Psalm 144: Against Wicked Doctrine and Idolatrous Worshiping
this steadfast faith) do lamentably require thy favorable assistance in the dangerous perils of this wretched life. For, unless thou puttest to thy ready helping hand, we do utterly despair of our salvation. Show us the way wherein we may walk without danger, and teach us after what manner we may accomplish thy blessed will, and rule all our thoughts and deeds by the help of thy holy spirit which proceedeth from thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 144: AGAINST WICKED DOCTRINE
AND IDOLATROUS WORSHIPING
(Prayer 1) We unfeignedly confess (O most good and merciful God) that all warlike force and policy proceedeth from thee only, who bestowest the same at thy will and pleasure, upon such as thou wilt: forsomuch as therefore we ascribe all power and victory to thy blessed name, we take thee only to be our strong
Castell, invincible Tower, unremovable rock, and mighty shield. For although we right well perceive that man of his own nature is a thing of naught in respect of that he should be acknowledged of thee, and we to have sinned so heinously, as we are altogether unworthy that thou shouldst make any accompt at all of us, but having nevertheless assured confidence in thy unspeakable mercy, we are bold to direct our hearty prayers unto thy divine Majesty, in this our most difficult and troublesome time, requiring thee to show forth thy mighty power from heaven for our deliverance, by scattering and dispersing of our cruel enemies.
Stretch out thy puissant hand (we humbly beseech thee) and rid us from the layings await of ungodly persons. It is thou which hast sent help unto kings and princes that put their whole confidence in thee, by the delivering not of David only, but also through the often setting at liberty of very many of the ancient fathers from noisome mishappes and extreme perils. Forsomuch as therefore thou hast always endued thy faithful servants with innumerable and most excellent benefits, as well temporal as spiritual things, that is to wit, a plentiful issue, flocks of sheep, riches and honor, insomuch as all people might easily judge the nation blessed which took thee for their God. Reject not now thy sacred Church: