FIFTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

O GOD, our heavenly Father, visit us this evening with the power of the Holy Ghost, and let thy Spirit descend and abide upon us. Thou hast given us many blessings, for time and for eternity; and this day we have been permitted to enjoy the means of grace in the services of thy sanctuary. We now draw nigh to Thee, in faith and humble confidence that Thou wilt hear our prayer, and bestow upon us a Sabbath evening’s blessing ere we retire to rest. Let the good tidings of the Gospel of thy dear Son bind up the broken heart, and proclaim liberty to the captive soul. Let the acceptable year of the Lord come upon us with power, and find us willing to receive the Saviour, and to be accepted of him. Grant that the good news of salvation read and preached from thy Holy Word to-day may comfort all that mourn; and that the seed planted in our hearts may be as the good seed in the good ground, bringing forth fruit to thy praise and glory.

Thou knowest us, O God, better than we know ourselves. Teach us how low and how deep we have fallen, and what evil sin hath wrought within us. We sit in dust and ashes, and confess our sins before Thee. Let the unction of thy good Spirit, the oil of joy and gladness, refresh our souls, and clothe us with the garment of praise. We long for the time, O Lord, when Thou shalt make us to become fruit-bearing trees of righteousness, which thine own right hand hath planted. We pray Thee to make us the true Israel of God, restored to thy favour—prodigals returned, and reinstated in our Father’s house, and for our shame receiving double at the good hand of the Lord, in an everlasting covenant, which shall not be cut off.

Oh, give to us this evening a fresh view of Jesus. Reveal thy Son in our hearts. Open the eyes of our understanding, that we may see by faith and realise thy presence here, and claim thy promises, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus.

We beseech Thee also, O Lord, to impart to us heavenly peace, and the joys of thy salvation. Clothe us with the robe of righteousness—the spotless righteousness of thy dear Son; and thus arrayed, we shall be adorned as the spiritual bride of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Help us, O God of our salvation, to wait and look for the Bridegroom’s coming.

We pray for domestic blessings, for thy Divine protection through the night, and such rest and peace as Thou seest good for us. Shelter us, Lord, beneath thy wings; and if it please Thee, raise us in safety to see the coming day. We ask all through the name and intercession of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.