SIXTH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Evening

GRACIOUS Lord God, Father of our Saviour Jesus Christ, be pleased to accept our united praise for the favours bestowed upon us during the day now about to close. Now that we are again assembled in thy presence to worship Thee, may our hearts be so impressed with a deep sense of thy fatherly goodness, that our souls may be devoutly raised in this our evening service. Truly we can say, Thou hast been mindful of us in all the dangers and duties through which we have been brought.

Yet in making these our grateful acknowledgments, we have abundant cause to come in deep humility before Thee, at the remembrance of our sins. How often we have offended against thy Divine Majesty this day, Thou only knowest. We cannot dissemble, nor hide any fault or misconduct from Thee. Give us, therefore, at this time, the spirit of true repentance; pardon our sins, negligences, and ignorances.

We are encouraged in our petitions by thine own Word. Thou biddest us to come in faith unto the throne of thy grace to seek mercy. It is Thou alone who forgivest our sins, healest our diseases, deliverest our souls from destruction, and crownest us with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Be pleased, we beseech Thee, O Father of mercy, for thy Son’s sake, to pardon our offences and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

That we may more faithfully serve Thee for the future, endue us with grace to amend our lives according to thy holy will. Let thine eternal Spirit so dwell in our souls and bodies, that whether we sleep or wake, live or die, we may be thine.

Impress our minds with a high sense of thy majesty, power, and glory. Help us all to see that thy works proclaim the greatness of thy name and the wondrous character of thy nature. Whenever we think or speak of Thee, whenever we offer praise and prayer, may it be with the recollection that Thou art the Lord God Almighty, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. Keep also before our eyes thy Son Jesus Christ. Help us to study and adore his character, and so to follow his footsteps as becometh the disciples of a pure and holy Master.

Give thy blessing to our Sovereign, to the rulers of our land, and to the ministers and members of thy holy Church. Save the sick and all in any adversity.

To thy fatherly care we commend our family, relations, friends, and neighbours. The Lord bless us and keep us, and make his face to shine upon us, both now and evermore, for Christ’s sake. Amen.