SATURDAY EVENING. Let us Pray. O ALMIGHTY Father, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to receive us this night, and for ever, into thy favour and protection: defend us from all evil; and rule and govern us with thy Holy Spirit, that we may be preserved from every temptation. Let not the sins of this day deprive us of thy gracious protection; but let thy merciful ears be open to our prayers for pardon and forgiveness. O Lord, we have sinned against thee; make us humble at the remembrance of our folly. O thou God of pity and compassion, have mercy on us; for thou art our Father, merciful and gracious, and hast revealed to us thine infinite mercies in Jesus Christ: for His sake give us true repentance, and the perfect remission of our past sins; wash us in the precious blood of thy dear Son; and grant that we may henceforth live a holy and a blessed life, in all godliness and honesty, increasing in the knowledge of God, and being fruitful in every good work. May it be the work of our life to obey thee, the joy of our souls to please thee; that in a constant, faithful discharge of our duty, we may watch for the coming of our Lord, and be ready to enter with Him into thy heavenly kingdom, at whatsoever hour He shall come. O Lord, who, by thy blessed Son, our most gracious and most holy Redeemer, hast subdued all the powers of hell and the grave, and hast taken away the sting of death, have mercy upon us, now and at the hour of death. Let us not be cut off unprepared, nor surprised in any act of sin; preserve us in thy true religion, in faith, and hope, and obedience to thy will; and grant that we may die the death of the righteous, and that our future state may be like his. Defend, O Lord, and preserve thy Church; and give unto them who serve thee in the ministries of religion, wisdom and holiness, the blessings of peace and righteousness, and the powerful aid of thy Holy Spirit. And, O almighty God, who rulest in the kingdoms of men, preserve our gracious King; give him long life and peace in this world, and a crown of glory in the world to come. Bless, O Lord, all our relations, friends, and neighbours, with thy tender mercies, and all needful succour. O gracious Comforter, behold, in mercy, the poor and needy, and all that are in affliction and trouble; give them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. These our prayers, O most merciful Father, vouchsafe to hear, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and most merciful Saviour; who, with thee, and the Holy Ghost, together is worshipped and glorified, in all the Churches of the Saints, one God blessed for ever. Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord, &c. |