ELEVENTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Evening

O LORD God, Most High, unworthy of ourselves to come into thy holy presence, we plead the name of thy dear Son. On his atoning merits and righteousness we rest our hope of acceptance. In gracious fulfilment of thy promise, do Thou for us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Show us, O God, our sinfulness. By thy Holy Spirit convince us how undeserving we are of thy daily goodness. Root out of our minds all pride and conceit of our own goodness; give us a deep insight into our own hearts and our many transgressions, that we may see our great need. Whatever in us has grieved thy Holy Spirit and defiled our own souls, graciously pardon. For thy name’s sake remember not, we beseech Thee, our offences, but spare us, good Lord.

We praise Thee, O God, for the bounties of thy providence. We bless Thee that the same Divine power and compassion which supplied the hungry crowds that followed Jesus has ministered to our daily necessities. Enable us to read in these thy mercies the greatness of thy love, and in all thy past goodness to see a pledge of future grace. Especially, we beseech Thee to feed us with the bread of life. Awaken in us the hungering and thirsting after righteousness which will impel us to come daily to Jesus, that we may be filled. Our wants are many, but thou canst supply them all—strength in our weakness, protection from all dangers, and guidance in all perplexity. Be with us, we pray Thee, in the darkness and in the light. Keep us back from presumptuous and wilful sins, and direct our steps in thy ways, that we slip not.

Graciously, O God, look on all whom we would remember at thy footstool. Whatever earthly blessing Thou seest right and good for them, bestow. Above all, grant that they may be numbered among thy saints. May the young love and fear thee in the days of their youth, and the old be ripened, under the teaching and training of thy Spirit, for a place in thy kingdom of glory. Send forth the light of thy truth even to the uttermost parts of the earth. Grant that wherever it comes it may shine in many hearts which have hitherto been in darkness and the shadow of death, and guide them into the way of peace. Pour out thy Spirit on all thy Church. Illuminate all thy ministers with true knowledge and understanding of thy word. Give wisdom to all in authority, and courage to do that which is right in thy sight. Strengthen weak believers. Comfort sorrowing and bereaved hearts. Raise the fallen, and finally break down and subdue the power of Satan.

Hear us, O God; watch over us during the night, and bless us with all needful rest and sleep, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.