Wesley Corpus

O that all our pious affections may be turned into actions of piety and holiness; and may all our actions be spirited with zeal, and all our zeal regulated with prudence, and our prudence void of all guile, and joined with perfect integrity of heart; that, adorning our most holy faith here, by an upright, charitable, and discreet conversation, we may receive praise in the day of the Lord, and be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting. O lift up our affections to things above, that we may have perfect contentment in well-doing and patient suffering, and the good hope we have of being etermally beloved of thee may make us rejoice evermore. Free us from the cares of the world, from all distrust of thy good providence, from repining at anything that befals us, and enable us in every thing to give thanks, believing that all things are ordered wisely, and shall work together for good. Into thy hands we commend both our souls and bodies, which thou hast mercifully preserved this day. We trust in thy watchful providence, who “givest thy angels charge over us,” who “art about our beds, and about our paths, and spiest out all our” thoughts. O continue these holy thoughts and desires in us till we fall asleep, that we may receive the light of the morning, if thou prolongest our lives, with a new joy in thee, and thankful affection to thee. We desire likewise, O God, the good of the whole world Pity the follies of mankind; deliver them from their miseries, and forgive thou all their sins. Hear the groans of every part of the creation, that is yet “subject to bondage,” and bring them all “into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.” Hear the daily prayers of the catholic Church. Free her from all foul and dividing errors; let the truth as it is in Jesus prevail, and “peace be in all her borders.” O. that all Christian Governors may “seek peace and ensue it.” Make thy Ministers the messengers of peace, and dispose all who are called Christians to keep “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Enlighten the minds of all Jews, Turks, and Infidels. Strengthen all thy faithful servants.