SEVENTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

O GOD, thy mercies are renewed every evening, and great is thy faithfulness. Sensible of thy goodness, we would not forget that much will be required from those to whom much is given.

We have been solemnly reminded in thy Word of the responsibilities and obligations which attach to our Christian privileges. We are humbled by the remembrance of these responsibilities. We are constrained to confess how prone we are to allow sinful preferences and prejudices to hinder spiritual profit from the ministry of thy Word. Pardon, O Lord, this sinful disposition, and deliver us from it. May we ever look to Thee for the blessing without which there can be no increase, although Paul may plant and Apollos water. O Lord, Thou hast taught us that all things are ours, if we be Christ’s; give us, we pray Thee, experience of the good things prepared for them that love Thee. Teach us not to glory in men, but humbly to rest on Thee alone.

And now, O our God, we supplicate for our souls the renewal of spiritual gifts. We are poor and needy: graciously supply all our need out of thy riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Make us increasingly partakers of the justifying and sanctifying riches of Christ, which are unsearchable. Apply afresh the blood of sprinkling to our consciences, and by thy Holy Spirit write thy law in our hearts, and work in us both to will and to do those things that are pleasing in thy sight.

Extend to others the Christian privileges which we enjoy. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. Pull down the strongholds of sin and Satan in idolatrous lands. Bring home the outcast Jew. Break the oppressor’s yoke, and scatter the people who delight in war. Strengthen thy ministering servants at home and abroad for their work. Increase their number, and cause them in every place to “triumph in Christ.” Greatly prosper the labours of our own pastor. Bless him for our sake, that we may receive the greater benefit from his ministrations. May he both save himself and those who hear him. Look graciously upon our kindred and our friends. May their souls prosper and be in health. Sanctify every providence, whether of prosperity or adversity, to their spiritual good.

Finally, we pray Thee to preserve and protect this household during the hours of the night. Let no harm befall, and no terror disturb us. With thankful, penitent, and believing hearts, may we lie down in peace and take our rest; and with the morning sun may we arise to consecrate ourselves more devotedly to thy service, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be honour and glory for ever. Amen.