TWENTIETH WEEK.—MONDAY. — Evening

HOLY and Divine Spirit, graciously quicken our minds, and abstract our thoughts from all worldly objects and cares, while we approach thy throne of grace to present our evening prayer.

We desire with gratitude to express our thanks for the mercies of the closing day. Thine hand hath led us, thy right hand hath holden us. We meet in peace and safety after the cares, and fatigues, and dangers of the day. We remember that our times are in thy hand, and to thy unwearying love we owe our comforts and mercies, and the special privileges that surround us at this time. Bring home to our hearts, gracious Father, the daily lessons taught us by thy providence, and sanctify to us the truths we have read from thy precious Word. We bless Thee for the holy ministry, and for all the gracious blessings which it has conferred upon the children of men. Oh, may all thy servants be inspired with the same Spirit as the apostle Paul, and preach the same Gospel, and find their joy and crown of rejoicing in the salvation of souls, and in the edifying of thy Church.

Pardon, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our manifold sins. Who knoweth how oft he offendeth against Thee? Cleanse Thou us from secret faults, and deliver us from every evil way; let no unholy temper, thought, or affection have dominion over us. We implore Thee to give us a clean heart, and put a right spirit within us, that we may walk by faith in Christ, and daily overcome evil with good.

O Lord, suffer not the business we are engaged in, or our home duties, or the pleasures of this world, to occupy our minds, to the exclusion of Thyself and of eternal things. Daily correct our tendency to worldly-mindedness, and increase our faith in the Gospel of thy Son our Saviour, that, strengthened by thy grace, we may seek first the kingdom of our God and of his righteousness. Sanctify to us the troubles and disappointments of life; may we have thy promises to cheer us, and thy peace dwelling in our minds.

Permit us to plead with Thee on behalf of our country. Shed thy choicest gifts on our beloved Sovereign, and on every member of the Royal Family. Give wisdom and uprightness to our senators, and bless the poor of our land; deliver them from want, and feed them with the bread of life. Forgive our national sins; promote affection and amity among all Christians; visit our churches with the showers of blessing, and increase their zeal for thy glory. Be our defence this night. Into the hands of our covenant God we commend our spirits, and all we ask is for Jesus’ sake. Amen.