PRAYERS, COMPOSED FOR THE USE AND IMITATION OF CHILDREN. Prayers for Infants at Three or Four Years Old. The Infant's Morning Prayer. ALMIGHTY God, the Maker of every thing in heaven and earth, the darkness goes away, and the day-light comes at thy command ; Thou art good, and thou doest good continually. I thank thee, that thou hast taken such care of me this night, and that I am alive and well this morning.Save me, O Lord, from evil all this day long, and let me love and serve thee for ever, for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen. The Infant's Evening Prayer. O Lord God, who knowest all things, thou seest me by night as well as by day. I pray thee for Christ's sake, forgiveme whatsoever I have done amiss this day, and keep me safe all this night, while I am asleep. I desire to lie down under thy care, and to abide for ever under thy blessing, for thou art a God of all power and everlasting mercy. Amen. Note. Themost important things of religion, which can be conveyed into the understanding of a young child, are these, viz. that God made all things, and knows all things ; that he sees us every where, and is able to help us ; that he is gracious and merciful ; that we want his protection and care by night and by day, to keep us from evil, and to make its always safe and hap- py ; that we are sinful creatures, and want forgiveness, and that we stand in need of his grace and help to do our duty : That all blessings are to he sought of God by prayer that he is to be praised for all the mercies that we receive; and that all our hope of acceptance is on the account of Jesus Christ the Son of God our Mediator. All which things I have comprised in very plain Ianguage, and very briefly, in one or other of these two prayers for children in the vëry earliest years of life. It cannot be ex- pected, that all the distinct parts of prayer should be particularly exemplified, in so narrow a compass, and for the youngest understandings. If parents desire that their children, as soon. as ever they can pronounce words, should acknowledge God by prayer morning and evening :: There is one sentence in each of these prayers for infants, which may serve for that purpose, viz.
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