THIRTEENTH WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Evening

GRACIOUS and merciful God, our heavenly Father, in whom we live, and move, and have our being, brought by thy parental care to the close of another day, we would again draw near to thy throne of grace, and ere we retire to rest offer to Thee our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise.

We thank Thee for the mercies of this day, for our temporal supplies, for food and raiment, and all the present comforts we have been permitted to enjoy. May we never forget from whom all blessings come; but tracing up every mercy to Thee, the fountain of all good, may our souls, and all that is within us, praise and bless thy holy name.

Above all, we would thank Thee for thine unspeakable love in our redemption by thy dear Son. For his sake pardon whatever Thou hast seen of evil in us this day, and blot out all our sins by his atoning blood, that being justified by faith in him, we may have peace with Thee our God, and rejoice in the hope of thy glory.

And do Thou, who art the giver of all grace, and who hast, we humbly trust, made known to us thy truth, and called us to thy eternal kingdom, perfect thy work within us. Daily more and more strengthen us in our souls. Especially, we beseech Thee, by thy Spirit, to make us humble. Root out of our hearts all pride and self-conceit. Give us the very mind that was in Christ, that we may submit ourselves in all things to thy will, and by our meekness and humility adorn the Gospel of thy dear Son.

Deliver us from all error in doctrine, and from all evil in practice. Confirm and settle us in the true faith of the Gospel, that we may not be carried about by divers and strange doctrines; but keeping stedfast hold of Thee and thy Word to the end of our lives, may finally, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

To thy love and mercy we commit ourselves for the night, casting all our care upon Thee, in the assured belief that Thou carest for us. Do Thou who never slumberest nor sleepest, with whom the darkness and the light are both alike, watch over us for good. With humble and thankful hearts we would retire to rest, and lie down under the shadow of thy wings. Grant us refreshing sleep, that we may be fitted to fulfil whatever duties and meet whatever trials Thou, in thy wisdom, mayest appoint for us.

May the Lord bless, preserve, and keep us; may He mercifully cause his face to shine upon us.

We ask all, O God, in thy dear Son’s name, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, we would ascribe all glory and honour, majesty and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen.