FIFTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

O LORD, the great and mighty God; the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy, in bowing at thy feet we remember that Thou hast said, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Thou resistest the proud, but givest grace to the humble. We feel it to be condescension in Thee to permit us to approach Thee, and therefore would put far from us the thought that we can lay Thee under obligation by our prayers and services. Our goodness cannot reach to Thee. Save us from pride and self-complacency in our services. Give us a deep conviction of our weakness, imperfection, and sin, and convince us that not for our righteousness’ sake, but for thy great mercy, in Christ Jesus, we are accepted by Thee. Deliver us, O Lord, from all hypocrisy; let us not draw nigh to Thee with the mouth and honour Thee with the lip, while the heart is far from Thee. Save us from doing our works that they may be seen of men, and grant that our charity and devotion may be acceptable in thy sight, who seest in secret and rewardest openly. Suffer us not to be deceived by a formal and external religion, which rests in prayers and gifts, and keeps back the soul from God. Thou searchest the hearts and triest the reins of men; therefore may we not offer to Thee heartless service. Purify us from all unworthy motive in thy service, and let us not regard iniquity in our hearts, lest Thou shouldst not hear us. Pour upon us the spirit of true worship; Thou who didst teach thy disciples how to pray, teach us to pray. While every evening on which we gather around our family altar we have cause for thankfulness and praise, specially so is it this evening. A week’s mercies present themselves for acknowledgment.

Day has followed day, and thy goodness has been new every morning and fresh every evening. As a family, our bread has been given and our water has been sure. Death has not come up into our dwelling, and affliction has not been laid upon our loins. Bless the Lord, O our souls. But, alas! our sins stand out before us in the light of thy goodness; enter not into judgment with us. We look to the cross. For Christ’s sake, O Lord, blot out our sins of omission and of commission.

And now the Sabbath draws on. Give us a preparation blessing; preserve us from all evil this night; give us, as thy beloved, sleep. Let us awake refreshed and fitted for the service of the Lord. To Thee we commit ourselves and all dear to us, and we pray that the whole earth may be visited with thy salvation. Now to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be glory everlasting. Amen.