FIFTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Evening

PRECIOUS to us, O Lord Jesus, is this record of thy character and labours. We hail Thee as the Day-spring from on high, which was to visit the world. Thou art the life and the light of men. We bless Thee that in the fulness of time Thou didst appear to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, as the predicted Sun of Righteousness; but we also praise Thee that in Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light, and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light sprang up. We thank Thee that thy light has not been confined to Galilee, but that it has reached us. Let none of us close our eyes to this light. May it shine into our hearts.

But while we glory in Thee, O Lord Christ, for what thou art, we praise Thee for what thou hast done. As the great Teacher of man, Thou didst preach repentance and the kingdom of heaven when Thou wast on earth; and still Thou dost speak to us by thy Word, thy Spirit, and the preachers of thy Gospel. May none of us be disobedient to thy invitations and commands. We rejoice that Thou art able to save to the uttermost our souls and our bodies. Heal us, O Lord, for we have sinned against Thee.

As a family we come this evening to thy feet, O Jesus, remembering that our times are in thy hand. The temporal blessings we enjoy are more highly valued by us as thy gifts. The care and bounty of another day have laid us under deeper obligation to Thee. How many began this day who have not been permitted to see its close! How many have passed through suffering and trial, from which we have been preserved! But in the light of thy goodness our sins appear in their enormity. What neglect of Thee and opposition to thy will! What selfishness, earthliness, and unbelief! Have mercy upon us. Sprinkle us with thy precious blood. Sanctify us by thy Holy Spirit. Let thy goodness lead us to repentance. Make us more watchful, prayerful, earnest, and devoted.

Bless our relatives and friends. Regard with special favour the children of this family. Incline their hearts to do thy will, and teach them the preciousness of a Saviour’s love. Comfort the sorrowful. Have mercy upon prayerless families, and hasten the time when incense and a pure offering shall ascend to Thee from all.

Watch over us during the night. Give rest and comfort. Let thine angels encamp around us, and when the fulness of the time shall come, exalt us to the blessedness and glory of heaven. And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, shall be praise for evermore. Amen.