NINTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

ALMIGHTY and gracious God, let thine ear be open to our prayer, and receive, we beseech Thee, with thy favour, our sacrifice of thanksgiving. When we think of our unimproved opportunities, our misspent Sabbaths, and of the sins and shortcomings of even this our holy day, we are ashamed, and confess before Thee, in self-abasement and humiliation, our great and manifold offences. Have mercy upon us, O Lord; deal not with us after our sins, but spare us and forgive us. We have nothing to answer Thee, nor any righteousness of our own to plead. We lay our mouths in the dust, and in the name of Jesus we crave thy forgiveness and blessing. Thou didst turn away from repentant Nineveh the wrath which it deserved. Avert from us the wrath which our misdoings have deserved, and shed on our souls the sweet and comforting assurance of thy peace.

Heavenly Father, let thy blessing follow all the engagements and exercises of this day. Much of sinfulness and unbelief has mingled with our services. We are conscious how unworthy they are of thy regard. But we trust they have been fragrant with the atoning merits of Jesus, and have risen as a sweet savour before Thee. Lord Jesus, thou hast been set forth among us as the crucified Redeemer, dying and rising again; and in thy resurrection testifying to us, as Jonah to the Ninevites, of the power and truth of God. Grant us thy grace, that the Word which we have heard read and preached may abide in our hearts as a message from above. O God the Holy Ghost, lay it upon our consciences. Let not the enemy snatch it away. Let not the cares, or temptations, or pleasures of the coming week choke it, and make it unfruitful. Apply it with power to our souls, that it may renew us into the image of Christ, and so sanctify us and increase in us all heavenly virtues, that we may be ripened for glory, and look forward with joy to the never-ending Sabbath of the heavenly kingdom.

Oh, look in mercy, gracious Lord, on the world that lieth in wickedness. Have pity on the souls of those that know Thee not, and snatch them as brands from the burning. Wherever minister, missionary, or teacher has spoken a word for Thee this day—whether of warning or entreaty, whether of doctrine or exhortation—bless their efforts, and make their message a savour of life unto life. We long, O God, for the accomplishment of thy purposes. We pray Thee to hasten the time when Jesus shall see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied, and the earth shall be filled with thy glory. Hear us, we beseech Thee, and accept us in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.