Psalm 85: For the Whole Congregation of Christ
Give ear therefore (O excellent father) unto our earnest prayers, and grant that we make none other accompt of thy blessed house, then thy will and pleasure is we should do: for a more blessed thing it were for us to have one days meeting and abode therein, then if we abide never so great a time of continuance in the congregation of the ungodly, or in such a one as is not lawfully assembled with the advantage and overplus of all the pleasures of this transitory world. Seeing that therefore thou art our most splendent light, and strong defense, cause our assemblies on the earth so to redound to thy unspeakable glory, that our assured hope (by coming in the end unto thee into the everlasting tabernacles of the heavens) may be augmented, and very much increased, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
PSALM 85: FOR THE WHOLE
CONGREGATION OF CHRIST
(Prayer 1) Shew thyself gentle and gracious (O almighty God) towards thy beloved Church, for thy exceeding great glories sake and mercy most magnificent, that we may be miraculously delivered from the horrible fardell and cruel bondage of our deadly sins: who have hitherto been bond slaves to the flesh, and wretched prisoners of the devil, and yet hast thou vouchedsafe to release and forgive us the whole number of our deadly iniquities, and covered all our heinous offenses. Notwithstanding therefore we are now also very ungrateful, and such as be not worthy of thy gracious benefits: our earnest request is that thou wouldest withhold thyself from thy wrathful indignation. Surely thou art justly angry with us, but (for the glory of thy name) repress this fury which is stirred up by reason of our grievous sins, and lead us into the strait way of perfect health, forsomuch as it appertaineth not to thy loving kindness, to be always offended with thy faithful servants, or to continue thy heavy wrath and fierce indignation unto many generations. Deal with us after thy old accustomed manner, and not according to our lewd deserts, scatter abroad our cruel enemies, and put them to flight whom thou (being provoked through our great default) wouldest that we
should feel. Thou which in thy great wrath dost kill, and being pacified, quicknest again, show thy mercy and saving health, like as thou hast set destruction before our eyes, to the intent thou wouldst both terrify and chastise us. Grant that we (which have heretofore been marvelous rebellious and very stubborn) may ever hereafter give obedient ear to these things which thou speakest and willest us to do. Let thy unspeakable loving mercy and famous truth be linked in us together, and vouchsafe that peace and righteousness may with an indissoluble band, stick fast in our hearts, that when as thou hast delivered us from the hands of the most outrageous Antichrist and his cruel Champions, we may yield unto thee the plentiful fruits of holiness and perfect righteousness, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Forsomuch as (O most mighty God) we be thy adopted sheep, faithful people, and loving heritage, our whole assurance is that thou wilt be merciful unto us, yea and so favorable, as to forgive our cursed iniquities and heinous sins, and to pardon such grievous penalties and horrible punishments as we have right worthily deserved. Quench thou of thy loving kindness (we humbly beseech thee) thy great fury which we have kindled against ourselves, and dissolve the ireful indignation that we have provoked to be poured upon us, forsomuch as it is not thy property (although our lewd and naughty behavior hath justly deserved the same) either to be always angry, or else to show forth thy fierce wrath a long time. But contrariwise dost rather set out thy inestimable goodness everywhere and in all places, and art accustomed to proffer salvation unto so many as fly unto thee for the same. Grant thou (O most dear and excellent father) who speakest always peaceable matters and those things which are for our singular commodity, that we may have a very great regard to thy blessed words. Which thing if it so fall out, we shall not only be saved and adorned with glory, but also everything of ours shall be replenished with goodness, truth, righteousness, and peace: faith shall abound, and through the same shall we be plenteously justified.
Our earnest desire is to obtain this at thy merciful hands, that we be not idle and unfruitful servants, but may walk in holiness and innocence before thee all the days of our life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.