Burkitt’s Prayer before the Reading of Scriptures

From William Burkitt’s Expository Notes, 1794.

ALMIGHTY God and merciful Father, who hast appointed thy word to be a light to our feet, and a lamp to our paths, and caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning; grant us the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that we may in such ways read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

And seeing of thy tender love to mankind, thou hast given thy dear and only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of Godly life, give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive this his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen