My God, my Father and Preserver, who of thy goodness hast
watched over me during the past night, and brought me to this day,
grant also that I may spend it wholly in the worship and service of thy
most holy deity. Let me not think, or say, or do a single thing which
tends not to thy service and submission to thy will, that thus all my
actions may aim at thy glory and the salvation of my brethren, while
they are taught by my example to serve thee. And as thou art giving
light to this world for the purposes of external life by the rays of the
sun, so enlighten my mind by the effulgence of thy Spirit, that he may
guide me in the way of thy righteousness. To whatever purpose I apply my
mind, may the end which I ever propose to myself be thy honour and
service. May I expect all happiness from thy grace and goodness only.
Let me not attempt any thing whatever that is not pleasing to thee.
Grant also, that while I labour for the maintenance of this life, and
care for the things which pertain to food and raiment, I may raise my
mind above them to the blessed and heavenly life which thou hast
promised to thy children. Be pleased also, in manifesting thyself to me
as the protector of my soul as well as my body, to strengthen and
fortify me against all the assaults of the devil, and deliver me from
all the dangers which continually beset us in this life. But seeing it
is a small thing to have begun, unless I also persevere, I therefore
entreat of thee, O Lord, not only to be my guide and director for this
day, but to keep me under thy protection to the very end of life, that
thus my whole course may be performed under thy superintendence. As I
ought to make progress, do thou add daily more and more to the gifts of
thy grace until I wholly adhere to thy Son Jesus Christ, whom we justly
regard as the true Sun, shining constantly in our minds. In order to my
obtaining of thee these great and manifold blessings, forget, and out of
thy infinite mercy, forgive my offences, as thou hast promised that
thou wilt do to those who call upon thee in sincerity.
(Ps. 143:8.)—Grant
that I may hear thy voice in the morning since I have hoped in thee.
Show me the way in which I should walk, since I have lifted up my soul
unto thee. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, I have fled unto thee.
Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Let thy good Spirit
conduct me to the land of uprightness.
John Calvin and Henry Beveridge, Tracts Relating to the Reformation, Volume 2 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 95-96.
A wonderful way to start your day. May our Lord bless your endeavors today.
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