Family Prayer Book, 1843

I have recently purchased a few books on Family Worship.  The latest one is a family prayer book from 1843 by Otis Skinner.  It includes a short devotional thought on a variety of topics and each devotional is followed by a prayer to lead the family in.  I have really enjoyed reading them.  One devotional was on "The Way to Search the Scriptures," here is an excerpt of what Otis Skinner says:

"Jesus...encouraged the study of the scriptures.  His language was--Search the Scriptures.  This is a command binding upon all men, and what cannot be neglected without a violation of God's law.  But how should the Scriptures be searched?"  

1. They should be searched diligently.

2. We must search the Scriptures with a desire to be instructed in truth.

3. We must read the Scriptures with a deep conviction of their inestimable value.

He ends with this prayer:

"Gracious Father, without thy holy Word, we have no sure guide in this dark and sinful world; without its divine spirit we have nothing to sanctify our affections, and without its hopes, nothing to sustain us in the day of trial and death. 

May it therefore be our constant companion; may we search it with sincerity and diligence; and may we never be among those who neglect to consult its teachings.  Oh give us a true sense of its worth, and help us to understand its teachings.  May the aged study it, and have its pure light to cheer them on their way to the grave; may the young study it, and be directed in the paths of righteousness ; may the prosperous study it , and be saved from that pride and self-sufficiency by which so many souls have been ruined; and may the afflicted study it, and have awakened within them a cheerful confidence. 

O grant that it may be to all the power of God unto salvation; and thy name shall have all the praise forever.  Amen."

From Psalm 119

Your word is a lamp to my feet
         And a light to my path.