Psalm 103: For a New Life
PSALM 103: FOR A NEW LIFE
(Prayer 1) We are bound (O most mighty God) for thy singular deserts extended towards us, to praise thee continually, with mind, heart, and all our whole power, rendering condigne thanks unto thy divine majesty, unless we will like ungrateful persons, forget all those things which thou hast hitherto bestowed upon us. First thou hast freely offered us forgiveness of sins, by Christ, and regeneration through his precious blood: hereunto is added doctrine, sacraments, bodily life, and whatsoever else appertaineth to the preservation both of the outward and inward man. But we heartily acknowledge that we have notwithstanding most filthily abused all these thy excellent benefits, for we have done nothing faithfully that answereth fully to our calling. We now therefore do humbly beseech thee to pardon our grievous offenses and lewd behavior, amending our corrupt manners and the dishonest life which we have led hitherto. Deal not with us after our sins, neither reward us according to our iniquities. Wilt thou (seeing that singular loving kindness and mercy prevaileth with thee) be always revengeable? or correct and chastise us in thy fury? Remember that thou art our father, and therefore earnestly do we desire thee to show forth a fatherly affection towards such as both honor and worship thee. It is not unbeknown to thy divine
Majesty that we are dust, and (unless thou be present with us) the vainest things that ever were made: we are more lither than grass and flowers. Regard not therefore our lewd and wicked facts, but way rather the league made betwixt thee and us, and deliver thy faithful people from the hands of thy cursed and most mischievous enemies, so that we may magnify thy wondrous works, with the glorious Angels, and all holy men for evermore, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer 2) Man's weak and feeble nature can at no time (O almighty God) praise thee according to thy worthiness: for thou dost not only bestow upon us the benefits whereby we both obtain life, and also do from day to day continue and maintain the same, but thou hast forgiven thy faithful people their most grievous and infinite sins, by Christ, which surmounteth all other things that