Morning and Evening
Prayers
for All Days of the Week

EXHORTATION TO PRAYER

Arise, dear soul, and carefully reflect who He is with whom thou speakest and before whom thou standest when thou prayest. Behold, thou speakest with God, thy Maker, and standest in the presence of Him, the eternal Majesty, whom thousand times thousand holy angels and arch-angels attend. Therefore, O Christian, enter thou into the closet of thy soul, and beware, lest thou failest to put from thee all sluggishness of heart, and liftest up to thy God a countenance free from blame. Then wilt thou delight in the Lord and have power with Him, and prevail. Yea, thou wilt conquer the unconquerable God and bear away the blessing through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Benediction

Prayer for Sunday Morning.

Lord, our Heavenly Father, Eternal God! Blessed be Thy divine power and might; magnified Thy fathomless goodness and mercy; praised Thine eternal wisdom and truth. For Thou hast shielded me with Thy hand against the perils of this night, and hast suffered me to rest and slumber in peace under the shadow of Thy wings. Thou hast kept and safeguarded me with a father’s care against the Evil One and all his wicked designs and purposes. Therefore, I magnify Thy goodness and the wonders which Thou doest for the children of men. I will exalt Thee in the congregation. Thy praise shall evermore be in my mouth. My soul shall bless Thee, O my Lord, all that is within me shall bless Thy holy name, and nevermore will I forget Thy benefits. May the praises of my lips, which in singleness of heart I bring before Thee at this early hour, be acceptable in Thy sight. I call upon Thee with all my heart to preserve me this day [12] against all danger of body and soul. May Thy holy angels have charge over me and keep me in all my ways. Encompass me with Thy shield and lead me on the paths of Thy commandments that, like the children of light, I may be blameless in Thy service, to Thy good pleasure. Stay the Evil One and all wickedness of this world. Restrain mine own flesh and blood that I be not overcome by them. Lead me with Thy Holy Spirit that I attempt, do, speak, or think nothing except what is well-pleasing in Thy sight and conducive to the glory of Thy divine Majesty. Behold, O God, I consecrate and dedicate myself entirely to Thy holy will, with body and soul, all my powers and abilities, inwardly and outwardly. Make me a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Thee, so that I may render Thee a reasonable and pleasing service. Therefore, Most Holy Father, Almighty God, let me be wholly Thine. Govern Thou my heart and soul, and all my emotions that I know and understand [13] none but Thee. O Lord, in the morning wilt Thou hear my voice. Early will I seek Thee and look up to Thee. Early will I praise Thee, and will not cease when evening comes. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Sunday Evening.

Eternal God, Merciful Father, I lift up my hands unto Thee as an evening sacrifice, and render Thee most hearty thanks, praise, and glory, that Thou hast protected me this day and all the days of my life from all evil and calamity, and through the ministrations of Thy holy angels hast graciously guarded me against the Evil One. I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins, [15] wherever I have done wrong. Surround me this night with Thy holy angels. May thou compass me round and cast a trench about me, that I may escape the snares and evil cunning of the enemy. I commend myself to Thy goodness and mercy. Protect me with Thine outstretched arm; for from my heart do I pant after Thee in the nightwatches, and with my spirit within me do I watch for Thee at all times. I wait upon Thy goodness, and my soul trusts in Thee, the living God, for Thou art my refuge and my Savior. Behold, O Lord, whether we sleep or wake, we are Thine: whether we live or die, Thou art our God who hast called us into being. Therefore, I cry unto Thee: let Thy grace be not far from me. Shelter me with Thy shield. Keep me, that I lie in quiet, sleep in peace, and awake again in health. Hide me in Thy pavilion in the time of trouble, in the secret of Thy tabernacle hide me, set me upon the rock, and I will fear no evil. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the [16] shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Grant me grace, that though my body sleep, my soul may ever wake for Thee, that I may ever have Thee in my heart and before my mind, and be not overcome by the night of sin. Keep me from all wicked and evil dreams, from restless wakings and useless anxieties, from depraved and hurtful thoughts, from all grief. My Lord and God, into Thy gracious care do I commend my body and soul, my brothers and sisters, and all my kin and loved ones. May it please Thee, O Lord, to save us, and turn not Thy mercy from us. May Thy grace and fidelity protect us alway. Cover us this night with Thy goodness, and encompass us with Thy mercy, that we be safe-guarded in body and soul. Amen.

Prayer for Monday Morning.

O Thou Eternal and Merciful God! Thou hast commanded Thy people in Thy law each morning to offer Thee a burnt offering, thereby to praise and thank Thee for Thy merciful protection: thus I too would bring unto Thee my offering of praise, that is the fruit of my lips, and magnify Thy holy name. For by Thy grace and mercy Thou hast kept me this night from all evil and harm in body and soul, and hast graciously protected me. If Thou hadst not been my shield and my help, manifold calamities would have engulfed me, and I could not have risen in health and safety. Therefore, I thank Thee for Thy protection. But I continue to call to Thee from the depths of my heart, and my supplication ascends to Thee in the early hour. Early do I seek Thy countenance and pray Thee to safeguard me and mine from the wiles and power of the devil, from sin and disgrace and all wickedness. Visit Thou me in this early hour with Thy grace, as [19] without Thee I can do nothing, and grant that I may this day begin all my work in Thy name and end it joyously, to the glory of Thy divine majesty and the betterment of my neighbor. Preserve my soul, mind, reason, senses, and thoughts, all that I do and leave undone, that the prince of darkness do me no injury. Safeguard me against the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Defend me against mine enemies that neither secretly nor openly they harm or injure me with their craft and cunning, violence or malice. O God, Father and Lord of my life, shield me from all impurity and disorderly conduct. Keep me from all intemperance and unchastity, and turn from me shameless thoughts. Help me by Thy grace to pluck out the eye that offends me and cast it away, and renounce all wicked and impure desires of the heart. Grant whatever is pleasing to Thee and useful to me, that I may serve Thee in the true faith. Look upon me with the eyes of Thy mercy, Thou Savior of the world, and [20] enlighten my heart and eyes, that I may walk in the light of Thy grace, which rises above me, and never lose Thee, the Eternal Light. Amen.

Prayer for Monday Evening.

O Thou Mighty and Everlasting God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I thank Thee that by Thy divine power Thou hast this day preserved me from all injury and danger of body and life. I owe it to Thy mercy alone that Thou didst protect me on all my paths. I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins which I have committed against Thee, and this night and during our entire lives mercifully to defend me and my loved ones against all sorrow and anxiety, and against the craft and power of the devil, wherewith day and night he seeks to ensnare us. Preserve us from the deadly pestilence that walketh in the darkness, and deliver us from the snare [22] of the enemy. Protect us from the temptation and terror of Satan, from all evils of body and soul. For Thou art our strong fortress, our sword and buckler. All our hope and trust rests in Thee. Therefore, O faithful God, may Thine eyes be upon us and we be safeguarded this night against all violence and assault of the enemy. Be Thou our keeper and protector. Encompass us with Thy shelter, for in Thee is our salvation. Unto Thee only, from whom cometh my help, do I lift up mine eyes. My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that He have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, for we are poor and needy. Lift upon me the light of Thy countenance lest I sleep the sleep of death. Amen.

Prayer for Tuesday Morning.

Blessed be God, the maker of heaven and earth, blessed be the Lord, who only doeth wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious name for ever who hath made both day and night through His glorious wisdom, and so ruled, that while the earth remaineth, they shall not cease, that man may rest by night, and proceed again to his labors by day. O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches. For such Thy gifts we should thank Thee ere the sun rises, and come into Thy presence when the light breaks forth. Therefore I bless Thee now also, for Thou hast suffered me securely to rest and sleep this night, and again awakened me to the joy of living. [26] Thou hast mercifully sheltered me from the assaults and malice of enemies. I supplicate Thy grace: grant that my soul may repose in Thy hands, my body continue in health according to Thy good pleasure, and be kept from all injury and peril. Be Thou my mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and my cover from the sun at noon, my preservation from stumbling, and my help from falling, that no harm may come unto me. O Merciful God, knowing the hour is come to awaken out of the sleep of sin and iniquity, for now is our salvation so near, the night is far spent, the day is at hand: so help us to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, that we may walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but putting on the Lord Jesus Christ in the true faith and a Christian conduct. Thus awaken us each morning. Open Thou my ears that I may hear Thy holy Word with a believing heart and [27] keep the same in my memory. Let my ears incline to the entreaties and prayers of the needy, not to forsake them in their distress. And when in my distress I cry unto Thee, hear Thou the voice of my supplications, and despise not my sighings in the hour of death. Let my prayers come before Thee early. Incline Thine ears to my entreaties. Satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Amen.

Prayer for Tuesday Evening.

Lord, Merciful God, Holy Father, in the daytime do I cry unto Thee with my voice, in my distress I call upon Thee, and at eventime I remember Thy goodness and mercy, which Thou hast wrought for me. And especially do I magnify Thee now, that purely out of fatherly grace and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part, Thou hast this day preserved me from all harm and danger and kept me from sudden death. Therefore do I now and at all times render unto Thee praise and thanksgiving, and pray Thee, for the sake of the bitter sufferings of Jesus Christ, to forgive me wherever I have sinned against Thee this day. Mercifully protect me during the night against my adversary, the devil, and against the fears and terrors of the night. Suffer me to rest without anxieties and worries, and may the eyes of my faith ever behold the lustre of Thy countenance even during the shades of night. For Thou art [30] that shining and true light, which dispels all darkness that surrounds us. Thou, O Lord, art ever with me. Thou art my rock, and my fortress, my deliverer, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Lord, my God, at eventime do I lift up my hands unto Thee. Come unto me as the latter rains that make the earth fruitful. Abide with us, for the day is far spent and in the darkness there is none to defend us save Thou alone, our God. Hasten to uphold us. Defend us this night, lest our souls fall into the sleep of sin and our bodies be overcome with evil. Awake us again in due time, and make us to hear joy and peace, for we love Thy word and Thy testimonies, which are the delight of our souls. May our ears be saved from all messages of sorrow, and all anguish be turned from our souls; for Thou canst prosper all that liveth, and fill my life with Thy blessing; in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Wednesday Morning.

Almighty, All-gracious God! All Thy creatures should praise and glorify Thee. The birds under the heavens magnify Thee with lovely songs early in the morning as their Lord and Maker. So will I too heartily thank Thee, that Thou hast preserved me under Thy shelter and protection during the night now past, and all my life even to the present hour, and awakening me from the sleep of the darkness of this night, hast suffered me to arise again in health and joy. I pray Thee for the sake of the saving resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that Thou wouldst ever keep me together with all my loved [33] ones from all danger and evil. O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Fill me also at this early hour with Thy grace, that I may pass this day rejoicing in Thy commandments, and free from mortal sin. Let me experience Thy grace as a dew from the womb of the morning, and as the refreshing moisture that diffuses at the break of day, making the land fruitful. Thou wouldest spread Thy goodness over me, that I may gladly and zealously do Thy will. Govern me with Thy Holy Spirit that I may serve Thee in righteousness and holiness of truth, well pleasing in Thy sight. Guard me that I sin not against Thee, nor defile my conscience with carnal lusts that militate against the soul. Keep my tongue from evil, and my lips from speaking guile. Foolish talking or jesting, unbecoming of Christians, be ever far removed from me. Grant, that I offend none with my lips, nor backbite, judge nor condemn, defame [34] nor vilify. O that I might put a lock to my lips and seal them with a strong seal, that they bring me not to naught, nor my tongue destroy me. Give me grace that I may know my shortcomings and correct them, and not fall into Thy righteous judgment and condemnation. Grant my prayer, O Eternal God, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Wednesday Evening.

Most Holy Trinity, One in essence, Three in person, who art my life, salvation, and eternal joy, I praise and thank Thee with mouth and heart that Thou hast so graciously protected me throughout this day. I pray Thy divine goodness to cover up all my shortcomings, and especially where this day, with my tongue, with vain and unprofitable words, slander or otherwise, I have sinned against Thee and Thy holy commandments. According to Thy name, O God, so is Thy praise unto the [36] ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Therefore I commend my body and my soul into Thy hands. Thy divine Majesty bless me; Thy holy Trinity shelter me; Thy eternal Unity preserve me. May Thy unbounded mercy protect me; Thy inexpressible benevolence defend me, the sublime truth of God cover me; profound knowledge of Christ strengthen me; the unfathomable goodness of the Lord keep me. The grace of the Father govern me; the wisdom of the Son refresh me; the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me. My Creator aid me, my Redeemer quicken me, my Comforter abide with me. The Lord bless me and keep me. The Lord make His face shine upon me and be gracious unto me. The Lord lift up His countenance upon me and give me peace. The protection and blessing of the one and eternal Godhead be between me and all mine enemies, visible and invisible, today and always, that they may not approach nor injure me. As the pillar of the [37] cloud went between the army of the Egyptians and the army of Israel, so that they could not come together, and no harm befall the children of Israel, so mayest Thou be a pillar of fire and a wall of separation between me and mine enemies, that no harm come over me. Keep me also in my last hour. When mine eyes no longer see, mine ears no longer hear, my tongue no longer speak, be Thou with me, O blessed Trinity, that the Evil One have no power over me. Amen.

Prayer for Thursday Morning.

Jesus Christ, Thou art the eternal light, which dispelleth the darkness of night and the shadow of death: I magnify Thy name, I glorify and thank Thee. For Thou hast so graciously kept me during this night, and hast brought me out of the darkness to the light of day. Thou hast shielded me against the terrors of the night, the snares of the devil, the noisome pestilence, that walketh in the darkness, manifold illness and disease. Thou hast guarded and watched over my soul, even as the shepherd watches over his flock. And all that I possess is kept from harm through Thy great mercy. Praise and thanks be said unto Thee for Thy gracious protection and all Thy gifts. I will speak of Thy power and magnify Thy goodness, when the day breaks. For Thou art my refuge, my strong tower, my present help, my faithful God, in whom I trust. Thou makest glad my heart and my countenance rejoiceth. I pray Thee, for the sake of Thy holy birth [41] and incarnation, suffer Thy grace to rise in my heart and break forth even as the beauty of the morning, and come over me as the early rain. Illumine me with Thy radiance, and be Thou the light of my heart, for Thou art the right day star and the true light, that lighteth men to the eternal life. Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for in Thee do I put my trust. My soul waiteth for Thee, more than they that watch for the morning, yea more than they that watch for the morning. Be Thou mine arm in the morning, my salvation also in the time of trouble. Protect me in body and soul, that no evil befall me and no plague come nigh unto my dwelling. Keep from me all wicked spirits. Defend me from evildoers. Stand up for me against the workers of iniquity and shield me, that the hands of mine adversaries may not touch me. O Lord, our God, establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it, and strengthen our hands, and teach us that we [42] may keep Thy commandments and sin not against Thee this day. Grant us this for the sake of Thy mercy, which endureth for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Thursday Evening.

Praise be to Thee, O God, our Father, through Jesus Christ in the Holy Ghost, one, eternal God, who through Thy manifold compassion hast kept me this day, a poor sinner and miserable creature, from the fiery darts of Satan that fly by day, from the destruction that wasteth at noonday, and hast graciously protected me from a sudden and evil death. Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thou art gracious and merciful, and all Thine acts are glorious. I pray Thee, O merciful God, graciously to forgive me all that I have done against Thee this day, in thought, word, or deed. Turn Thy mercy toward me, that I may slumber and rest during this coming night, and that I may never [45] turn from Thee, who art the eternal rest. Suffer me ever to abide in Thee in the true faith, and safely to sojourn under Thy protection, so that the enemy may never come nigh unto me, nor do me injury. Lord, Thou art my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Thou art the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? My heart trusteth in Thee, and I am helped. Thou art my strength and my great shield. Thy right hand strengtheneth me. Thy right hand gladdeneth my heart, and in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge. Behold, my God, in the daytime do I cry unto Thee, and Thou hearest me, and in the night season I am not silent, and Thou answereth my prayer. I remember Thee on my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches, because Thou hast been my help. Therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul cleaves unto Thee, for Thy right hand defends me. When darkness comes over me, then Thou, O Lord, art my light and my salvation. [46] O gracious God, vouchsafe unto me Thy grace, so that when that last hour cometh, and I lay me down on my deathbed for the eternal rest, through Thy help, in the true faith, in all confidence and trust, I may happily fall asleep for the eternal life. Meanwhile keep me in Thee, that I may ever watch and pass my days in all sobriety and moderation, and be found in Christian readiness, since I can not know the hour when Thou comest, O God, to call me hence, so that I may be worthy to stand before the Son of Man, and be not put to shame; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Friday Morning.

Blessed be God, my Maker! Blessed be God, my Savior! Blessed be God, my Comforter! Who giveth unto me my health, my life, and every blessing; my very present help and my protection. Thou hast kept me according to Thy great and most blessed compassion during this night now past against the onslaughts of Satan, and preserved me in health. I beseech Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, take me this day also into Thy divine protection, and shield me that no evil may assail my life. For into Thy hands do I this day and all days commend my body and soul, my thoughts, words, and deeds, all that I do or leave undone, my going out and my coming in, my walks and ways, my rising up and my lying down, my will and counsel, my thoughts [48] and desires, my faith and profession, the end of my life, the day and hour of my death, my passing away and my resurrection. O Lord God, do Thou with me as Thou wilt: for Thou knowest what serves best Thy glory and my salvation. Keep me in Thy fear and in the true knowledge of Thee. Protect me from the deeds of unrighteousness. And if perchance and by reason of my frailty I sin against Thee, I pray Thee take not from me Thy mercy; turn not from me Thy grace; withdraw not Thy help. For there is none other God nor Helper but Thee, and as there is none before Thee, there is none after Thee. Thou art the first and the last, Alpha and Omega, and there is none other God beside Thee. Therefore do I call only upon Thee: may Thy goodness rule over me. Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust. Lead me on the paths of righteousness, that I may not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor [49] yet sit in the seat of the scornful, but that my heart may ever delight in Thy word and commandments, and meditate upon them day and night; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Friday Evening.

Blessed be the Lord God, who only doeth wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory! Daily will I praise the Lord, and at eventime my mouth shall thank Him while I have any being. For when I cry with my voice, He hears me, and gives ear to my supplication. When I pray, He attends to my voice. The Lord is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore do I laud and magnify Thee, Eternal God, that Thou hast this day so mercifully kept me from every harm and evil. My heart is glad and my soul glorifies Thee for Thy goodness and mercy. Ever shall my tongue speak of Thee and say, Blessed be the Lord, and blessed be Thy holy name! I pray Thee, graciously pardon, wherever I have this day sinned against Thee, and grant me and mine Thy protection during the coming night. Be Thou my shield, and [51] my shade upon my right hand. O Lord, preserve me from all evil, preserve my soul. Be gracious unto me, for in Thee do I put my trust. I trust in the Lord, and cry to God, the Highest, to God Who endeth all mine affliction. Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. He will guide my steps on the paths of righteousness, that I slip not and my feet do not falter. He will not suffer my feet to be moved, and His word is a light unto my path. Therefore as I lay me down, I will not be afraid of sudden terror, neither of the desolation of wicked people, when it cometh. For Thou keepest my foot from being taken, and deliverest me from the snares of death. O Lord God, lift upon me the light of Thy countenance, that I may lie down and sleep in peace, and dwell in safety under Thy protection. For Thou alone, O Lord, can help me. In Thy name will I lie down to rest and let my eyelids slumber. Thou, O Lord, wilt again awaken me with rejoicing, to the glory and praise [52] of Thine eternal majesty; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Saturday Morning.

O Thou Very and Eternal God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Thee do I lift up my heart in dutiful gratitude. [53] I will not hide Thy righteousness within my heart. I will declare Thy salvation. I will not conceal Thy loving kindness and Thy truth from the great congregation, and all the good that Thou hast shown me will I not keep silent. For it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High: to shew forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. Therefore my soul doth magnify Thee, that Thou in Thy immeasurable grace hast kept me during the night now past. Blessed be Thou, Lord God Sabaoth, who art merciful unto all, that seek Thee and love Thy salvation. Blessed is Thy holy name in all the earth, who art our refuge and our help! Blessed are all Thy works which Thou doest for the children of men! I beseech Thee, protect me this day, that the Evil One may not harm me, and the hands of the wicked touch me not. Lord God, my Savior, early will I seek Thee, early do I cry unto Thee. Grant, that I [54] may fulfill the duties of my calling and all that is committed unto me with diligence and trust to the glory of Thy name and the betterment of my fellowman, so that I may not misuse the light of this day, neither any of Thy creatures in the service of sin and vanity, neither grieve Thee, nor transgress the covenant of my Baptism with anything I do or leave undone. Vouchsafe unto me Thy grace, that I may guard myself against the six things which Thou dost hate, yea, seven which are an abomination unto Thee: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. From such and the like vices preserve me, O God, that I may nevermore be led nor consent to them, but teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good. Lead me into the land of uprightness, that I may serve Thee in a life that is without [55] blame, and my deeds and all my conduct be pleasing in Thy sight; for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Prayer for Saturday Evening.

Praise be unto Thee, Thou great and unchangeable God! Praise be unto Thy goodness and mercy! Praise be unto Thy eternal wisdom and truth, that Thou hast preserved me during the day now past from all danger and harm. I pray Thee, graciously [60] perfect Thy goodness which Thou hast begun in me, and suffer me to rest this night under Thy protecting shield, and cover me with Thy wings. Suffer me to put my trust under the shadow of Thy hands, that I fear no evil. Keep me, O God, as the apple of the eye. Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings. Lord, Thou art the portion of mine inheritance; my salvation is in Thy hands. Grant unto me, according to Thy goodness, that neither fear nor trembling come over me, and no terrors of the night overwhelm me. Be merciful unto me, for in Thee do I put my trust, and under the shadow of Thy wings do I find my refuge. I seek the Lord in the time of need; my hand is outstretched in the night without ceasing; for my soul has none other comfort; and I know of none other helper in heaven or earth but Thee alone. At midnight when I awaken, I meditate upon Thy name, so altogether lovely, upon Thy goodness and fidelity, vouchsafed unto me, and I praise Thee because [61] of Thy righteous judgments. When I am troubled I remember God, when my spirit is overwhelmed I speak of my Savior. For He redeemeth my life from destruction and saveth me from the snares of death. Lord God, my Savior, by day and by night do I cry unto Thee, pardon all my transgressions, which during this day and the week now past I have committed against Thee. O Lord, deliver my soul for Thy mercy’s sake. Thou art gracious and just, and our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple. I was brought low, and He helped me. Therefore will I rejoice and praise Thee, and sing aloud upon my bed. For the days of my life will appear as noonday, and darkness as the morning’s light, and I will rejoice that Thou, O God, art my hope and my rest in life and death. I lay me down, and none will terrify me. Thus do I commend my body and soul into Thy hands, Thou Faithful God. Thou hast redeemed me through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A Daily Prayer.
To be spoken mornings or evenings.

Dear God and Lord! I live, yet know not how long. I die, yet know not when. Thou, O Heavenly Father, knowest. Lo, dear Lord, is this hour, this day (this night) the last of my life: Thy will be done! Thou alone knowest best. As Thou wilt I am willing through the true faith in Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, to live or die. But, O God, do Thou grant me this petition, that I may not suddenly pass away in my sins, and be lost. Vouchsafe unto me true knowledge, repentance and sorrow over my passed transgressions. Set them before my sight in this life, that they may not at the last day be set before me, and I be put to shame before angels and men. Grant me sufficient time and opportunity for repentance, so that from all my heart I may [65] know and acknowledge my transgressions, and from Thy saving word obtain forgiveness and comfort for the same. O Merciful Father, forsake me not, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. My heart and my heart’s trust, O Thou Searcher of hearts, is ever known to Thee. Keep me in such trust to the life eternal. May I die, when Thou wilt, only grant me a peaceful and blessed End. Amen.

At the Beginning of the Week’s Work.

Rule Thou, O God the Father, who hast made us, and like all other creatures ordained us not to indolence but to work, and bless each one in his calling. Thou who rulest the universe also rule our own dear government and graciously vouchsafe to it Thy wisdom and strength.

Rule Thou, O God the Son, who hast redeemed and ransomed us from sin. Take from us the burden of sin committed during [66] the week now past, and graciously grant us Thy peace. Thou the Supreme Bishop and Archshepherd of our souls, help all servants of Thy word in this and all Thy congregations on earth to labor and bring forth much fruit unto eternal life.

Rule Thou, O God the Holy Ghost, who hast sanctified us and born us again in Holy Baptism. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us, that we carry no evils of the past into the new week, but put away all purpose and inclination of the old Adam still in us. Govern Thou our hearts with power; and if this week mark for any of us the end of life, help Thou in the last bitter hour. Fill the heart with that grace which is better than life. Teach the hands to battle and vanquish the last enemy, and grant for Christ’s sake, the rest and triumph of the sabbath everlasting.

Thou, the Triune and Immortal God, be and abide with us and Thy Church forever. Unto Thee be glory, laud, and honor, world without end. Amen.

Grace Before Meat.

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O God, and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Amen.

O Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we receive from Thy loving kindness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Gracious Father, who feedest and nourishest every living creature, feed and nourish our souls and bodies that we may not abuse Thy gifts, but that we be rather quickened by the same unto the glory of Thy Name, unto all honest toil and every good work, to live and move before Thee in righteousness and innocence. Amen.

Grace After Meat.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his food; and to the young ravens which cry. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy. Amen.

We thank Thee, Lord God, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, [71] for all Thy benefits; who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Amen.

Prayer of a Housefather.

Gracious and Eternal God! Who Thyself in Paradise hast ordained holy matrimony, vouchsafe unto me Thy grace and help in my married life, that I may ever maintain the true Christian love and fidelity toward my spouse. Grant, that I may dwell with her, as with the weaker vessel, in kindness and harmony according to knowledge, giving honor unto her, as being heirs together of the grace of life, and guide her together with my children and servants to the true knowledge of Thy divine glory, and to modesty and honesty. Grant to them also, O Lord, that they follow Thee, and suffer themselves to be guided. Preserve us, O Thou God of Peace, from strife and dissensions, and the calumnies of the enemy, from undue suspicion, which the devil sows as a seed of perdition, and for the destruction of conjugal love and faith. Grant, that as Thy children we may suffer and forgive each other in love and charity. Give us faithful servants and keep [76] them in good health. Bless our labor and all that contributes to the wants of the body. Enable us to bear our cross with patience, and grant that we be together again in the after-life. Amen.

Prayer of a Housemother.

O God Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Thou giver of all blessing and consolation, behold me, whom Thou hast placed in the estate of holy wedlock and made me the mother of this family, with the eyes of Thy mercy. Vouchsafe unto Thy handmaiden Thy grace, that I may love Thee above all things, seek Thee, and ever be diligent in Thy service. And grant that next to Thee I may honor, fear, and love my husband, and obey him with patience and kindness, in pure and modest conduct, in piety and humility well pleasing to Thee, and that the hidden life of my heart be constantly adorned with a meek and [77] gentle disposition and every virtue, even as in former times the consecrated women, who trusted in God and continued in subjection to their husbands. Enable me to train my children and servants with meekness, to the honor and glory of Thy holy name. Give grace, that they follow me with gentleness, and grant, that I with my husband and family may satisfy the wants of this life in good health and according to Thy divine will. Protect us from harm and from enemies. Enable us so to use this world that we be not hindered in our salvation, but in all things seek Thee, O Lord, and endeavor to be well-favored in Thy sight. May we not despise the cross neither murmur against it, but bear it in patience, and thus remain in Thy keeping unto the end. May we as servants of God bring forth abundant fruitage, live holy lives in this world, and attain to the everlasting inheritance in the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of a Child.

Almighty and Eternal God! Thou hast commanded me to honor my parents, and in all things, which are not contrary to Thy word, to obey them. I beseech Thee, for the sake of the obedience of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord, grant unto me, that I may duly honor my father and mother, serve them, obey, love, and esteem them, so that their blessing may dwell with me to the end of my days. Keep me from sin and evil communications, that I may not anger or grieve my dear parents with hatred, sadness, scornfulness, disobedience, or obstinacy, and thus bring upon myself on this earth already their and Thy curse, and in the after-life Thy eternal wrath. And since I have sinned many times through weakness, I beseech Thee, work in me sorrow and true repentance, through Jesus Christ, my Savior, who gave to me the example of true obedience. Grant, that according to His example I may ever grow, and increase in wisdom, stature, and [79] grace before Thee, O God, and all men. Amen.

Prayer of a Youth or a Maiden.

Lord, Almighty and Holy God, who lovest a pure heart, a chaste mind, and a holy life: I pray Thee, create in me also a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me, so that I may serve Thee with sincere faith and true fear, and love Thee with all my strength. And keep me from all impure communications. Subdue the evil lusts in my heart, and extinguish the fires of fleshly desire. Preserve me from unchaste and dissolute associations, from rioting and drunkenness, which lead to excess. May all filthiness, and foolish talking, unbecoming a Christian, be ever foreign to my life. Keep me from arrogant pomp, or idleness and lounging, from the snares and nets of the devil. Grant, that I may serve Thee with a pure soul and an undefiled body in true faith, as did pious [80] and chaste Joseph in Egypt, and graciously take me into Thy safekeeping against all temptations and seductions of life, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son. Amen.

Prayer of a Servant.

Merciful God, Who through the precious suffering and death of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, hast redeemed and made me free from eternal servitude, from the power of sin, from the dominion of darkness, from the cruel tyranny of the devil, and the mastery of death and hell: I beseech Thee, grant me grace, so that in my present station and calling, in which Thou hast placed me on earth according to Thy good pleasure, I may not be dissatisfied, nor murmur impatiently against Thy ordinance, nor yet envy others in their more exalted stations, but help me to do such Thy will from the heart, with good will, ever thinking that I serve Thee, O God in Heaven, and not [81] men. Help Thou, dear Father, that I serve Thee, the supreme Lord of heaven and earth, in true knowledge and upright fear, love Thee above all things, put all my hope and salvation in Thee, and continue in Thy commandments without blame. May I also be subject to my masters and mistresses according to the flesh, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, and patiently obey them in everything that is not contrary to Thy pleasure, with fear and singleness of heart, as unto Christ my Lord, not with eye-service, as man pleaser, but from the depths of my heart and for the sake of Thy will and commandment. Grant me grace that I may be found faithful in all things committed and entrusted to my care, not neglect nor bring them to naught, suffer no harm to come through carelessness on my part; also that I may not covet nor fraudulently appropriate to my own use the possessions of another entrusted to my care. Preserve my health, strengthen my limbs and all the powers of my body. Endow [82] me with wisdom and understanding, that I may perform the labor of my masters and mistresses, with Thy help improve their living. May they be blessed through my industry; and all that I do and perform, may it redound to Thy divine glory and a blessed exercise of my faith. For Christ, Thy dear Son’s sake, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Prayer of a School Child for the Holy Spirit.

O my dear Lord, Jesus Christ, I thank Thee, that to the present day, Thou ordainest church and school ordinances and regulations, and hast given unto my parents and me grace, that I too may be thus trained. I beseech Thee, fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, that I may ever obey my dear parents and teachers, who only seek my welfare. Give unto me a docile heart, that I may learn my catechism, noble arts and [83] language, and thus increase in godliness, wisdom, understanding, and every virtue. O my dear Lord Jesus Christ, create in me a pure, chaste, and modest heart. May I ever serve Thee in upright faith and true fear, and love Thee from all my heart. Subdue in me all evil lusts. Endow me with Thy Holy Spirit. Help me to continue in true humility. Grant me an obedient heart, to honor my parents according to Thy commandment, and neither anger nor grieve them. May they live long on this earth, and protect Thou and preserve them from disease, evil, and harm. Be gracious unto us and merciful. Bless us in body and soul, now and forevermore. Amen.

Prayer During a Thunder Storm.

Most Mighty God! All the powers of the earth shall honor Thy holy name, and worship Thee, Eternal Father, in the beauty of holiness. For Thou art the Lord, [84] who reigneth over all. Thou showest Thy might and power throughout the universe. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. The Lord of glory thundereth. The Lord is upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty. The earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken. There went up smoke out of Thy nostrils, and fire out of Thy mouth devoured: coals are kindled by it. Thy pavilion round about Thee are dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. The Lord thundereth in the heavens, and the Highest gave His voice. All things are subject to Thee. All things acknowledge Thee as their maker, and tremble before Thy divine majesty. The mountains and the depths of the abyss are sore vexed when Thou art wroth, the earth trembleth, and the sea and the waters flee because of Thy wrath. The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness. The Lord is king forever. The [85] Lord will give strength unto His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace. O merciful God, preserve us from Thy wrath, which is beyond endurance! Forgive us our sins! Make Thy face shine upon us! Cause this grievous tempest to pass by without harm to us! Protect us in body and soul, our house and home. Keep the fruits of the fields from hail and storm, from great inundation by water and all harm. O Holy God, preserve us from an evil death, and protect us, that no disaster befall us. Amen.

Thanksgiving After a Thunderstorm.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who has said, Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me; we praise and thank Thee most heartily. For Thou hast graciously heard our prayer and hast made this storm to pass that no harm befell us in life and property. Thus hast Thou again revealed [86] to us Thy fatherly compassion, and that Thou wouldest not deal with us after our sins, neither reward us according to our iniquities. Grant us, O Merciful Father, for the sake of Thy only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that we may take heed of Thy earnest and fatherly admonitions, improve our lives, and live in the fear of Thee. May we constantly prepare and make ready ourselves for the coming of Thy dear Son, when the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth also, and the works thereof, shall be burned up, and may we meet Him with rejoicing and enter the new heaven, wherein dwelleth righteousness, and forever be with Thee; through the same, Thy dear Son, our Master and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer on the Eve of a Journey.

Almighty and Gracious God and Father, Thou protector of all that trust in Thee from their hearts! In Thy name will I [87] proceed and undertake this journey. For Thou art my God and preservest my going out and my coming in. Thou leadest my feet in right paths and wilt not suffer them to be moved. I heartily beseech Thee to be my gracious guide and companion on this present journey. Send Thy holy angels, and command them, in all my wanderings, to keep me from all evil in body and soul. Lead me on the paths of the righteous and bring me safely to my destination, that I may laud and magnify Thee, here in time and in eternity forever. And now, O Lord God and Father, into Thy hands do I commit my body and soul and all that I possess. Thy holy angel be my safe guard. Amen.

Prayer During a Journey.

Almighty and Most Merciful God! We are always in Thy sight wherever we be. Thou preservest our coming in and our going out, and leadest us on the right paths [88] that we slip not. I pray Thee, that as Thou didst lead Thy servant Abraham from the land of the Chaldees and kept him unharmed in his pilgrimage, and didst say to his grandson Jacob when he journeyed to Mesopotamia, I am with thee, and will bring thee again into this land; and as Thou also didst lead the Children of Israel through the Red Sea and through the desert, and didst go before them, by day in a pillar of a cloud and night in a pillar of fire: thus wouldst Thou also be with me on my wandering, protect me on land and sea, by day and by night, and keep me from all harm and danger. And when my business is completed bring me home again in full health of body and soul. And as Thou didst accompany youthful Tobias through Thy angel Raphael, likewise do Thou accompany me in all my ways, so that when I, too, have happily returned to my home, I with all mine own may have the greater reason to laud and praise Thee as my true and faithful guide. Meanwhile I [89] commend to Thy care all that I leave at home, and beseech Thee to have charge concerning them, and suffer me to find them unharmed when I return. Amen.

Prayer of Children for Their Father Engaged on a Journey.

O Eternal Son of God, Thou Savior of all who call upon Thee in faith! We Thy children, baptized into Thy blood, consecrated by Thy Spirit a royal priesthood, and ordained Thy brethren and co-heirs with Thee in grace, call upon Thee with innocent tongues, and earnestly pray Thee, graciously to safeguard our dear father now journeying over land for the sake of his calling and to gain the means of livelihood. Help him to discharge his duties with favor and despatch, and return him to us in health and joy, as Thou through Thy angels didst preserve and guide Thy servant Jacob on his journeys, for Thou art the faithful guide and companion of all who fear Thee and trust in Thy mercy. Amen.

Thanksgiving After a Completed Journey.

Gracious God and Father! Most heartily do I thank Thee that Thou hast enabled me to bring my journey to a happy end. Through the ministrations of Thy dear angels Thou hast again brought me to my home, guarded and kept me from all evil, preserved me from the murderous and robbing hands of evildoers, and the teeth of wild beasts, and kept me from all other dangers of body and soul. In short, that I have been led to and fro in health and happiness: I owe it altogether to Thy fatherly goodness and almighty care. And I beseech Thee from all my heart, continue to keep me and mine under Thy protection, and preserve us, body and soul, to the eternal life, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

A Birthday Prayer.

Dear Father in heaven, I thank Thee from all my heart, that Thou hast put me [91] into this world and made me a rational being. I am born of Christian parents and made a member of Thy holy Church. Today the anniversary of my birth hath come, and since I have been permitted to reach this day and thus complete another year of my pilgrimage, I thank Thee from all my heart and joyfully reiterate the thanksgiving of Thy servant David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.”

Since every day of my life, however, is one step nearer to death, which can strike me this hour, yes, this very minute, I beseech Thee so to shape and rule every day of my life, that I may walk according to Thy pleasure as in the day, that is circumspectly in Thy sight, honestly, and conscious of my responsibility, in short as a [92] true Christian and in conformity with the promise made by me to Thee, my dear God, in my baptism. And if this prove my last year and my last birthday, I place all things into Thy gracious keeping. If it is Thy will that I should cease to live, then I have lived enough. For if it is sufficient for Thee, it is sufficient for me. Am I old enough for Thee, I am old enough for me. Here I again put myself under Thy shield and protection, into Thy sublime and eternal power. If I live this year, may I live in Thee; if I die, may I die in Thee, so that I may live, and move, and have my being in Thee, and whether living or dying I may be Thine to all eternity. Amen.

Prayer for Temporal Peace.

Eternal God, Everlasting Father! Thou art a God and lover of peace. From Thee all true unity cometh. We pray Thee graciously to protect Thy Christendom on earth against all its enemies, so that we may [93] be kept in peace, and ever serve Thee gladly in faithful doctrine and a pure conduct. Grant us grace, so that all estates and rulers of Christendom may live peacefully and harmoniously in perfect piety and godliness, so that discipline and order prevail, churches and schools be not destroyed, and the country be not devastated nor grievously oppressed. Grant us grace, so that men will content themselves with what they have, and will not for the sake of avarice or lusting after foreign lands and peoples, nor yet because of pride, vain ambitions, and arrogance, enmity, hatred, envy, nor any other cause, incite war, sedition, or revolution in this our country. Hinder all evil counsel and purpose of unstable men, who think only of that which is not good. Put them to naught in their purposes, so that they must retreat and are utterly consumed with terrors. Stretch forth Thine arm to protect us who are named after Thee, so that Thy heritage be not destroyed. Support Thy faithful who rely upon Thee and call [94] upon Thy name. Hear us in our distress, and Thy holy name protect us. Send us help from Thy sanctuary, and strengthen us from on high. Bless the country and the cities in which Thy holy word dwelleth. Prosperity must dwell within their palaces! O merciful God, incline the hearts of all men to a Christian peace and concord, to the which Thou hast called us through Thy word and gospel. And if bitterness prevail among some, help that it be done away with, to the glory of Thy holy name, the spreading of Thy word, and the betterment of Christendom, and that the poor and distressed in the land may rejoice in Thee and praise Thy holy name, for Thou only performest wonders and provest Thy powers among the nations. Amen.

A Prayer for School.

We pray Thee, everlasting God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Thou eternal and inseparable Trinity and inexpressible Unity, that Thou wouldest faithfully take under [95] Thy protecting wing the flock of Thy Christendom, and ever abide in our midst with Thy grace and truth. Be Thou with us, O Lord, our God. Be Thou a wall of fire round about us, and destroy them who hate Thee and are hostile to Thy name. So rule us, O God, that we may ever be guided by Thy clear and pure word and are not seduced by the external appearance of things. Keep us, Lord Jesus, from error and false doctrine, and send us faithful teachers who take heed unto Thy congregation, purchased with Thy blood, and are anxious to perform Thy will. Grant us obedient hearts, so that we, as lambs of Thy flock, may obey Thy voice, and be filled with fruits of righteousness. Teach us ever to do Thy will, for Thou art our God: Thy spirit is good. Lead us into the land of uprightness, to the end that we, too, through a blessed departure from this life may attain to Thee and the everlasting joy and blessedness, and behold Thy glory to all eternity. Amen.

Prayer When Going to Church.

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, because of Thy great mercy I will go to Thy house and worship Thee in Thy temple in Thy fear. Lord, lead me in the paths of righteousness, and make Thy way straight before my face. Guide me on the paths of Thy commandments, for Thou art my God, and the Lord of my salvation. I delight in Thy sanctuary and rejoice in the congregation of Thy saints, who confess and glorify Thee. How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Magnify the Lord our God, adore at His footstool; for He is holy. I worship Thee, O God, in the accepted time through Thy great mercy. Hear me according to Thy grace. Amen.

Prayer for Sincere Repentance.

Merciful and Gracious God, Thou art slow to anger and plenteous in mercy! Thou callest us daily through the gracious preaching of Thy word to devout conversion, and in Thy name causest repentance and remission of sins to be preached. And Thou showest Thy forbearance with us through Thy long suffering and inexpressible mercy, and dost not suddenly come upon sinners in the midst of their evil deeds with Thy righteous wrath and judgment to punish them, but giveth place and time for repentance, so that no one can justly charge or accuse Thee. For Thou art not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have everlasting life. O dear God, Thou knowest the sluggishness of our flesh and the hardness of our hearts, that we through inherited sin are thus far deranged and so deeply sunk in sin, that of our own accord we can not rise or return. Therefore, for the sake of the wounds of Jesus Christ, my [101] Lord, I beseech Thee, convert Thou me, and I am converted. For Thou art my God, and where I am converted I will truly repent. Save Thou me, O Lord, and I am saved. Help me, and I am helped. Behold, I am like an erring and lost sheep. Seek Thou Thy servant, that I forget not Thy commandments. Circumcise the foreskin of my heart. Purge me, and I shall be clean. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. O dear God, look upon me, as Thou didst look upon Mary Magdalene, the repentant sinner, as she lay at Thy feet and wept over her transgressions; and the publican in the temple, as he smote his breast and besought Thy grace. Vouchsafe unto me sincere sorrow and contrition over my sin, and a true faith with firm confidence in Thy grace, and also worthy fruits of repentance. Let me discern the [102] day of Thy visitation, and not despise the riches of Thy mercy, so that I may not neglect the accepted time, and the day of Thy salvation, and not fail to turn to Thee, my Lord and God. May I not postpone my repentance from one day to another, nor yet to the last hour, but rather turn to Thee this day and repent. Amen.

Prayer for the Forgiveness of Sins.

Merciful Father, Eternal God, my sins are grievous, many and great my transgressions, and mine iniquities are innumerable, for the imaginations of my heart are evil from my youth. O Lord, who can understand his errors? Behold, I acknowledge my transgressions: my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest. I beseech Thine infinite mercy, enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no [103] living man be justified. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? Behold, if Thou contendest with man, he can not answer Thee one of a thousand, for all our righteousness before Thee is as the filthy rag. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness: according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin for Thy name’s sake. Lord, have mercy upon me, save my soul, for, alas! I have sinned against Thee. Remember, O Lord, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever as of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. Remember that we are flesh, as the wind which bloweth and doth not return, and cease in Thy anger and wrath against us. O merciful God, I acknowledge that my virtues and my deeds can [104] never blot out my sins, nor yet merit Thy grace. Only the innocent suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb without spot or blemish, is the true offering for our iniquities, and His blood, shed for the remission of our sins, is the cleansing and purification of our souls. In such confidence and hope I supplicate Thee: forgive Thou the transgressions of Thy people. Cover our sins. Impute not our iniquities, for Thou art merciful. Cleanse Thou me from secret fault. Let my sorrowing soul and my vexed bones again rejoice, for with Thee there is mercy and plenteous redemption. O Lord, hear the voice of my supplication, and despise not the groanings of my heart, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Prayer for True Faith.

Lord, Almighty God, Thou Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, from whom every [105] good and perfect gift cometh, I pray Thee, since all men have not faith: implant and maintain in my heart through the workings of Thy Holy Spirit the true knowledge of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and increase it from day to day, so that I, too, may be filled with the knowledge of Thy will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that I may walk worthy of Thee unto all pleasing, being faithful in every good work, and increase in such knowledge according to Thy glorious power in all patience and long suffering with joy. Grant unto me, according to the riches of Thy glory, that I may be strengthened with might by Thy Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in my heart by faith. O dear God, since no man knoweth the Son but Thou, O Father, and no man knoweth Thee, the Father, but only the same Thy Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Thee, I pray Thee, draw Thou me unto Thee. Grant me the knowledge of salvation, which is the forgiveness of sins. [106] Strengthen my weak faith, which is small as the mustard seed, so that it may increase, and I be rooted and grounded in Thee, and may stand steadfast and unmoveable. Gracious God, Thou hast kindled the spark of faith in my heart and has begun this good work in me, I cry to Thee, perfect it until the end, that we may ever increase in knowledge and understanding, and be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Preserve what Thou hast begun, that we might war a good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience, and not waver or succumb in trial and temptation and make shipwreck concerning faith. Therefore protect me, my God, that I am not led astray among the errors, schisms, and heresies of the world. Preserve me from superstitions and all false doctrine, that I may neither err nor doubt in any article of faith. And vouchsafe unto me Thy grace, that my faith [107] be not lifeless, inactive, or without good fruits, but active and energetic, serving in love, so that I, too, may carry off the end of faith, which is the soul’s salvation. Amen.

Prayer Before Confession.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou my Redeemer, Thou hast given unto Thy dear Church on earth and its faithful servants the sacred office of the keys, and invested it with the promise, that whatsoever by virtue of the same they shall loose or bind on earth shall also be loosed or bound in heaven: I thank Thee, and eternally praise and glorify Thee, for such Thy gracious gift. And, since I a poor and bound sinner need this blessed key which looseth, so that I may not be kept under the bonds of the infernal jailer, I beseech Thine infinite mercy, that I may receive its comfort through my spiritual father, my pastor, and for the sake of Thy holy, precious blood and Thy innocent offering and death be loosed from all my [108] sins. Grant me Thy Holy Spirit, so that I may grasp this holy absolution in heartfelt contrition and undoubting trust, firm resolve, brotherly love and gratitude, and inherit the eternal life. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Absolution.

O Blessed, Merciful, and Gracious God! I thank and praise Thee from all my heart, that through Thy servant Thou hast again forgiven me, a poor sinner, all my sins, again received me in grace, and promised me eternal life. I earnestly pray Thee, vouchsafe unto me Thy Holy Spirit, and create in me a pure heart, so that I may joyously trust that all my sins are forgiven me through Jesus Christ. As an earnest and surety of this blessed fact, I will now eat and drink the true body and blood of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, to my soul’s salvation. Grant me also, O faithful God, that henceforth [109] I may earnestly avoid all sin and better my life. This Thou wouldest graciously grant me for Thy name’s sake. Amen.

A Morning Prayer for Communion Day.

Arise, my soul, this is the day which the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Give thanks unto the gracious and merciful God for His blessings and say:

Almighty and Merciful God and Father, I thank Thee from all my heart for the protection of this night, for the refreshing rest, and for the joyous morning, which Thou hast granted unto me. I praise Thee with all my soul for Thy wonderful mercy which blesses me with the forgiveness of my sins. Praised be Thy grace, which is new each morn, and which on this day also bids me to Thy house, and calls and invites me to Thy altar.

O Lord, since I, too, would come to Thy [110] Supper with the throngs which celebrate, do Thou Thyself make me ready. As Thou wouldest find a pure residence in me, do Thou cleanse and consecrate my body and soul. Guide me with Thine eye, and lead me with Thy hand to the riches of Thy mercy. Comfort me with Thy countenance, and do not forsake me. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.

And, that my sacred resolve may not be hampered, I commend to Thee my body and soul, reason, senses, and thoughts, whatever I do or leave undone, my coming in and going out, my walking, standing, sitting, and resting, my imaginations and aspirations, my faith and confession, and whatever internally or externally I may be or do. O God, preserve in me a devout spirit, and hinder whatever might disturb or hamper me. Receive me into the especial care of Thy grace, and increase in me the work that is now begun. Perfect and complete it according to Thy power [111] and grace to Thy glory and my salvation. Keep me from evil thoughts, from idle imaginations, from all uncleanliness, so that in Thy fear I may begin a consecrated life and continue therein. May the light of my faith shine before men. May I give offense to none, but rather in Christian conduct edify the brethren and direct them to all virtue.

Holy Jesus, do Thou unite with my body and soul on this day. Nourish me with Thy flesh and refresh me with Thy blood, so that my weak faith be strengthened, and receive the assurance of Thy grace, the remission of my sin, and eternal salvation. Invest me with the pure silk of Thy righteousness. Clothe me in the true wedding garment, that I may appear at Thy heavenly board a worthy guest.

Now, Lord God and Father, be my help and my protection! Lord Jesus Christ be my bread, my light, and life! And Thou, O Holy Ghost, illumine and preserve me in the true sanctification, so that in that [112] estate, into which I again am permitted to enter, I may remain for the course of my life. Let me be enveloped in Thee. Without Thee there is only grief. O dear Savior, let me ever be with Thee. Amen.

Prayer Before Holy Communion.

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Son of God, I am not worthy to open my lips and receive the most precious sacrament of Thy body and blood. For I am a sin-stained man, but Thou art the Lord whom the heavens can not encompass. How then can a human being who is but dust and ashes be worthy to receive Thy most holy body and precious blood! I well know and acknowledge that my sins are many and that for that reason I am an unworthy guest at Thy table. But I also sincerely believe and confess it with my lips that by Thy grace Thou canst render me worthy. For Thou art omnipotent and gracious. Thou only canst cleanse and make holy whatever [113] took rise in unclean seed. Thou canst transform sinners into true and holy men, when by Thy grace Thou forgivest sin and renewest us with Thy Holy Spirit. Therefore I pray Thee, by Thy power and love grant me grace, that I may worthily approach Thy altar, and not become guilty of Thy body and blood by unworthy eating and drinking, so that I may not receive death in place of life. Grant me grace, that I may know and test myself as a poor sinner, my heart filled with sorrow over mine iniquity, and may properly discern Thy tender and noble body, and Thy holy, precious blood. May my reason, senses, and intellect be ever submissive to Thy word, and may I be earnestly resolved to better and improve my life with Thy help, so that in this precious sacrament, I may not only with my mouth receive Thy body and blood, but also in true faith accept Thee, my Savior and Redeemer, enthrone Thee in my heart, and find in Thee my life and blessedness. For Thou art the living [114] bread which cometh down from heaven and bringeth life to men. Whoever cometh to Thee shall nevermore hunger, and he that believeth on Thee shall nevermore thirst. Whoever eateth Thy flesh and drinketh Thy blood dwelleth in Thee and Thou in him, and shall never die. O beloved Lord, my spirit and my mind yearn for Thee. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Fill me with Thy grace. Amen.

A Sigh When About to Receive the Sacred Body of Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thy holy body strengthen and preserve me in the true faith unto eternal life. Amen.

A Sigh When About to Receive the Sacred Blood of Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thy holy blood strengthen and preserve me in the true faith unto eternal life. Amen.

Prayer After the Holy Supper.

Lord Jesus Christ, with all my heart I thank and glorify Thee, that Thou hast again cleansed me, a poor sinner, from all my sin, and as an earnest of such cleansing and forgiveness of my sin, hast nourished me with Thy body and blood, and like an unclean child, after such purification, hast received me into the fatherly arms of Thy grace and mercy, and put me pure, reproachless, and without blemish before Thy Father.

I earnestly pray Thee with all my power, in addition to such blessing, grant me Thy grace through the workings of Thy Holy Ghost, so that I may sufficiently understand [116] such blessing and grace, gratefully accept it, and glorify and praise Thee with all my heart. Grant me strength from above by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may heartily forgive my neighbor wherever he hath sinned against me, even as Thou hast fully and richly forgiven me my great and manifold transgressions, yes, entirely blotted them out and wilt never remember them. Help me to love my neighbor and gladly show him every good, as Thou hast done unto me, and hast shown me more than I can ever sufficiently thank Thee for. Praise and glory be to Thee, O faithful God, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Prayer for a Pious Life.

O my dear Lord Jesus, illumine me today and evermore, that I may shape the course of my Christian life and direct it toward the eternal Jerusalem, my eternal home. And as Thou yearnest for me, may [117] I also have all my delight and thirst in Thee, seek Thee early, yearn for Thee, and make of Thee, the bread of life, the companion of all my ways. Keep me, O unchangeable, everlasting God, from the inconstancy of the children of this world, that I may not fall into hypocrisy as they do, but today and always, in all my calling, prove myself constant in godliness, so that my life may decrease in vice and increase in virtue. May I always faithfully serve Thee, my Lord, disdain the worldly, be exalted in Thee, experience Thy grace and protection, and eternally thank Thee, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Prayer for Faithful Teachers and Preachers.

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.

Merciful God, who hast commanded us through Thy only begotten Son to pray Thee for laborers in Thy harvest: I earnestly beseech Thee, grant us, Thy sheep, pastors according to Thy heart, to feed us with doctrine and wisdom. Put learned bishops, Christian pastors, pious teachers over Thy congregation, faithfully to show the true way to eternal life. Fill them plenteously with Thy Holy Spirit, so that they may fruitfully proclaim the holy and precious word of the gospel, and sincerely perfect Thy work. Grant them a courageous heart, that without fear or favor they may lift up their voices and put the adversaries to silence. Open the door for their word, that they may be blessed and go from strength to strength. May they also be shining examples for the flocks entrusted to their care. Grant me and all listeners a grateful heart, that we may communicate in all good things unto them that teach us the word, rejoice in them, forsake them not, so that we may be blessed of Thee according [119] to Thy promise in all the works of our hands. Preserve us from hirelings, time-servers, unfaithful laborers, and hypocrites, who falsely deceive the hearts of the righteous, whom Thou hast never grieved, and fortify the hands of the wicked, that they will not turn from their evil ways. Let us never be robbed of our faithful preachers for the sake of our ingratitude, but rather look upon the glory of Thy holy name, yea, behold the Kingdom of Thine Anointed, that it may prevail among us to the end of the world. Amen.

Prayer for the Kingdom of God.
(Meeting of the Congregation)

Gracious and Blessed God, who hast taught, and commanded us above all things and first to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness: I pray Thee, grant us grace, that Thy holy word may be preached in all the world in all its truth and purity, and we submit our reason to the obedience [120] of faith, and live holy lives according to it as behooves the children of God to Thy pleasing, so that Thy kingdom may come to us, and increase, and many of them, who do not yet believe in the word, be won through a Christian conduct. Help us, dear God, who are delivered from the power of darkness and are translated into the kingdom of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sin, that we may remain in His kingdom, faithfully continue in the wholesome doctrine, and live worthily as children of light in all piety and godliness. And since the kingdom of God cometh not with outward shew, neither consists of mere words, but is power and spirit: grant us grace, that we may be born again from above through Thy saving word and Thy Holy Spirit, co-heirs of life, so that with our hearts we may dwell above where Christ sitteth, and constantly seek the inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that fadeth not away. Enable us to be poor [121] in the spirit and humble, and such who sorrow over their sins. Let us be anhungered and athirst, and heartily yearn after righteousness. May we ever be meek, and suffer and overcome whatsoever of persecution and tribulation may assail us, and revilings and undeserved malignings with patience and longsuffering. Keep us from all offenses, whereby Thy holy name is blasphemed and outraged, Thy kingdom hindered and weakened. Grant us grace to practice our faith in works of love and mercy, feeding, clothing, harboring, visiting, comforting the poor and distressed of this world, so that when that great day dawns we may hear the blessed and joyous voice of Thy dear Son: Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Amen.

Prayer for Missions.

I pray Thee, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord, have mercy upon the unbelievers, whoever and wherever they are, who still walk in darkness, and do not yet possess the light of Thy gospel. They are stricken with blindness by the evil one. Their foolish heart is darkened. They are alienated from the life that is of Thee, through their native ignorance, carried away to the dumb idols, even as they are led, and in their blindness curse and blaspheme Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, the mercy seat. For that reason, O faithful God, take away the veil, which is upon the heart of the Jews, who stumble at the stone of stumbling and the rock of offense. Illumine their eyes that they may know the true Messiah, the Savior of the world. Gather the heathen and all unbelievers, who look upon Thy word as foolishness, into the true fold and the true assembly of Christians, the congregation of saints, so that with us and all [123] the faithful they may honor, glorify, and worship Thee, the Father in the Son, and the Son with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God and Lord. Open the understanding of all men, who do not put their salvation and their confidence solely and alone on the true fundament and cornerstone, even Jesus Christ, so that they know Him, whom Thou hast sent, and in the true faith and a sincere trust of their hearts may acknowledge and accept Him as their Savior and Redeemer, who through His obedience and fulfillment of the law, and through His bitter death, hath merited an eternal salvation. We pray Thee also, to return to the truth of Thy word all of them who have defected from the Christian faith, or err in sundry other things and are cumbered with false doctrines. Thou God of grace, have mercy upon those, who are not of the true faith, who dwell in the shadow of death, and in the darkness of their minds walk on uneven paths. Seek the lost, lead aright the erring, illumine the [124] blinded and infatuated, open the ears of the deaf, unloose the tongues of the dumb, who do not confess Thee, raise the fallen, bring back the corrupt, assemble the dispersed, lead aright the erring and seduced, for Thy mercy’s sake. Amen.

Prayer Against False Doctrines and Sects.

Gracious God! Thou hast warned us, that we should beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. And since in these latter days, in which we now live, evil times will come, in which Satan clothes himself in the livery of heaven, and false teachers and fraudulent laborers dissemble as though they were the apostles of Christ, who have the form of godliness but deny the power thereof; and since the defection from the pure doctrine, and the man of sin, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called [125] God shall be made manifest, help us, eternal God, that we may be filled with the love for truth, and avoid the spirit of lies and all falsehoods and errors, abstain and flee from all appearance of evil, so that we may not be moved from the true faith, nor yet beguiled from our reward, but may continue steadfast by Thy word unto the end. May we never be led astray, neither through deceiving powers, signs, and miracles, nor through any temptation to unrighteousness, so that we be not tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Preserve Thy elect in this evil world, O God, that they may not be led into error. Shorten the days in these evil times. Destroy the Antichrist, the wicked child of perdition and temptation, through the spirit of Thy mouth. Put an end to his days through the appearance of Thy dear Son. Preserve us also from unruly spirits and schisms, from the ravenous wolves who [126] have no mercy for the flocks, from men who speak perverse doctrines and draw the disciples to themselves, from men of corrupt minds who sow offense and bring about separation, from the tares which the enemy scatters, from thieves and murderers of the soul. Let us only hear Thy voice, and follow it from our hearts in true faith and upright obedience, so that your word may be our only rule and norm, according to which we measure all doctrine, flee the evil teaching, and all unrighteousness. Then will we, too, have boldness and be not brought to naught on that day when Jesus Christ, our Savior, shall appear. Amen.

Prayer Against the Enemies of Christendom.

O Lord God, why do the wicked rage without cause? and the mighty set themselves and take counsel against Thee and Thy Son, Thine Anointed? O Lord, how numerous are Thine enemies, and great the [127] number of those who conspire against Thy word to destroy it, and put their own evil idolatry in its place and introduce false doctrines into Thy Church. They invent secret artifices and practices, to destroy the confessors of Thy word. They counsel what is evil, pregnant with calamity. They lie in wait for us like the lion seeking his prey. Thus they waylay our souls. They open wide their jaws, like a gaping sepulchre, to devour us. O Lord God, commit us not to their will, for behold, the wicked mob speaks in its heart, Thou, O Lord, hast forgotten us. Thou hast concealed Thy countenance. Arise, therefore, O Lord. Lift up Thy hand, forget not the distressed. Awaken, O Lord, why sleepest Thou! Awake, and do not quite reject us. Why dost Thou hide Thy face, and forget our misery and distress? Arise, and help us, and deliver us for Thy mercy sake, that the enemy may not injure us, nor the children of Belial harm us. Save us from the hands of aliens, whose teaching is useless, [128] and their works evil. For they will not be guided to do good. They will not regard Thee, the Lord of hosts, nor yet the works of Thy hands. Thou wilt destroy and not build them. O Lord God Sabaoth, militate Thou against our assailants. Give victory to our Christian government, and conquer the enemies of Thy name. For victory cometh from heaven, and is not brought about by the great multitude. Thou canst as readily help through the few as through the many. Therefore destroy the arm of the wicked. Make their counsels of no account, that they can not accomplish them, but must be brought to naught with shame. They must return, who hate Thee, and seek to annihilate Thy holy word. They must be as chaff before the wind. Thy holy angel brush them aside, that they may not boast against Thee and say our hand hath done this. Therefore safeguard Thy honor among men, and help us for Thy name’s sake, that it may not be desecrated and blasphemed. Amen.

Prayer During War.

O Lord God, who art righteous in Thy judgment, and plenteous in mercy, whose faithfulness endureth from generation to generation, who rulest even above the din of war: may all nations learn to know that Thou alone art God, that Jesus Christ is Thy Son, and that all who truly confess Thy name are the people of Thy pasture and the sheep of Thy hand. Thou hast permitted the nations to rise up in war against each other and our own beloved country to become engulfed in its throes. O Lord God, our Father, we know that war is a punishment for sin and that we, too, have justly merited Thy punishment through our sins. Therefore we humbly confess our sins, and supplicate Thy pity and compassion, lay not our iniquities against us, but graciously forgive us our sins and shortcomings for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Thy fatherly goodness and care we commend our people, and especially our soldiers and sailors now in the service [132] of their country. They are absent from their loved ones, beset by dangers on all sides. Be Thou ever near. Keep them from all evil. O Thou, without whose consent not even a sparrow falleth to the ground and who hast numbered the very hairs of our heads, take them under the shadow of Thy wings. Give them courage and obedience, fortitude and valor in the hour of danger, and compassion and mercy in the flush of victory. Prosper their arms to the establishment of justice, peace, and truth among all peoples. Lead them safely back to their homes and their loved ones, better citizens, better Christians than before. And to Thy holy name be glory, laud, and honor, world without end. Amen.

Prayer for the Army and Navy.

Almighty and Eternal God, Thou King of kings and Lord of lords, who rulest and governest all things in heaven and earth: [133] we beseech Thine infinite mercy to bless the officers and men of our army and navy. Preserve them against all dangers and temptations which may assail their lives. Help them manfully to battle against and overcome the powers of evil, the world, the devil, and the flesh. May they ever be filled with Thy Holy Spirit from on high, and in courage, manliness, and truthfulness prevail in the hour of danger and when the battle rages. May they ever look to Thee, who art the succorer of those in peril, as to their only helper, and in Thy name fight a holy fight to maintain the country’s honor and keep the flag unsullied, that truth and righteousness may prevail. Put to naught all evil designs and devices of their enemies, both spiritual and temporal. Guide Thou and direct them that they may ever fight the good fight of faith and in the end overcome and attain to their soul’s salvation, to the glory of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer on the Eve of Battle.

O Lord God of hosts, Thou the Highest of the high and the Holiest of the holy, who rulest and shapest all things to the glory of Thy name and the betterment of Thy people: we humbly beseech Thine infinite mercy in this hour of our peril, judge Thou between us and our enemies. Be Thou our sure defense. Stir up Thy might and hasten to our help. Lay not our sins to our charge, but for the sake of Thy dear Son, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, manifest Thy mercy toward us and blot out our iniquities, and sanctify and guide us by Thy truth. We Thy poor servants call upon Thy holy name, and implore Thy grace. Have mercy upon us. Lead us safely through the blood and carnage. Make it appear that Thou art our deliverer. Make us strong with the assurance that it is Thy cause, that we are Thy children, that Thou holdest our destiny in Thy hand. And if it is Thy will that we should lay down our lives—Thy will be done! [135] Help us then that our last day on this earth may be the first in Thy paradise. Bless our loved ones at home, and comfort them with the hopeful assurances of Thy word. May they and all of us rightfully know and appreciate, whether we live, we live unto the Lord. And whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the Wounded.

Lord God, our Heavenly Father! We implore Thy eternal compassion for all who are this day wounded, suffering, or dying. Be Thou nigh unto them in their affliction. Comfort them with Thy grace and with the hopeful assurance, that, though kindred and friends be far away, Thou art ever present and hearest even the faintest sight of all who seek Thy succor. If it be Thy pleasure, restore to them their former health and vigor. Help them to [136] bear their pains without murmuring against Thy grace. Give them patience and strength and faith in Thee. May they rest assured, that Thou wilt never leave nor forsake them. Deliver them from the assaults of the enemies of their souls. O God and Father in heaven, bless them and all of us, and may we ever seek those things that are acceptable to Thy sight. Forgive us our sins, not because of any merit or worthiness in us, but solely because Thou art merciful for Christ’s sake. And to Thee, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be glory and honor forever. Amen.

Prayers for the Dying.
(St. Paul’s Prayer)

“The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: not [137] to me only, but to all of them also that love His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

* * *

O Lord, on Thy cross Thou didst cry, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit!” I, too, commend my spirit into Thy hands now when my end is near. Thou hast redeemed me, O faithful God. Amen.

* * *

Lord Almighty God, Heavenly Father! My time has come to an end, my life is slowly ebbing away. Be Thou with me. O Lord, I suffer much and Thou only canst help me. Be Thou my succor, and shorten and soften my pain. Darkness comes over me and I cry for comfort and strength. Have mercy upon me. Take my soul under Thy protecting wing, that I perish not. Take my sins from me, and blot all my guilt; for Christ’s sake, my Savior and my Lord. Amen.

Prayer of a Patient.

Lord God, Heavenly Father! Thou art a faithful God, and wilt not suffer any one to be tempted beyond what he is able, but rather with the temptation wilt also make a way to escape, that he may be able to bear it. I supplicate Thee in my great suffering and pain, so shape the cross, that it may not lay too heavily upon me, and strengthen me that I may bear it with patience, and nevermore despair of Thy mercy. O Christ, Thou Son of the living God! Thou hast endured the agony of the cross for me, and hast died for my sins, I beseech Thee with my whole heart, have mercy upon me a poor sinner, and forgive me my transgressions, wherever I have sinned against Thee. Let my faith in no wise diminish. O God Holy Ghost! Thou true comforter in all times of need. Keep me ever in the spirit of patience and supplication. Sanctify me in my reliance upon Thee. Turn not from me in the hour of [142] my death, and lead me from this vale of sorrow to Thyself in heaven. Amen.

Prayer for a Blessed End.

O Merciful God, Thou hast put a limit to man’s life, which no man can set aside. For he has his definite time, the number of his months rests with Thee. Thou hast numbered all our days, which pass away like a stream, as though we flew away. Man is like grass, which soon withereth, like the flower of the field, which passeth away. Teach me, O merciful God, to know and take to heart, that I, too, must pass away and that my life has a limit, and I must go hence. Behold, my days are as a handbreadth before Thee, and my life as nothing in Thy sight. Every man at his best is altogether vanity. Lord, so teach us to number our days, what it is, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Lord, teach me to remember that I must die, and have no continuing city in this pilgrimage. Make [143] known unto me my short and transient being, that I may often think of my end, so that in this world I may not live unto myself, but live and die unto Thee, so that I may bravely and joyously await the day of my translation and the appearance of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, and with a consecrated life and a pious conduct hasten to Him. Bless me, O God, with a blessed departure, and when my hour cometh, that I may joyously die, find a rational end in true knowledge, and that my reason and intellect be not deranged, and I speak no arrogant words or blasphemies against Thee, my Lord, or against my salvation. Preserve me from an evil sudden death and from eternal damnation. Let me not be suddenly overcome by my last hour without warning, but that I may prepare myself with true repentance and sincere faith. And when it comes make me joyous and brave for my temporal death, which only opens the door to the eternal life. May I then, as Thy servant, depart in peace. For [144] mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Grant that my last word may be that which Thy dear Son spoke on the cross, “Father, into Thy hands do I commend My spirit!” And when I can no longer speak, hear Thou my last sigh through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer in the Hour of Death.

Almighty, Everlasting, and Most Merciful Lord and God! Thou art the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I know that Thou art willing and able to fulfill whatsoever Thou hast said. Thou canst not lie. Thy word is truth. Thou hast from the beginning promised me Thy dear Son Jesus Christ. And He is come, and has redeemed me from the devil, death, hell, and sin. And in Thy gracious providence Thou hast for a greater surety established the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion [145] in which His true natural body and blood are given me in, with, and under the bread and wine, thus offering and assuring me of the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and every heavenly gift. And because of this Thy assurance I have made use of these means of grace, and firmly relying upon Thy word have received them. And now I do not doubt but that I am secure from the power of the devil, death, hell, and sin. And if now my hour hath come, and this is Thy divine will, I will gladly and willingly depart hence and be with Thee in peace. Amen.

Prayer of the Bystanders for the Sick One.

Almighty, Merciful God, who keepest our life in death, we pray Thee, turn the eyes of Thy mercy to this sick person, strengthen him in body and soul, and forgive him all his sins through Thy grace. [146] Take the sacrifice of the innocent death of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, as a propitiation for his transgressions, since he, too, is baptized in His name, washed and cleansed with His blood. Save him from the pains and agonies of his body. Shorten his sufferings. Keep him from the accusations of his conscience and all temptations of the enemy, so that in faith he may truly battle and conquer. Grant him a blessed translation to the eternal life. Send Thy holy angels, that they accompany him to the blessed company of all the elect in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer When the Patient Has Died in the Lord.

Jesus Christ, Thou Lord of glory and Prince of life, we glorify and thank Thee now and always, that Thou hast so mercifully helped this now blessed one, and hast taken his soul into Thy holy keeping. And [147] when the last day cometh Thou wouldest reunite his soul with his body in heavenly radiance, and grant us altogether, when the divinely appointed hour cometh, to follow him in blessedness. Meanwhile grant us a Christian conduct, refresh all sorrowing hearts with heavenly solace. Keep us in Thy eternal grace, for the sake of Thy inexhaustible mercy and goodness. Amen. O Thou most holy, most glorious Trinity. Amen.