TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.—MONDAY. — Evening

BLESSED and exalted Saviour, we look up to Thee at the close of another day, and ask for thy blessing. Thou art in heaven, we on the earth. Thou dwellest in light, we are surrounded by darkness. Having finished the work given Thee to do, Thou hast taken thy seat at the right hand of power, and there Thou art directing all things according to thy will. We rejoice in Thee as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Sinners of the earth, we delight to remember that thy blood once shed on Calvary cleanseth from all sin. May that precious blood be sprinkled upon our consciences to-night, that being justified by faith, we may have peace with God.

Impress on our minds and hearts the precepts Thou hast just addressed to us in thy Word. Preserve us, O God, from the leaven of hypocrisy, that we may not have a name to live while we are dead. Cleanse, we beseech Thee, the thoughts of our hearts. Create in us clean hearts, renew right spirits within us. Preserve us from pride; help us to feel we are thy servants, not our own masters. May we be clothed with humility, and humble ourselves as little children, that we may be exalted by thy grace. Make us willing to sit at thy feet, and to learn of Thee to be meek and lowly in heart, that we may find rest unto our souls.

We seek pardon for the sins of the day. In many things we all offend. We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, and there is no health in us. We have this day too much deserved thy rebuke as fools and blind. We see not as we ought our true interest, nor thy glory. The world too much absorbs our thoughts, and obscures the vision of eternal things. Lord Jesus, make us more spiritually-minded, which is life and peace. Thou wast always holy in thought, word, and deed. Though mingling with all classes of men, and ever active, Thou didst always that which pleased the Father. Thy meat and thy drink was to do his will. Make us, we pray Thee, more like Thyself. May we bear thy image, and reflect more perfectly thy character to the world.

Mercifully take us, O God, beneath thy care this night. Thou never slumberest nor sleepest, and when on earth didst often spend whole nights in prayer. While our weariness requires repose, let thy tender love be over us, thy watchful care protect us. Bless all dear to us, and all thy people everywhere, and prepare us for the world where we hope to see Thee as Thou art, and to be like Thee for ever. From our hearts we thank Thee for all Thou hast done for us, especially for the gifts of thy dear Son and the promise of the Spirit, and with our united spirits would render to Thee all honour and praise for ever and ever. Amen.