The Little Treasure of Prayers Part 3

To a penitent heart in the first place belongs, that you confess your sins and experience sorrow and penitence on account of them. By nature no man can know his sins, nor can he produce penitence in his heart concerning them; this must above all be sought of G.o.d. We men are by nature much too blind, too indifferent, too inconsiderate, too selfrighteous, too much possessed with self-love and self-interest, than to be inclined and capable penitently and uprightly to confess ourselves guilty of all sins. Wherefore above all things bend your knees before G.o.d and call upon him, that He might open your eyes that you may thoroughly know the mult.i.tude and greatness of your sins. Pray with the blessed David: "Search me, O G.o.d, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Hereupon take the holy ten commandments and make a careful examination of your whole life in accordance with them. Then you will know that you are a sinner. For as a man cannot see a spot on his face without a gla.s.s, neither can he know his sins without beholding himself in the gla.s.s of the holy ten commandments. For sin is every work, every word, yea, every thought, which is against G.o.d's commandments; for sin consists in the performance of that which G.o.d has forbidden, or in the omission of that which He has commanded to be done. But you must not only regard the gross external sins, but also the internal secret sins, departures from G.o.d's commandments, which have taken place in the heart through evil thoughts and desires. If you will examine yourself thus in constant prayer, you will discover that you have not feared, loved and trusted G.o.d as He requires, that you have not so heartily and confidently called upon G.o.d, prayed, praised and given thanks, that you have not kept His Word so holy, heard and learned it, as you should have done. You will find that you have not honored and loved your parents and superiors, but have been disobedient and murmured against them; you will find that you have sinned against your neighbor in anger, hatred, revenge and irreconcilableness, with unchaste thoughts and desires, envy, illwill, avarice, an earthly mind or with slanderous words, in short, you will find that you have not so uprightly and heartily loved your neighbor as yourself, that much more selfishness, the seeking of your own interests or your own honor has been the motive to all your actions. With these and other sins you have surely deserved the wrath of G.o.d, temporal and eternal punishment, if G.o.d would deal with you according to His stern righteousness. From these sins which you perceive in yourself you can draw the conclusion how impure and depraved your heart is, from which these sins flow, for as the water, so the spring, and by the fruits we know the tree. Hence you will come to the knowledge of original sin.

If you now will perceive these and other sins in thyself, yea, if you consider, that the sins you have committed in ignorance, are many more than those you know and feel in your heart, which nevertheless the all knowing G.o.d places in the light of His countenance, then you will tremble in your conscience and experience sorrow and penitence on account of them, that you have so grievously offended your G.o.d and have been so unthankful for His blessings.

The second part of confession is faith, and indeed faith in Jesus Christ, who hath made satisfaction for all thy sins and has also obtained forgiveness of the same. Faith is as a hand which appropriates the forgiveness of sins and receives it as an unmerited gift of divine grace.

Without this faith all knowledge and sorrow for sin is only the confession of a Cain or a Judas, which ends in despair. But by faith in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all sinners, the heart is comforted and made quiet. But this faith you cannot produce in your own heart, but it is the work and gift of G.o.d the Holy Spirit. And if you experience that you are wanting in this faith, and that you cannot believe but desire to believe, then call upon G.o.d for this faith, and he will give it thee.

Thereupon the fruits of penitence must follow. These consist in this, that you no more knowingly and intentionally will commit the sins which have been forgiven you, but you much more will hate and forsake them, and by the a.s.sistance of the Holy Spirit contend against them.

If now you bring such a penitent heart with you to confession, then you are able to receive the absolution which your confessor gives you, by virtue of which your sins are really and certainly forgiven thee by G.o.d in heaven. Forgiveness of sins Christ has obtained for all sinners by his death and the shedding of His blood and sealed it by His resurrection and commanded it to be preached and delivered to all the world through the Gospel. Now when the confessor absolves thee, he does nothing else than declare unto you the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins; and yet this is not merely an empty declaration, but such a one through which forgiveness of sins is really presented and offered to penitent sinners. As often as you hear the words of absolution from his mouth, do not doubt, but firmly believe that your sins are forgiven thee before G.o.d in heaven, as certainly as if Christ would immediately speak from heaven: "Be of good cheer, my son (my daughter), thy sins be forgiven thee," for He says: "Whosoever heareth you, heareth me, and whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them."

34. Complaint of a poor Sinner concerning the Impenitence of his Heart.

I, miserable afflicted sinner, come unto Thee, my heavenly Father, and bring nothing with me but sin only. I can therefore not lift up my eyes to Thy exalted and most holy majesty, but I am ashamed, that I have so oft offended Thee and not hearkened unto Thy voice. Alas! there is nothing good in me, I am conceived and born in sins, my nature is so perverted and depraved, that I cannot feel and experience in me either a desire or love for virtue and the heavenly gifts, but only for transitory honor and joys and the inclination to all evil. I have lived in sin from my youth up, and yet I live in sin, as long as I have this sinful flesh of Adam on me. But, dear Lord, I comfort myself by Thy unbounded, unfathomable, infinite and unspeakable grace and mercy, which Thou hast promised to all penitent sinners in Thy word and confirmed by a sacred oath. I comfort myself by the precious merit of Thy only begotten Son, who was delivered for the sake of my sins and raised for my justification. O heavenly Father, hide Thy face from my sins and behold the face of Thy Son, who in himself never did commit sin, nor ever knew of sin, but through His most holy obedience, blood and death hath made satisfaction for all my sins and the sins of the whole world. Receive me, O Father, for the sake of this Saviour again into grace, and do not permit his bitter sufferings and death and his perfect precious ransom, which he has paid Thee for my sins to be lost by me, poor sinner, but that it may strengthen me. And I will then praise and bless Thee, here in time and there in eternity. Amen.

35. Prayer for true Conversion.

Almighty G.o.d, merciful Father! Every day Thy voice calling me to repentance and grace resounds in my ears, encouraging me and all sinful souls unto conversion: Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you; for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord, thy G.o.d. But alas! I am not sufficient of myself, as of myself to convert myself unto Thee. As little as the Ethiopian can change his skin and as little as the leopard can change its spots, so little can I cease to do evil and do good by my natural powers, inasmuch as the thoughts and intents of my heart are inclined to evil from my youth up continually. Has Thy grace wrought so much in me that I have determined that I will arise and reconcile myself with Thee on account of my sins, and offer unto Thee a broken and contrite heart, yet, alas! satan, the accursed one, will cast a thousandfold hinderances in the way. My own sinful flesh and blood prevent me, that the good that I will I cannot accomplish, but remain in sin and finally be destroyed therein. Wherefore, Abba, dear Father, I bend and bow my knees in deep humility before Thee, and ask for the sake of Thy infinite mercy: convert me, O Lord, and I shall be converted, help me, and I shall be helped, let Thy grace, my G.o.d, not be in vain in me, but as Thou hast given to will, so do Thou also give to accomplish it.

Destroy the wantonness of the infernal villain, prevent the suggestions of my perverted heart, that my holy resolution may not be hindered or entirely destroyed. Open my eyes that I may heartily know, painfully lament, and bitterly bewail my sins. Give me a divine sorrow over my transgressions, which will bring repentance unto salvation, which may never be repented of. Do Thou not, O Lord, permit me to be destroyed under the burden of sin, nor to despair with Cain and Judas, but do Thou turn to me, and be merciful unto me, behold my misery and affliction, and forgive all my sins. Show me Thy dear and merciful heart, Father, which desireth not the death of a sinner, but that he may be converted and live; speak gently to my soul, and say that mercy shall go for justice, and that Thou wilt no more remember my transgressions. Show me with the finger of Thy divine grace unto Jesus, the crucified one, how he died for my sins and rose again for my justification. Open to me for a refuge his b.l.o.o.d.y wounds, in which so many poor sinners have found comfort and salvation. Create also a clean heart within me and renew a right spirit within me; cast me not away from Thy countenance and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me; comfort me again with Thy help, and the joyful Spirit preserve me in a firm resolution to amend my sinful life, and as long as I live to serve Thee in righteousness and holiness, as is pleasing in Thy sight. O Lord, hear me, alas! Lord! be merciful, O Lord! hearken to remember and do what I ask, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen!

36. Prayer for the Forgiveness of Sin.

Eternal, merciful G.o.d, I, a poor miserable afflicted sinner, come before Thy divine Majesty bringing unto Thee nothing but sin, and on account of this sin I dare not raise my eyes unto Thee, but am cast down with shame, that I have so often and with great and manifold sins offended Thee, my G.o.d, my Creator and Father, so that if Thou wouldst deal with me according to my just dues, I would forever remain a child of wrath and eternal d.a.m.nation. But dear Lord G.o.d and Father, I comfort myself with Thy great mercy, with Thy unmeasurable, unfathomable, endless and unspeakable grace, which Thou thyself hast vouchsafed unto me and which Thou, with a precious oath and affirmation, hast confirmed and given me ample a.s.surance with Thy Words: "As true as I live, I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but that he might turn from his wickedness and live." I comfort myself with Thine only begotten Son, my dear Redeemer, Justifier, Mediator and Saviour, that He has, by His perfect obedience, sufferings and death, obtained for me again Thy favor, and has given unto me, one that believes in Him, power to become Thy child and to remain an heir of Thy boundless mercy now and in eternity. Therefore, I will not despair, but will confess my sins, both internal and external, secret and manifest, unto Thee, and I will present myself before Thee guilty as an evil-doer and malefactor, and I know nothing more to do than to come upon the promise of Thy Word with an humble heart and dauntless spirit in true faith and sincere confidence in Thy promised mercy and the bitter sufferings of Thy dear Son, to the throne of grace, and from the depths of my heart exclaim: Abba, dear Father, Lord! have mercy upon me! O G.o.d, be gracious unto me, a poor, miserable sinner; forgive all my original and actual sins, and all that I have at any time thought, spoken or done against Thee, consciously or unconsciously. Lord, there is nothing good in me. In sin was I conceived and born, in sin have I lived, in sin do I yet live, so long as I carry with me this sinful flesh and blood, and my sins are continually before Thee. Thou seest in me a thousand times more, yea, and a thousand times greater sin than I myself am able to see, know and feel. O Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Have mercy upon me for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, my Lord and Saviour, and through Thy great mercy, which is greater than the sins of all men, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean with hysop and sprinkle me with the pure blood of Thy Son, which was shed upon the cross. May I be and remain Thy child and heir, a vessel of Thy mercy, a fountain and dwelling of the Holy Spirit. O, Lord, redeem, comfort and quicken me! Grant unto me Thy grace anew! Gladden my distressed spirit and my troubled and broken heart with Thy holy, joyful and life-giving Spirit. The broken reed and smoking flax Thou wilt not, O Lord, bruise and quench. Thou wilt not cast me away from Thy countenance forever, this I know full well. Thou wilt not permit me to despair, but wilt favor me with Thy true Spirit, who will enkindle and confirm in me true faith and comfort. O, Lord! my G.o.d and Father, Thou faithful G.o.d, hear my prayer, that I may continue to be and remain Thy child and temple, now and eternally. Permit me not to fall into error and vice against my conscience. Save me from blood guiltiness and from all evil. May I ever rejoice in Thy Word, that I may willingly hear the same, read and ponder over it and that I may therewith serve and benefit others, that I may speak of it day and night, and proclaim Thy righteousness and glory continually; and I will love, adore, praise, thank and serve Thee, my G.o.d and Lord, and Thy dear Son, my Saviour Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, now and in all eternity with all angels and men. Amen.

37. Prayer for Reconciliation with our Neighbor.

Gracious Jesus, through Thy grace I have prepared myself and am about to seek the forgiveness of my sins in private confession; but I remember, that Thou hast said and earnestly commanded: if thou bring thy gift before the altar and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee: leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift. Now I have unfortunately fallen into misunderstanding and variance with my neighbor, hence do Thou so bestow upon me Thy grace and so overrule my heart, that I may be willing to be reconciled with him. I acknowledge the hardness of my heart and confess that it is hard for me to subdue my flesh and blood and to banish all anger and revenge. But it is my hope, yea, my prayer, that Thou, Lord, wilt take away my stony heart and grant unto me a heart of flesh, that is: a loving, reconciled heart, and cause me to love my enemy, to bless him that curses me, to do good unto those, that hate me, and to pray for those who despitefully abuse and persecute me. O! may I meditate upon that judgment and that terrible account which I must give unto Thee, that I may renounce that enmity which designs death and destruction, and according to Thy commandment become reconciled with my adversary whilst I am in the way with him, and never more permit the sun to go down upon my wrath. And as I, in Thy name, pardon and forgive all those, who have offended me, so let me find all those, whom I have grieved and irritated, ready with a willing heart, to pardon and forgive my offences against them. O, Jesus! forgive all our sins, and govern our hearts, that we may live with each other in a christian and peaceful manner and that we may praise Thy name here in time, until in heaven we shall glorify Thee forever. Amen.

Brief Instruction concerning the Holy Supper.

Why do you desire to go to the Holy Supper? This question each one should lay before his conscience before he approaches the Lord's table. For there are not a few who are either altogether obtuse and thoughtless, or they come to the Holy Supper with an entirely wrong intention. Some will go from mere custom, others because they are admonished to do so by their parents, others because they consider the partaking of the Lord's Supper a work of merit, and still others because they wish to acquire and preserve the appearance and name of pious Christians before men. It is no wonder that such partakers of the Holy Supper receive no blessings from it, and that they become the more wicked, the longer they so continue.

A communicant who desires to receive the Holy Supper unto his salvation, must, in the first place, clearly understand what the Holy Supper is and for what Christ has inst.i.tuted it, and, in the second place, he must have a penitent heart.

Such have an altogether false conception of the Holy Supper, who regard it as a mere feast at which a person does but commemorate Christ's sufferings and death. No, the Holy Supper is the exalted and holy mystery, in which Christ with the consecrated bread gives us his body to eat, and with the consecrated wine gives us his blood to drink, even the same body which he took on himself from the virgin Mary and gave in death for our sins, and the same blood which he shed upon the cross for the remission of our sins. True, we cannot see this with our eyes, we cannot taste it with our mouth, nor can we understand it with our reason, but must believe it, for our Lord and Saviour says: "Take, eat, this _is_ my body; take, drink, this _is_ my blood." Our Lord and Saviour is true, and certainly he will fulfill what he says in the words of his testament; he is of infinite wisdom, and knows of ways and means for the fulfillment of his promises, even though it be beyond our comprehension; he is almighty, with whom nothing is impossible, who can do infinitely more than we are able to ask or think. If we believe with all earnestness, that it is not mere bread and wine, but also the true body and blood of our Saviour, who is G.o.d and man in one person, which we receive in the Holy Supper, then we will not be thoughtless and indifferent, but we will approach the table of the Lord with devotional and humble hearts and with the centurion exclaim: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof!

The benefits derived from the Holy Supper are threefold: first, by a worthy partaking of the Holy Supper we receive the forgiveness of sin and are a.s.sured of the same. Our gracious G.o.d has given many and manifold means to a.s.sure the poor sinner of the forgiveness of his sins; such means are, the preaching of the Gospel, Holy Baptism, Absolution and the Holy Supper. We should not ask the impertinent question, why G.o.d has given us _four_ means of grace, instead of _one_, but rather thank him, that he has so richly blessed us in making us partakers of the forgiveness of our sins, and that he, through these means, gives unto us a joyful heart and a certain a.s.surance that we are acceptable unto him.

Whoever knows from own experience, how important it is for one whose heart is terrified on account of his sins, to believe in the forgiveness of such sins, will readily conceive the greatness of divine mercy and care, in not providing only one, but many means, through which we have the a.s.surance of the forgiveness of our sins. Therefore, just as certain as with your mouth you eat the body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which was given for you in death for the forgiveness of your sins, and drink that blood which was shed for the remission of your sins, just so certain also should you be that such forgiveness is your portion and inheritance. Second, the Holy Supper also confers life. This is not a temporal, natural life, which we have received through birth and which is nourished through the ordinary food and drink, but it is that new, spiritual life, which has been regenerated through the new birth in Holy Baptism, and which subsists by virtue of faith in the Lord Jesus and in love to G.o.d and our neighbor. But inasmuch as this life is yet weak and imperfect and constant growth is necessary, the Lord has inst.i.tuted the Holy Supper as a spiritual means of nourishment, in order to strengthen the new spiritual life. Luther says concerning this: The Holy Supper is rightly regarded as food for the soul which nourishes and strengthens the new man; for through Baptism we are first born again, but there still remains the old Adam in our flesh and blood; there are so many temptations and impediments thrown in the way by the world and the devil, that we often grow weary and languid and sometimes fall. Hence the Holy Supper is given us as a daily nourishment and food that our faith may grow and be strengthened, and that in such contest it may not fall back, but ever grow stronger and stronger; for the new life must be such as always to increase and progress; it has on the other hand, to suffer much; for the devil is such a wrathful enemy, when he sees that one opposes him and a.s.sails the old man, and he is unable to prevail with his power, then he will sneak and creep around on all sides, making use of all kinds of artifice and keeps on until he finally has made us weary, that a person either falls from the faith altogether, or gives way to disgust and impatience. Thereto then this comfort is given, that the heart, when it feels the temptations too great to bear, receives new strength and solace from the Holy Supper. But, thirdly, the Holy Supper also confers eternal salvation. Just as sin, as long as it is not forgiven, deprives us of salvation, so sin which is forgiven opens unto us the door of eternal salvation. Where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation.

But if we would obtain this threefold blessed benefit from the Holy Supper, we must receive it worthily and well prepared. This is however not a worthiness brought about by the law, but by the Gospel, and does not consist in a perfect life and entire purity of the soul from sin; but much more in this, that we are conscious of our unworthiness and sinfulness; that we have a heart poor in spirit and mournful, and long heartily after the forgiveness of sin, that we also comfort ourselves with it or wish to comfort; that we regard our sins to be very great, but that we rejoice in the help which is found in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. On the other hand, all those communicants are unworthy and unfit, who in their self-righteous conceit think it unnecessary to have the forgiveness of sin, as was the case with the Pharisee, who stood and prayed thus with himself: G.o.d, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are,--or who entirely doubt the forgiveness of sin, as did Cain, who said unto the Lord: My punishment is greater than I can bear, and who will not permit himself to be delivered from his despondent thoughts, or those who continue in evil purpose and who knowingly go on and serve sin, or who live in malicious hatred against their neighbor. When such unworthy communicants receive the Holy Supper, it is true, they also receive the body and blood of Christ, but they receive it unto judgment and unto the increase of their own d.a.m.nation. Hence, too, St. Paul gives the earnest admonition: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup, for whoso eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh d.a.m.nation to himself. Now, whoever recognizes in himself the above named characteristics of an unworthy communicant, should not dare to approach the table of the Lord in this condition; not that he should remain away, but in the meanwhile he should examine himself, and instead of being an impenitent, become a penitent sinner.

But are not also weak believers to be numbered among the unworthy communicants? By no means. But much more those who are both weak in faith and defective in G.o.dly life, and who are overtaken in this or that sin, and who painfully feel their weakness and long to become stronger, are Christ's right welcome guests at his table; such the Lord does not cast away, but much more invites to come; for he inst.i.tuted the Holy Supper especially for the weak and infirm, that through this spiritual nourishment they might become stronger. He extends unto all such the gracious call: Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, and whosoever comes, I will in no wise cast out.

38. Morning Prayer of a Communicant.

Lord Jesus, I this morning rejoice that I, with other pious Christians, am permitted to receive Thy body and blood in, with and under the consecrated bread and wine. O! how my soul longs for the courts of the Lord and for the holy altar. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O my G.o.d. For Thou art my Shepherd, I shall not want. O, Lord Jesus, as Thou hast begun the good work in me a poor miserable man, so also accomplish the same in mercy, through the gracious power of the Holy Spirit unto Thy name's glory and unto my own welfare and eternal salvation. Dear Redeemer, I am, it is true, not worthy that I should come under Thy roof, but Thy grace, which is all-sufficient, make me worthy and amply qualify me, that the precious food and drink of Thy true body and blood may quicken my soul in this heavenly feast of joy and love. Clothe me with the garment of salvation and with the robe of Thy righteousness by a true faith, that I may not be found among the pretending guests and would-be-Christians, but may be a worthy partaker at Thy table and receive all Thy gracious treasures which Thou hast acquired for me. O Lord Jesus, may Thy grace be and remain with me, as I ever put my trust in Thee. May Thy visitation preserve my spirit, my life and walk. And whatever else is needful, grant Thou, O Lord, unto me in this life and in the life hereafter. Give me true repentance, renew my heart, deliver my body and soul. O Lord! hear this my desire, and do not permit my prayer to remain unanswered, that I may be acceptable unto Thee in time and in eternity. Amen, in Jesus' name, Amen.

39. Prayer for a worthy Partaking of the Holy Supper.

Behold me, Dear Saviour, As I Come Relying on Thy Gracious Invitation.

May I find favor in Thine eyes, Thou Lover of Life. For who am I that Thou shouldst so friendly call me? Were I even holier than the angels, yet would I not be worthy of this repast; how then should I be worthy, seeing that I am of impure lips, yea, an abomination and offensive, if Thou doest not make me worthy? Therefore come Thou to my succor with Thy grace, and prepare me. Thou hast said: Whosoever cometh to me, Thou wilt in no wise cast out. Then take my soul into Thy favor, according to Thy great mercies. Dear Jesus, remember that of myself I have indeed much evil, but nothing good; so help me for Thy great goodness' sake. O see how poor and miserable I am! Remember Thy faithfulness, O Saviour of the world, and fill my heart with grace. O! how I long to appear at Thy table with glowing devotion and becoming reverence in full faith, but where is the power to do, if I do not receive it of Thee, thou Author and Finisher of my faith? Therefore give Thou unto me whatsoever is pleasing to Thee.

Graciously take from me whatsoever displeases Thee, or cover it, at least, I most humbly pray Thee, with the cloak of Thy righteousness. O!

blessed is the soul that finds favor with Thee! Open Thou mine eyes that I may behold the wonders in Thy ordinances. Rouse my heart, and free me of all strange thoughts, increase my hope, inflame my desire, make ardent my devotion, purge me of all uncleanness, and sanctify me wholly, that I may approach with joyful confidence, that I may receive with pure mouth and holy heart, and with heartfelt desire eat and drink unto the life, welfare and blessing of my soul. Amen.

40. Thanksgiving after Partaking of the Holy Supper.

Lord Jesus Christ, I give Thee most hearty thanks and praise, that Thou hast again washed me, a poor sinful being, of all my transgressions, and, for the most certain a.s.surance of such was.h.i.+ng and forgiveness of all my sins, hast permitted me to eat of Thy true body, and to drink of Thy true blood, and, taking me as an impure child after such cleansing, hast again received me into the fatherly arms of Thy grace and mercy, and doest thus show and present me blameless, pure and without fault unto Thy heavenly Father.

I pray Thee most heartily and from my whole soul, that, after Thy great benefit, Thou wouldst yet add this in abundance, and graciously grant me Thy grace through the working of the Holy Ghost, that I may be truly sensible of Thy great goodness, thankfully receive it, and from my heart magnify and praise Thee during my whole life. And do Thou further work in me through Thy Holy Ghost, and effect that I also may heartily forgive my neighbor anything he may have done against me, as Thou, O Lord, hast pardoned and forgiven all my great and numerous transgressions, yea, and hast entirely wiped them out of Thy remembrance; that I may also love my neighbor, and from my heart show him all manner of good, even as Thou, O Lord, hast shown unto me more than I am able to thank for; in order that Thou, O good and faithful G.o.d, in us mayest be magnified and praised together with the Father and Holy Ghost throughout all ages. Amen.

41. Prayer that G.o.d would hereafter keep us from sin, and if we sin, that He would not reckon it to our account.

O thou kind and merciful G.o.d, Thou dear Father in heaven, Thou hast out of grace and divine love, bestowed upon us Thy dear Son, and with Him all grace, life and salvation. We pray Thee, dear Father, preserve unto us this blessed treasure and heavenly gift, the gracious countenance of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, that we may never lose Him through unthankfulness, or otherwise be deprived of Him. We are indeed poor, miserable and frail beings, who fall from one sin into another; we now sin in thought, now in word and deed, and it is with difficulty that we stand. Here we never find rest and peace; the devil watches our very thoughts, stirs them up, and fans the pa.s.sions into flame, the world watches our words and deeds, walk and life, and gives us much offense and occasion to sin, our own flesh also never rests, besides yet all the occasional sins, vices and weaknesses which daily beset us, and which terribly trouble our conscience, entirely destroy the joy of our heart and turn it into sorrow and sadness. Therefore we pray Thee, Thou kind and merciful G.o.d, that when, as it may happen, we have become negligent and unthankful, and do not so walk as we should--O do Thou still remain our gracious G.o.d; be Thou friendly towards us, comfort us in goodness and mercy, do not hold us accountable or make us suffer for our manifold sins, but purge our hearts and consciences by Thy word, in order that we may serve Thee in sorrow and joy, magnify, honor and praise Thee in time and in eternity. Amen.