SECOND WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, in mercy regard us who now as a family are gathered at thy footstool. Glory be to thy Name for this gracious Word to which we have now listened. What motives it supplies for praise! What encouragement it gives for prayer! To us in these Gospel days is made known the mystery long kept secret, that even for us Gentiles, as well as for thine ancient people, there have been stored up the unsearchable riches of Divine grace and power. Oh, that we may be made partakers of thy mercy, and that even in us and in our salvation the angels and archangels in heavenly places may see the manifold wisdom of God.

Lord, we come boldly to thy throne of grace. Thou hast not spared thine own dear Son, but delivered him up for us all, and Thou art able, through him, to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. We plead these assurances of thy Holy Book: we remind Thee how Thou hast exalted Jesus to thy right hand in glory to intercede for us. For his sake, O God, grant us thy peace: for his sake enrich us with spiritual blessing.

How great have been thy mercies to us this day! Thou hast fed and clothed us: we have gone in and out to our daily task, and Thou hast spread around us the shield of thy power and protection. Thou redeemest our lives from destruction, and crownest us with the gifts of thy lovingkindness. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us bless his holy Name. Thou knowest our frame, and rememberest that we are dust. Thou dost not always chide, nor keep thine anger for ever. Oh, suffer us never to forget Thee, O thou Father of mercies! or to be unthankful recipients of thy bounty.

Especially we pray, O God, that according to the riches of thy glory we may be strengthened by thy Spirit in the inner man. O Jesus, come and dwell in our hearts, that being rooted and grounded in love, we may share with all thy saints in the knowledge and experience of thy love, and be filled with all the fulness of God. Guide us, we beseech Thee, to a deeper acquaintance with thy Truth. We are weak: do Thou uphold us. We are ignorant: do Thou teach us. We know not what may befall us as a family, or singly and alone. We commit ourselves to thy keeping, O Thou who never sleepest. Keep our souls clear of every sinful thought, and raise us, if it be thy will, to the duties of the coming day. We ask all for Christ’s sake, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be glory in the Church, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.