TWENTIETH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

O FATHER of mercies and God of all comfort, the Author of our life and the Giver of all good things, we adore Thee for thy gracious dealings with us this day, and again look up to thy throne in the hope of continued mercy, for our deep need. We plead the name and righteousness of thy dear Son, and pray that through his mediation, whom Thou hearest always, our supplications and thanksgivings may be accepted, and that we may have an answer of peace.

It is our comfort to know, O God, that all things that concern us are in thy hand; that in our troubles and necessities Thou art near, even when we see Thee not, and that in all thy dispensations Thou hast a purpose of mercy towards us. May we in prosperity look up to Thee in grateful remembrance of thy love, and in adversity rely, without a doubt, on thy wisdom and grace. We recall, with thankfulness and praise, the tokens of Jesus’ sympathy, and the assurance that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and enters into our sorrows. We recall, with thankfulness and praise, the signs of his power, in that He could not only give sight to the blind and a tongue to the dumb, but even call from the grave them that were dead. Lord Jesus, reveal unto us more clearly thy tenderness and compassion, and cause us to experience the outgoings of thy power. Increase our faith. Have mercy on our unbelief, and enrich us abundantly with all spiritual blessings. Arouse our cold hearts to greater spiritual earnestness. Give us the faith which overcomes the world, and by the power of thy Spirit raise our affections to things above. Give us increased willingness in thy service, and a constant watchfulness against all sin; and so constrain us by a sense of thy love that we may find thy commandments pleasant, cheerfully bear every cross, and patiently submit in all things to thy all-wise and gracious will. Fill us with all joy and peace in believing, and cause us to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.

We pray, O God, for a great increase of true godliness in ourselves, in all whom we love, and in the world around us. May all thy people strive, in the station which Thou hast placed them, truly and godly to serve Thee, and to adorn the doctrine of our Saviour in all things. [Give to the children of this family thy Holy Spirit, and make them, by adoption and grace, even from their early years, thy children.] Take us all into thy protection, and preserve us, if it please Thee, to see the light and enjoy the blessings of another Lord’s day. May it be a day of much grace and mercy to all thy people. Hear us and help us for thy dear Son’s sake. Amen.