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

¹AL such as have thee (O most mighty God) for their shepherd, do lead their life exceeding happily, as those who have always food abundantly enough of thy heavenly doctrine, and most fruitful and plenteous watering of the holy Ghost, whereby they may be renewed, and comforted so often as they shall be oppressed with the mishaps of this wretched world, or wearied with the afflictions of the persecution thereof. Although therefore we acknowledge and confess our selves unworthy of thy governance and shepherdlike care over us, who have very often despised thee and thy sacred word, and (by reason of our most grievous and innumerable transgressions) deserve to be thrust out of thy blessed sheepfolds: notwithstanding we having confidence in thy great mercy and goodness, which is unto ⟨image 36⟩thee proper and natural, humbly beseech thy goodness that thou wouldest vouchsafe to gather us home as lost sheep unto thy self, and suffer us not to wander and stray without thee, through the wide deserts, and outgrounds of this deceivable world. Thou seest us now to be at deaths door, therefore be so present with us as we may put away and cast off all fear: who now stand in need of thee to strengthen and comfort us, with the staff and sheephook of thy authority. Thou canst refresh us if it please thee, with a most exquisite and well furnished banquet of thy sacred doctrine and blessed sacraments, and make us to drink plentifully of the cup of thy holy spirit and grace, the enemies and adversaries of thy glorious name beholding the same. O let that thy mercy and clemency always so embrace us (we humbly beseech thee) which thou hast accustomed to bestow upon thy faithful servants, as in the sacred Church (which is thy mansion house) we may continue steadfastly in faith and thy most glorious Gospel, through the merits and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee world