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Teach us this evening how to speak Thy word, guide our thoughts, preserve us from saying anything that might be a stumbling-block to any. May the simplicity of motive mark all that we say, and may the word of the Lord shine even through the imperfect medium of the human utterance and vindicate its own divine power and sufficiency, whatever becomes of the vase in which it is carried. We pray for one another; we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst be near us according to our different circumstances and needs. If there are any amongst us who are in sorrow or trouble, any from whom Thou hast taken away earthly treasures, any who have been brought near to the gates of death, any who may be laden with anxiety, or perplexity, or cares, and surely there are many such among us, we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst help us to cast our burdens upon the Lord, Who bears our burdens, and Who gives us strength to bear them, and to live in the possession of that peace that passes understanding, because we have ceased to be anxious about ourselves, and anxiety has been swallowed up in faith.

O Lord, regard each of us as we are here before Thee this morning, and in Thy great mercy help us really to draw near to Thee. How often, how long, and how far we have wandered from Thee Thou knowest, and we partly know. We are glad that our brethren do not know. We pray that we may know it better; and we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst now, in Thy grace and according to Thy promises, move upon all our hearts and bring us very near to Thyself in grateful love and quiet dependence, and longing aspiration after Thee; that our minds and hearts and wills may all be filled, hallowed, strengthened by Thy felt presence; and that we may be able more and more to do Thy will, and to rejoice in Thyself. We need Thy strength at every turn in our daily lives, and we bless Thee that we get all that we need if only we will take it. Lord! Be Thou near each of us, our Light and our Salvation, the strength of our hearts and our portion for ever. And help us, whatever burdens we have to carry, and whatever sorrows Thou layest upon us, and whatever heavy tasks we may have to bear, whatever perplexities may gnaw at our hearts, whatever difficulties may block our paths, help us to cast ourselves into Thy outstretched hands, and commit the keeping of bodies and souls unto Thee as to a faithful Creator and a loving Father. May we have, in all times and in all conflicts deeper than the strife, the peace which passes understanding and garrisons heart and mind.