TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

O GOD, in the review of another day’s mercies, we exalt and praise thy name. Great indeed is thy goodness, great the riches of thy forbearance, and thy long-suffering. We have provoked Thee by our sins, but Thou hast not turned away thy face from us. We have misused thy gifts of life, and health, and opportunity; yet still Thou continuest them. Oh, grant that thy gracious dealings with us may lead us to a deeper sense of sin; that in the light of thy mercy we may learn the grievousness of our disobedience, and be humbled at thy footstool. For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all our misdoings; all sinful thoughts, all sinful words and works: put Thou them out of thy remembrance, and let them not rise up again to our condemnation. Speak to us words of comfort and peace, and shed upon our souls the blessed assurance of thy reconciliation and forgiveness.

We pray Thee, O God, to give us a clearer insight into thy holy Word, that we may not be led astray by false teachers, and through the weakness and ignorance of our own hearts. Enable us to receive with meekness the Word which is able to save our souls, and to wait patiently till-the revelation of the great day, for the clearing up of what is now dark and mysterious. Especially keep us watchful for the Lord’s coming, that we may prepare to receive Him with joy when He shall come to be admired of his saints, and to be glorified in all that believe. Increase our desires for the enlargement of the Redeemer’s kingdom, and stir up our hearts with an earnest zeal for his glory, that we may do all that in us lies to spread abroad in our own homes and in the world the glad tidings of his Gospel. Lord, write it on our own hearts. Enable us to experience, through thy grace, the comfort of its promises and the guidance of its precepts. Let its blessed effects be seen in our growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that others may be drawn to Him, and believe in his name.

We beseech Thee to bless whatever has been done this day for thy glory. Make thy Gospel the savour of life unto life to many souls. Look upon thy Church; heal its divisions, reconcile its contentions. Bring all thy people nearer to Christ; then will they be brought nearer to each other. Bring Jew and Gentile into thy fold, and hasten the time when thy Gospel shall have been preached as a witness to all nations, and the kingdom of Christ shall come.

Spread around our household this night the protection of thine almighty arm. We lie down to sleep, trusting in thy care and lovingkindness; keep us, bless us, and supply our need, according to thy riches in glory, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.