Psalm 21: For the Praise and Augmentation of the Gospel
many and infinite ways: yet (for thy tender loving mercies sake) put them to shame and confusion, that repose all their trust in Chariots, horse, and worldly power: but raise and lift up to salvation such as are wholly bent to depend upon thee, and bow down thy merciful and favorable ears to hear the fervent prayers and petitions which we make unto thy divine Majesty, for the mighty enlarging of our Lord Jesus Christ his kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PSALM 21: FOR THE PRAISE AND
AUGMENTATION OF THE GOSPEL
We confess with a singular joy (O most mighty God) that Jesus Christ our king being endued with power and honor after his resurrection, doth abide and live with thee. And forsomuch as he hath now obtained and gotten most largely whatsoever may be wished or desired, tending to most perfect and everlasting blessedness, it cannot otherwise be but that very much of his salvation, gifts, and glory be shed abroad and light upon us also, which are his members. Of which felicity and most singular gift, although we acknowledge and confess ourselves most unworthy, by reason of our wicked manners and ungodly life: yet forsomuch as we heartily repent us of them, we are nothing doubtful of his ready help, but do also most assuredly believe that he will once vanquish, and bring to naught so many as do advance and set themselves against his glorious Kingdom.
Grant (we humbly beseech thee, most dear father) that their pestiferous devices being of none effect, thy high and famous power may at length be so known and manifested, as we may always show forth thy worthy praises and passing wondrous works, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 22: FOR GOD'S FAVOR IN DISTRESS
(Prayer 1) Thou couldest endure and suffer that our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son (O most mighty God) should so be tormented on the cross for the sins of men, that he did appear to be utterly forsaken of thee and left void of all help.
Thou which wert wont to aid and succor thy Saints at what time they called upon thee, seemed to contemn our Saviors prayers, as though he had been a worm and no man, the very abject of all mankind, and the outcast of the people: and at length suffered him to die a very shameful death by the hands of the furious raging Jews, who came and fell upon him as they had been mad dogs, fierce bulls, and roaring Lions. Whom notwithstanding thou didst raise afterward from death in such glorious wise, that for the same cause his faithful members do always laude and celebrate thy excellent name: therefore we heartily pray and humbly beseech thee (for that thy most abundant mercy wherewith thou wert moved in such wise to permit so many evils to happen unto thy only beloved son for our sakes) not to suffer the cause of thy most afflicted Church to come into ruin and decay. We acknowledge our sins to be passing horrible, for the which not only a temporal, but also an immortal death is due: yet look thou not upon us (O mighty God) in respect of that we are ourselves, but because we be members of thy dear and only begotten son, effectually preserving and mightily defending our cause in the Gospel, being also thy case, and which the adversaries of the gospel judge that thou hast left destitute and utterly forsaken, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Forsomuch as thy son our Lord Jesus Christ (O most mighty God) suffered in such wise for our redemption sake as he might seem to be cast out of thy sight and utterly forsaken of thee: who being overwhelmed on the Cross with the waves and sourges of a most bitter death, at the last died, and (being made a most innocent sacrifice) suffered the pains and torments which we had justly deserved. Then being raised from death after three days, appeared to his disciples, and manifestly showed forth and published thy excellent name and glory, none otherwise than he customarily used a little before to do while he lived among them. Seeing that therefore we both acknowledge and also confess ourselves to have been abusers of such an unspeakable mercy and infinite clemency, we humbly flee unto thee heartily praying that whom thou hast granted and ordained to be engrafted and to spring a new in so excellent a Mediator (who is the author and only preserver of our salvation) thou wouldest grant the same