SEVENTEENTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

WE give Thee thanks, O God, that Thou hast given us such encouragement to approach Thee in prayer. We thank Thee for so many invitations, for such precious promises, and for so perfect a model to teach us how to pray; to all which Thou hast added the assurance of the ready ear of a Father, the powerful intercession of a great High Priest within the veil, and the gracious aid of thy own Spirit to help our infirmities. Oh, that now the Spirit may make intercession within us according to thy will.

Our iniquities might make us afraid to approach Thee, for they are many, and they are very heinous; but to whom can we go but to Thee? And Thou hast assured us that if we confess our sins, Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Our iniquities had separated between Thee and us; but, far as we had wandered, and deep as we had sunk, even then thine eye and thy heart were toward us for good, and in thy love and in thy pity Thou didst redeem us. Thou hast brought us nigh by the blood of Jesus, and given us access to Thee by one Spirit as unto a Father. Let that love which quickened us when we were dead in sin now raise us up together, and make us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that as we have borne the image of the earthy, we may also bear the image of the heavenly, and show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.

We are naturally selfish, but Thou art boundlessly benevolent, delighting in mercy, and only waiting to see us fully conscious of our need, and taking the attitude and spirit of suppliants; and such is the overflowing kindness of thy heart, that Thou hast said, “Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear.”

Various have been the means employed this day to advance the kingdom of Christ among men; many have run to and fro that knowledge might be increased. Thy ministers have stood up and cried, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Let it not be in vain. Prosper thy work abundantly in their hands. Glorify thy Son, and let the earth be filled with his praise. Let times of refreshing come from thy presence, and thy Church hear thy voice saying unto her, “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Let wars cease to the ends of the earth, and the kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Anointed. Now blessed be the Lord God of Israel; and blessed be his glorious name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.