20 Nov 2025, 16:20Catherine Anthony Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Director
The Gift of the Evening Sacrifice
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2, NIV).
A memorable occasion was sitting in Lincoln Cathedral for Evensong. As the sun set, we sang ‘The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended’, I experienced the presence of a God who had guided during the day and felt a deep sense of gratitude.
Most of us take time in the morning to invite God into our day. We ask for guidance and protection, and we encourage ourselves to face the upcoming day. Early morning prayer meetings are on the rise. I’ve joined several. One is focused on children. The other is more of a Bible study topped with prayer.
At some point, I am invited to speak and given a specific passage of scripture for meditation. We prize the morning to meet God.
But as the day turns into night, is our default to keep working, wind down in front of the TV, hit the gym, or scroll on our phones? Does the exhaustion from the dreaded 9-5 prevent us from ending the day with our Father?
In Exodus 29:39, God told the children of Israel, “This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar: two lambs, a year old, each day, continually. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”
So, each day there were two sacrifices, and the purpose of the evening sacrifice was seeking God’s forgiveness and favour. It was a time of repentance and renewal, aligning your will with the will and purpose of the Almighty.
It was during the evening sacrifice that Jesus was crucified. “When the loud cry, ‘It is finished,’ came from the lips of Christ, the priests were officiating in the temple. It was the hour of the evening sacrifice” (The Desire of Ages pg. 756).
The evening sacrifice reminds us of the ultimate gift of love that Jesus gave when He freely gave His life.
So, each evening, whatever you are doing, take time to offer your sacrifice to the Father. End the day as you start with an open heart and a willing spirit.
Reflection
· What or who hinders you from ending your day with God?
· How can you ensure that you make adequate time for God at the end of the day?
Prayer
Father, we confess that we forget You in the evenings. Forgive us for our negligent ways and inspire us to be more intentional in connecting with You as the shadows fall.
Amen.
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2, NIV).
A memorable occasion was sitting in Lincoln Cathedral for Evensong. As the sun set, we sang ‘The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended’, I experienced the presence of a God who had guided during the day and felt a deep sense of gratitude.
Most of us take time in the morning to invite God into our day. We ask for guidance and protection, and we encourage ourselves to face the upcoming day. Early morning prayer meetings are on the rise. I’ve joined several. One is focused on children. The other is more of a Bible study topped with prayer.
At some point, I am invited to speak and given a specific passage of scripture for meditation. We prize the morning to meet God.
But as the day turns into night, is our default to keep working, wind down in front of the TV, hit the gym, or scroll on our phones? Does the exhaustion from the dreaded 9-5 prevent us from ending the day with our Father?
In Exodus 29:39, God told the children of Israel, “This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar: two lambs, a year old, each day, continually. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”
So, each day there were two sacrifices, and the purpose of the evening sacrifice was seeking God’s forgiveness and favour. It was a time of repentance and renewal, aligning your will with the will and purpose of the Almighty.
It was during the evening sacrifice that Jesus was crucified. “When the loud cry, ‘It is finished,’ came from the lips of Christ, the priests were officiating in the temple. It was the hour of the evening sacrifice” (The Desire of Ages pg. 756).
The evening sacrifice reminds us of the ultimate gift of love that Jesus gave when He freely gave His life.
So, each evening, whatever you are doing, take time to offer your sacrifice to the Father. End the day as you start with an open heart and a willing spirit.
Reflection
· What or who hinders you from ending your day with God?
· How can you ensure that you make adequate time for God at the end of the day?
Prayer
Father, we confess that we forget You in the evenings. Forgive us for our negligent ways and inspire us to be more intentional in connecting with You as the shadows fall.
Amen.
