May We lift our hearts to Thee this day in great thankfulness, humbly acknowledging Thy mercy and Thy truth, Thy large and tender providence. Thy nearness to us at all times, Thy Spirit of Wisdom and Might and Peace, the works and the joys and the discipline of earth which Thou dost appoint, the promises that lay hold of things to come. O Spirit of all grace and benediction. Father of our dear Lord and Saviour, coming to us in Him and in His, Creator of these dying bodies. Life and Light of these undying souls, Thy gifts are new upon us every morning. May Thy great love redeem us; and from the light of a true life below may we pass at length into that Presence where there is fullness of joy and abundance of peace forever—Amen.

Rufus Ellis (1819-1885)