Psalm 86: In Distress
PSALM 86: IN DISTRESS
(Prayer 1) Seeing that (O almighty God) our wretchedness and poverty is right great, therefore have we very much need of thy salvation, for so long as we now fly unto thee to the intent thou shouldest be our speedy succor and assured defense, we call to remembrance our most grievous sins, corrupt life, and lewd behavior, which neither we will hide, nor yet (if we were willing thereto) could keep the same secret from thee. Thou right well perceivest all our naughtiness, which we truly acknowledge and confess unto thy divine Majesty: we have grievously sinned, we have done greatly amiss, we have been marvelous disobedient, very stubborn, and exceeding willful against thee, who deserve far more heinous displeasures than these which we now feel and suffer. But bow thou down thy favorable look (O excellent father) and give ear unto our fervent prayers, have compassion upon us that cry out daily unto thee, and lift up our sorrowful eyes and heavy minds towards thy most excellent mercies seat, having this assured confidence, that, thou who art ready to forgive, rich in loving kindness towards such as call upon thee, and exceeding mighty in thy works above all Gods, wilt not despise us in so great distress and tribulation. Thou art most puissant, thou showest wonderful things, and thou art God alone. Teach us therefore thy perfect ways, cause us to walk in thy blessed truth: call back our wandering heart unto thee, that it may stand greatly in fear of thy holy name. Thou verily hast nobly made us partakers of thy excellent mercy, but forsomuch as we were very ungrateful, the hosts of the ungodly are risen up against us, and the forefront of cursed men's battles hath assailed us, who neither regard thee at all, nor make any accompt of thy most blessed name and pure doctrine, endeavoring alonelye by their most lewd practices, through the same mean to destroy at one push both the true worshipping of thee and our souls also. Seeing that therefore thou art a very merciful God, long suffering, of great love, and true to trust unto, have an especial regard unto the children of thy loving promise, be favorable, strengthen, and defend them, advance thy Banner to our salvation, so that the cruel