SIXTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Evening

O GOD, our heavenly Father, encouraged by the gracious promises of thy holy Word, we come to Thee. Thou art the fountain of all life and the source of all blessing. Thou art the Creator and the upholder of heaven and earth, and all things, visible and invisible. As children return to their home, seeking the blessing and protection of their parents, so we this night come to Thee as our heavenly Father. Reveal thyself to us, O Father, that we may see Thee. Stretch out thy hand to us, that we may lay hold upon Thee. Make us to feel thy love, that our hearts may grow warm with love to Thee. May thy presence and blessing make us so glad here in our earthly home, that we may anticipate with holy desire the time when we shall behold thy face, and dwell for ever with Thee in our heavenly home.

With a father’s love, O Lord, thou hast watched over us every moment of this day. Thou hast gone before us, shedding thy blessing on our path. Though we have not seen Thee, thou hast been walking at our side, to strengthen, guide, and protect us. How good, how kind, how loving thou art, O Lord! We have not deserved this favour from Thee. Whilst Thou, O Father, hast been caring for us, we have been slighting Thee; whilst Thou hast blessed us, we have sinned against Thee. With shame and sorrow, O Lord, we confess our sins; and for the sake of Jesus Christ we beseech Thee to have mercy upon us, and pardon all our offences. Without thy forgiveness, O Lord, we cannot sleep this night in peace. Blot out our transgressions, and assure us of thy forgiving love.

We ask thy gracious assistance, O God, that we may henceforth live in obedience to thy law. Let thy Holy Spirit guide us, that we may enter in at the strait gate, and walk in the narrow way that leads to eternal life. We are prone to do evil; Holy Spirit, sanctify our desires, our thoughts and motives, that we may learn to do well. Dispose our hearts to love that which is holy, and help us to bring forth the fruits of holiness in our lives, to the praise and glory of God.

The shadows of evening close around us, and soon the darkness of death will cover us; then, O Lord, our state will be fixed for the judgment of the great day. We tremble, O Lord, at the thought that thou mightest then say to some of us, “Depart, ye cursed; I never knew you.” Oh, that we may build upon the sure Foundation, that we may be saved in that day.

We pray for all our relations and friends, that Thou wilt mercifully grant them thy grace, and bring them to thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.