TWELFTH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we adore the greatness of thy love in preserving our lives, and bringing us nearly to the close of another week. Truly it is of thy mercy that we are not consumed. It is not of our own carefulness that we are permitted to bow before Thee in the possession of so much health and comfort. Many of our fellow-creatures during the week have had to pass through much and severe trial; many have been visited with great sickness and mortality; some with pestilence, famine, and sudden death. But Thou hast mercifully preserved us, and given us another opportunity of drawing near to the throne of thy grace, and seeking pardon through Christ our Redeemer.

We confess our need of coming penitently into thy presence. We have committed many offences, in thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine Majesty. Help us truly to repent, and to be heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Give us grace that, by faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ, we may seek and obtain forgiveness for all that is past, and strength whereby we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name.

We beseech Thee, most merciful Father, upon this the eve of thy holy day, so to affect our minds that they may be withdrawn from all unnecessary care and worldly concern. Fix our thoughts upon the word of thy truth and upon Christ, who hath brought us, once strangers from the covenant of promise, nigh unto Thyself, and hath given us access by the Spirit to the throne of thy grace. Lead us also to magnify thy holy name for having made so great provision for thy Church upon earth. Enable us highly to value its privileges; make us, by thy saving and sanctifying power, fellow citizens with the saints, and obedient and affectionate members of thy family and household. Being thus blessed, may we seek, in dependence upon Thee, the prosperity of thy Church. Give to its pastors a large measure of thy grace and heavenly benediction, so that by their life and teaching they may set forth thy glory in the salvation of men.

Grant also that we and all thy people may be built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. May we be constantly seeking to become a holy and perfect temple, in which thy praises may be sung, thy pure truth taught, thy glory seen, and thy presence felt.

Now, O Lord, we commit ourselves [our families], and all for whom we should pray, to thy protection this night. We ask every blessing for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.