Psalm 91: In Temptation and Perils, for Deliverance and Preservation
beseech thee) direct us in such wise, as thy famous honor, thy excellent glory, and thy clear brightness, may shine both in us and in all our doings, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) If we do greatly rejoice in our own behalf (O most mighty God) that the plenteousness of thy loving favor was so exceeding abundant towards us, that such as thou right well lovest, those didst thou elect before the foundation of the world was laid, and didst predestinate to be partakers of thy eternal joys or ever the mountains were made, or any part of the world brought in ripe shape: our joy doubtless shall be doubled, if we thoroughly weigh and consider how that of our own selves (both by infirmity of nature, and also through the wickedness of our heinous sins) we are otherwise nothing. For we run headlong into perdition, slide as water, vanish away like a dream, and in the twinkling of an eye we wither like grass. Which discommodities, at what time we call to remembrance, let them (we humbly require thee) stir up in us an occasion of learning and wisdom, so that we may understand and right well perceive how unworthy we are (in respect of ourselves) to enjoy thy loving favor, and contrariwise, how great thy benign clemency is towards us, by the which (we heartily beseech thee) to turn thy favorable countenance upon us, in showing that we are thy workmanship, as we be in deed. Let thy excellent brightness lighten our blind minds in such sort, that our deeds never swerve from the mark of thy exceeding great glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 91: IN TEMPTATION AND PERILS, FOR
DELIVERANCE AND PRESERVATION
(Prayer 1) Whosoever dependeth wholly upon God, so that he accounteth him to be his sure defense and most strong hold, he needeth not to fear any calamity, no layings await, nor finally to dread any distress. For God no less defendeth his servants, then the hens do their chickens at what time they hide them under their wings, or that the Soldiers defend and cover themselves in battle with their shield and target. For can pestilence, plague, calamity, or wasting, terrify
those which believe faithfully in God? Nothing truly shall make them afraid? For although Satan and all the ungodly work most grievous and pernicious things against him, yet hath God committed his welfare to an innumerable company of Angels, through whose conduct and protection he is not only defended, but carried also on their hands and shoulders, that he dash not against hurtful things.
There is no power in the most cruel beasts, but is trodden upon and beaten down under his feet. If we therefore stand now in much fear of the wicked, it is a plain token that we have small confidence and little trust in thee, by reason of which dull and weak faith, we are become so pliable to an innumerable sort of sins, as by our backslidings from thee, we provoke thy grievous wrath continually against us. Wherefore our hearty request is, that (according to thy accustomed goodness) thou wouldest in such wise pardon whatsoever we have very lewdly committed against thee, and make us hereafter most earnest lovers of thy divine Majesty, that we may in right perfect faith, have thy glorious name and dignity in wonderful admiration, and cause our prayer not to be unfruitful before thee, whereunto we humbly beseech thy infinite goodness, that thou wouldest make answer according to our demand. And finally be present to the fervent petitions and troublesome matters of thy blessed Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer 2) Such as repose their whole trust and confidence in thee only (O almighty God) have put themselves under the shadow of thy assurance and fortress of thy most strong defense, where they may be in safety from all the assaults of the enemies, and preserved from every pernicious thing that may annoy them.
When as wicked men (being undoubtedly members of the devil and his Catchpolles) shall practice any evil thing against them, they shall at no time be left destitute of God's assured help and faithful promise, for he will quickly defend them as a mighty strong shield. And when most grievous temptations, which happen daily, do rage on every side, whereby an infinite number of mortal men fall down headlong into everlasting damnation: whatsoever they are which have assured themselves in their hearts and prayed unto the Lord: thou art my God, and thou art the thing I only trust in: evil shall in no wise happen unto these kind of men, but they shall remain steadfast and without fear when others fall and come to