Preserve us blameless, O Lord, in our goings out and comings in this day. Fill us with the simplicity of a divine purpose, that we may be inwardly at one with Thy holy will, and lifted above vain wishes of our own. Set free from every detaining desire or reluctance, may we heartily surrender all our powers to the work which Thou has given us to do; rejoicing in any toil, and fainting under no hardness that may befall us as good soldiers of Jesus Christ; and counting it as our crown of blessing if we may join the company of the faithful who have kept Thy Name and witness to Thy Kingdom in every age. Prepare us to seek our rest, not in outward ease, but in inward devotedness; only fulfill to us the word of the Chief of Saints; leave us His peace, while we remain here; and then receive us unto Thyself, to mingle with the mighty company of our forerunner. Amen.James Martineau
