FIFTH WEEK.—MONDAY. — Evening

ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank Thee that we have heard of the wonderful grace and compassion of Him who came into the world to save sinners. We bless Thee that the land in which we live is filled with the fame of Him, and that the story of his great love is being told in these last days far and near. Oh, forgive us, merciful Father, that we have not glorified Him as we ought. We confess with sorrow our negligence and the hardness of our hearts, and humbly pray Thee for grace, that from henceforth our wandering eyes may be kept fastened on Him by whom Thou dost speak to us, and in whom are hid all the treasures of God. May our spiritual poverty be relieved out of his unsearchable riches; may He pour upon our spirits, when troubled and sad, the oil of joy. May his Divine power set us free from the sore bondage of sin, and in his light may we see light. Lord, increase our faith, and suffer not the clouds of doubt and unbelief to darken our hearts or dim the brightness of our confidence in thy promises. With unbounded trust we would look up to Thee, and in all things lean upon thy love and truth.

O God, our Father, in the name of Christ we cast ourselves upon thy loving care, beseeching Thee to bless us, according to our several necessities, with such things as Thou seest good for us. So reveal Thyself to us, and grant us such a sweet sense of thy presence, that while all is darkening around us we may have sunshine and joy within. Do Thou comfort our bodies with rest to-night. May we lie down in peace, and sleep, while Thou, O Lord, makest us dwell in safety.

We entreat Thee to remember with thy favour all our kindred, and those among whom we live; help us to do them good, and to seek their salvation, like the blessed Jesus, who did not forget Nazareth, where he had been brought up. May none whom we know and love reject Him as the Nazarenes did, but may his gracious words dwell in them richly in all wisdom. Let thy special grace be given to the little ones of this household. Lead them by thy Spirit to love what is good, and fulfil in them all thy purposes of mercy. O Lord, let the blessing promised to those who are not offended in Him rest upon us and all our dear ones; and so teach us to sit at his feet and learn of Him, that we may have grace rightly to discharge the duties, patiently to bear the troubles, and successfully to resist the temptations of life, and that, being made wise unto salvation, we may be brought at last to thy eternal glory. Hear and answer us, O Lord, for the alone sake of thy well beloved Son Jesus Christ, to whom, with thyself and the Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise. Amen.