First Week. Saturday. Evening

O LORD God, the high, the holy, the gracious God, in tenderness and compassion look upon us, as in the name of Jesus we humbly kneel at thy footstool. Be present in our midst, and reveal thyself unto us as Thou dost not unto the world.

Raise our hearts in praise for the mercies of this day, and let thine ear be open to our prayer. Thou causest thy sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendest rain on the just and the unjust. Thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, and thy faithfulness to all generations. We, too, have experienced thy love. Thou hast done for us great things, and holy is thy name. Even when we were yet without strength, Christ died for us. Our day of grace has been prolonged, while others have been called to their great account. Thou hast satisfied us out of thy goodness, and enriched us with blessings that have been withheld from others. Thine everlasting arms have upheld us, and the mightiness of thy protection has been round about us. Our table has been spread by thy hand. The raiment that clothes us and the dwelling that shelters us are of thy giving. The faith which enables us to grasp thy promises, and the repentance which bows us now at thy feet in sorrow for sin, and the grace of thy Holy Spirit which guides and keeps us in the narrow way, are of thy giving. We magnify Thee, O Lord, for this and all thy mercy. Oh, that our hearts may now rejoice in God our Saviour. Help us, heavenly Father, to consecrate ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, more lovingly and obediently than ever to thy service.

Have mercy upon us, O our God, for the sins of this day. If thou wert extreme to mark what is done amiss, who could stand before Thee? But there is mercy with Thee, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Wash us, Lord, in the fountain once opened for sin and uncleanness. Shed upon our souls the peace which springs from the assurance that our sins are forgiven, and that thy providence is making all things work for good to us so long as we love Thee. Deepen in us a spirit of true humility. Increase our faith, and enable us to look up undoubtingly for the fulfilment of thy Word. Help us to deny ourselves and bear meekly the cross of Christ. Give us a righteous abhorrence of all evil, that we may indeed be the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty. Let the light of thy love shine on our path, and grant us the sure hope of eternal life in thy dear Son. In his name we commend ourselves, and all who are dear to us, to thy care. Oh, watch over us and bless us, and answer our prayers for his sake. Amen.