"Revive Thy work in the midst of the years."--Hab. iii. 2.
O God, Thou hast permitted me in Thy great mercy to see another
evening. How many of my fellow-men have this day slept the sleep of
death, and are now beyond the reach of grace and privilege! I am still
spared, all unworthy though I be, a monument of Thy forbearance and
love.
I desire to make acknowledgment of my many and grievous offences. They
are more in number than the sand of the sea;--sins against light, and
mercy, and warning; sins committed against the kindest of Benefactors,
the most indulgent of Parents.
I would seek anew to take refuge in the offered shelter of the Gospel,
and to rejoice anew in the faithful saying that Jesus Christ came into
the world to save the chief of sinners. Oh may I be enabled
confidingly to repose in His matchless sacrifice, and with lively
appropriating faith to say, "He loved _me_ and gave Himself for _me_!"
Lord, carry on Thine own work within me. Quicken my languid and
languishing affections by the omnipotent agency of Thy Holy Spirit.
Let me not live at a guilty distance from Thy favor; but may I covet a
close and habitual walk with Thee, and feel the sustaining power of
Thy grace in my heart.
Revive Thy work in Thine own Church universal, Thou great High Priest,
who walketh in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Do Thou feed
every lamp with the oil of Thy grace. Let them burn with a clearer,
holier, more steady and consistent flame. As lights set in the world,
may they diffuse Thy glory; and feel the honor of being instrumental
in shedding abroad a Saviour's love.
Oh may the Lord arise and have mercy upon Zion. May the time to favor
her, yea, the set time, soon come. As there is but one Shepherd, so
may there soon be but one sheep-fold. Let Thy churches no longer
continue apart from one another in unholy estrangement, but live in
the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace; holding fast that
which they have, that no man take their crown. Spirit of all grace,
come in all the plenitude of Thy love and mercy. Breathe upon every
portion of Thy visible Church, and say, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost!"
"Awake, O north wind! come, thou south! blow upon our garden, that the
spices thereof may flow out." May Thy gracious influences descend like
rain upon the mown grass, and as showers that water the earth.
Bless all Thy faithful ministers. May peace be upon them and upon the
whole Israel of God. Direct their hearts and the hearts of all Thy
faithful people into Thy love, and into the patient waiting for
Christ.
Comfort all in sorrow. May they see a "need be" written on all their
trials. May they look beyond the long night-watch of earth to the
glories of that eternal morning when clouds and darkness shall for
ever flee away.
Take charge of me while I sleep, and as evening after evening comes
round may I feel that a day has been spent for Thee. Hear me, gracious
Lord, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
"LET MY PRAYER BE SET FORTH BEFORE THEE AS
INCENSE: AND THE LIFTING UP OF MY HANDS AS
THE EVENING SACRIFICE."