TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Evening

O ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who hast glorified thy Son Jesus Christ, give us, for his sake, thy Holy Spirit, that we may draw near to thy throne of grace, trusting in Him who died for us and rose again.

We acknowledge that we are unworthy to come into thy presence; but Thou hast encouraged us to look to Thee as our Father and God in Christ, and to expect through Him, not only pardon of our sins, but all needful blessings. We do come to Thee, and beseech Thee to forgive us all our past sins, and to accept our thanksgivings, and to hear our prayers.

We heartily thank Thee for all the mercies of this day. All our blessings come from Thee; may we ever receive them as from thy hand, and try to show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives.

Help us, O heavenly Father, to follow more closely the example of our Saviour Jesus Christ. May the great desire of our hearts be to glorify thy name and to walk according to thy holy will.

We rejoice, O our gracious God, that Thou hast glorified thy Son, that all power in heaven and in earth is in his hands, that He has triumphed over the prince of this world, and that He is head over all things for his Church. Grant that we may ever look to Him, and that, strong in his strength, we may overcome all our spiritual enemies. Look down in mercy, O merciful Father, upon all who are afar off from Thee, and bring them near by thy almighty grace. May they be drawn to Him who was lifted up upon the cross, and who is now at thy right hand in heaven; and may they be kept by the power of thy grace, through faith unto everlasting salvation.

O grant that those who have the light may walk in the light; rejoicing here in thy truth and love, may they rejoice hereafter in the light of thy glory.

Look down with thy favour and pity upon the dark places of the earth. Send forth thy messengers to tell of that loving Saviour who was lifted up that He might draw all men unto Him. May a rich and abundant blessing attend the labours of all who preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Raise up faithful men for thy work. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. O Thou Lord of the harvest, send forth labourers into thy harvest.

We desire now to commend ourselves, and all who are dear to us, to thy loving care. Keep us in safety through the night, and raise us up in health for thy service to-morrow; and grant that when our days on earth are ended, we may enter into the rest that remaineth for the people of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.