Psalm 31: In Distress and Trial of Faith
stand upright. Howbeit have thou an especial regard (O good God) what thy merciful promises require, namely that thou wilt not suffer those to perish and come to ruin which cry heartily unto thee. For our adversaries would do nothing less than set forth thy worthy praises. At length therefore make an end of our sorrowful mourning, that (the spirit of gladness being restored to us again) we may both now and in another world also, render everlasting praise and thanks unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 31: IN DISTRESS AND TRIAL OF FAITH
(Prayer 1) Seeing that thou (O most mighty God) art our assured rock and strong defense, it is now needful for thy names sake, that thou shouldest save and deliver those which repose their whole trust in thee, so that we may be nothing ashamed of the faith that we have firmly affixed in thee. Thou seest how they (of whom thy sacred doctrine and holy Gospel is had in contempt) have privily laid snares and nets to trap us. We therefore which see that we can be preserved by none other mean, do now commit ourselves to be defended by thy only hands and mighty power. For we have no affiance in curious and wicked arts, but repose ourselves (O good God) upon thy goodness only, and require thee to have an especial care and regard to the afflictions we now are in, neither suffer thou us to be shut up into the hands of wicked persons. We know for a certainty that our sins wherewith we are so sore burdened, shall make exceedingly against us in thy just judgment, that of right we cannot escape. But beseech thee of thy infinite goodness, to have mercy upon us, neither suffer thy blessed Church to be a by word and jesting stock both to the neighbors and enemies thereof. Show forth thy cheerful countenance upon her, let the wicked be put to utter shame, we humbly pray thee, who mayest stop the mouths of liars, when they most arrogantly imagine very horrible accusations against her. And although (as to the judgment of the flesh) we think ourselves to be thrust down headlong, and cast utterly from the sight of thine eyes: yet notwithstanding, we still hope in spirit that thou wilt give attentive ear unto our hearty prayers. Grant therefore that the
virtuous men which earnestly love thee, may well understand that thou mightily preservest thy faithful servants, and dost greatly strengthen such as honor and reverence thee with an unfeigned heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Let thy favorable and loving countenance (O most mighty God) shine upon us, from whence cometh all consolation, joy, and gladness unto thy beloved servants: and seeing we crave for thy ready help, bring utterly to naught the subtle inventions, crafts, deceits, and laying await of the violent force of our enemies. Surely most great, most beautiful, and most joyful is the sweetness of thy inestimable goodness which thou hast laid up for those that repose their whole trust in thee: that the sins therefore which we have lewdly committed seclude us not from the same, we heartily beseech thee to cleanse and purify us with thy gracious favor. For if we once obtain this, there is no doubt, but that we shall be both hidden, and also defended from all imminent mischiefs, under the tabernacle and strong defense of thy mighty protection, so as we boldly and steadfastly persevering in thy blessed love, may at length be brought and conveyed unto thee, being the pillar and chief stay of our salvation, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 3) The confidence (O most mighty God) which the Godly repose in thee, hath this notable and singular property, that it maketh no man ashamed thereof, nor defraudeth any person of his just desire: the same therefore doth greatly enforce us to crave thy ready help, that thou wouldest always be our puissant strength, strong defense, assured stay, valiant Capitaine, and most provident nourisher. Moreover we know right well, that (by reason of our manifold sins) the malicious enemies of thy glorious name and our salvation, have everywhere laid snares, traps, and ambushes for us. Therefore do we commit our whole spirit and life to thy faithful custody, and put them into thy hands to be strongly defended: forsomuch as thou seest our innumerable infirmities, and how we are always environed and compassed about with the violent force of our fierce enemies: be merciful therefore to our sorrowful estate, and help us presently without any delay. And as thou hast both life and death in thy puissant