SIXTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

WE humbly pray Thee, O God, to help us in this our evening service. Give us thy Holy Spirit to enkindle our affections, guide our thoughts, direct us to the petitions we ought to ask, and to teach us how to pray. We would ask only such things as are pleasing in thy sight. Thou knowest what is good for each one of us kneeling before Thee; but we do not, for we are ignorant even of all our needs. We therefore earnestly pray the Holy One to rule and direct our hearts whilst we call upon Thee.

We feel that we have omitted many things this day which it was our bounden duty to have done. We feel, too, that many things have been done which are not in accordance with thy Divine law. We bewail these our offences. We find them a grievous burden; but do Thou remove it; take it far off; roll it from our hearts. May each one of us feel in our own conscience that our transgressions are forgiven freely and fully, through the all prevailing atonement of thy dear Son.

And what mercies have we enjoyed! Our family circle still unbroken; health and strength still our portion; food and raiment still bestowed; guided and guarded still by thy fatherly love and goodness; and all kneeling here to thank Thee for thy continued lovingkindness, and to adore the hand that scatters upon our pathway so many and great bounties.

Evermore give us grateful hearts. Evermore, O Lord, incline us to praise and adore Thee, thou giver of all good things. Evermore grant us to feel that He who hath led us on hitherto will lead us on in safety to the home of the blessed, which is above. We praise Thee, we laud Thee, we magnify Thee, we give thanks to Thee, thou good, and gracious, and loving Benefactor and Father.

And now that we are about to retire to our rest, keep us still under thy protection. We are helpless, exposed to many and great dangers, but we look to Thee; Thou that keepest Israel never slumberest. Thine eye is ever watchful. In safety keep us, and grant that our night’s rest may, by thy mighty power, restore and fit us for the duties of the coming day.

Bless our relatives and friends; the poor and the destitute; the sick and dying; every man in his vocation and ministry; and forget not our native land. Remember our Queen and her family; our senators, our judges, and our magistrates; remember our pastors and teachers; and have mercy upon the heathen who know Thee not. Send unto them thy light and truth. Hasten the coming of thy Son. Hear us, we humbly beseech Thee, for the sake of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.