TWENTIETH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

O GOD, our Father, let thine eye be upon us in mercy, and thine ear be attentive to our prayer. We thank Thee that the way is open to thy footstool, and that through thy dear Son we may make known our requests unto Thee, and that Thou wilt receive our praise. Quicken in us by thy Spirit such a deep sense of thy love, that we may delight to draw near to Thee as thy children, and hold communion with our Father in heaven.

Especially, O God, may we have the grace to value thy Sabbaths, and highly to prize the opportunities which they bring to us. We confess that our frequent misuse of thy gifts might justly cause Thee to withhold them. Could we read the secrets of the heart as Thou hast read them, and recall all which Thou hast seen in us this day, of sin and irreverence, and forgetfulness, and formality, we should be ashamed of ourselves before Thee. How unmindful have we been of thy majesty! How little have we been conscious of thy presence. How cold have been our praises! How little have we felt of the sinfulness over which our lips have mourned, or of our need of the grace for which we have asked. Have compassion upon us, O our God; bear with our many infirmities, and forgive us all the sins of thy holy day. And, oh, renew us by thy Holy Spirit. Kindle within us more heavenly affections. Awaken in us purer and loftier desires. Give us, we beseech Thee, a spiritual mind, with its life and peace. And grant that as we think of our Redeemer’s sufferings, and the life-long cross of trial which He bore, we may cheerfully bear our cross after Him; and if called to drink of the bitter cup of his people, may we not murmur, but count it all joy to be partakers of his sufferings. Correct all our blind and selfish desires, and enable us with humility and contentment to receive all thy gifts, and to use them as for Thee, the Giver.

Bless, O Lord, all the ministrations of thy Word, whether read or preached, this day, to ourselves or to others. We trust that it has been sown in many prepared hearts, and that, by the accompanying power of thy Spirit, it may be glorified in the salvation and spiritual prosperity of many souls. Give, we beseech Thee, a double portion of blessing to all who have been prevented in thy providence from worshipping in the assembly of thy people, and enrich them with thy heavenly grace.

Let thy guardianship and care be on us for the night. May we and all who belong to us rest in peace beneath thy sheltering wing, and be raised in the morning strengthened to serve Thee in the duties of another day. Hear us, and answer us, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.