SECOND WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Evening

LORD God Almighty! another of our days has now passed away, never to return again; and Thou hast seen and known all that has been amiss in our thoughts, and words, and ways. Lord, what can we say, and wherewith can we present ourselves before Thee? We are sinful, helpless creatures: but we lift our eyes to Jesus who died for us, and is now exalted to the right hand of God, a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. For his sake, blot from the book of thy remembrance whatever stands recorded against us, and let it not witness to our condemnation in the great day.

Thanks and praise are due to Thee, O God our Father, for the mercies of the day. Enable us to take account of thy goodness, and to treasure in our hearts the constant remembrance of thy gracious dealings with us from day to day. Our blessings might have been curses, and our joys sorrows, but for thy lovingkindness and compassion. Accept the offering of our unfeigned thankfulness, not only for these daily gifts of thy providence, but also for the more precious gifts of thy grace. Grant, we beseech Thee, that our hearts may rejoice in these blessings. Let the light of thy love ever shine upon our path, cheering us with the abundance of its consolations, and kindling within us a spirit of hearty obedience to all thy will.

We know not, O God, what the night may bring forth. We place our life and strength in thy care and beneath thy protection. Give us all to sleep in quietness, and speak to our hearts, as we lie down, words of comfort and of peace. We long, O God, for the clearer and brighter experiences of thy grace. We desire to grow in holiness as we grow in years. Grant that through thy teaching and blessing we may become wiser and better every day. We know not what is thy will concerning us, whether to live or to die. If it please Thee, spare us till we have made our calling and election sure. And, oh! grant that when our race of life is run, and the last of our days on earth shall have dawned, we may face death without a fear, and be enabled to say with Simeon, “Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”

Help us, O Lord, in all our necessities. Thou knowest what will be good for us. Give us, we beseech Thee, a quiet and humble spirit, and in mercy bend our own will into perfect conformity to thine. We ask these blessings, and all things else that Thou seest good for us, and for those dear to us, in the name of thy dear Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.