SIXTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, enable us to draw nigh to Thee at this time with one accord, in full assurance of faith, by thy dear Son Jesus Christ, the Lord our righteousness, who died the just for the unjust, that He might bring us unto Thee. We are not fit to come into thy holy presence, but thy dear Son has promised that whatsoever we ask in his name we shall receive.

O God, we thank Thee for thy fatherly care during the past day; for food and raiment, health and strength; for a peaceful home; and for the mutual help and comfort we have one of another. But still more do we bless Thee for the word of thy salvation; for all the means of grace we enjoy here, and the hope of glory in the world to come. We are unworthy of the least of all thy mercies. Oh, may thy goodness lead us to repentance. By thy blessed Spirit convince each of us this night of our sins, especially of the sins and shortcomings of the past day. May we be ashamed of our many iniquities, and feel that we are indeed miserable sinners, and have no power to help ourselves. O God, we thank Thee that Thou hast revealed to us a pool of Bethesda, a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Give us grace, each one, to step in, knowing and feeling the plague of our own hearts. Let the power of the Lord be now present to heal us. Wash us and make us white in the blood of the Lamb. May Christ himself draw near, and apply his precious merits and impart his virtues to each of us, that we may feel in ourselves that we are healed of our plague. O God, help us to walk as thy redeemed, and to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. May our whole conversation be such as becomes the Gospel. Implant the same mind in us as was in the Lord Jesus; the same meekness, gentleness, and purity; the same zeal for Thee and love to all men.

Bless us, O our God, and make us a blessing, separately, and also as a Christian household. Grant that the Son of peace may ever abide beneath this roof, that there be no secret or open wickedness here, and nothing in any member of this family which shall cause Thee to withdraw thy presence from us. Take us under thy gracious care this night. Preserve us from all accidents, sickness, and sad tidings, and from all that might grieve or vex us. Grant us that sleep which Thou seest good and needful for us. May our last thought be of Thee, and may we awake to find we are still with Thee. Bless all our dear friends with every temporal and spiritual mercy in Christ Jesus. Be Thou their God, and do for them and for us above all that we ask or think, now and ever, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.