Evening Prayers

Presbyterian minister William Holmes McGuffey (1800–1873) created the immensely popular series of primers, reading guides, and textbooks used across the United States, selling over 100 million copies. This lesson, with themes from Psalm 141:1–4, is from the Eclectic First Reader.

“Lesson XXXVII. Evening Prayer. At the close of the day, before you go to sleep, you should not fail to pray to God to keep you from sin and from harm. You ask your parents for food, and drink, and books, and clothes, and when they give you these things, you thank them, and love them for the good they do. So you should ask your God for those things which He can give you, and which no one else can give you. You should ask Him for life, and health and strength. You should pray to Him to keep your feet from the ways of sin and shame. You should thank Him for all His good gifts, and learn, while young, to put your trust in Him. The kind care of God will be with you, both in your youth and in your old age.”

Reflection

Have you thanked your parents or guardians recently for the good they do? Have you recently given God thanks for your life? Reflect on Psalm 141 today. How can these reminders help “keep you from sin and harm”? Consider using McGuffey’s words to guide your personal or family prayers this evening.