08.03. Occasional Prayers

OCCASIONAL PRAYERS A prayer before reading the Bible

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the precious jewel of Your Holy Word. I thank You that every portion of it is given by the inspiration of Your Spirit, and is profitable for my instruction in the way of life.

O merciful Lord, send to me Your Spirit to guide me into all truth. Shine upon every page, and teach me whatever I need to know. Open my eyes to behold the wonders of Your love and mercy. Out of Your Word reveal to me my exceeding sinfulness, and bring me in true humility to Your footstool. Show to me the glory of Christ. May I learn more of His free grace and of His full salvation. Point me to Him as my only Hope and Savior. Through Your Word may I trust wholly in Him, and grow more like Him in holiness and love. Sanctify me by Your Word.

O Father, may I search Your Word continually and prize it more than all the treasures of the world. Keep me from reading any book which will take away my delight in it, and keep me from everything in my daily life that is contrary to its precepts. O make Your Word to me a living word, and may those about me see that I follow its holy teaching.

Hear me, O Father, and be my teacher, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. A prayer for the New Year.

O Heavenly Father, Your mercy reaches unto the heavens and Your faithfulness unto the clouds. In Jesus’ name I come to You at the beginning of another year. How can I praise You as I ought for all Your tender care in years that are past? Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life. Be my everlasting Refuge. May I enter upon this new year accepted in the Beloved, and cleansed from every sin of past years. Whatever may happen in the future, I would leave with You. I would commit to You, every need and every care. Take charge of me both in body and soul. Teach me to profit, and lead me by the way that I should go. O guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

O God, the only wise God, You alone know the path that lies before me. If this year should be my last, prepare me for the great change. Give me a sure hope in Jesus which nothing can shake. May I ever rest upon Him who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever."

O gracious Savior, be my All. In health or sickness, in life or death — be my shelter and my safeguard. Keep me ever by Your side, and when the shadows of earth pass away, may I see Your glory and be with You where You are.

O Lord Jesus, help me through this coming year to bear more fruit for Your name. May I not be like the barren fig-tree, only fit for the axe — but may I be a fruitful bough filled with the fruits of righteousness and watered continually with the dew of Your blessing. Fill me with love to You and with unselfish kindness toward all around me. Comfort me, and by Your Holy Spirit establish me in every good word and work, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer for a birthday.

O Eternal God, my Father and my Friend, I praise You for Your goodness and loving-kindness toward me. I would remember all the way that You have led me, and bless You for every token of Your fatherly care.

I thank You, O Father, for preserving me through every danger of my past life. I thank You for sparing me to enter upon another year. I thank You for all the promises of Your Word which You have given to cheer and sustain me.

O Heavenly Father, keep me henceforth in Your fear and love. As I look back on my sins, and failures, and neglects, in days gone by — assure me of Your forgiving mercy; through Him who bore my sins in His own body on the tree, wash them all away, and accept me for His name’s sake.

Help me, O Lord, to spend well the days or years that yet remain. My days on earth are as a shadow. My life is as nothing before You. But teach me, O Lord, to live always as in Your sight. I give myself afresh to You this day. I lay myself and all that I have at Your feet. May I be wholly Yours. May Your Spirit sanctify me both in body and soul. Make me more holy, and useful than I have ever been before. From this day bless me indeed, and make me a blessing wherever I go. Guide and direct me in all my ways, and uphold me with Your own right hand. Support and comfort me in every sorrow. Never leave me nor forsake me, but bring me in safety to Your kingdom.

O Father, teach me to trust in You at all times, and when life is over may I sit down forever with You in Your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look down in mercy on Your Church. I come to claim the promise of Your Spirit. You have promised to send down the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, upon Your people. In the name of Jesus, our ascended High Priest, I beseech You to fulfill Your own word. O Heavenly Father, let Your Blessed Spirit come as the rain and the dew from above. Fill Your ministering servants with the spirit of wisdom, and zeal, and power. Endue them with tender compassion for the souls of men, and strengthen them with might to go forth everywhere to testify of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May the love of Christ constrain them to live for Him, and to abound in every good word and work.

Come, O north wind, and blow, O south wind, upon the garden of the Lord. Drive away all ignorance, error, superstition, and unbelief. May the fruits of righteousness increase and abound, and may those who love You be of one heart and mind in Your service.

O Lord Jesus, have mercy on all those who have no mercy on themselves. Awaken the careless. Convince the lost sinner. Turn to Yourself those who are far astray. O pour water on those that are thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. O bless the young. Pour Your Spirit on the children of Your servants, and Your blessing on their offspring. Give power and success to the teaching of Your Word in our Sunday schools, and guide the footsteps of many a young pilgrim into the way of peace.

Blessed Lord, who has all power in Heaven and in earth — revive Your work in the midst of the days. Reveal Your mighty arm, and let Your Spirit work mightily in Your Church. Deepen the life of Your children, and fill them with all joy and peace in believing. Bring in multitudes within Your fold, and glorify Your name more and more, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer for missions to the Heathen.

O God, You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, prosper Your Word and send forth the Gospel of Your salvation to every part of the world. O Lord, You have given Your Son Jesus Christ to be a light to enlighten the Gentiles. You have bidden us preach Your Gospel to every creature. We wait upon You, O Lord, for the power and grace we need. Give the word, and great shall be the company of the preachers. By Your Holy Spirit raise up many to carry the message of Your salvation to the heathen. Fit them for their great work. Send down Your heavenly light into their minds, and endue them with constant zeal to proclaim Your truth.

O Lord, break down every hindrance, and may Your Word have free course and run and be glorified. May every idol fall and every prejudice be subdued before the power of Your Gospel. Dispose many to come and learn from Your servants, and then give them courage to confess the Savior’s name. O Lord, raise higher the standard of holy living among the heathen who receive Your truth, and by their good works may Your light shine forth among their countrymen.

We beg You, merciful Lord, be gracious to the native congregations gathered out of heathen lands. Send out among them more and more Your light and Your truth. Confirm them in the faith. Sanctify them through Your Word. Make them witnesses among the heathen that yet know You not. O Father, specially bless the native pastors. Make them burning and shining lights. Enable them to abide steadfast in Your fear, and to carry Your Gospel to the regions beyond them.

O Savior, prosper this good work. Give to Your Church at home the spirit of cheerful liberality and holy zeal in spreading Your truth, and in the day of Your coming may we see many of every land clothed in white robes rejoicing to meet You. Fulfill, this petition, for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Short Petitions for Mid-day, adapted from the Psalms.

Unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindness. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Your mercy, remember me for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord. Show me Your ways, O Lord — teach me Your paths. O holy and merciful Savior, my eyes are ever toward You. Keep my soul and deliver me. Let me not be ashamed, for I trust in You. Amen.

O Lord, You are my light and my salvation, in You do I trust. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said unto You, "Your face, O Lord, will I seek." Hide not Your face far from me, put not Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Hear me, O Lord, when I cry with my voice; have mercy also upon me, and answer me. In the time of trouble, hide me in the secret place of Your Tabernacle. O Lord, set me up upon a rock. I will sing praises unto You, O God, for I shall see Your goodness, and Your mercy endures forever. Amen.

Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You who is the Savior of those who put their trust in. O hold up my goings in Your paths, that my footsteps slip not. Keep me from the paths of the destroyer. May I behold Your face in righteousness, and be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Amen.

Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto You when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Be my strong habitation whereunto I may always resort. Be my Refuge and my Fortress, my God — for in You do I trust. May Your mercy and truth preserve me. So will I sing praises unto Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. For the sake of Your Anointed, fulfill all my petitions. Amen.

Bow down your ear, O Lord; hear me, for I am poor and needy. Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for I cry unto You daily. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth. Knit my heart unto You, that I may fear Your name. You, O Lord God, are a God full of compassion and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O Turn unto me, and have mercy upon me. Give Your strength unto Your servant, and save him who trusts in You. Show me a token for good, and help me and comfort me, for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Prayers for Holiness, adapted from Paul’s Epistles.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might by Your Spirit in the inner man. May Christ dwell in my heart by faith. Being rooted and grounded in love, may I be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. O Lord, fill me with all Your fullness in Christ Jesus our Lord, and for His sake do for me exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Unto You shall be the glory in the Church, by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

O God, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Grant that the eyes of my understanding may be enlightened, that I may know what is the hope of Your calling; and what is the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints. Manifest toward me the exceeding greatness of Your power, which You have wrought in the resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ. O Lord, I pray that my love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. Grant that I may approve the things which are excellent, and that I may be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ. May I be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, and may I thus live to Your praise and glory for His sake. Amen.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, may I be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. May I walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of You. Strengthen me with all might, according to Your glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness. O God of Hope, fill me with all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God of peace, sanctify me wholly. I pray that my whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless to the end. Fulfill in me all the good pleasure of Your goodness and the work of faith with power. May the name of the Lord Jesus be glorified in me and I in Him, according to Your grace. O Lord, make me to increase and abound in love toward Your saints and toward all men, and establish my heart unblamable in holiness before You, at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Prayer before taking a journey.

O Almighty God, my Guardian and my King, I ask You to protect and keep me during the journey I am about to take. For the sake of Your dear Son, be ever near me as my Father and my God. You are the watchful Keeper of Your people. You never slumber nor sleep. O preserve me, I beseech You, from all danger and evil on the right hand and on the left. Be my shield and my strong habitation. May I ever flee to You, and may I be assured that You will never fail me.

Gracious Father, grant me Your peace wherever I go, and may I serve You with a quiet mind. Prosper me in my journey, whatever may be its object. Comfort and refresh me, if I go for rest and recreation. Give me wisdom and strength for any duty I am called to perform. Give me a word in season to cheer any burdened heart; and may I be able to add to the enjoyment of those I meet. When alone or with others, may I ever see You beside me. Give me the spirit of kindness and sympathy, and may both my words and my life bear witness for You.

O Father, at all times and in all places, may I glorify You. Bless me and make me a blessing in the home where I stay. May I leave behind a savor of Christ, and may His name be exalted through me. May I never be ashamed to own Him as my Master, and teach me ever to walk in His footsteps. May I honor Your Word, and give me some token that my journey has not been in vain.

O Father, hear me and bless me, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Prayer before a voyage at sea.

O Almighty God, who holds the winds in Your hands, and rules the raging of the sea — I commit myself to Your care. If Your presence goes not with me — do not allow me to go forth on this voyage, for I have no help but in You. O Father, be very near to protect us both by night and by day. Preserve us from fire and storm and every other danger. Guard both the passengers and the crew, and keep us ever in Your holy fear.

O mighty Savior, who stilled the waves and said to them, "Peace, be still!" teach us that Your power is still the same. Be with us in the ship, and should any sudden fear arise, enable us to turn to You and rely upon Your aid.

Give unto all on board the spirit of true religion. May Your Word be honored and Your holy day observed. Give me grace to be useful during the voyage. Both by word and example may I do good, and not harm, to those about me.

O gracious Savior, give us a favorable voyage, and bring us in peace and safety to our journey’s end. As I pass through the waves of this troublesome world — be my Refuge and Strength; and when the journey of life is past — may I reach the haven of eternal rest, for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Prayer after a safe voyage.

O Mighty And Merciful God and Father, I bless and praise You for Your faithful care over me. I bless You for bringing us in safety through the perils of the deep. I bless You for Your merciful hand which has been over us for good. O that I may praise You for Your goodness, and for Your wonderful works toward the children of men!

Gracious Father, for Your dear Son’s sake, be with me now on the dry land, as You have been on the sea. Suffer me not to forget Your tender loving-kindness. Stir up my heart to love and serve You more than ever before.b

O Father, You have preserved my life from many dangers. May that life be wholly given unto You. Forgive all that is past, and cast my sins into the depths of the sea. May the blood of Christ cleanse me from all guilt. Henceforth let Your Blessed Spirit rule in my heart. May my peace be as a river, and my righteousness as the waves of the sea. Make me to excel in every Christian grace, and to abound in all good works.

O Heavenly Father, hear this my prayer, and fill me with holy joy and gratitude to You, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. A prayer in trouble, gathered from the prophecy of Jeremiah.

O Savior in time of trouble — why should You be to us as a stranger? Why should You be as a mighty man that cannot save? Yet You, O Lord, are in the midst of us. We are called by Your name. Leave us not. O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, it for Your name’s sake. For our backslidings are many — we have sinned against You. O Lord, my Strength and my Fortress, be my Refuge in the day of affliction. Heal me, and I shall be healed. Save me, and I shall be saved — for You are my praise. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment — not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. O Lord God, behold You have made the Heaven and the earth by Your stretched out arm, and nothing is too hard for You. You show loving-kindness unto thousands. Great in counsel and mighty in works — Your eyes are open upon all the ways of men. O Lord, I call upon You — answer me, for Your name’s sake, and show me great and mighty things, according to Your loving-kindness. Amen.

Prayer under the loss of a child, or near relative or friend. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me, for my soul trusts in You, and under the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge until these calamities be over and past. O Father, I call upon You in my trouble, for none else can comfort me. I know not where to look, but to You. Be my shield and hiding-place. Draw me near to Yourself, and enable me to cast my burden upon You.

O Friend of sinners, You were anointed to bind up the broken-hearted and to comfort all that mourn. O Lord, fulfill this Your good pleasure. Put away every sin that would hide from me the light of Your countenance. Clothe me in Your spotless righteousness, and help me to lean on Your everlasting arms. Be my stronghold in this day of trouble. Be to me as a Brother born for adversity, and as a Friend that loves at all times. Leave me not to my own sorrowful thoughts, but help me to stay myself on Your sure and faithful promise.

Blessed Jesus, may I think of Bethany and all Your love to the mourning sisters. You wept by the grave, and You are still the same. In all our afflictions, You are afflicted. You are full of sympathy for all who turn to You. O Savior, think of me and plead for me in my trouble. In the loss of one so dear, O may I find my all in You. Sanctify this trial to me. Make me to care less for the world, and more for You. Show me the sins by which I have grieved You, and may Your Blessed Spirit take up His abode in my heart. Make me submissive to Your holy will. Teach me to believe that all is done in perfect wisdom and love. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away — blessed be the name of the Lord!

O Lord, raise my heart to the blessed Home of Your saints. Prepare me for those unspeakable joys which You have prepared for such as love You. I thank and praise You for that land of joy and hope. I thank You for all Your servants departed this life to share its blessedness. O Father, keep me from the evil of this present world, and then bring me to the City where sin and sorrow are unknown, and where tears and temptations can never come.

O God, accept these my petitions, and be ever with me, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. A prayer in time of sickness.

O Heavenly Father, You are a merciful God. You do not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Teach me to trust in You, even when You chasten me. Teach me to see my sins laid on Jesus, and for His name’s sake assure me of Your favor and loving-kindness.

O Lord, in weakness and suffering be at my right hand. Help me to bear with patience each trying hour. Whatever cross of pain or weariness You appoint, O keep me from distrusting Your love or murmuring at Your dealings with me. O Father, may I ever lean on You, and wait on You — until You relieve and comfort me. Fulfill in me the purpose of this correction. Give me a humble spirit, and a clearer sight of my sin and unworthiness. Lay me low at Your footstool as I remember my own vileness — but lift me up in hope and joy as I remember Your exceeding mercy. Bind me closer to the Savior.

O blessed Jesus, I would ever hide myself in You until every storm of life is past. Remind me of Your own bitter anguish which You bore for my sake, and may I know that You care for me. Be ever at hand to cheer me by Your sympathy and love. If it be Your will, restore me again to health and strength, and may I use the rest of my life better than that which is past. Make me live for eternity. The present life is but for a moment. O that I may so pass through temporal things, that finally I lose not the eternal things! In sickness and in health, let Your Spirit ever abide with me, and may I glorify Your name continually both in life and in death.

O Savior, glorify Yourself in me, and may I at last behold Your glory and dwell with You in Your kingdom, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer in the Prospect of Death.

O Eternal God, I flee to Your mercy as my Refuge and my Hope. I dare not trust in anything I have done. My best days have been full of sin. O God, save me and deliver me, for Your mercy’s sake. Wash me from every sin in the blood of Jesus. Look upon me, O Father, in Him. May His righteousness cover every spot and stain of evil.

Blessed Savior, help me to rest in You. In this solemn hour be very near to me, and hide me in Your wounded side.

O Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world — grant me Your peace! Say to my soul, I am Your salvation! Comfort and cheer me with Your presence. When I pass through the river, be with me. Let not the waters overflow me. O keep me from all doubt and fear, and may I stay my soul on You. May Your sure promise be the pillow of my soul! O Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes on You shall never die. O keep me still trusting in You. May Your everlasting arms be underneath me. Hold me up, that I sink not. O Savior, bring me safely to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with You, world without end. Amen. A prayer of thanksgiving after the birth of a child.

O Merciful and Gracious Father, I give You hearty thanks for Your great mercies toward me. You have heard the voice of my prayer, and saved me in the hour of danger. I found trouble and heaviness — but You supported and helped me.

O Lord, what shall I render unto You for all Your benefits toward me? Grant that I may ever love and praise You and call upon Your name. May I yield to You afresh the life which You have preserved. Endue me day by day with Your Holy Spirit, that I may look unto Jesus as my righteousness and strength. Teach me to serve and please You more and more, and may I live only to glorify You.

O Father, I bless You for the precious gift You have committed to my charge. Give Your special blessing to this little one. Make him wholly Yours. As years advance, may he grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of You.

O Lord, may I nurse this little one for You. Give me grace to train him up in the way he should go. O Good Shepherd, teach me to follow in Your footsteps, and make my life a pattern that my child may safely copy. Be evermore his Guide and Protector. Keep him in Your narrow way. Bring him at length to Your fold above, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A parent’s prayer.

O God, I beg You to send Your blessing on the children whom You have given me. I would give them back to You, and beseech You to enrich them with Your grace. For Jesus’ sake bless them indeed. Bestow on them Your Holy Spirit. Touch their hearts, and lead them to Yourself. May they learn to love the Savior’s name and to follow in His footsteps. Draw them to Yourself by the cords of Your love. Show them the happiness of Your service. O teach them the blessedness of those who early seek You. May their whole life be gladdened with Your presence.

O God, who gives wisdom to those who ask You — make me wise in training my children for You. Teach me the solemn responsibility that lies upon me. Give me grace to live before them as a Christian should. Keep me from putting any stumbling-block in their path. Keep me from any word or action that may bring a reproach on Your name, and help me to adorn Your Gospel by the beauty of a holy life. Save me from all haste and passion when they do amiss, and make me ever gentle and kind in my dealings with them. May I never discourage them by needless harshness, but make me firm in keeping my word toward them.

O Father, keep us all in Your fear and love. May the voice of joy and praise be ever heard in our home. May none of its members be absent in the day when You make up Your jewels. Grant these my petitions, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. A prayer for a visitor among the poor.

O Lord Jesus Christ, You have ascended to the Father’s right hand as a Prince and a Savior. Be my Savior and my King. May I trust You for all I need, and faithfully serve under Your banner. O Lord, make me a good soldier of Your cross. May I never be ashamed of Your name, and may I strive to set forward Your kingdom and Your glory.

O Lord, it is written in Your Word that "those who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever." Fulfill to me this blessed promise. May I labor to win souls for You. Let Your Holy Spirit rest upon me and quicken my love and zeal in Your service. Make all grace abound toward me that, having all sufficiency in all things, I may abound in every good word and work.

Blessed Savior, I rest on Your promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Be ever with me when I go forth to sow the seed of Your Word, and to speak to others in Your name. Give me the spirit of wisdom, meekness, and patience. May I know when to speak, and when to be silent. Let Your Spirit ever go before me, and dispose the hearts of sinners to receive Your truth. O Lord, ever stand by my side and suggest and control the words I utter. Fill me with the joy of Your salvation, and out of a full heart, may I tell others of Your willingness and power to save.

O Lord, I beseech You, raise up many to work for You, and prosper every effort that is made in Your name. At the day of Your coming, may I be found with my loins girded and lights burning. May I hear Your voice saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant — enter you into the joy of Your Lord!" O hear this my prayer, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer for a Sunday-school teacher.

O Lord, My Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have called me to be a worker in Your vineyard. Endue me with Your Holy Spirit and enrich me with Your heavenly grace, that I may be faithful in my work and never grow weary in Your service.

O loving Savior and Redeemer, fill me with sincere love to You. You know all things. You know every heart. I beg You, help me to trust You with my own salvation and to love You more and more. May I diligently feed Your lambs, and lead them to You, the Good Shepherd. Stir up my heart in tender compassion for such as are careless and thoughtless. Teach me day by day out of Your Word, that I may know how to teach them. Make me careful to put no hindrance in their way by my own life or conduct. Keep me from all vanity and love of dress and display — anything that might be a stumbling-block in their path. May I never by word or deed cause them to reject Your Word, but may I recommend Your Gospel by everything I say and do.

O God, give me the spirit of prayer. Make me delight in drawing near to You, that I may be able to teach the children to pray in sincerity and truth. I know that without faith and prayer, my work will be in vain. Lord, increase my faith, and quicken me that I may call upon Your name.

O Father, bless every one of these little ones, and lead them early to Yourself. Make them willing to learn, and then help them to practice what they know. May they love the name of Jesus and walk in His footsteps. May they be loving and obedient to their parents, and kind one to the other. Wash them in the precious blood of Jesus, and preserve them to Your heavenly kingdom, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. A prayer for a young person in service.

O Heavenly Father, teach me ever to look up to You as a little child. Through the Savior’s blood, forgive me all my sins, and may I ever rely on Your Fatherly care. You have placed me where I am. You have appointed for me the work I have to do. Lord, help me to do it for You, and to act in everything as Your servant. May I not strive to please myself or my fellow-creatures, but to please You, who examines the heart. Give me Your Holy Spirit more and more. Help me to love You best of all, for You have loved me. May I look to Your favor as my great reward; and when anything troubles me, may I fly to You as my only refuge.

O Savior, be my righteousness and strength! Show me Your ways, and help me to walk in Your footsteps. Keep me from all sin and evil. Keep me from every wicked word and thought. Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity, and make me faithful and true in all my ways. Make me to hate all slander and evil-speaking, and may I ever be kind and gentle toward all. May I never hearken to the persuasions of the wicked. May I be careful over the use of my time. Save me from the love of dress, and from the pleasures of sin, which are but for a moment.

O Lord, I beg You, bless my fellow servants and all who belong to this family. Make every one a true Christian, and may every one in this home be found at last in the Father’s house.

O Savior, make me pure in heart, that I may see You in Your kingdom. Give me a delight in Your Word, and may I choose that good part which shall never be taken from me. Lord Jesus, be to me as a Friend who loves at all times, and bring me safely through every temptation, and may I be with You where You are forever and ever. Amen. A prayer for an anxious inquirer.

O God, the merciful God, I come to You in my trouble and distress. My guilt is very great in Your sight. My sins are more than I can tell. I dare not hide anything from You, for You know me altogether.

O Father, for Your dear Son’s sake, be merciful unto me according to Your Word. Give me a broken and a contrite heart, and show to me whatever I have done amiss. O God, pardon all my sins and blot them out of Your Book. Not for my repentance or prayers, but only for Jesus’ sake — freely forgive me and deal with me according to Your loving-kindness.

O Lord Jesus, my only Savior, I flee to You and look to You alone for all I need. You have died for sinners — and therefore for me. You are able to save to the uttermost — therefore You can save me. O save me, or I perish! O save me from the power of my sins and deliver me from every evil habit! Keep me from all the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Fulfill to me Your own promise, "Him who comes unto Me I will never cast out."

O Lord, I believe! help my unbelief. None are too bad for You. None are beyond the power of Your grace. O teach me to trust You utterly! Welcome me just as I am, and supply my every need. Blessed Jesus, I cannot change my own heart or atone for the very least of my sins. But You can do all. Give me true repentance. Wash me in Your blood. Fill me with Your Spirit. Renew me in Your own image. Work in me both to will and to do after Your good pleasure.

O Lord, accept this my prayer. You listen to every sigh or groan. My desire is not hidden from You. In Your wondrous love, receive me now to Your favor and bring me to everlasting life, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer for any special season of dedication to God’s service.

O Lord, uphold me Your child with Your heavenly grace, that I may continue Yours forever, and daily increase in Your Holy Spirit ever more and more, until I come to Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

O Father, I am Yours and Yours alone. You have made me for Yourself. You have preserved me all my life through by Your watchful care. You have redeemed and saved me by the precious blood of Your dear Son. Let Your Spirit rest upon me, and teach me that I am not my own. I would yield myself to You as a living sacrifice to be wholly given to Your service.

O God, cleanse my heart from every evil thing, and incline me to live to You alone. Make it my delight to please You in all that I do. Make it my food and drink to do Your will, for that will is Love. May I find that Your service is perfect freedom. O Savior, may I wear Your easy yoke continually, and resist every temptation of the world, the flesh, and the devil!

Blessed Lord, glorify Yourself in me. Fulfill in me all the good pleasure of Your goodness, and the work of faith with power. Increase my faith, that I may trust You at all times. Kindle my love toward You, that I may rejoice in You above every earthly object. Give me, for a helmet, the hope of Your coming kingdom. Make me zealous in every good work and especially in winning souls for You.

O Lord Jesus, I cast myself upon You for all that I need. You know my weakness. You know my proneness to go back to the world. Only Your omnipotent hand can sustain and uphold me. Loving Savior, be my constant Guide and Protector. Make me a vessel unto honor, very useful in Your service. Prepare me for Your own glorious appearing and set me at Your right hand forever. O Lord, let this my petition be ever before You, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer before coming to the holy communion.

O Lord Jesus, You have bidden me come to Your Table in remembrance of Your dying love. I would obey Your call. Bring me to Your banqueting-house, and may Your banner over me be Love. May I come with a joyful heart, and draw me very near to Yourself.

Gracious Savior, may I know more of Your exceeding love and the innumerable benefits You have purchased for me by Your blood. Give me Your Spirit, as the Spirit of remembrance, that I may think of Your blessed promises. Lord, feed me with the bread of life! By faith in You, may my soul be strengthened and refreshed as I partake of the bread and wine. Lift up my heart to You, my glorified and ascended Savior, and plead my cause at the Father’s right hand. Come, Lord, and manifest Yourself to me as You do not unto the world! May I see You present by my side and speak to me a word of peace and consolation. Make me to rejoice in Your salvation. I adore and praise You, that You have loved me and washed me from my sins in Your own blood. O may I love You more and more!

O Lord Jesus, teach me to honor You when I leave Your Table. Make me very watchful and consistent in my daily walk. Let none speak evil of Your name, through my fault. O that I may be lowly and loving and in everything like You! Teach me to deny myself for the sake of others, and may I gladly yield myself and all I have to Your service! Give me the spirit of kindness and forbearance towards those who join with me at Your Table, and whensoever I can, may I be ready to do them good.

O Lord Jesus, fill me with Your grace and heavenly blessing, and bring me to Your marriage Supper in Your kingdom, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer for purity.

O Holy And Merciful God, help me to draw near to You in the name of Jesus. Teach me to remember that without holiness, no man can see Your face — and that no unclean thing can enter into Your presence. O Lord, I humble myself before You. Behold, I am vile — what shall I answer You? You know how far I have gone astray. Cleanse me from every spot and stain of evil, through the blood of Christ. Give me true repentance for all that is past. Bestow on me the continual aid of Your Spirit, that I may crucify the flesh, and mortify the deeds of the body.

O God, my Father, help me to flee from youthful lusts, and rather to die, than sin against You. Remind me that my body is the temple of Your Spirit, and may I never defile it by anything polluting or unchaste.

O Savior, who once suffered being tempted — You are able to support those that are tempted. Lord, keep me from sin in whatever form it may assault me. Keep me from the evil look, and turn away my eyes from beholding vanity. May I never utter a word that may do harm, nor listen to a word that may injure my own soul. Keep me from the tongue of the flatterer, and from the persuasion of the wicked. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the power of Your Spirit, and renew in me a right spirit.

Blessed Master, be ever near me, and keep me from every snare. O keep me from the sin whose end is bitter as wormwood, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Fill me with love to Yourself. Adorn my life with every Christian grace and virtue. Bruise Satan under my feet, and bring me to Your kingdom, for Your name’s sake. Amen. A prayer against intemperance.

O Merciful God, I am ashamed to come before You, for I have sinned. I have fallen by my iniquity, and I have no power to rise. But in You is my help. There is forgiveness with You, through Christ. For His sake pardon all that is past, and give me grace to live a new life.

O Lord, You have bidden us deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. You have commanded us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. I look to You for power to do this. Make me very watchful against the approach of temptation. Keep me from any company where I may be in danger. May I never go into places and scenes where I shall be likely to fall.

Blessed Savior, I look to You to keep me day by day. You refused to turn stones into bread, to satisfy Your hunger. You suffered thirst by the well of Samaria, and on the cross of shame. O Lord, You have done this for me, to give me the living water that springs up to everlasting life. For Your sake, help me to deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Keep me from all self-indulgence, and enable me to keep the vow of abstinence I have made.

O Lord, You know how far I have fallen. O lift me up by Your own hand. Give me victory over the sin that has beset me, and make me an instrument of rescuing others. Remind me that no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven, and grant I be not drunk with wine, but be filled with Your Spirit, and at last sit down with You in Your kingdom, for Your name’s sake. Amen.