TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.—SATURDAY. — Evening

O LORD God, in whom we live and move and have our being, we would present to Thee our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. Thou hast promised that when two or three are met together in thy name, Thou wilt be in the midst of them; vouchsafe, therefore, to look upon us around our family altar. May the incense of devout and heart-felt thanksgiving ascend before thy throne. Hear our supplications, gracious Lord, and give us an answer of peace.

We would review with gratitude the blessings of this day. Thy tender mercy hast sheltered us from every danger. Thy loving bounty has supplied us with food and raiment; and now by thy goodness we are permitted to assemble together in peace and safety. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget not all his benefits.

Of a truth, Lord, we are unworthy of the least of thy mercies. How often have we sinned against Thee this day. How often have we grieved thy Holy Spirit by thought, and word, and deed. How much have we left undone that we might have done. The good that we would, we do not; and the evil that we would not, that we do. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; pardon and forgive us all our sins; sprinkle our consciences to-night with the precious blood of our dear Redeemer, and help us by thy Holy Spirit for the future, that we may be able to love Thee more and serve Thee better.

O Lord Jesus Christ, thou King of kings and Lord of lords, keep us ever mindful of thy second coming. May we learn to look for the fulfilment of thy promise, “A little while, and ye shall see me.” Grant that we as a family may be like the wise virgins, our lamps trimmed and our lights burning, looking for our Lord’s return. Keep us holy. Keep us watchful, so that when the cry goes forth, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee!” we may be found ready to join that triumphant multitude which no man can number, ready to sing before thy throne, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!”

Gracious God, take us under thy care this night. We commend each other affectionately unto thy mercy. Watch over our dwelling. Shield us from all danger. Preserve us from all sin. Refresh us with rest, and raise us up on the morrow, invigorated and prepared once more to go forth on the duties of the day. Remember all those for whom we ought to pray. Give them every needful good in this life, and in the life to come eternal glory. And we ask it all in the name of Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Saviour, to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.