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, 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

A Birthday Prayer.

Dear Father in heaven, I thank Thee from all my heart, that Thou hast put me 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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.

Index of Pages of the Print Edition