THIRTEENTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

O THOU adorable Father, whose goodness has preserved us throughout another day, whose wisdom has ordered our goings, and whose power has strengthened our feebleness; we give Thee hearty thanks for thy parental kindness which has supplied all our wants, watched over our faltering steps, and kept us and those dear to us safe from harm. We come to Thee to ask thy blessing at the close of the day. We would confess with true contrition our sins and offences in thy sight, and earnestly, through Jesus Christ, implore thy forgiveness. Have mercy upon us, O God, have mercy upon us, and blot out all our transgressions. We cannot say we will render Thee all thy due, for we have nothing to pay. We are poor, undone, helpless creatures, utterly ruined and lost; only thy mercy can raise us: only thy free forgiveness can save us. Our hearts are troubled and overwhelmed when we consider our sins; but we flee to Thee, through the all-sufficient sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. Accept us in Him; and let us have the seal of thy forgiving love upon our hearts—the testimony of thy Spirit with ours that we are the children of God, restored to our Father’s embrace, and comforted with his love.

And, O Lord, grant us, we beseech Thee, the spirit of thy children, loving, meek, and good. So renew our hearts by the Spirit of grace, that we may love our brethren around us. When they offend against us, help us to remember how often and grievously we have offended against Thee; and remembering thy goodness toward us, may we, from our heart, forgive them. Purge out from our souls all malice, and hatred, and revenge; and make us kind, loving, forbearing, and forgiving. May we never call forth thine anger by any manifestation of unholy anger against our fellows; but ever live in peace and harmony, following his blessed example who when He was reviled reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. And if this day we have fallen into any uncharitableness or hastiness of temper, or angry words, we beseech Thee forgive us, and make us watchful over our spirits for the future, that we may not again offend Thee.

Bless, O God, all the members of this family. Let every heart be renewed by thy grace; let us live before Thee in holy love, seeking each other’s good. Give us this night that rest which is needed to restore our strength for to-morrow’s duties; and if we should know no to-morrow here, may we wake in that world where there is no night, to be for ever with the Lord. Grant these our humble petitions, O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.