Contrition, Comfort, and Every Age of Life

ALMIGHTY GOD, we give Thee thanks that Thou hast taught us that the sad results of sin may be made by us a true sacrifice to Thee; and we beseech Thee that all the wrong-doing of our lives may lead to the broken heart and the contrite spirit. Above all things, save us, Good Lord, from hardness of heart and impenitence of spirit. From the hardness that knows at last no difference between good and evil; from the hardness of heart that can sin without suffering, do evil without pain, Good Lord, deliver us!

Almighty! when the contrite spirit is come, and when evil hath brought forth its bitter fruit, touch, with Thine hallowing hand, the bitterness, and make it give forth the sacrifices of God. We give Thee thanks, that what for us is most wholesome, is to Thee most acceptable; and we pray Thee, all-comforting God, that into the heart, broken by evil, the sweet balm of Thy grace may, be poured.

Of Thy mercy look upon all of us according to our needs. Accept the joyous thankfulness of those who are glad, to whom life is just now bright, who have nought to sorrow for, in that their sorrow is far away.

Look upon those whose hearts are troubled, to whom the many burdens of life bring dimness of vision and darkness of soul. O Lord, have mercy, and grant that those of Thy children who suffer and are sad, may ponder on the Spirit Thou hast promised should come—Thy Spirit, the Comforter; and may the Holy Dove brood over them with such sweet softening comfort that they, being lifted up thereby, may once again praise Thee and say, “It was good for us that we were afflicted.”

Look upon those who are strong, and full of life and vigour, to whom this world is full of lustre and temptation and brightness. Look upon the young man; grant him the full vigour of youth. Teach him that there is no sight so fair as the strong spirit obedient and dutiful; vigour bowing down to meekness; the lofty head stooping over the sad; the pride of man all humbled before God.

Look upon Thy children who are old, over whom the long shadows have begun to creep, who feel that the splendour of other days is gone, that the fine gold has become dim. Grant unto them inward light and peace. Let them hear sounds that they could not hear in days of old, and may the shine of heaven be upon them.

Look upon the little children. Lord, love them, suffer them to come to Thee, and let them teach us, as well as be taught by us, that we may all know what the Master meant, when He said, “Except ye become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Lord God! in the days of darkness bless us all, and so make us wise and lowly-hearted that in our last days we may be able still to behold Thee, and learn to sing Thy song in the night, and in the storm, in sickness and in death. And when our last hour shall come, as come it must to all of us, may we with quiet spirit say, “I know in whom I have trusted;” and so pass beyond this earthly scene, and receive such as Thou givest us, confident that whatever God gives is, for us the best. Thus quietly dying in faith and passionately longing to be delivered from this burden of sin and temptation, may we pass on to the regions of Heaven, unto the last pureness and glory of God.

Of Thy mercy hear our supplications, through Jesus Christ our Lord.—AMEN.