Psalm 150: That We May Praise God With a Cheerful Heart
themselves wholly to thee, and be desirous to celebrate thy worthy praises, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Forsomuch as thou hast from time to time (O most mighty God) blessed us with new benefits, it is very requisite (unless we will become utterly unmindful of our bounden duty) that we should daily with fresh ditties and new songs give thanks to thy blessed name in the congregation of the faithful. For what end shall we make of praising thee, whom in all things and at all times we feel to be our maker and perfect king of our salvation? Certainly seeing that we right well perceive thee to be so favorable to the faithful, and dost garnish such as be godly with most plentiful gifts, it is requisite that we should utter tokens of a right thankful mind, in thought, word, and work, and with all instruments, means, and ways wherewith that thing may best be done. And to the intent this thing may be the better accomplished of us, put into the hands of our heart, the sword of thy blessed word, whereby we may take vengeance of the flesh, wicked vices, and lewd desires, which do in a manner destroy us, and so to bridle and keep under sin which is natural unto us, that it may be deposed from the tyranny which he executeth upon the children of Adam, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PSALM 150: THAT WE MAY PRAISE
GOD WITH A CHEERFUL HEART
(Prayer 1) When as all things which thou hast created (O almighty God) praise thee, they do not only that which is due to thy famous honor and glorious renown, but also they work most wonderfully and abundantly their own perfection: for there is nothing which we can do of more excellency, then to celebrate thee as being the original and end of all good things, whose immeasurable benefits we feel daily poured upon us. But neither can we sufficiently enough perceive them, nor yet thy infinite goodness, so long as we be here oppressed with the most grievous burden of our heinous sins, and borne down by reason thereof, with an exceeding great weight of afflictions, so that a man must needs
unskillfully praise the thing which he knoweth not. We do therefore earnestly require thee (O mighty God) even from the bottom of the heart, to disburden us of the fardell of our corrupt naughtiness, which being laid down, we mistrust not but the darkness of present calamities shall be driven away from the sacred
Church, so that she may lift up her eyes to her maker and redeemer, who (wondering as well at the riches of thy excellent goodness, as of the unspeakable wisdom) shall magnify thee with most high praises, as meet it is. But now verily, so sorrowful and lamentable things do encounter us everywhere, that we see nothing towards us saving thy wrathful indignation: which as we deny not ourselves to have deserved, so we earnestly desire and heartily pray thee, to withdraw the same from us at length, to the intent we may be stirred up to the worthy praising of thy glorious name, not only in words, but with all tunable instruments meet to lift up our minds unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Like as the holiness and magnificence of thy excellent name (O most mighty God) is continually celebrated in the glorious Sanctuary of such as be blessed and spiritually minded, which thing may be done so much the more excellentlier of them, for that they behold the secretness of thy Majesty both nearer and perfectlier: even so is it meet also that mortal men should always addict themselves to extol thy worthy praises: who see the immeasurable treasure of thy excellent goodness, mighty power, and incomprehensible wisdom to be daily manifested, both in heaven and in all creatures. But above all others, this belongeth to our charge, who (being illumined with faith and with thy heavenly spirit) do understand more of thy divine mysteries out of the holy Scriptures, then nature is able to set forth with all her beautiful furniture: and therefore (we humbly beseech thee) to stir up our sinful hearts in such wise, as we may worship thee with most pure praises and exceeding fervent petitions, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.