O God, who leadest us through seasons of life to be partakers of Thine eternity; the shadows of our evening hasten on. Quicken us betimes: and spare us that sad word, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Anew we dedicate ourselves to Thee. We would ask nothing, reserve nothing, for ourselves, save only leave to go whither Thou mayest guide, to live not far from Thee, and die into Thy nearer light. Content to accept the reproach of truth, we would take upon us the yoke of Christ, whom it behooved to suffer ere He entered into His glory—Amen.

James Martineau.

Bless us, O Lord, with Thy heavenly benediction; so that, rejoicing in Thy strength, and trusting in Thy loving-kindness, we may obtain a blessed immortality—Amen.

Sarum Breviary, A.D. 1085.