First Week. Wednesday. Evening

O GOD, at the close of another day we fall low at thy mercy-seat. May we not only bend the knee before Thee but also the heart. And may we come with boldness to thy throne, by that new and living way, even by our Saviour Jesus Christ. We acknowledge, Holy Father, our transgressions and sins. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We have sinned this day in thought, word, and deed. We have done things which we should not have done, and we have left undone many things which we ought to have done; but there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared, and the blood of Jesus Christ thy Son cleanseth from all sin. May that blood be sprinkled on our souls, and our sins, which are many, be all forgiven and for ever blotted out.

We thank Thee for thy gracious dealings towards us throughout this day. We thank Thee for food and raiment, for health and strength, for home, and peace, and happiness. May these thy mercies long be continued to us, and do Thou thyself never leave and never forsake us.

Graciously grant, Heavenly Father, that as each day passes away we may be found nearer unto heaven, walking, as Zacharias and Elizabeth, in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless. Give us more and more of the Spirit of Christ. Impress thine own image more deeply on our souls. Subdue in us all evil passions which hinder our growth in godliness and true holiness. Help us to cast away our besetting sins. Deepen our love to Thee, and confirm and strengthen our faith. And thus, living in thy fear, and doing thy will, may we be ready, whenever our summons may come, to enter into the joy of our Lord.

And now we commit ourselves to thy care and keeping this night. Watch Thou beside our beds, and grant that we may awake in the morning filled with thy Spirit, to do Thee better service than we have done this day. We beseech Thee to bless all for whom we ought to pray. Those near and dear to us, may they be very near and dear to Thee. Those in any sorrow, trial, need, or necessity do Thou remember, and be unto them a very present God in their season of affliction.

Hear us, Holy Father, in these our petitions. Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but for the sake and through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.