TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

ALMIGHTY God, from whom no secrets are hidden, we come into thy presence on the evening of the day which Thou hast hallowed, and which Thou hast set apart for thine own service. We bless Thee that we have been allowed to tread the courts of thy house, and to pay our vows unto the Lord in the presence of all his people. We bless Thee for the Word of thy grace, for the Gospel of our salvation, for the promised Spirit, and for the hope of heaven.

We trust that we have not wilfully sinned against Thee this day. But who knoweth his errors? In thy sight our best doings are folly, and our holiest thoughts unclean. Our temple services and all our sacrifices are marred by our sins. We thank Thee for the blood of sprinkling, and we pray that Thou wouldest apply it to us afresh. Let our persons, our families, our services, all be accepted through its power. We would not be satisfied unless our hearts are wholly given to Thee. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, and keep back thy servants also from presumptuous sins.

Let the words which we have heard this day be blessed to us. Let us be doers of the Word, not hearers only. Let our love prompt us to obedience, and let our obedience illustrate our faith. Save us from the self-righteousness which trusts in its own doings. Hide thy Word in our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee, and that we may have joy and peace in believing.

We pray for the success of thy Word which has been this day declared in thy house. Let it be quick and powerful; as a hammer, may it break the rock in pieces; as a fire, may it burn up the dross of sin. Let sinners be converted everywhere, and let thy people be filled with greater faith and zeal.

We thank Thee for the portion of thy Word which we have just read. If it please Thee, fulfil the promise in our sight. Let us see thy kingdom come, Christ ruling in the midst of his enemies, thy people made willing in the day of thy power. Especially we bless Thee for our great High Priest. We rely upon his sacrifice once offered. We plead his merits, which Thou canst not turn away. We humbly rejoice that we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and we ask, for his sake, the forgiveness of our sins, and inheritance at last in the kingdom of thy glory.

We commend ourselves this night to thy holy keeping. Watchman of Israel, guard us in our slumbers. Let us rise to serve Thee. Help us to live to thy praise; and at length may we see Thee as Thou art, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.