SIXTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Evening

LORD Jesus, our blessed Saviour, we rejoice to know that Thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever; that as in the days of thy life on earth Thou wert ever touched with pity for the infirmities of those who sought thy help, so now that Thou art ascended up on high, Thou ever livest to make intercession for us. Still may we come to Thee, assured that Thou wilt not turn away our prayer nor thy mercy from us. We ask Thee, O Lord, this night, to cleanse us from the leprosy of sin. We acknowledge that we are sinners before Thee, that we have no hope but in thy mercy, through Christ Jesus. We rejoice to know that we may come unto Thee, that Thou art a God pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin, and that Thou hast sent thy Spirit into the world that our hearts may be drawn to the Saviour, and be cleansed from the defilement of all iniquity. We pray thee, O Lord, to make us holy, even as Thou art holy; to strengthen us with all might by thy Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; and to grant that every day we may grow more and more like Him who came to set us an example that we should walk in his steps.

We thank Thee for all the mercies that have attended us through the past day. Goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our lives, and with grateful hearts we offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Have mercy upon all our fellow-creatures who are destitute of the blessings that we enjoy; relieve the necessities of the poor; succour and comfort the sick and dying; break the yoke of the slave, and let the oppressed go free. Above all, we pray that the knowledge of Jesus may be spread throughout the earth, so that sin and misery may be known no more. May every effort made to extend this knowledge be blessed of Thee. Give success to the labours of all missionaries at home and abroad; encourage them in their work by thy gracious presence and evident blessing; give them the great joy of seeing the degraded and ignorant among whom they labour become enlightened and holy followers of the Lamb of God. Especially have mercy on the thousands in our own country who shut their eyes against the light of the Gospel, and choose darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. Save them, we pray Thee, and make our beloved country a holy and happy nation, serving Thee.

Now, O Lord, we commit ourselves to thy care and protection for the night. It is our joy to know that while we are sleeping Thou art watching over us; that thy watchful eyes are ever open toward us. Hear our prayers and bless us now and for ever, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.