TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Evening

O LORD God, the Almighty and Holy God, bow down thine ear and hear us. Open thine eye of pity upon us, and regard us favourably, for Jesus Christ’s sake. We praise thy name for the mercies of the day now past. We owe it to thy forbearance that we have been spared, and to thy love, which passeth knowledge, that our wants have been so graciously supplied. Above all, we thank Thee for the rich and complete provision which Thou hast made for all our spiritual needs. Thou hast provided in thy dear Son sufficiency of grace and peace for all, and Thou hast declared that whosoever will may partake freely of thy grace. Lord, forbid it that we should turn aside from thy proffered mercy, or slight and refuse the pardon and peace which Christ hath obtained for us. Oh, come and dwell in our hearts by faith. We believe; oh, help our unbelief. Clothe us with the righteousness of Christ, that every stain of guilt may be covered and put away from before Thee. Being justified by faith, may we have peace with God, through Christ our Lord.

Carry on in our hearts, we pray Thee, the good work of thy grace and love. We desire to have a clearer evidence that we are indeed clothed in the garments of salvation, and that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Prepare us for the glory and purity of thine everlasting kingdom by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit on our hearts and tempers, that we may purify ourselves even as Thou art pure; and being ripened in all Christian graces, may have an entrance ministered unto us abundantly into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. We want more love to Thee: do Thou kindle our cold and careless hearts to praise and thankfulness. We want more of thy Spirit: may He reveal his presence more clearly within us, and draw us nearer and closer to Thee. We want to have more of the mind which was in Christ: Lord, implant it within us. Enable us to see the excellency of his life in all things, and to strive daily to tread in his footsteps.

Mercifully look on all who are united to us by ties of friendship or kindred. May they be dear to Thee in and through thy dear Son. Speak to them, O God, and bring thy Word with power to their souls. Convert the unconverted among them, and establish the converted in the faith and love of Jesus. Guard us through the night from dangers, known and unknown; from the temptations of spiritual enemies, and the designs of evil men. We cast ourselves entirely on thy omnipotent care. Give us refreshing sleep, and raise us in safety, prepared to engage with cheerful obedience in the duties of another day. Grant it all, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.