THIRD WEEK.—MONDAY. — Evening

MOST holy Lord God, we draw near to Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, to praise Thee for the favours and deliverances of the day which has passed. May our evening’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer.

We desire to acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and that we are under thy rule and governance. Thou knowest all that we have done, endured, suffered, or purposed in our minds to do this day. Thou hast understood our thoughts afar off, and there has not been a word in our tongue but Thou, O Lord, hast known it altogether.

Whatever, therefore, has been wrong in our conduct or spirit, or wherein we have failed to do thy will, to be watchful, and to resist temptation, be pleased, through thy manifold and great mercies in Christ Jesus, to pardon and forgive. Thou, O Lord, knowest that we are placed in so many and great dangers that, by reason of our frailty, we cannot always stand upright. But we are encouraged, in our approaches to thy Majesty, by remembering that when we offend against thy holy law, if we confess our sins, Thou art willing, for thy Son’s sake, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

That we may hereafter faithfully serve Thee, impress upon our minds the truths of thy holy Word. Grant that with meek hearts and due reverence we may receive the truths of that portion of it we have now read. May we never forget that we are constantly exposed to the evil devices of Satan and the corruptions of our own deceitful hearts.

If in thy dispensations towards us we should ever be so tempted and tried as to be brought into great straits and difficulties, may we remember the example of our Saviour, who, though tempted as we are, was yet without sin. May we never make it our only or chief care to obtain the bread which perisheth, but may we be taught by thy Word to do and suffer thy will.

Deliver us from the great sin of unbelief. May no hasty desire, no feeling of presumption, ever lead us rashly to engage in anything, but may we in all our ways seek thy direction, and humbly trust in Thee.

Save us also from the baneful influence of the world. Grant that its seductive power may never subdue our spirits to its service; but preserve us, we beseech Thee, ever ready, both in private, at the family altar, and in thy house, to worship Thee, the one living and true God.

Hear these our prayers, protect us through the night, refresh us with quiet rest; and to Thee will we ascribe the praise, for Christ’s sake. Amen.