Evening Incense (John MacDuff)

Isaiah 12:2

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my John salvation.” 

O my Father, You make the out-goings of the evening and the morning — to rejoice over me. I thank You for Your sparing mercy during the past day. While multitudes of my fellow men have been called away into an eternal world — and I am still preserved in the land of the living, and in the place of hope. It is of Your compassions alone, that I am not consumed!

My way Zionward is well-studded with Ebenezers, testifying "Thus far the Lord has helped me!"

The pillar of Your presence has guided me through many a perplexing path!

Your love has smiled through many a threatening cloud!

Your restraining grace has arrested me in many a slippery way!

When "my soul was among lions" — how often have You "sent Your angel" to rescue me and shut the lions' mouths! I am truly a marvel and miracle of Your patience, forbearance, and mercy! "Hold me up — and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117

O my Father, I joyfully take all these past kindnesses — as tokens for the future. To You I would confidingly commit the unknown tomorrow, and cleave to Your guiding arm with full purpose of heart. The lot is thrown into the lap — but the whole disposing of it is of the Lord! O, be it my joy and privilege, thus reposing in Your covenant faithfulness, to say,"Undertake for me!" I look forward to that time when all Your inscrutable dealings will be unfolded, when inner meanings and purposes now undiscerned by the eye of sense — will be brought to light, and all discovered to be full of infinite love.

Keep me from dishonoring You by the workings of unbelief. I am prone to trust my own wisdom — O give me teachableness of spirit and simplicity of faith, waiting patiently on You; leaving all that concerns me and mine, to Your better direction.

Blessed Jesus! I would seek to cleave closer and closer to Your cross! I have no trust — but in Your finished work. Other refuges may fail — but I am as secure in You, as everlasting love and wisdom and power can make me! O cleanse every guilty stain away in your most precious blood. Let me live day by day at the opened fountain — and feel that I only "live" while there. Thus simply relying on Your justifying grace — may I seek to walk in Your footsteps and to imbibe Your spirit. May I follow You, O Lamb of God — wherever You see fit to lead me. May I never feel as if I would wish one jot or tittle regarding me to be altered — when the reins of universal empire are in Your hands!

Take my beloved friends under Your special care. Watch over them, provide for them, decide for them. In all their ways — may they acknowledge You; and in all things — may they seek Your honor and glory.

Pity Your afflicted ones. Stay Your rough wind — in the day of Your sharp east wind. Let them rejoice that every bitter drop in the 'cup of life' is appointed by my Heavenly Father! May they submissively drink it, saying, "May Your will be done!"

Hear, Lord, the voice of my supplications, when You hear — forgive, and grant me an answer in peace, seeing all that I ask is in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, my only Savior. Amen.

"Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense — and the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."

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