157

NOVEMBER.

1st.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Rom. vi. 5.

Blessed Jesus, may it be the subject of our constant and earnest desire, to prove that we have indeed been planted together in the likeness of Thy death, by a true spiritual baptism. And may it be our daily aim, to die unto sin, by crucifying the flesh and the world, and to rise with Thee into newness of life here on earth; that thus we may, through Thy grace assisting us, at last attain to the joyful resurrection unto life eternal, promised to all believers in Thy truth and mercy. Amen.

2nd.

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Cor. iii. 9.

Grant, Lord, we pray that, while the ministers and stewards of Thy mysteries are spending their strength in planting and watering amongst us, as labourers together with Thee, we may, through their means, look for that blessing which Thou, who givest the increase, alone canst bestow. Thus seeking to be Thy husbandry and Thy building, may we be helpers of their joy; and while serving Thee in our calling, ourselves also share the privilege of being workers with Thee, in and through Christ Jesus. Amen.

P

3rd.

For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. vi. 20.

Oh Thou who hast purchased us to Thyself, not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the inestimable price of Thine own most precious blood; we pray Thee to keep us from ever again walking as if we were our own: and that instead of any more living unto ourselves, we may yield all the powers of our mind, and all the members of our bodies, to be instruments of righteousness unto Thee, thus glorifying Thee day by day, with our bodies and our spirits which are Thine, evermore. Amen.

4th.

Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. Psalm cxix. 80.

Oh Lord our God, we know that all Thy statutes are right, and rejoice the hearts that are fully set on them. Oh that we, whose lips are accustomed to speak of them, may have our hearts so made sound in them by their indwelling power, that while those are ashamed who receive them in word alone, they may be our daily songs in the house of our pilgrimage, and our heritage for ever, giving us joyful confidence before Thee, for Thy great mercy's sake in Christ Jesus. Amen.

5th.

Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cǝr. i. 7, 8.

Oh Lord Jesu Christ, the great day of whose power we know to be fast approaching; grant to us, we beseech Thee, to be so made ready for Thine appearing, that we may be ever waiting for it in humble and joyful hope. We bless Thee for having begun a good work in us; and pray Thee so to strengthen and confirm us unto the end, that we may come behind in no gift, but worthless and unworthy as we are without Thee, we may by Thee be pronounced blameless, through thine abounding mercy. Amen.

6th.

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm cxxxviii. 8.

Oh God our rock, whose every work is perfect, and whose mercy endureth for ever; let Thine eyes of compassion be turned, we beseech Thee, on us, Thy spiritual workmanship, whom Thou hast created anew in Christ Jesus. And as Thou hast wrought all our works in us hitherto, oh forsake not this work of Thine own hands, but vouchsafe in Thine own time and way, so to perfect that which concerneth us, that at the last we may be found complete in Him in whom is all our hope. Amen.

7th.

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor. i. 20.

Oh Thou who hast given us exceeding great and precious promises, we look to Thee also for grace to receive them aright. Oh grant that knowing them all to be yea and Amen in Christ Jesus, and in Him alone, we may earnestly desire to be established in Him, and sealed with His Holy Spirit of promise and while striving to give glory to Thy name, by our daily walk and conversation, may we rejoice in faith and hope, assured that not one jot or one tittle of Thy word can ever fail, being confirmed by Thy promise and Thine oath in Him. Amen.

8th.

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord. Psalm xxvi. 12.

Oh Lord, Thou knowest how often we seem to stand in slippery places, where we slide or fall, thus dishonouring Thee, and wounding our own consciences. Oh do Thou henceforth establish our goings in Thy paths; and grant that our feet, being shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, may stand in an even place; that so we may never be greatly moved; but praise Thee now in the congregation of Thy saints on earth, and finally with all the company of the faithful above, through Christ Jesus. Amen.

9th.

Now 'therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have, &c. 2 Cor. viii. 11, 12.

Oh Thou who alone canst work in us either to will or to do, we bless Thee for having wrought in us any measure of the readiness of a willing mind, to such works of faith, or labours of love, as Thou hast set before us; and we entreat Thee further to impart the supply of grace needful for the performance of every holy purpose Thou hast implanted within us that so, while, having nothing of our own, we can but bring Thee that which is already Thine, Thou mayest yet graciously accept our humble offering, through Christ Jesus. Amen.

10th.

God hath spoken once: twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. P. lxii. 11, 12.

Blessed Lord, we confess with shame how often Thou hast spoken to us, by Thy word, and by Thy providence, of Thy power and of Thy mercy, and we have been as those that heard not. Oh grant that henceforth we may meekly receive every testimony Thou givest us concerning Thyself, and Thy dealings with us Thine unworthy creatures; and looking to Thee to render to every man according to his works, may we never rest without a well grounded conviction, that Thou hast wrought all our works in us, through Christ Jesus. Amen.