SIXTEENTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

O LORD God, searcher of the hearts, who knowest our necessity before we ask, and our ignorance in asking, give us now, we beseech Thee, thy help, that we may come into thy presence with reverence and godly fear. We are but dust and ashes before Thee; we have nothing we can call our own but our sins.

And yet, O most merciful and gracious God, we would remember that we have in heaven a great High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Through Him we approach Thee as our Father. Give us, together with the spirit of holy reverence, the Spirit of adoption; and enable us to come boldly before Thee, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We thank Thee, O our Father, for the many mercies of another day, and that thine own holy day. We praise and bless thy name for all thy gifts to fallen man, for the appointment of a day of rest, for the revelation of Thyself in thy Word, for the ordinances of thy house, for the means of grace, as well as for all the temporal blessings which Thou dost so abundantly bestow upon us. Above all, we thank Thee for the unspeakable gift of thy dear Son, and for the salvation which has been again this day proclaimed to us through his atoning blood. Graciously forgive us the imperfection of our religious duties, and if, by wandering thought, or vain imagination, or by a trifling and cavilling spirit, we have offended against Thee this day, oh, wash us again in that fountain which Thou hast opened for the sin and uncleanness of thy believing people. And grant, gracious Father, that each succeeding Sabbath may incline our thoughts more to that rest which remaineth for the people of God.

We desire, O God, the felicity of thy chosen ones. Help us to desire it more. Thy blessing, we know, is upon thy people. It is Thou who makest them to prosper in their ways. Oh, help us to remember that from Thee alone is our fruit found; and may we be enabled, by the help of thy Holy Spirit, to exercise, under all circumstances, an unfailing reliance upon thy protecting, and quickening, and sustaining love. We would, also, greatly value thy written Word. May we find it a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Bless, O Lord, the public preaching of the Word this day. May thy Spirit clothe it with power. May sinners be converted, and thy people edified.

And now, gracious Father, we commend ourselves and all who belong us to thy guardian care. Graciously protect us and refresh us for the duties of the coming day, and may thy blessing abide upon us now and for ever, for Jesus Christ our Saviour’s sake. Amen.