NINTH WEEK.—MONDAY. — Evening

LORD God Almighty! Thou hast in mercy brought us to the close of another day. We would thank Thee most heartily for thy gracious favour. Thou hast covered our heads. Thou hast strengthened us by thy mighty power. Thou hast guided our steps. Thou hast permitted us again to kneel at thy footstool to recount the mercies of the day, and to give Thee heartfelt thanks. What are we, that Thou shouldest thus take knowledge of us? What are we, that Thou so regardest us? We are poor, weak, sinful creatures; and yet, how ever-mindful of us Thou art! how careful to preserve us in health! how tender in forgiving our many shortcomings! Again and again, at this quiet evening hour, we thank thee, O blessed Lord and God.

We thank Thee, too, for thy holy Word. We thank Thee for the portion we have just read and heard. May it warn us; may it at the same time encourage us.

Thou hast given us great and precious privileges; but to whom much is given, much, we know, will be required. Thou hast committed to our charge ten talents, privileges without number. May we use them aright. May we not allow them to rise in judgment against us. May those who have had but few privileges not be witnesses in the last great day against us. The queen of the south came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. May she never rise in the judgment against us; for we this night have heard the words of a greater than Solomon—Solomon’s King and Lord.

And grant, O gracious Lord God, that the unclean spirit may be cast out of all our hearts. May every unruly lust and passion be overcome, and may our souls be filled with the light, and truth, and love which come from Thee. And may we so live that the unclean spirit once cast out may never more return. Oh, may we dread to sin, after the warning our Saviour this evening has given. Keep us, gracious Lord, by thy almighty power.

But there is sweet encouragement in thy holy Word. Our Saviour speaks of his brother, and sister, and mother. May we be of his kindred. We would be his entirely and for ever. O God, adopt us, by thy Spirit, into thy family, and make us the loving members of our elder Brother.

And now protect us throughout this night. Keep us in safety, and by thy gracious providence bring us to the beginning of another day.

Bless us and all men; and all these mercies, with the forgiveness of our sins, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.