THIRD WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

O THOU by whom kings do reign and princes decree justice, we gratefully acknowledge thy goodness in guiding us through the busy hours of the past day, and bringing us to its close in peace and security. For all thy gracious dealings with us, we render to Thee our unfeigned thanks. We have had food and raiment, health and happiness, peace of conscience, and whatever else Thou seest good for us. All these blessings thy hand has provided and thy bounty bestowed, and to Thee we give the praise.

Amongst all the temporal blessings which we have received at thy hands, not the least is that of good governance under a rightful sovereign. May she long reign over us in peace and confidence, and may all the royal family be the recipients of thy choicest blessings. For all our governors and judges, also, for all our legislators and public officers we pray, that they may so adjudge the causes and claims of the people, that injustice and oppression may be removed, and that thy servants may lead a peaceable and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty.

But, O thou Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, prepare us to receive thy Son as our universal King. We earnestly pray that his dominion may extend from sea to sea, and from the river to the end of the earth. Let the people that dwell in the wilderness bow before Him, and those who inhabit the uttermost parts of the earth do homage unto Him. Let kings fall down before Thee, and all people do Him service.

O thou blessed Saviour of our souls, who didst redeem us at the cost of thine own precious blood, to Thee we turn with holy joy and humble adoration. May thy glorious person be had in reverence, and thine earthly temples held in honour. There let prayer and intercessions be made continually to Thee; there let men offer the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. O thou King of saints, who perpetually sittest at the right hand of thy Father, receive the supplications which are presented in thy prevailing name, and grant great success to the Gospel which proclaims Thee and honours the Father.

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth, and can do these wondrous things for us. He is our King, and He saves us; He alone delivers us from our enemies; He alone spares his people and pardons their iniquities. Pardon our offences, for they are many; pardon them for Jesus Christ’s sake, for He is our atoning Lamb, which taketh away the sin of the world. Then shall our hearts be filled with thy praise, as the whole earth shall one day be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.