Wesley Corpus

O that the seed which hath been sown this day, may take deep root in all our hearts; that being “not forgetful hearers, but doers of the word, we may be blessed in our deeds.” Help us, in all the week following to “set a watch before our mouth, and keep the door of our lips;” and “let not our heart incline to any evil thing,” or “to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity.” But “as we have received how we ought to walk and to please thee, so may we abound more and more.” Protect us, we beseech thee, and all our friends everywhere this night; and awaken in the morning those good thoughts in our hearts, that the words of our Saviour may abide in us, and we in Him, who hath taught us when we pray to say, “Our Father,” &c. WE humble ourselves, O Lord of heaven and earth, before thy glorious Majesty. We acknowledge thy eternal power, wisdom, goodness, and truth; and desire to render thee most unfeigned thanks, for all the benefits which thou pourest upon us; but above all, for thine inestimable love, in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. We implore thy tender mercies in the forgiveness of all our sins, whereby we have offended either in thought, word, or deed. We desire to be truly sorry for all our misdoings, and utterly to renounce whatsoever is contrary to thy will. We desire to devote our whole man, body, soul, and spirit, to thee. And as thou dost inspire us with these desires, so accompany them always with thy grace, that we may every day, with our whole hearts, give ourselves up to thy service. We desire to be so holy and undefiled as our blessed Master was. And we trust thou wilt fulfil all the gracious promises which he hath made to us. Let them be dearer to us than thousands of gold and silver; let them be the comfort and joy of our hearts. We ask nothing, but that it may be unto thy servants according to his word. Thou hast mercifully kept us the last night; blessed be thy continued goodness. Receive us likewise into thy protection this day. Guide and assist us in all our thoughts, words, and actions.