THIRD WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

ALMIGHTY God! who art merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness and truth; who willest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live; grant unto us that godly sorrow which worketh repentance unto life, that by faith in thy Son we may obtain redemption through his blood, and the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of thy grace; and, receiving the adoption of children, may become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

O God! who searchest the hearts and triest the reins of the children of men, search us and try us, and see what way of wickedness there is in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. Preserve us from resting in any outward privilege or ordinance, and fix our faith on Him who is the only fountain of mercy, grace, and peace. Renew us in the spirit of our minds, that we may bring forth fruits meet for repentance, and worthily magnify thy name.

Eternal God! the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who at his baptism didst declare him, by a voice from the excellent glory, to be thy beloved Son, we give Thee thanks for thine unspeakable gift. Sprinkle our hearts with his most precious blood; justify us freely through the redemption that is in him. Baptise us with the Holy Ghost, and make us meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. Oh, that in the great day of separation, when Jesus shall sift the wheat from the chaff, the precious from the vile, we may all of us be garnered safely in thy kingdom!

Father of all our mercies! accept our humble thanksgiving for the blessings of this day. May it please Thee to remember us as a family, with all who are dear unto us by the ties of nature and affection. Let the continued dew of thy blessing be on them and on us. Bless to our souls all the ordinances of thy house. Forgive the sins of our holy services. Apply thy Word with power to our hearts, and the hearts of all who have heard it. Look in mercy on the unconverted among us. Reveal to them the terrors of the Lord, and awaken them to flee from the wrath to come while the day of grace lasts.

Show us thy marvellous lovingkindness, O Thou that savest by thy right hand those that put their trust in Thee. Keep us as the apple of thine eye, and hide us under the shadow of thy wings; so will we lie down, and none shall make us afraid. Give thine angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways. Satisfy us early with thy goodness, and make us joyful in Thee. All this we beg in the name and through the mediation of our only Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.