EIGHTEENTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

O LORD our God, who hast given us another day of mercy, and hast again patiently borne with our sins and infirmities, seal upon our souls thy forgiveness this night, and bless us all in Jesus Christ. The evils of our hearts are all known to Thee; and, oh, how much hast Thou seen amiss in us through this day! How little we have felt of love to Thee and to others; how much we have lived this day and hitherto to ourselves. Forgive any envy, malice, or uncharitableness which has prevailed in us; any impatience in our behaviour towards others, or any fretfulness under the dealings of thy loving hand. May we trust Thee in all thy providences, as very pitiful and of tender mercy; and in sickness and in health keep close to Thee in prayer, and ever have a heart to thank Thee for thine unceasing loving-kindness.

Pour out upon us continually the spirit of grace and of supplication; and grant to us and to thy whole Church more earnestness and perseverance in our intercessions on behalf of all men. Give us all to realise more the power of prayer, and to believe and plead with confidence all thy precious promises to thy praying people. Make our supplications, by thy blessed Spirit, to be effectual and fervent, and give us continually the answer of peace. We ask Thee for a more deep and earnest concern for the salvation of others. Oh, that the very weakest of us might be enabled so to walk as to save some soul from death; and grant that all our influence may be for good, and not for evil, towards any with whom we may have had intercourse this day. Set a watch before our mouth, and keep the door of our lips. Keep us from everything unworthy of that pure and holy name by which we are called. May we ever be found watching, with our loins girt and our lamps burning, as those that look for their Lord. May we never be weary in well-doing, knowing that in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

Keep our hearts steadfast in thy truth; and if we be reproached and persecuted for Christ’s sake, may we patiently endure. Graciously comfort and support any that are suffering for his name. May they feel that they have in heaven an enduring inheritance, and may their testimony win others to the truth. Have pity upon those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. We commend ourselves and all dear to us to thy holy keeping this night, especially any of them who may be under thy chastening hand. May we and they rest in peace, through the blood of Jesus, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Bless us, O Lord, and accept these our prayers and praises, for Christ’s sake, our adorable Redeemer and Saviour. Amen.