Psalm 25: For Constancy in a Troublesome Contention for the Word of God
good will towards those which repose their whole trust and confidence in thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Seeing that all things (O most good and mighty God) have their being through thy creation and making, we must certainly without any doubt conclude, that both the earth, and also men which inhabit the same, be only thine: but unto thee verily (who, as thou art Lord of all things, so art thou accounted, and that most rightfully, to be the perfection and highest type of our felicity) can no man come, but such as have a pure heart, innocent hands, and constant fidelity towards their neighbors. Forsomuch as we be not as now endued with these kind of ornaments, but rather spotted with filthy vices, being altogether utter enemies to these virtues, we do in our fervent prayers lamentably desire thy favorable mercy (which thing only is the last refuge we have to stay ourselves upon) that thou which art called the king of glory, accounted strong and mighty, a valiant conqueror and noble triumpher in wars, wilt with thy merciful goodness far surmount and overpass our sinful deservings. And grant (although of our parts greatly undeserved) that we may be partakers of thy excellent blessing and incomparable righteousness, for so much as we have reposed our whole faith and confidence in Jesus Christ thy son, who liveth and reigneth with thee evermore world without end. Amen.
PSALM 25: FOR CONSTANCY IN A TROUBLESOME
CONTENTION FOR THE WORD OF GOD
(Prayer 1) We lift up our minds, prayers, words, and hands unto thee (O most mighty God) desiring this especially, that whilst we stay ourselves and depend wholly upon thy goodness, thou do not suffer us to be so confounded, as the adversaries of thy glorious name, and enemies of the pure and sincere doctrine, may greatly rejoice thereat, and be much boldened in their wickedness.
Neither do we pray for this as though our deserts justly required the same: but confess how much and how greatly we have gone astray from thy sacred law and blessed will, which, as we acknowledge willingly and before the face of the world,
so endeavor we ourselves to crave pardon and forgiveness of thee in these our daily prayers. Declare therefore thy blessed ways hereafter effectually unto us (according to thy mercy and loving kindness) and bring us in use with thy sacred laws and statutes, to the performance whereof you wouldst have us surely bound.
For it is a thing impossible, but that he doth steadfastly persevere and abide in thy holy covenant, whom thou thyself shalt instruct and teach: because his mind
(without doubt) shall enjoy perfect good things, and his feet be set at liberty, were they entangled in never so strong and crafty a net. Behold now (O good God) with what troublesome afflictions and painful griefs thy blessed Church is oppressed, whose safety and deliverance dependeth only upon thee. Deliver her therefore in such sort (O mighty God of Israel) that she fall not under the most furious rage of Antichrist and the Devil, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) We do resort and have daily access unto thee (O most mighty God) who instantly in our earnest prayers and fervent petitions require thy merciful goodness not to suffer nor permit us to have the foil in the contention which we now hold continually with the cruel enemies and adversaries of man's salvation. Purge and utterly wipe away the sinful blemishes and spots of our infirmity, with thy unspeakable clemency: and although we be altogether unworthy of thy loving favor (by reason of our naughtiness and wicked life) yet we heartily require, and earnestly desire thee, to direct, teach, govern, and finally, show us thy blessed ways which we know are garnished with an incredible liberality, and marvelous assured truth. Have a great regard and care (O most gentle father) unto the perils and calamities wherein we are wrapped, and in manner overwhelmed. Deliver us out of them, and wipe away all our wretched iniquities, and rescue thy sacred Church, (which to do is in thy only power) not only from outward afflictions wherewith it is diversely vexed, but chiefly from that great calamity whereby thy honor is much defiled, neither purely and chastely set forth as it ought to be, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.