Most godly prayers compiled out of Davids PsalmsMost godly prayers compiled out of Dauids Psalmes

¶ A prayer out of the .xlviij. Psalm.

¶ A prayer out of the .xlviij. Psalme.

Thy excellent Majesty and exceeding honour (O most good and merciful God) aboundeth greatly in the Church,¹ seeing that thou doest mightily rule her with thy sacred word and holy spirit, neither art thou marvellously praised there only: but ⟨image 74⟩what comeliness or perfect joy soever is in the whole world, it issueth and proceedeth doubtless from thee. And forsomuch as thou art far better known there then any where else, it cometh hereof, that thou art in the same place a sure defence and most strong fortress to thy faithful servants. Let the kings therefore assemble together, and the princes conspire (as they think good) utterly to subvert and overthrow her, yet shall they be enforced to leave of their fond devices, as who at the feeling of thy mighty power present (being stricken with exceeding fear) must needs cease from their wicked attempts: for such as thou strikest a fear into, they are overtaken with sorrow as women labouring of child. Wherefore (O good God) suffer not our heinous sins to exceed & surmount thy unspeakable goodness: we truly have offended thee very grievously (neither do we deny the same) but together with our heinous sins we acknowledge also thy exceeding great mercy, which we seek for with sorrowful tears, that we may at length be reconciled unto thee, not for our own deserts, but through ⟨image 74⟩the inestimable goodness, loving favour, and benign grace of thy deer son: and grant that the fierce enemies of thy blessed Church may in likewise come to utter ruin, as ships are oftentimes torn amiddest the sea through the very great and exceeding hideous noise of the wind which is suddenly stirred up: so that like as we have heard with our ears thy most large promises set forth and preached out of the holy Scriptures, so we may also with our eyes see them mightily come to pass and be performed. We have already conceived an assured hope and steadfast confidence by those things which are set out unto us in thy most blessed word, now grant (we humbly beseech thee) that the thing may take so good success, as through the publishing of thy glorious name and goodness, incontinent after the performance of thy excellent benefits, we may with great solemnity render due thanks for the same.