Psalm 40: That Our Sins May be Pardoned Through the Merits of Christ
PSALM 40: THAT OUR SINS MAY BE PARDONED
THROUGH THE MERITS OF CHRIST
(Prayer 1) Those which are sustained and stayed up with such a hope (O most mighty God) that they look for thy ready help in their present tribulations, when they most charge them, and have an especial regard unto thee, being in no despair thereof at all, thou at length (according to thy accustomed goodness and unspeakable mercy) grantest their humble requests, thou hearest their loud cries out of the deep waters, and sticking fast in mire and dirt liftest them out thereof with thy most puissant help. Whereby it happeneth, that they being mightily delivered, have thy inestimable praises continually in their mouths, which they celebrate with new ditties, both openly and privately, to the intent they would stir up and provoke all men to the perfect belief, assured hope, and due fear of thee.
Give us therefore at this present such grace, as we may both repose our whole trust in thee only, and also not to pass for the proud persons or liars that have risen up together against thy sacred church, perceiving right well that thou art the author of all wonderful matters, who hast in the high treasures of thy divine providence, such devices and purposes which no man can rehearse or show forth in order, nor yet once to utter, in as much as they excel in number and greatness all force of words, and efficacy of speech. Therefore where as we have hitherto grievously offended thee, by reason of our heinous sins, neither can make sufficient satisfaction by any sacrifice of our own, grant us an obedient faith to be at all times proclive and ready to follow thy blessed will, which thou hast vouchedsafe to manifest and reveal unto us in the book of thy sacred law: grant that we may readily and with a free will execute the same, being surely printed in the most inward parts of our sinful body. And like as thou dost never withhold thyself from speedy mercy and unspeakable goodness towards us: so again let thy zealous loving servants manifestly show forth thy steadfast faithfulness, upright justice, and sincere truth, both in their words and conversation. Thou seest how we are borne down and laden with grievous sins, how we are overwhelmed with miserable adversities, and how both heart and wit faileth us: wherefore have thou an