SIXTEENTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Evening

GIVE ear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, appear unto us. We acknowledge that like lost sheep we have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way. We are foolish and ignorant; and because our deeds are evil, we love darkness rather than light.

Restore now, we beseech Thee, our souls, and lead us in the path of righteousness for thy name’s sake. Forgive the sins of this day; forgive our waywardness, our impatience, our morbid anxiety, our eagerness to obtain the bread that perisheth, our forgetfulness of that which endureth unto life eternal. Mercifully now replenish us with thy grace. Calm our hearts. Let us rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Make us, in quiet meditation on thy precepts, to lie down in green pastures. Lead us, by loving faith in thy promises, beside the still waters. Let sweet sleep refresh our weary bodies; let spiritual repose invigorate our souls.

O Thou who art the good Shepherd, Thou who hast given thy life for the sheep, make us to know thy voice. Keep us in thy fold. Let no man ever pluck us out of thy hand. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, tended by Thee, let us fear no evil; be Thou with us; let thy rod and thy staff comfort us.

Heavenly Father, encircle us, as a family, with thy love. Give thine angels charge concerning us. [Sanctify parental affection and care. Guard the young from all hurtful snares.] Let our household be a household of faith. May we all abide this night and for evermore under the shadow of the Almighty. Let no plague come nigh our dwelling. Take care of those who are dear to us. Comfort such as are in sorrow; cheer the dying; strengthen those who may have to pass the night in watching at their side. Be Thou the Father of all fatherless and motherless children. Let them not want, but supply all their need and the need of us all, according to the riches of thy glory by Christ Jesus.

Exalted Saviour, as the Shepherd of the sheep Thou hast been smitten for us. Gather together in one all thy scattered flock. Let there be one fold and one Shepherd. Help thy ministers to feed the flock of God. Gather the lambs with thy arm, and carry them in thy bosom. Reclaim those who are wandering; prepare all for thy promised coming; and grant that when, as the Chief Shepherd, Thou shalt appear, we may be acknowledged as thine, and abide with Thee for ever; and unto God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost will we ascribe eternal praise. Amen.