Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 1.pdf/273

 to effect a reformation of the outward life, by washing and cleansing us from external evils, stains, and pollutions, may nevertheless in due time enter into the inmost love of our souls—into the secret recesses of our inner life—that so after performing, unseen, a purifying proccss within, the truth may come forward into outward observation, united with the ruddy warmth of celestial love, full of richness, nourishment, and enlivening power. Then, O Lord, shall we see that at thy command, "Draw out now," the water has indeed become wine, given to celebrate the marriage feast—the mystical union of thyself with thy bride—thy church and people. O God of mercy! we have, by thy watchful providence, been preserved safely during the hours of sleep; and now that we are awake, we are still with Thee. Give us thankful hearts to bless Thee for that goodness and mercy which have followed us all the days of our life; and to Thee, O Lord, will we send forth our evening song of praise and thanksgiving.

Our Father, &c.

LMIGHTY LORD GOD and Saviour Jesus Christ! before Thee, as our gracious Lord and Master, we humbly presume to bow with reverence, and to thank Thee in this time of our evening prayer, for all the mercies bestowed upon us through our journey of life. We acknowledge Thee as the Source of every blessing, temporal and eternal. Thou art ever the same, the Immutable One, who changeth not