thy sting? Hell, where is thy victory?

Thou hast destroyed death and wipest all tears from our eyes. Our hearts are filled with gladness and our soul exultingly blesses Thy Name. Thou truly art the resurrection and the life. Whosoever believeth in Thee, will live, even if he die. Thou art the life of the faithful, hence they can never die. O blessed Lord, Thou camest forth like the beautiful dawn of morn. Now Thou impartest to Thy people Thy everlasting peace, which encompasseth all heavenly bounties, the mercy of God, forgiveness of sins, righteousness, comfort, victory, eternal joy, eternal life. O may the sweet, comforting, living peace of Christ's resurrection permeate our hearts and fill our souls with joy.

Help us, dear Lord, to arise unto a new life in true repentance, forsaking the world and its vanity, and subduing all sinful inclination. Comfort us, when in sorrow and distress; and, on the final day, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, call forth our body through the power of Thy resurrection and grant us the awakening unto life everlasting, where every tear shall be found an orb of joy, and every sigh an inspiration of God. Amen.

ASCENSION.

Holy Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, ascended on high with the sound of trnmpets, we extol Thee. After accomplishing the redemption of mankind, Thou didst return to Thy glory. All our foes are under Thy feet; Thou hast delivered us from them all. At the right hand of the majesty of God Thou pleadest for us. We rejoice since Thou hast said, "I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there ye may be also." We now know, that death to us is the gateway to heaven. Thou art crowned with honor and glory and hast laid up a crown of righteousness for those who love Thy coming. Thou hast come into Thy kingdom to rule over heaven and earth, in nature, grace and glory; and wilt say on that glorious day to come, to all the faithful, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Blessed Redeemer, give us Thy Spirit; give us piety, chastity, meekness, humility, righteousness, the childhood of God, life, peace, and eternal happiness. Let us be where Thou art, draw us to Thee, bring us to the host of the angels and saints; may we see Thy glory. Teach us daily to strive after a spiritual ascension, to contemplate our future dwelling and to flee the world with its vanities, ways, and sins, so that, while we live, we live to Thee, and when we die, we die to Thee, O Lord. Amen.

WHITSUNDAY.

"I pour water upon the thirsty, and streams upon those who are dry; I will pour out my spirit upon the flesh, so that they grow as grass, and as the willows by the water's side." This gracious promise, dearest Jesus, Thou hast fulfilled at holy Whitsuntide, when through the gift of Thy holy Spirit, Thou didst enable Thy apostles to proclaim unto all people the forgiveness of sins in Thy blood, and salvation.

FORMS OF PRAYER THAT MAY BE USED FOR DEVOTIONS AT HOME,

O most precious Holy Spirit, enlighten our understanding to know Jesus Christ more thoroughly; sanctify our will to desire nothing but what is pleasing in Thy sight; give us courage and strength to walk in Thy ways, to withstand sin and to live as true children of God.

Thou Spirit of grace and prayer, of wisdom and love! Teach us to pray with fervor, to know the truth and to keep our hearts in the one thing needful, the fear of the Lord. Pluck out of our hearts all wrath, obstinacy, envy, malice, and revenge. When the waters of distress beat over our head, and the waves of trial meet above us, be our comfort and strength. Help us to subdue the lusts of the flesh. May we grow in faith, truth, humility, hope and patience. Be our Teacher, and magnify Jesus within us; yea, help us by Thy power to call Jesus our Lord and Redeemer.

Cleanse us; give us pure hearts; expunge all impurities, evil passions, and the dominion of sin. Grant, that we may grow in all good things and bear much fruit. Remain with us in trouble and in death; cry out within us, "Abba, dear Father!"

Holy Spirit, enter into our poor, feeble hearts, there to live and to reign. Adorn us with Thy gifts; make us new, pure and lovely; teach us to appear before God in spirit and truth and to walk forever in Thy light. Amen.

PRAYERS,

WHICH MAY BE USED IN CELEBRATING HOLY COMMUNION.

A PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness; according to Thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."

Holy Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, a sinner comes before Thy most holy face, and begs Thee earnestly and humbly for the forgiveness of his sins. Alas, my God! I have offended Thee in various ways, with evil thoughts, desires, words, and actions, and what I should have done, I have left undone. O Lord, Holy God! thereat I am greatly grieved, and all my soul deeply regrets it. By Holy Baptism Thou hast made me a member of Thy body; therefore I ought to hear Thy voice alone, and present my limbs as a living sacrifice, holy and well pleasing unto Thee. But O! what shall I say? I have listened to the voice of the world and of the flesh more than unto Thy voice, and have done so many things against Thy will. O the blindness of my heart! O the follies of my youth! If now Thou wilt enter into judgment with me, I am lost forever; for my conscience testifies against me, and my sins are more numerous than the sands of the sea. But, O Lord, have mercy upon me, according to Thy loving-kindness; do not account with me for the evil I have done, but give me credit for what Jesus Christ, my Saviour, has done for me; for the sake of Jesus, be merciful to me, a sinner. I will strive to lead a new and godly life; with the power of Thy Spirit, O merciful God, I will endeavor not to sin wantonly or wilfully against Thee. Amen.

GENERAL CONFESSION.

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I a poor sinner acknowledge and bewail my manifold sins and wickedness, which I have from time to time committed by thought, word and deed, against Thy Divine Majesty, provoking against me most justly Thy wrath and indignation, in this world and in the world to come. I do earnestly repent, and am heartily sorry for these my misdoings, the remembrance of them is grievous unto me; the burden of them is intolerable. I have none other comfort or trust, than Thy grace, which aboundeth above my guilt, and the precious merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Longing after this grace I say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy child; but I come at this time of grace to ask of Thee pardon and peace, new confidence towards Thee, and strength to lead a new and righteous life through Thy good and holy Spirit. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER THE CONFESSION.

My soul rejoiceth in Thee, O God of comfort and Father of mercy, that Thou hast sent into this world Thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for a mediator and a sacrifice for our sins; and that Thou givest me a lively faith, whereby I am made partaker of such Thy benefits. Thou hast again assured me, Thy penitent child, of Thy pardoning love and grace; and hast brought nigh the comforts of the gospel of the crucified Saviour. Í have anew prom

PRAYERS, USED IN CELEBRATING HOLY COMMUNION.

ised and pledged allegiance to Thee and to my Redeemer. Strengthen and assist me, O Lord, now to walk in the light of Thy truth and in the way, which is pleasing in Thy sight. Thou knowest, O omniscient God, my weakness. Equip me with heavenly armor, to battle against the lusts of the flesh and the temptations of the world. Grant, that my devotion to Thee be true and sincere. May I watch and pray. Visit me with Thy blessing, while I partake of the Holy Supper, that I may grow in grace and knowledge of Thy Son, my Redeemer; and may lead a life of godliness, which has the promise of this world and the world to come. Amen.

A PRAYER BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION.

O most merciful God and Father, we beseech Thee, that Thou wilt be pleased in this Supper, in which we celebrate the glorious remembrance of the bitter death of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, to work in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, that we may daily more and more with true confidence give ourselves up unto Thy Son Jesus Christ; that our afflicted and contrite hearts, through the power of the Holy Ghost, may be fed and comforted with His true body and blood; yea, be truly united with Him, true God and mañ, that only heavenly bread: and that we may no longer live in our sins, but He in us, and we in Him, and thus truly be made partakers of the new and everlasting testament, and of the covenant of grace. Make us steadfast in faith, that we may not doubt but Thou wilt forever be our gracious Father, never more imputing our sins unto us, and providing us with all things necessary, as well for the body as the soul, as Thy beloved children and heirs. Grant us also Thy grace, that we may take upon us our cross cheerfully, deny ourselves, confess our Saviour, and in all tribulations, with uplifted heads expect our Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, where He will make our mortal bodies like unto His most glorious body, and take us unto Him in eternity. Amen.

ANOTHER.

O great and merciful God, who now callest us to Thy holy table, we humbly beseech Thee to make us partakers of the Divine vigor of the blood shed by our dearest Saviour for the forgiveness of our sins.

Out of Thy heavenly dwelling-place send us Thy light and truth, to lead us to Thy holy table, and give us the experience of Thy peace, and the grace of the Holy Ghost. Purify our hearts, so that we may offer ourselves to Him who gave Himself for us. Fill our souls more and more with repentance, faith, love, fervor, joyfulness and gratitude. We seek Thy face, O Lord, save Thy servants, who hope in Thee. Amen.

A PRAYER AFTER HOLY COMMUNION.

All-sufficient God, Thou chief good and greatest delight of all the pious! In Thee alone does our heart find its rest, and in Thy grace its highest joy. The world with all its glories is vanity. Sin with its brief pleasure produces disgust. Let us consider all things well, and not love the world, nor that which is in the world; the world passeth away with the pleasure thereof, the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Lord if we have but Thee, we have enough, though we have nothing in the world beside. Rest content, my soul, for the Lord is kind to thee. He has fed and refreshed thee at the table of His grace. O infinite Goodness! Therefore praise the Lord, O my soul, and what is in me praise His holy Name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Preserve, great God, this peace in my heart, and continue to do good unto my soul. Fortify me and Thy children in all suffering by the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Our adversity, which is temporal and easy to bear, nevertheless produces a surpassing glory for us, who regard not the visible but the invisible. For what is visible is temporal, what is invisible is eternal. A time will come when Thou wilt bring all who love Thee to the place of perfect rest, there to behold Thy face in righteousness, and to be satisfied, awakened in Thy image. Amen.

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