Psalm 42: Distress for the Comfort of the Gospel
into most dangerous and sore distresses, we humbly fly unto thy goodness only, hoping that thou wilt vouchsafe to remit whatsoever we have offended or displeased thee in, neither suffer the wicked enemies of our salvation, to triumph and rejoice at our destruction, forsomuch as it shall be manifested in this one point, that thou dost make a very great accompt of us, when as thou art our strong defender in such a noisome and troublesome time. Succor us (we humbly beseech thee) and show how thou dost mightily uphold us, whereby we may (according to our bounden duty. Publish and set forth the worthy praises of thy most glorious name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 42: DISTRESS FOR THE
COMFORT OF THE GOSPEL
(Prayer 1) There is none (O most mighty God) that well and rightly considereth thy inestimable goodness, but with a fervent mind doth (like unto a heart that is very thirsty) breathe and fervently bray unto thee both day and night: for how can it be that any man having a true faith, should not make earnest haste to come unto the living God? but we have been hitherto greatly slack in that hearty desire, neither have we unfeignedly sought God (as we ought to do) in the sacred and holy Congregations. Therefore, (through much heaviness and sorrow) piteous tears have been our meat and drink in these marvelous troublesome times, whiles the most cruel enemies of thy blessed Church do daily mock and jest at us, saying where is their God. But as thou (O good God) art merciful and most gentle, so lay down and turn away (we humbly beseech thee) thy heavy displeasure which thou hast rightly conceived against us, and remembering thy faithful promises, grant unto us (although we in no wise deserve it) that our assured hope and constant faith may be most firm and strong, so as our soul be not cast down lower than it ought to be. For although floods, tempests, and bottomless pits of temptations seem to be poured out upon thy blessed Church, yet so assuage and moderate them with the goodness of thy singular mercy and excellent grace, that our mind and conscience be not deprived of their perfect joy.