16. EVENING PRAYER FOR SATURDAY

     Merciful and gracious God and Father, I again render Thee heartfelt thanks and praise for having, during all the days of my life, taken so paternal a care of me and having during the day, yea during the whole week, up to this very hour, graciously guarded me against all harm of body and soul.  I pray Thee furthermore, by that grace in Christ Jesus in which all penitent sinners trust, Thou wouldst cover, and nevermore remember, the sins that to-day and all this week I have committed against Thee and my neighbor knowingly and unknowingly. And graciously grant, I pray Thee, that in leaving the old week I may enter upon a new Christian life, pleasing to Thee and to all the elect in heaven.  For the coming night I commit myself to Thy gracious protection, so that I may rest and sleep in safety and rise to Thy further honor refreshed and in good health.  And if the hour of my death be at hand, take me unto Thyself, Lord Jesus, for I am Thine and Thou are mine; my soul yearneth to be with Thee.  Amen.