Saturday, Week 8

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.
— Ezra 8:23 (BSB)

The truths that I know best I have learned on my knees. I never know a thing well, till it is burned into my heart by prayer.
— John Bunyan

What shall we say to You, O God, tonight, to express our gratitude for all this day's goodness? We can only bring You our hearts' poor worship — and ask You to accept it. A week's work we lay upon the altar. What is wrong in it — may You cleanse. What is right — may You accept and use.

Our thanks are due to You for all that You have been to us this week. You have been our Shepherd, leading us into green pastures and beside still waters. You have been our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. You have been our fortress, into which we have run in time of danger, finding deliverance. You have been our companion along the way, our guide, our guardian, our friend, our deliverer, our helper.

May You impress Yourself on our lives. Saturate our very being with Your own life, so that we shall be transformed into Your own character!

We pray tonight for the world outside. Much of it is without You and without hope. Remember the homes around us which are godless and prayerless. Find some way, O God, to get within these homes, that the children at least may be saved. We pray also for those who have sorrow in their homes, and cry out for comfort. Wipe away tears, by revealing the truths which give true consolation.

We commit our own home to Your protection for the night. You who never slumber — may You be our keeper. Let no danger find us. May Your peace abide upon our home. Prepare us for the duties of Sunday. May it please You to spare us, and bless us in all best ways. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.