Thanksgiving and prayer.

Almighty and ever blessed God,
oh permit a child of Israel
to pour before Thee
the thanksgiving of a grateful heart,
and the prayer for continued mercies.
The period to which I looked forward
with pleasure and pain,
is nearly over,
and Thou hast hearkened
to the fervent supplication
I offered up at the commencement,
and mercifully and abundantly
answered it.

Oh, my God,
my lips would praise Thee,
but my spirit is dull and tame,
and I cannot raise it unto Thee.

Oh, my God,
truly I may say,
I called upon Thee,
and Thou didst answer me.
“Never have I called in vain.
Oh Thou who hearest prayer,
why unto Thee will not all flesh come?” (Psalms 65:2-3)

Father, I thank Thee
for Thy unnumbered mercies.
I bless Thy name,
for from Thee all blessings come.

Oh accept my acknowledgment and praise,
tame and spiritless though it be.
Oh let Thy mercy
purify it from imperfection
and make it acceptable to Thee.

I bless Thee, oh my God.

Father in Heaven,
Thou hast in Thy wisdom ordained,
I should leave for a short space
the home I love.
The change to my darkened eye
would promise pleasure,
but Thou seest the dread and pain
which is also mingled with it.

Oh let Thy spirit be with me
wherever I may dwell.
Guard me from the temptations
that in scenes of pleasure
will undoubtedly surround me.
Grant me Thy grace
to resist them all.
Shield me with Thy wings;
let me not fall from Thee.

Oh let me not
desert the path
I have chosen.
Oh permit not
over-excitement
to gain ascendancy
and banish self-possession.
Guard me in Thy mercy
from that miserable depression
which ever follows extreme excitement.
Grant me a holy frame of mind, oh God;
let me think,
speak,
and act,
in all things soberly.
Thou seest where my wishes tend;
Thou knowest anticipation
is decking the future
with many varied hues,
which I know will fade and die.

Oh, mighty Father,
guide me on in safety;
oh let not such joyous fancies
occupy my mind;
let me not think of the future,
for I know it not.
Man has already employed it,
but it is not ours, it may never be.
Thou mayest in mercy
refuse the wishes
that now seem predominant.

Teach me submission to Thy will,
patience under disappointment.
Thou mayest ordain its fulfilment;
grant that I may meet happiness calmly,
soberly.

Oh, my God,
I commit myself to Thee.
Do Thou preserve Thy servant,
for my own plans are as nothing.
I know not the future.
Let Thy blessing hover round me, oh my God,
shielding me from evil,
guarding me from temptation,
from excitement;
and if disappointment cometh,
oh teach me to meet it
submissively and cheerfully.

Father, hear my prayer,
for Thy Name’s sake!