TWENTIETH WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Morning

O THOU all-seeing and heart-searching God, regard, we beseech Thee, the supplications of thy servants who would now draw nigh to Thee in the name of thy Son, our only Saviour. We have now read of thy judgments against thy people because of their multiplied iniquities. O Lord, make this Scripture profitable to us for correction and instruction in righteousness.

With shame we must confess that we, individually and nationally, have sinned against Thee, and grievously offended thy Divine Majesty: we have been unmindful of thy love, have set at naught thy commandments, and preferred our own wills to thine. O Lord God, by thy Holy Spirit, make us heartily sorry for all our misdoings. O Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ we come to Thee for pardon and purification. Do Thou wash us, and we shall be clean. Wash us in the precious blood of Jesus, that we may become without spot or blemish in thy sight.

And, O Lord, help us against all the sinful tempers and habits which most beset us. Through thy grace may we be enabled to cease to do evil, and to learn to do well. May we use all our members as instruments of holiness unto Thee, and delight to run in the way of thy commandments.

Do Thou renew us in the spirit of our minds, and dispose us to love our neighbours as ourselves. May we bear one another’s burdens, and be kind, tender-hearted, loving, and forgiving towards all men. O Lord God, for Jesus’ sake help us thus to live: and make all things belonging to the flesh to die in us, and all things belonging to the Spirit to live and grow in us.

We pray, also, for the rising generation. God of love, grant that they may grow up to be a seed whom Thou shalt bless. Daily renew them by the Holy Spirit, and make them, as they increase in stature, to increase in wisdom and in favour with God and man. We pray for all connected with us, that they may be taught of Thee; and that true religion and piety may increase in our families and neighbourhoods.

O Lord, hear us for our country. Make us to be a people fearing Thee and working righteousness. Bless our Queen, and all the Royal Family. Do Thou counsel all their counsellers, and give them a right judgment in all things. Let thy wisdom guide our Parliament, and direct and prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, and the safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign and her dominions.

Heavenly Father, hear these our confessions, supplications, and intercessions for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.