O merciful God, whatsoever thou deniest me, deny me not this love. Save me from the idolatry _of loving the world, or any of the things of the world_. Let me never love any creature, but for thy sake, and in subordination to thy love. Take thou the full possession of my heart, raise there thy throne, and command there, as thou dost in heaven. Being created by thee, let me live to thee; being created for thee, let me ever act for thy glory; being redeemed by thee, let me render unto thee what is thine, and let my spirit ever cleave to thee alone!
Let the prayers and sacrifices of thy holy church offered unto thee this day, be graciously accepted; _cloath thy priests with righteousness, and pardon all thy people who are not prepared according to the preparation of the sanctuary_. Prosper all those who are sincerely engaged in propagating or promoting thy faith and love (――――)¹: _Give thy Son the Heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his possession_: that from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, thy name may be great among the Gentiles. Enable us of this nation, and especially those whom thou hast set over us in church and state, in our several stations, to serve thee in all holiness, and to _know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge_. Continue to us the means of grace, and grant we may never provoke thee by our non-improvement to deprive us of them. Pour down thy blessing upon our universities, that they may ever promote true religion and sound learning. Shew mercy, O Lord, to my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, to all my friends (――――)¹ relations and enemies, and to all that are in affliction. Let thy fatherly hand be over them, and thy holy Spirit ever with them; that submitting themselves entirely to thy will, and directing all their thoughts, words and works to thy glory, they and those that are already dead in the Lord, may at length enjoy thee, in the glories of thy kingdom, through _Jesus Christ_ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed for ever.
¹ Here mention the particular persons you would pray for.
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