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

¶ A prayer out of the .Cxxxiij. Psalm.

¶ A prayer out of the .Cxxxiij. Psalme.

When as those which take upon them the defence of thy glorious name (O most mighty God) do live wonderful friendly amongst themselves,¹ and practise all the means they can devise to honour and reverence thee, then doth thy blessed church increase daily more and more in famousness and puissant power. And in likewise on the other side it is greatly torn and weakened if they which ought to have dwelt together like brethren, break out into dissentions, or else be plucked asunder through any debate. Our earnest request is therefore to have such peace granted us by thy excellent goodness, as we may be joined together like members ⟨image 230⟩in thy one body which is the holy Church. But, seeing that our innumerable sins do marvellously hinder so great a felicity, how then can it fall out that such as be at discord with thee, may be in unity amongst themselves? We earnestly desire this at thy merciful hands, that the heinous offences wherewith we have sundry times and that grievously provoked thy wrathful indignation being quite forgiven, thou wouldst receive us again into thy blessed favour, causing us faithfully to embrace mercy and loving kindness in such wise, as we may be annexed unto thee without separation: for hereof our tranquility shall have her original and derivation, hereof shall there be made an excellent & most fertile Church of good deeds, hereof shall the hid and secret treasures of thy holy spirit open themselves unto us, & burst out into very sweet and pleasant fruits, and finally a most redolent smell of justice and virtue shall breath forth from thence through out the whole world. Grant therefore (O excellent father) to thy humble suitors, that they may have peace with thee, amongst themselves, and also with all men