FIFTEENTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

ETERNAL God, the strength of all that trust in Thee, our hope and refuge in every time of need, hear us now that we call upon Thee, and in the name of thy beloved Son implore thy blessing. Most graciously hast Thou dealt with us. Another week’s mercies have been added to the life-long loving-kindness which Thou hast shown towards us. Oh, add to all thy other bounties the gift of a thankful heart, and so inspire us by thy grace that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily glorify thy name.

Thou, O Lord, searchest and triest our very hearts. Sins of which we are hardly conscious are seen by thine all-seeing eye. Secret thoughts and imaginations of evil which we have forgotten have been written in the book of thy remembrance Lord, could we but see ourselves as Thou seest us, we should blush and be ashamed to lift our eyes unto Thee. Merciful Father, cleanse us, we pray Thee, from all the guilt and defilement of these our transgressions. So put away our sin from before Thee that it may never more be seen. We plead the blood of Jesus Christ, and we earnestly desire that we may so see our sins in the light of his cross and passion, that we may abhor and forsake them, and strive every day to live more entirely according to thy will.

Reveal unto us, O God, the glory and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Thou knowest how feeble is our comprehension of divine things; how little we have as yet understood of the glory of Jesus Christ, and of his wonderful suffering for all the sinner’s need. Open our eyes, we pray Thee, that we may know and believe in Him as our adorable Emmanuel, Jesus our Saviour, Christ our King. Teach us all the meaning of his cross, and agony, and passion; raise our hearts to his throne, whither Thou hast exalted Him to give repentance and remission of sins. Give us such experience of his saving power and grace that we may have the witness in ourselves of forgiveness and acceptance, and be enabled to go on our way rejoicing.

Do Thou, Lord, take us into thy keeping for the night to which Thou hast brought us; and as the Sabbath-day dawns, grant us to be in a suitable spirit, thankful for renewed religious opportunities, and anxious to make them profitable for our growth in grace and in spiritual knowledge. Let thy favour rest on all whom we love. [Watch over the younger members of our family. Take them under thy special teaching, and by thy constraining love win them into thy fold. Let them hear the voice of Jesus the good Shepherd, and follow Him.] Prepare all thy ministers for the duties of the morrow, and make it a day of blessing unto us all, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.