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

¹IT ought to be a most pleasant and joyful thing unto us (O almighty God) to celebrate thy high praises perpetually, and show forth thy marvellous works without ceasing: for the performance whereof, godliness would require, that we should not only do the same on the day time, but also in the night season. But yet notwithstanding, our most heinous sins and continual backslidings compel us rather to burst out into sorrowful tears, piteous sobbings, and deep sighs, wherethrough we may say always before thee: we verily have sinned (O good God) exceeding grievously, whose offences are more in number then the sand of the sea, and Stars of the sky, but now we lift up our hands unto our holy sanctuary, which is Jesus Christ thy dearly beloved Son, so that whatsoever we cannot obtain through our own worthiness and deserts, we endeavour to achieve the same by his only means and gracious favour. We heartily require this at thy merciful hands (O most excellent father) that thou wouldest at one time or other, out of Zion (that is to say out of the hid treasure of thy ⟨image 232⟩clemency) be favourable unto the people which fly to thee for succour, by delivering them from present mishaps, whereby thou (who diddest make heaven and earth) hast vouchsafed to call us unto the knowledge of thy blessed name, so that we may lawfully render abundant thanks and show forth thy worthy praises with a most free and joyful heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.