Supplications of SAINTS A Booke of Prayers Diuided into three parts 1 Daniels deuotion prayers for Seuerall dayes 2 Paul and his company prayers for seueral occasions 3 Dauid alone prayers for seuerall parties Wherein are three most excellent Prayers made by the late famous Queene ELIZABETH A third Edition enlarged APOC. 8. 4. The Prayers of the Saints went vp before God LONDON Printed for Nicholas Bourne and are to sould at his shop at the entring in of the Royall Exchange 1612. THE CONTENTS OF the seuerall parts 1 Daniels Deuotion Containing three Prayers for euery day in the weeke with other priuate Prayers for Morning and Euening in number 27. Pag. 2 Paul and his Company Containing Prayers for diuers Occasions generall and particuler in number 23. Pag. 3 Dauid alone Containing Queene ELIZABETHS prayers other Prayers in the name of diuers parties of seuerall estates in number 21. Pag. Prayers accompanying the seuerall parts A three-fold Paraphrase vpon the LORDS Prayer Nine short Prayers beginning with the letters of the name Elizabeth Two Prayers and meditations vpon the passions of the life and death of our sauiour Iesus A generall thankesgiuing c. To the most Gratious Lady Lady ELIZABETH eldest daughter of our Soueraigne Lord the King BEing willing amongst others of my Function to performe some office to the glory of Gods people considering with my selfe the times we liue in together with our owne frailties I haue in that regard most vertuous Lady labored to compose a small volume of short Prayers and to contriue it into this Method assuring my selfe that nothing is or can be more acceptable to Almightie God then the hartie Prayers of his people In which Collection I haue also inserted three most sweete Prayers made by the late Queene Elizabeth of famous memorie Which as vpon her occasions she powred forth before the Lord as it is written of King Salomon kneeling on her knees stretching of her hands to heauen so I thought them most worthy to be registred for perpetuall memorie being compiled by so renowned a person as her selfe and carying in matter pithe in stile Maiestie and in words true deuotion And vnderstanding of your Graces loue of vertue with the humblenesse of your minde and zeale of seruing God I am therefore enboldened in the forehead of this my Myte to stampe your royall Name not doubting of your Graces fauourable allowance Which being my humble suite and desire crauing pardon for this boldnesse I cease not as heartily to pray that the manifold graces of the most High may be multiplyed vpon your Estate and your Grace long preserued to the ioy and comfort of your most roiall Parents our Soueraigne King and Queene the good of Gods Church and the finall saluation of your owne soule From the Parsonage house of S. Mildreds in the Poultry London Septem 7. Anno Dom. 1610. Your Graces most humbly Thomas Sorocold To all deuout People CHRISTIAN brethren I haue bin persuaded to publish to your view and charitable interpretation this handfull of flowers picked sorted and tyed vp into a bundle according to my slender abilitie both of iudgement and inuention I haue presumed also to entitle them SVPPLICATIONS of Saints induced thereunto by three reasons First because they are squared to the practise of the two holy Prophets and the blessed Apostle and Saint Saint Paul Secondly three of these praiers which are indeed praestantiores far more eminent and excellent then al the rest proceeding from humane conceit were vsed and penned by the late noble Queene of famous memorie ELIZABETH and may iustly challenge the Denomination as the remaines of her Deuotion who liuing a Religious and Peerelesse PRINCE was truely accounted as the Wise-man speaketh among the Children of God and now being taken from vs hath her portion among the Saints The third reason is because I hope they may be the dayly exercise of your selues who being called to the participation of Iesus Christ embracing the Gospell of God and hauing receiued the Sacrament of life haue also your part in the Communion of Saints I haue not helde such a course as happily other Collectors of the like Deuotions haue done and yet I hope you will not condemne mee but vpon good deliberation I confesse they are not mingled with discourse for God desireth not to take admonition or information from our reports neither are they interlaced with Meditations for the places of Scripture which I haue prefixed before euery one will minister matter of that Deuotion neither haue I made any of them very long to draw them into a thousand periods as Chrysostom saith as if it were a goodly worke to multiply much speech before GOD But I haue made them somewhat briefe ayming at that Rule which our Lord and Sauiour prescribed saying After this maner pray ye That is saith Chrysostome againe Hee appointed the Disciples to gather the Petitions of their prayers into a short summe Wherefore if ye find them worthy the name of prayers vse them if otherwise yet take them as meane grounds of Prayer and meditation to set your deuout thoughts a worke with this liberty that where I haue been defectiue I referre it to the iudicious to supply and where I haue offered any thing vaine or offensiue I am content to admit a godly Corrector But how euer it be yet let me aduise you not to waxe faint or slacke in Prayer for such as haue learned of the Lord Iesus saith Saint Augustine true humilitie and meeknesse of heart receiue more profit by meditation and prayer then in reading and hearing whereby ye may be sure the religious Father meant not to traduce either the preaching of the word or the reading of any thing that may make a man wise vnto saluation but enforced the more reuerend respect and more frequent vse of this Ghostly exercise that as men are commanded to be Doers of the Word so they should be seekers of Grace to doe it by not Hearers onely for so saith the Apostle they should deceiue themselues For when Paul hath planted and Apollos watered when one hath read a learned treatise and another hath heard a fruitfull Sermon they must refer the rest to him that giueth the increase and vnto whom will he giue it to him that seeketh vnto him that knocketh to him that asketh humbly and deuoutly in his prayer Follow then his counsell which sayeth Put vp your Prayers to him that hee may send downe his grace to you Againe beloued all is not peace if yee consider of what Church we are while we be in this world S. Paul tels vs that we are in a Warfare that Prayer is a principall peece of our Armour therefore his counsell is Pray alwayes watch thereunto For wee cannot as Abishai said to Dauid concerning his blow make so sure worke at one time that we shall not need to come againe But rather so many are
our sinnes as the haires of our heads so many our enemies as the stars in the skye and so fierce and strong the Tempter as a roaring Lyon that as the Man of God was angry with the King of Israel because when he bad him smite the earth with his dart he smote onely thrice who should haue smiten fiue or sixe times that he might haue beene assured of the ouerthrow of his enemies So GOD that bids vs continue in Prayer will be angry with vs if wee pray not againe and againe as the importunate widdow in the Gospel prosecuted her suite yea to speake of Deuotion as he doth of compassion if we pray not seuen times yea seuentie times seuen times that wee may obtaine a blessing I speake to them that haue vnderstanding iudge you what I say and I shall pray vnto the Holy One of Israel in heauen that your inspirations may be heauenly your desires holy your Prayers here feruent and frequent there acceptable before the throne of his Maiestie to the reliefe of your necessities and to the setting forth of his glory in IESVS Christ Amen The faults escaped in some copies amend thus Pag. Lin. for read 4 6 Father Trinity 103 19 hope heart 114 14 apparelled appalled 229 4 Marke Make. 327 6 be begin THE most absolute prayer and best Rule of all holy Petitions is that which our Lord Sauiour taught his Disciples A Prayer large for matter short for Phrase and sweet for order which I hauing thus paraphrased as you see thought not so good to insert it into this bundle as to place it here alone before them all as a Supplication not appropriate to any one part but apperaining giuing life to all and fit to conclude euery one A Paraphrase vpon the Lords Prayer OVR FATHER By right of Creation Merit of Mercie Gracious prouision Which art in Heauen The seate of thy Maiestie The inheritance of thy children The kingdome of blisse Hallowed be thy Name By the thoughts of our hearts By the words of our mouthes By the works of our hands Thy Kingdome come Of grace to inspire vs. Of power to defend vs. Of glory to crowne vs. Thy will be done In weale and woe In fulnesse and wane In life and death In Earth as it is in Heauen In vs as it is in thine Angels Willingly readily faithfully Without murmur Let Deceit Giue vs this day our daily Bread For the nourishing of our bodies For the feeding of our Soules The reliefe of all necessities And forgiue vs our debts Whereby thou art dishonoured Our Neighbour wronged or Our selues indangered As we forgiue our debtors That haue hurt vs in our bodies Hindred vs in our goods Wronged vs in our good Name And lead vs not into temptation Of the wicked World The entising flesh or The enuious Deuill But deliuer vs from euill Forgiue that is past Remoue that is present Preuent what is to come For thine is the Kingdom Power glorie To rule and gouerne all To command and do all In all by all All in all Now and for euer At this present In this world and In the world to come AMEN As thou say'st So it is As thou promisest So it shall be As we pray So be it Lord. PRAYERS Beginning with the letters of the name ELIZABETH E EVery day O Almighty GOD and heauenly Father will I pray vnto thee to haue mercy vpon me and to keepe me in thy grace fauour and loue Euery day will I giue thankes vnto thee ô Lord IESV the Sonne of GOD for thy gratious redemption of my body and soule from sinne death and hell Euery day will I laud thy holy Name ô holy Ghost Gods Spirit hearts ioy elects comforter beseeching thee blessed Trinitie in sacred vnitie to replenish my heart with all charitable desires and heauenly inspirations necessary to Saluation Amen L LAy too thy helping hand ô Lord strengthen my weake condition and powre thine oyle of grace into my wounded heart that I may be able to walke in the wayes of thy commandements without reproofe and receiue comfort in all my needs and necessities Amen I IT is pitie and compassion ô LORD alone which must couer mine vnworthinesse therefore renouncing all merite in my selfe I flie vnto thee for succour Leaue me not ô Lord but preuent mee with thy goodnesse now and euermore Amen Z ZEalous O LORD I am of thy truth Wherefore I pray thee sanctifie my heart to a right conuersation in this world Direct me by thy lawes that I neuer step beyond the limites of my duetie and suffer me not to enter into any action which eyther may dishonour thee or bring my life into infamie Amen A ADmit me O mercifull Lord to thy gracious fauour many are the dangers of this life and I haue no patron to defend mee but thee Heauen is thine and the earth is thine keepe me on earth as one of thine and bring mee to Heauen to raigne with thee Amen B BLessed Lord I haue sinned but my pardon is with thee If I were as sinfull as Marie Magdalen as outragious as the prodigall sonne and as bashfull to come neere as the Publican yet Iesus hath made satisfaction for my sinne therefore in mercy forgiue mee now and euermore Amen E ENter not into iudgement with a poore creature O LORD dust and ashes is my state here onely I am created after thine Image for a better world destroy not then the worke of thine owne hands but shew thy mercy and goodnesse vnto me this day and euermore Amen T THinke vpon me O LORD thy word neuer failed and thy compassions haue no end By the vertue of the one and the substance of the other purifie me from all iniquitie and leade me into all truth this day and euermore Amen H HAue mercy vpon mee O LORD accept my Prayers which I powre out before thee and graunt my requests Mercifully prosper the things that I take in hand saue mee from mine enemies a blessed life and a happie end good Lord send me AMEN Supplications OF SAINTS The first part Daniels deuotion DAN 6. 10. Hee kneeled vpon his knees three times a day and prayed This part containeth priuate Prayers For Morning Noone and Euening euery day in the weeke Also foure other Prayers for Morning and Euening and two Prayers vpon the Passion of our Lord Iesus Sunday Morning Prayer Psal 145. 10. All thy works prayse thee O Lord and thy Saints shal blesse thee Psal 119. 170. O let my Supplication come before thee deliuer mee according to thy word OH LORD GOD Almightie Father and thou welbeloued Sonne of the Father Iesus Christ with the holy Ghost holy blessed and glorious Trinitie eternall God Lord of the Sabbath and the fountaine of all wisdome I do not present these my Supplications before thee for my righteousnesse but for thy great mercies I trust in them truely without diffidence I trust in them only without any
other plea I trust in them alwayes without wearines therfore I beseech thee grant mee mercifull audience Mercifully heare mee O Lord mercifully heare me O Lord God First I extoll thy infinite goodnesse and mercy together with thine eternall wisedome and truth that thou hast protected me all this night past and made me to rest and sleep so quietly and securely vnder the shadow of thy wings And I beseech thee from the bottome of my heart to protect me this day with thy mighty hand from all dangers both of body and soule Giue thy holy Angels charge ouer mee to keepe mee in all my wayes driue away from mee the euill angell and deadly enemie remooue all offences of this world Mortifie and kill in me all carnall lustes vnlawfull pleasures and euill affections that they may haue no dominion or raigne in my mortall body giue me a contrite heart to bewaile my former life and let me find comfort in thy mercy for the remission of my sinnes Sanctifie me O holy Father this holy day with thine especiall grace that I may honour thee as a Creator loue thee as a redeemer expect thee as a Sauiour and that I may haue modest cariage in my behauiour true deuotion in my Prayers and reuerent attention to heare thy sacred word and so vnlocke the eares of mine vnderstanding that I may obserue learne and imbrace such things as are necessary for mee to the better confirmation of my faith in Christ Iesus and the saluation of my soule by his blood Rayse mee O Father by the power of thy sonnes resurrection from sinne and iniquitie and giue me spirituall rest in the communion of Saints that hereafter when I shal leaue this world I may keepe the euerlasting Sabbath with thee in the Kingdom of Heauen Behold O Lord I knock at the doore of thy mercy for all these graces with all the powers of my strength soule and mind beseeching thee to continue vnto mee the right vse of all the powers and faculties of the same and to send thy holy Spirit to beare witnesse to my Spirit that I am thy child and shall be heire of thy Kingdome with Christ Iesus our Lord and through his merits for whose sake I beseech thee to grant all those things all that I haue prayed for Amen Noone A prayer for the Ministers of the Word O Lord Iesus which hast coÌ„manded vs to pray for labourers to the Haruest we beseech thee send painefull Ministers into thy Church Endue them with such wisedome and speech as the aduersaries may not be able to gaine-say Open vnto them the doore of doctrine giue them the spirit of boldnesse that they may faithfully dispense thy Mysteries and speake thy Word freely Take away all contentions and differences from among them Make them examples to those that beleeue in soundnesse of Doctrine and purenesse of life And because the rule of our life depends vpon thy word in their mouthes blesse them with all graces fit for their calling that wee may giue thankes vnto thee and praise thy Name for euermore Amen Sunday Euening Prayer Gen. 18. 27. 30. Behold I haue taken vpon mee to speake vnto my Lord. Oh let not my Lord be angry and I will speake OH eternall God and merciful Father from the bottome of my heart I giue thee continuall thanks that of thy mercy thou hast nourished mee preserued me by thy power gouerned me by thy word and holy Spirit this day all this weeke yea at all other times of my life hitherto and I most humbly beseech thee in the merits of Christ Iesus my Sauiour not to respect mine vnworthines but to couer bury all my misdeeds in his graue which I haue either wittingly or ignorantly done especially O Lord those which in this weeke past I haue committed in thought word and deed against thy Diuine Maiestie Water ô Lord the seed â—f thy holy word which I â—aue receyued this day â—ith the dew of thy grace â—hat with sound iudgeâ—ent and godly deuotion â—may put in practise such â—hings as I know to be â—leasing to thy diuine Maâ—estie and that my heart â—eing alwayes obedient to â—hy Commandements â—he feare of mine enemies â—aken away from mee I â—ay passe my time in â—eace holines through â—hy gracious protection Be mercifull vnto me â—O Lord forgiue the euill â—hat I haue committed supply the good which I haue omitted restore what I haue lost heale my sores clense my filthinesse lighten my darkenesse and alter the whole state of my minde that nothing may be wanting to good purposes in mee O LORD stretch out thy hand ouer me and of thy wonted goodnesse defend me this night from all euill keepe me from fearful wicked dreams vnprofitable cares vaine cogitations and outward violence preserue my body from eternall death reserue my soule from euerlasting damnation Compasse me about on euery side with thy grace inwardly and outwardly that when I shall eyther take care for things of this life or carefully seeke for those things which appertaine vnto the Kingdome of Heauen I may heare the voyce of thy holy spirit sounding in my heart from the mouth of the Apostle My God shall fulfill all your necesstties through his riches with glory in Iesus Christ Grant O Lord these and all other graces meete for me euen for Iesus Christs sake my onely Lord and Sauiour In whose Name I further pray vnto thee saying that Prayer which thy Sonne in his Gospel hath taught vs Our Father which art in Heauen c. Munday Morning prayer Blessed be God which hath not turned away my prayer nor his mercy from me O Heauenly Father and Almightie God which beyond all measure hast vnlocked the treasures of thy fauour and blessing vnto mee from time to time I most heartily thanke thee forthe sweet sleepe and comfortable rest which I haue taken this night through thy gracious preseruation of me and now O Lord I consecrate my soule and body to thy seruice this day againe and euer hereafter desiring that my prayer earely now this Morning may haue accesse vnto thee O Lord I pray thee blesse preserue and keepe me this day by thy power from sinne shame and all euill and so direct mee with thy grace that all my thoughts words works may please thee Stand I beseech thee between me and mine enemies bodily and ghostly And as thou hast now raised vp my body from a sound and heauie sleepe so deliuer my soule from the dead sleepe of sinne and the darkenes of this world Helpe O Lord the creature which dependeth vpon thy prouidence only Further my businesse that I may truly walke without sinne and safely worke without danger in that vocation whereunto thou hast called me in this life O Lord Iesus haue mercy vpon me miserable sinner pardon and forgiue mee all my sinnes negligences and ignorances Remember not mine obstinacies and haue compassion vpon mine infirmities Set thy
cheereful light of the day that in thine assistance they may follow their honest vocations likewise the silent night that then they may returne thanks vnto thee for thy benefits and so rest their wearied limbes and busied minds I sinnefull creature giue thee thankes for the totall summe of all this thy goodnes whereof I haue beene this day partaker through thy mercy O Lord looke not vpon mine vnworthinesse folly and wickednesse but appease thy iust anger conceiued against mee and forgiue what hath beene amisse in mee this day euen for his sake who is thy welbeloued Sonne and my deare Aduocate Root vp the thornes of mine euill inclinations and affections and in their place make the fruites of vertue spring Inflame my heart with the desire of heauenlie loue that I may keepe thy commandements with zeale as hot as fire louing thee aboue all things and mine neighbour as my selfe Giue me grace ô Lord to serue thee in true faith and holines all the dayes of my life to ouercome my mortall enemies the desires of the world the pleasures of the flesh and the suggestions of the wicked spirit remembring my promise made to thee in Baptisme for the performance whereof I depend onely vpon thy holy spirit Let thine Angels pitch their Tents round about this house for defence now in the time of this darkenesse and grant that this nights sleep may be quiet vnto me without griefe or trouble Preserue me mine both in body and soule from al dangers which may come either by foolish dreames noisome spirits or vncleannesse of corrupt Nature Waken me againe O Lord in due time and let mee behold the light of the next day prepare me to thy seruice euery day in all truth and sinceritie that when I haue run the race of this life thou mayest be pleased to call mee to be partaker of a better that so I may liue and raigne with thee euermore through Iesus Christ my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Wednesday Morning prayer Cause mee to heare thy louing kindnesse in the Morning for in thee doe I trust cause me to know the way wherein I should walke for I lift vp my soule vnto thee O Blessed GOD and merciful father the Sun of the world neuer going downe which bringest forth nourishest and refreshest all things both in heauen and earth I most humbly thanke thee that thou hast preserued me this night and euer hitherto vnder thy protection suffering mee to liue vntill this present houre that thou hast succoured and defended me in all my needs necessities and hast prouided so graciously and mercifully for mee Now I beseech thee ô Lord not to abridge the hand of thy mercy toward mee but let the spring of thy grace flowing from the sanctuary of thy goodnes arise to all the parts of my soule in such proportion as may be for thy glory and my comfort Mortifie O my God all corrupt affections in mee and pardon my innumerable sinnes Fill me this day with thy grace that I may spend it to the honour of thy Name Set a Watch before my mouth and order my lippes that I may vtter nothing vnaduisedly either before thee or men Keepe my sences within their limits direct my will to that which is good and order my iudgement for the accomplishing of those things that appertaine to my vocation O Lord defend me from all shame and disgraces shield me from al violence and guide mee safely from all perillous dangerous wayes Make mee as thy Spouse inwardly and outwardly prepared by thy grace to bee presented a pure Virgine vnto Christ Display vpon me thy banners of loue spred abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost that with the eye of Faith I may beholde and see the Crosse of Christ and his sacred wounds the comfortable price of my redemption and stand so fast in this Christian warfare that nothing make me yeeld to the temptations of the Diuell O Lord so strengthen mee with thy grace in this vale of miserie that all my outward members may follow the direction of my heart and my heart being sincerely dedicated vnto thee I may serue thee in holinesse and Righteousnesse all the dayes of my life for Iesus Christs sake my onely Sauiour and Redeemer Amen Noone A Prayer to God the holy Ghost O Holy Spirit the Authour and giuer of life which hast guided me thus farre this day and guarded me from manifold euils I praise thee I blesse thee I glorifie thee for thy great mercie Continue thy goodnes towards me I beseech thee though I deserue it not inspire my minde with holy motions conuert me from euil confirme me in al that is good Comfort mee thou comforter when I shall haue most neede Cleare the stormes of temptation and inflame the coldnesse of my zeale with the fire of thy loue Lead me into all truth and reclayme mee when I goe astray Oh prosper the works of my hands bring mee safely from all dangers to the end of this day for Iesus Christs sake Amen Wednesday Euening Prayer Withhold not thy tender mercies from me ô Lord let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth alwaies preserue me O Lord God thou who art my life the length and strength of my dayes I most heartily thanke thee for keeping mee this day from manifold dangers both of Body and Soule which might iustly haue fallen vpon mee Nowe I humbly beseech thee bring not into iudgement what I haue done amisse this day but mercifully pardon the escapes and offences of the same Forgiue and forget O LORD all mine idle and vaine words and impute not my foolishnes vnto mee Destroy in me the kingdome of sinne the power of Sathan the desires of the world the vaine delights of the flesh Lord into thy hands I commend my selfe euen soule and body this night and euer Lighten my darkenesse that I sleepe not in death defend me that no euill happen vnto me Take not thy holy Spirit from mee but continue the motions thereof in my heart that when as the Tempter shall come with his assaults I may be furnished with the shield of faith to quench his fiery darts Comfort me ô Lord in all those things wherein I haue beene any wayes dismayed this day Confirme my weakenesse and grant that this nights sleepe may be sweet and healthfull to my body and a profitable memoriall of that sleepe which at my last end in that great night shall make a separation betweene my body and soule Let thine vnspeakeable mercy preserue me thy endles sweetnes reioyce mee thy heauenly truth strengthen mee thy knowledge embolden me and thy goodnes keep me now for euermore from mine enemies visible and inuisible that I may awake in the Morning in perfect sense good health and for the same be thankefull vnto thee carefully betake mee to my vocation calling for Iesus Christs sake my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Thursday Morning Prayer The Lord
is nigh vnto all them that call vpon him to all that call vpon him in truth O Lord God which art the light that no man can attaine vnto and yet lightenest euery one that commeth into this world and mercifully driuest away the darknes of the night shadow of death I praise thy holy Name thanke thee that thou hast vouchsafed me this fauour to passe this night in so comfortable rest to be brought again safe sound vnto the morning light Now I beseech thee by the blessed Incarnation and holy Natiuitie of thy Sonne Iesus Christ the blessed day-star that appeared to the world let thy mercy this day arise vpon me let the day-star of thy light shine in my heart that I be not carried away through the power of darkenes to spend this day after mine owne minde and pleasure but that I may carefully follow thy fatherly will reuealed in thy holy word Increase in me O Lord the gift of faith and hope to beleeue in thee and thy promises made in Christ that neither by mine owne negligence nor the infirmitie of the flesh nor the grieuousnes of temptation I be driuen away from faith in his blood Disperse O LORD the thicke mistes and clouds of mine iniquities and wash them away in the blood of thy Sonnes passion Giue me a will to worke duely in my vocation this day that I be not idle and order my skil with the rule of thy wisedome that I bee not vnfruitfull Blesse my body and soule that none euill or harme come vnto me my memory and senses that they passe not the limites which thou hast appointed them O Lord lighten my mind to looke vpon good things onely inflame my heart with the loue of them and conduct mee by thy grace to attaine them that as thou hast awaked my body from sleepe so my Soule may bee raysed from the slumber of sinne and darknesse of this World and they both being companions and fellowes in the way of godlinesse may be made partakers of euerlasting life at the latter day through Iesus Christ our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Noone A Prayer for Sobrietie O Lord God which hast commaunded vs to be sober and watch direct my pathes in the right way to all sobrietie spirituall and corporal Suffer me not this day nor any other to abuse thy good creatures or turne thy grace into wantonnes let mee not be ouercome with surfetting and drunkennesse but auoide all superfluity vsing all temperance and moderation both in meats and drinkes Graunt me a stayed minde and a lowly conceite of my selfe Blesse mee that I may be wise but to sobrietie that I may liue soberly righteously and godly in this present world for Iesus Christs sake Amen Thursday Euening Prayer The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are ouer all his workes O Lord God my most louing and mercifull Father great in mercie and constant in truth I doe acknowledge my bounden dutie of thankefulnesse vnto thee for thy manifold graces and benefits imparted vnto mee this day though I bee vnable to recount them and farre more vnworthy to receiue them Neuerthelesse in full assurance and confidence of thy loue to me in Christ Iesus I commit now into thy hands again this night my soule and body and all my senses my thoughts affections wordes and deedes all within me and all without mee my faith and my continuance in the same beseeching thee of thy mercy to keepe them day night blamelesse and vndefiled against the day of thy comming Pardon I pray thee and forgiue mee all the sinnes which this day I haue either wretchedly effected or wickedly imagined against thine honour the good of my Neighbour Lay not the frailty of my younger yeares vnto my charge And for the better confirmation of thy gracious pardon I humbly intreat thee ô Lord to annexe vnto thy Graunt the power of thy grace to attend vpon me that I may this night quietly take my rest vnder the shadow of thy wings void of all feare spirituall darkenes danger and despaire Strike my heart ô Lord with thy feare that fearing I may escape those things which thou threatnest and giue mee the comfort of thy saluation that in louing thee I may obtaine those things which thou promisest and when the darkenesse of this mortall life as the darkenesse of the day now doth shal come grant mee O LORD a watchfull heart willingly disposed and throughly enabled with thy grace to abandon these transitorie nights and dayes and depart hence in the peace of a good conscience into thine euerlasting rest through Iesus Christ my onely Sauiour and Redeemer In whose name I further pray vnto thee saying that forme of prayer that he that taught vs Our Father which art in Heauen c. Friday Morning Prayer Whom haue I in heauen but thee and there is none vpon earth that I desire besides thee O Almighty Lord my most louing Creatour redeemer I thy vnworthy seruant giue thee humble and hearty thankes for thy gracious protection and preseruation of me in health wealth and safety this night past and euermore beseeching thee so to direct me by thy holy Spirit that I may liue and walke this day according to thy godly will and pleasure in all harmelesse manner to the profit of my neighbour and in all holinesse to the glory of thy blessed name Lighten my minde O Lord that I may cleerely see those things that please thee Graunt vnto me the knowledge and true vnderstanding of thy word that without all vanitie or curiositie I may know what is thy holy will and pleasure in all things and also expresse in my liuing those things which I know On bended knees O Lord I beseech thee reiect mee not vtterly for mine offences neither take thy grace and assistaunce from mee Blesse my iudgement and all my senses that no sodaine motion make me to conceiue any griefe so far as to forfeit my reasonable vnderstanding Blesse O Lord my labours and trauailes in this world that I may haue wherewithall to relieue my necessities vpon all occasions Indue mee with thy feare an humble minde godly sorrow and a good conscience that I may cary an honest vpright meaning to deale iustly and truely with all men O Lord temper and order all things vnto mee in such peaceable course that I be neuer further tempted and proued then thou wilt make me able to beare and so helpe me in the same as may be most to thy glory Giue me patience against all prouocations and faith in all temptations forgiue me all those things wherevnto I haue yeelded contrary to thy commaundement and so arme mee with thy holy Spirit that I may walke more warily more wisely all the dayes of my life for Iesus Christs sake mine onely Sauiour and Redeemer Amen Noone A Prayer for Chastitie ALmighty Lord which knowest that in our flesh dwelleth no good and yet hast made our
bodyes the Temple of the Holy Ghost giue me grace this day and euer to crucifie the flesh with al the affections and desires thereof to bring it in subiection vnto the Spirit Quench the flames of all carnall desires in mee abate the heate of lust and let me not be led away by any wanton company I know my members are the members of Christ sanctifie me I beseech thee that whether I be married or liue single I may auoyd all vncleannes and alwayes know how to possesse my Vessell in holinesse and not in the lust of Concupiscence for Iesus Christs sake Amen Friday Euening Prayer It is good for mee to draw neere vnto God I haue put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy workes O Eternall GOD my mercifull and louing Father in Christ Iesu our Lord I render vnto thy Maiestie due praise and thankes for thy fatherly goodnesse in protecting mee this day from many damages and daungers which might haue happened vnto mee and now I beseech thee to keepe and protect me this night me and all those that depend vpon mee that we be neither disquieted by dreams nor afraid of any terrour Haue mercy vpon mee O God haue mercy on mee and of thy wonted goodnesse forgiue mee all my transgressions especially those which I haue committed this day against thy holinesse shew mee the light of thy countenance and let me finde comfort in the remorse of my conscience Blesse mee ô Lord and water mee with the dewe of thy blessings and let the drops of thy sonnes blood shed for my sinnes and yet crying for mercy distill into my heart by a liuely faith for the comfort of my soule and the amendment of my life I beseech thee O Lord take from mee all manner of darkenesse misbeliefe infidelitie carnall lusts and affections so strengthen me with thy grace that the Barke of my weake Faith sinke not nor I be ouerturned by the stormes of Sathan the waues of wickednesse nor the tempest of a biting Conscience Enter thy iudgements in the Tables of my heart that I may be content to spare of my ordinarie sleepe and be more earnest vpon the meditation of thy sacred word then the kings of the Nations haue beene to turne ouer their records in the night season Bee mindefull of mee when I happen to forget my selfe and thinke vpon me sleeping and waking Graunt me ô Lord this freedome and liberty that I may lie downe in peace and rest and rise vp againe in due time safely to the honour and glory of thy Name and the managing of my worldly businesse in thy feare through Iesus Christ our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Saturday Morning Prayer The Lord will command his louing kindnesse in the day time and in the night season his song shall be with me and my Prayer vnto the God of my life OH IMMORTAL and euerlasting God Father of our Lord Iesus Christ I thy vnworthy seruant beseech thee to accept this my Morning Sacrifice of prayse and thankes due vnto thee alone for protecting me with thy mighty hand from the feares of this night past refreshing my weary body with naturall and kindely rest and herevnto I humbly intreat thee to ioyne thy further grace for the rousing vp of my slothfull and sluggish nature that I may arise from sinne and walke in the way of thy Commandements with all chearefulnesse this day and euermore Pardon O Lord I beseech thee the euils and abhominations of my life and conuersation Cut off the rootes boughs leaues and fruits of the euill tree of my heart put away the inward lusts doubtings and denying of thy prouidence with all those grosse and out-ward sinnes which I haue committed daily against thee and giue me a sure hope of euerlasting life that alwaies while I am in this world I may haue the tast and feeling of it in my heart Giue me grace O Lord to shun and auoid all those things which thou either hatest or hast no pleasure in Take from mee a proud looke and a deceitfull tongue bloody hands and a heart any wayes giuen to wicked imaginations Keep me this day from all perils that may come vnto my soule and body either by Sathan himselfe or his Ministers Blesse my senses and vnderstanding that in all things I may heare and speake reason and suffer me not I beseech thee to speake thinke or doe any thing this day but that which may please thee be answerable to my vocation and tend vnto the aduancement of thy glory and the health of my soule O Lord I pray thee send thy blessing vpon all my labours and giue me a mind to helpe them that haue neede according to my abilitie And so prepare my heart in all my businesse that I may alwayes begin it in thy Name and goe forward in thy feare and finish it with thy blessing that whatsoeuer I shall doe it may prosper Grant this O Lord for Iesus Christs sake our onely Mediator and Redeemer Amen Noone A Prayer for Patience O God which art the God of Patience and consolation to the Patient stay my vnbridled nature this day and euer from all discontentednes of minde and furious actions Giue mee grace to take in good part whatsoeuer doth befal me and let my heart acknowledge it to be the Lords doing and not by chance Quiet my minde in the manifold disquietings of this world and open mine eyes that I may see helpe in thee Preuent all that is against mee and all that falleth out turne to the best for mee Thy will be done and graunt mee patience for Iesus Christs sake Amen Saturday Euening Prayer I will praise thee for I am fearefully and wonderfully made Meruailous are thy workes and that my soule knoweth right well HOnour and praise be vnto thee Oh Lord most high and immortall GOD for thy gracious goodnesse and mercie extended to me this day and alwayes notwithstanding all my wickednesses which cry daily against mee and mine enemies that would swallow mee vp I beseech thee ô Lord continue thy gracious and mercifull fauour vnto mee let the shadow of thy wings be my couer thy Holy-ghost my comfort thy holy Name my Rocke and defence against all feare and trembling which may ouertake mee this night or any other time Forgiue me all that is past euen all the euill that I haue done or thought and graunt that I may euer hereafter serue and please thee in holinesse and newnesse of life Be thou my shield defence against the suggestions illusions and temptations of Sathan and all the allurements baits of the flesh with all alterations prouocations changes chances of the world Sanctifie mee with thy grace that my body may be kept vndefiled as the Temple of the holy Ghost and my soule defended cherished and tendered as the apple of thine eye O good GOD the Sunne is gone downe the Webbe of this day is almost spun and the
night at hand Blesse me I beseech thee this night and take mee into thy custodie saue me waking keepe me sleeping that I may both sleep and wake in peace and safetie Prepare me O Lord for the day following the holy sabbath the hallowed day of thy rest and my great dutie and then so vnlocke the mysteryes of thy holy word vnto mee that I may therein learne the lessons of thy glorious Maiestie and mine owne mortalitie Graunt me ô Lord such grace as I may make a right vse of all things and that the hearing of thy word the good examples of thy seruants agreeing with the rule of thy word may bee both as a bridle to restraine me from sin and a spurre to set me forward to all holinesse of life and conuersation in this world O Lord grant mee these all other good things euen for Iesus Christs sake my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God most mightie mercifull Father I vnworthy creature acknowledge mine owne vilenes naturall corruption and abhominable sinnes many times committed against thee I beseech thee admit mee to render thee my bounden thankes for thy manifold mercies extended towards me this night past and all other times of my life for my rest and sleep my food and rayment my health peace and liberty and the hope of a better life in the merites of thy Sonnes bitter passion Now deare Father I beseech thee to continue thy mercifull fauour vnto me this day and euer hereafter Forgiue me all mine vnthankfulnes vnkindnes and prophanenes towards thee thy word and seruice or towards my Neighbour Set all my sinnes ouer to that reckoning which thy Sonne Iesus Christ my Lord hath made vp for them vpon his Crosse neuer lay any of them to my charge but freely forgiue and forget all O Lord strike my heart with thy rod that I may alway be furnished for a true and vnfained repentance that I may not be blinded in my sinnes to delight in them or to think that thou wilt not respect my vntowardnesse but that I may be weary of them grieue for them and by all means possible striue to attaine to a true mortification of the flesh and so liue holily and iustly and soberly in this present world O good God I humbly intreat thee leaue me not to my selfe mine owne lusts and desires but assist mee with thy grace to hearken vnto thee and thy word to passe my time in feare and trembling as an obedient childe of so good a Father Blesse me Lord this day and prosper all that I shall take in hand let mee haue all my directions from thy will and the successe from thy mercifull hand Giue mee a competent stay for the maintenance of this mortall life Continue may food and rayment health peace and liberty that I may with a quite minde thankefull heart passe my time in this vale of miserie doing good to all men after mine abilitie without disgrace to my selfe or harme to any one Grant these good things most mercifull God and all other needefull graces not onely vnto me but vnto all thy deere children in the world to the good of our soules and bodies for Iesus Christs sake in whose name I further call vpon thee as he hath taught vs in his Gospell saying Our Father which art in Heauen c. A Prayer for the Euening O Eternall GOD and most mercifull Father I doe confesse against my selfe that my heart and hands are full of all filthines and sinnes whatsoeuer and I am altogether vnworthy to speake vnto thee or to come neere thy presence Neuerthelesse beeing so much bound vnto thee as this day past and all other times of my life doe witnesse I offer vnto thy holines by the hands of Iesus Christ my Mediator my humble dutie of praise and thanksgiuing for my creation election redemption vocation and sanctification with all other good graces appertaining to this life or that which is to come And namely ô Lord my tongue and lippes shall glorifie thee sitting aboue the Cherubins for preseruing me this day past from so many miseries and casualties whereinto I might iustly haue fallen if thou wouldest haue entred into iudgement with mee But Lord thou art mercifull passest by my offences to winne me by thy long sufferance I beseech thee make mee thankfull for all thy mercies O Lord pardon and forgiue mee all my sinnes graunt me euery day more and more the sight and feeling of them with heartie sorrow and vnfained repentance for the same Giue mee grace to belieue all the sweet promises that thou hast made vnto mee in Christ Iesus both for the remission thereof and the hope of a better life strengthen me from aboue with thy mighty hand to walke in euery good way without feare and to bring forth the fruits of a true liuely faith in my life and conuersation all the dayes of my life Arme me O Lord with thy grace and holy spirit against all the common corruptions of the world the temptations of the Diuell and the allurements of the flesh and settle my minde to the continuall exercise of deuout prayer with the hearing of thy sacred word watching for thy comming both publike and priuate Continue thy goodnesse towards mee in prouiding for mee such things as are necessarie for the maintenance of this present life and blesse the same vnder my hand that the little which I haue may be increased and the increase may serue as well to furnish my necessarie vses as to minister vnto the necessities of others according to mine abilitie Keepe mee Lord this night from all euils which may happen either vnto my body or my soule Extend thy goodnesse toward all those that depend vpon me or I on them Giue me quiet sleepe and rest and when I shall awake let all my thoughts and cogitations be holy meditations on thee and thy law Blesse me O Lord all the nights and dayes of my life and at the end thereof send me a blessed departure and afterward a ioyfull resurrection vnto life eternall Graunt me these good things most mercifull father and all other needfull graces for Iesus Christs sake in whose name I further call vpon thee as hee hath taught vs in his Gospell saying Our Father c. Short Prayers for Morning and Euening by I. F. 1581. A short Prayer for the Morning GOD of Light who hast preserued mee and brought mee from the darkenesse of this night shine into my heart this day and euer by thy blessed and holy spirit that I may be enlightened and ledde into all Truth that I may walke faithfully as the childe of light before thee casting away the workes of darknesse in the place that thou hast set me doing and performing diligently those things that thou hast required of me either to the praise of thy name or to the comfort of my Brethren Graunt this good Lord I humbly beseech thee for Iesus Christs
Citie and place wherein we liue remoue the punishments due for the sinnes thereof and giue them grace with Niniue to repent in time lest they be destroyed Blesse all our friendes kinsfolkes and others for whom thy will is that wee should pray Strengthen them that suffer for thy cause and send them the Comforts of thy Spirit Comfort them that lye in anguish of conscience for remorse of sinne and conuert them that goe astray and teach vs by their example to see our owne weakenesse and to looke better to our wayes Blesse this Familie with grace and peace that the rulers children and seruants thereof may all know their seuerall duties practise the same in thy feare for Iesus Christ his sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen ¶ Another for the same vse I will prayse the Lord among the people and I will sing prayses vnto thee among the Nations O Lord God most heauenly and merciful father though we be vnworthy the least of thy mercies yet hast thou from time to time made vs partakers of many for which we praise and magnifie thy holie Name Beseeching thee to giue vs vnderstanding hearts to feele our euils and direction from thy spirit to auoid the same And as thou hast in great mercy kept vs this night in the time of darkenes and dangers so we beseech thee to keepe vs this day that the Sunne of righteousnes may rule in our hearts all the darkenesse that lurketh in them may be scattered to the comfort of our soules and wee may walke as thy Children in cleare light without daunger Indue vs with giftes and graces needfull for vs and grant that with a pure sincere conscience wee may vse them to the benefit of our brethren the discharge of our owne duties Keepe the watch of our tongues and the doore of our lips in such sort that no rash euill or vaine word passe thereby and so rule and gouerne our harts that we may not thinke any thing but that which shall be to thy glory Grant vs thy blessings of health peace and maintenance and thy holy spirit to instruct vs as well in the wants thereof as in the lawfull vse of them In all our Consultations words and workes let vs remember thy presence that thou seest vs wheresoeuer we doe bestow our selues and wilt iudge-vs if wee goe astray and doe amisse Chase away from vs all rancour and malice couetousnes vncharitablenesse and vnkindnesse and whatsoeuer is contrary to thy loue which is to vs ward in Iesus Christ our Lord. Take from vs all ignorances and negligences with the want of iudgement and discretion and preuent all those things that thou knowest may hinder vs in our Christian calling Increase our Faith patience and obedience Let thy blessing be vpon this whole housholde to lead vs in thy truth protect vs in our wayes and al those whom thou hast made deere vnto vs whether they bee present or absent Be good to our children seruants and friends that liue with vs that wee may liue together in the seruice of thy Gospell to grow vp in godly conuersation and soundnesse of faith Giue vs grace by thy corrections to feare thee more carefully and to sorrow for our sinnes more heartily O LORD grant these things and whatsoeuer thy knowest to bee necessary for vs for Iesus Christs sake Amen An Euening Prayer for priuate Families What shall I giue vnto the Lord for all his benefits towards me Because he hath inclined his eare vnto mee therefore will I call vpon him as long as I liue O Lord God Father of all that is called Father in Heauen and in earth wee render thee thankes in all abundance for thy mercifull preseruation of vs this day and all the times and daies of our life that thou hast brought vs safe and sound through so many dangers and powred vpon vs contrary to our deseruings so many excellent and notable blessings both Spirituall and corporall Good Lord we beseech thee keep vs euermore from day to day as thou hast done and make vs constant in the profession of thy holy name and the practise of thy law that neither the violence of man nor subtiltie of Sathan be able to make vs to turne away from 〈◊〉 LORD turne thy face from our sinnes wherein we haue so delighted alter our hearts and wash cleanse vs from all staines and corruptions in the blood of thy sonne For giue vs all that is past and grant vs the assurance of that forgiuenesse sealed vp in our consciences by thy holy Spirit Kindle thy loue so feruently in our hearts that wee may detest whatsoeuer is against thee and thy word Forgiue vs our great contempt and intollerable barrennesse in good works our foule vnthankfulnesse and the abuse of thy graces and strike our stony hearts with the rod of thy feare that we may attaine vnto a due thankfulnes for thy benefits and a most vnfained and earnest repentance for our sinnes O Lord blesse vs all this night that after our bodies haue beene refreshed with competent sleepe we may see the light of the next morning and arise safe and sound to serue thee in our seuerall vocations Sanctifie our minds that by the help of thy mercy wee may enioy the rest of a quiet conscience Blesse thy Church and her Ministers preserue our King with the Queene his wife and the noble Prince HENRY protect the Magistrates of Iustice all faithfull people reare vp the heauy hearted and turne the chastisements of thy children to their good LORD be mercifull vnto them whom thou hast made any way helpfull vnto vs and blesse euery one of vs in our place that wee may truely serue thee feare thy Maiestie and loue thy authoritie These things O Lord and all other needfull for vs wee craue at thy hands in the Name and for the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ our onely Sauiour and Redeemer saying as he hath taught vs Our Father which art in Heauen c. ¶ Another for the same vse From the rising of the Sunne vnto the going downe of the same the Lords name is to be praysed O Euer-liuing God and euer-louing Father which hast not left vs comfortlesse but hast giuen vs thy Son for a ransome thy word for a guide reserued a Kingdome for our inheritance in heauen wee giue thee thankes for these and all other thy most gracious benefits beseeching thee that we may haue the grace to make such vse of them that they may neuer be in vaine to vs. O Lord forgiue vs all our sinnes and remooue from vs those things which our consciences are afraid of Assure vs of thy gracious pardon and renew vs by thy holy Spirit that wee may vnfainedly hate detest whatsoeuer is displeasing vnto thee Lord giue vs a sincere heart to serue thee and let this be the houre of our conuersion In all tentations giue vs strength to resist in all troubles patience to beate and
constancy to perseuer in our Faith hope and Patience vnto the end that the hope of mercy may keepe vs from the horrour of despaire and the feare of Iustice for the sinne of presumption O good God order our times in such comfortable sort that we hauing peace in thee our bodyes and mindes may be the more able to doe their seuerall offices in our vocations Instruct vs by thy word guide vs by thy spirit mollifie vs by thy grace humble vs by thy corrections and winne vs by thy benefits O Lord wee beseech thee let all things worke for the best to them that loue thee Continue thy fauour and goodnesse vnto vs this night that wee taking our natural rest and quietnesse may through thy protection be all defended from immoderate sleepe fearefull dreames and outward violence of our Enemies Touch our hearts with a desire and longing after Heauenly things that whensoeuer it shall please thee to call for vs wee may be willing to come vnto thee as Children to their Father strangers vnto their countrey and members of thy body vnto the head Graunt vs O Lord these and all other things needefull and meete for vs for Iesus Christs sake our onely Sauiour and redeemer Amen A Prayer for the Catholique Châ—â—ch and all the estates thereof Doe good O Lord vnto those that be good and to them that are vpright in their hearts O Sun of the eternall God thou sweet Spouse of the CHVRCH blesse wee beseech thee preserue and keepe thy poore CHVRCH militant here in earth the blessed company of all faithfull people Make all Kings and Princes and the supreame gouernors of euery nation carefull hâ—â—sing Fathers nursing Mothers to thy Church Let all the members thereof be of one minde and one heart that there may be such holy coÌ„cord in knowledge of thy truth and such obedience to their superiours with brotherly vnity in all matters as they may neither procure thy scourge nor the Princes sword against them Graunt the Gospell a free passage and long continuance and remooue not the Candlesticke for their vnfruitfulnesse or vnthankefulnesse Put thy principall spirit vpon the Ministers of the Word the Arch-bishops Bishops and Pastors of seuerall congregations and giue them grace to follow the steps of thy holy Apostles and blessed Martyres that being inflamed with true zeale and furninished with sufficient knowledge they may be willing able to labour in season and out of season for the feeding of thy flock Blesse their labours to the winning of Soules to thee and blesse them with boldnesse of speech and innocency of life that like sworne Souldiers to the crosse of Christ they may liue and dye vnder thy banner Cast downe the beames of thy heauenly light vpon such publike places as are appointed for the trayning vp of younger yeares in sound knowledge and commendable qualities namely our Vniuersities Oxford Cambridge the Innes of Court and all Grammer Schooles the seed-plots of the Church Sanctifie their memories to treasure vp good things purge their consciences to haue peace in thee reforme their wils to thy will and let all their affections be ordered aright their Vessels seasoned with the best liquour in the beginning and so to continue Blesse the higher powers of authoritie make them truely humble in the top of their height that their heads being lifted vp to honour their hearts may not be puffed vp nor swell with pride but so rule their hearts and mindes that all Kings Princes may truely serue thee reuerence and stand in awe of thee abette maintaine thy Church and truth and wisely foresee what is best for the aduancement of thy glory the good of the common-wealth So deale also O Lord with all subordinate authorities keepe them from factions treasons and conspiracies Let the Iudges be learned and vncorrupt and the Lawyers men of Conscience to deale sincerely vprightly in their businesse without either feare of greater Personages or vnlawful fauours to friends or desire of rewards from any Calme the Waues and quiet the stormes of all persecution represse the rage and cruelty of all Tyrants Heathen or Christian Take away all Antichristian practisers of the Church of Rome which perswade nothing but the infection of youth and the subuersion of the State Confound all Heresies and Heretikes disperse all Schismes Sects that there be no iars nor difference of opinions amongst thy seruants but that we may be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord and of one iudgement In fine O Lord comfort them that are ouerworne with Warre wasted with exactions vexed with plagues and sicknesses consumed with famine ouerflowne with waters scattered with fearefull threatnings from the skies Conuert the simple confound the obstinate gather the dispersed heale the broken hearted supply our wants and amend all that is amisse for thy truth and for thy Names sake Amen ¶ Another for the same vse Christ loued the Church and gaue himselfe for it that hee might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word O Lord God thou iust Master of the VINEYARD and louing head of the Church send thy Spirit into the hearts of all them that preach or professe thy holy Truth all men religious and secular yea men and women Princes and subiects rich and poore euen all the people beleeuing in thy Name and depending wholy vpon thee Giue vnto them all O Lord one Law one Baptisme one Hope one Spirit that there may be but one voyce among all that professe the Catholique Faith Keepe backe the famine of thy Word and send such labourers into thy Haruest as be sound in doctrine faithfull in their worke and godly in conuersation in number many and in power wonderfull Open we beseech thee the hearts and eares of the people for the receiuing of thy word that ir may dwell in them plenteously in all wisedome and bring forth fruit against all the cares crosses and courses of this wretched world O Lord thou hast found iniquitie in thy Saints and the heauens are not cleare in thy sight Oh then correct vs in thy iudgement not in thy furie least wee should be consumed and brought to nothing Purge the garden of the Church and let no Weedes ouergrow the flowers Suffer neither sinne nor superstition to choake the good growth of faith or manners in thy people but keepe them from all euill Heresies phanaticall opinions seducing spirits and deadly contentions Keepe our neckes from the grieuous yoke of Antichristian bondage whose religion is rebellion whose faith is faction and whose practise is the murthering of soules and bodyes and represse the furiousnesse of Tyrants which labour nothing but the spoile of the Church and to abolish true Doctrine Prayer and pure religion O Lord Iesus amend all that is amisse and grant vs thy grace all the dayes of our life euen for thy truth and for thy Names sake Amen A Prayer for the Kings Maiestie his
mee with thy presence and let all thy Children feele the effectual working of thy power which is euer made perfect through weakenesse euen for Iesus Christes sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for the Remission of Sinnes and all things necessary thereto Wee haue sinned with our Fathers wee haue committed iniquitie and wee haue done wickedly O Lord God in greatnes infinit in power omnipotent in counsell wonderful in iudgement terrible although I miserable sinner haue by thy Iustice truely deserued euerlasting damnation for my horrible sinnes yet I beseech thee cast me not away with him that had not on a wedding garment for I appeale from thy rightfull iustice to thine vnspeakeable mercy humbly cast downe my selfe at thy feete and beseech thee of compassion and pardon Beholde Lord I am a piece of that purchase that cost so deere a price as the blood of thy deare Sonne my body and soule are the temples of the holy Ghost the postes whereof are sprinkled with his precious blood which cryeth for mercie therefore enter not into the course of iudgement with me for there I know I shall bee ouerthrowen but forbeare forgiue me acquite me vpon that satisfaction which he hath made for penitent sinners O Lord though the stipend of my sinne be death and the merit of my transgression eternall perdition yet is thy mercy aboue all thy iudgements and thou canst forgiue more then I can offend wherefore I pray thee set his Crosse and passion betweene thy iudgements my soule looke vpon mee with the eye of mercy and compassion as thou didst vpon the sinfull woman at the banket and the Publican in the Temple whose pardons are registred in thy booke for my Comfort O Lord bow downe the height of thy Deity to behold my vilenesse and miserie a liuely image of the prodigall sonne who know no other helpe but onely thou my most louing Father whom I haue so highly offended Powre the oyle of mercy into my defiled and fainting heart search it that I may not flatter my selfe to extenuate my sin cleanse it season it with the Salt of thy grace to receiue and retaine all goodnesse hereafter Lord I thanke thee for thy patience and long suffering that thou hast not suddenly after my desert taken vengeance on me but giuen me a longer time of repentance wherefore I beseech thee appease thine anger towards mee now but loose in me the workes of darknesse create in me a new heart and because thou lookest for my amendment that I may haue thy fauour I beseech thee grant mee thy fauour that I may haue amendment giue mee grace to repent vnfeinedly with fasting weeping and mourning and make my faith liuely to beleeue that I am forgiuen in Iesus Christ Let not the faults of my forefathers light vpon my head who haue walked in their sinfull steppes neither be angry with mee for their sakes but let the wel-doing of Iesus Christ who hath shed his blood for mee succour mee and procure my pardon Forgiue mee all my sinnes of youth and age negligences and ignorances thoughts words and deedes and keepe me from presumptuous sinnes O Lord looke not vpon the Pharisee for hee dissembleth nor vpon the Publicane first for he saith little for himselfe in outward shew nor vpon Mary Magdalen onely for she had but seauen diuels but looke vpon me that of sinners am chiefe worse then either Pharisee Publicane or Mary who haue as many sins as hayres vpon my head and a greater clogge vpon my conscience then any burthen that man hath to beare O Lord keepe vnder Sathan that he compel not my troubled Conscience to despaire quench all the motions of my minde striuing against thy diuine pleasure and restore in me the Image of thy Son that I may liue in thy feare dye in thy fauour rest in thy peace rise in thy power remaine in thy glory for Iesus Christs sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for obtaining of Faith Hope and Charitie and all Christian vertues My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Iesus Christ O Father of Lights of whom is euery good giuing and euery perfect gift I beseech thee to blesse me with al spiritual blessings in heauenly things in Christ Increase the little graine of my weake and feeble faith direct it to the true obiect the merites of Christ Iesus and let it not be bare and dead but effectuall working by loue Make mee strong therein constant to giue credite to thy word without doubting and pro tect mee among the diuers manifold errours sects and heresies of this world that fight against the foundation Lord let me not be disappointed of my hope which I haue in thee but make good thy promises vnto mee and so worke in my heart that I may haue courage in conflict patience in trouble comfort in al things Keepe me from insolencie and pride and graunt mee true humilitie and lowlinesse of mind that I be not puffed vp to contemne my brethren but giue mee that due consideration of mine owne vilenesse and infirmities that as dust and ashes I may tremble and stand in awe of thy iudgements and as a sinfull man esteeme better of others then my selfe O deare Father when Sathan shall accuse mee my conscience beare witnesse against mee the whole world forsake mee and all things set themselues against me for my sins then strengthen mee I beseech thee in thy faith that I fall not from thee inflame my colde heart with the heauenly affection of vnfained loue that I may loue thee O blessed Trinitie with all that I haue aboue all and my Neighbour as my selfe Graunt me a compassionate charitable minde to help and succour others to my abilitie to forbeare and forgiue them though they be mine enemies Purge my veines and suffer not the stinking poison of enuy and wrath to infect my blood and so moderate my affections that the Sunne goe not downe vpon my wrath but that I may be satisfied in knowing that vengeance is thine Giue me grace to follow the examples of all painefull and godly labouring men in matters of my vocation keepe me from the hatefull sinne of sloth and idlenesse the high-way to beggery Graunt mee a contented mind against couetousnes amoderate appetite against gluttony and surfets and a chast bodie from disordered lust Comfort mee O Lord in all grieuous accidents and at the point of death giue mee grace to fasten all thy confidence in thee that whereas now I see by Faith onely as it were in a glasse darkely I may then see face to face the onely thing which I desire and hope for thorough Iesus Christ Amen A Prayer before the receiuing of the Holy Communion As often as yee eate this Bread and drinke this cup ye doe shew the Lords death vntill he come O Lord God mercifull FATHER which after the sacrament of
bonds for perpetuall slauery and liue die the sacrificers of our soules for such obtained fauour Warrant deare Lord all this with thy command Amen The Housholders Prayers Cast thy burthen vpon the Lord and he shall sustaine thee he shall not suffer the righteous to be moued O MOST mightie God mercifull and louing Father I wretched sinner come vnto thee in the Name of thy dearely beloued sonne Iesus Christ my onely Sauiour and Redeemer and most humbly beseech thee to be mercifull vnto me and to cast all my sinnes out of thy sight remembrance through the merites of his bloody death and Passion Powre vpon me O Lord thy holy Spirit of wisedome and grace gouerne and leade mee by thy holy word that it may be a Lanthorne vnto my feete and a light vnto my steps Shew thy mercy vpon me and so lighten the naturall blindnesse and darknesse of my heart thorough thy grace that I may dayly be renewed by the same Spirit and grace By the which O Lord purge the grossenesse of my hearing vnderstanding that I may profitably read heare and vnderstand thy word and heauenly will beleeue and practise the same in my life and conuersation and euermore hold fast the blessed hope of eternall life Mortifie and kill all vice in me that my life may expresse my Faith in thee mercifully heare the humble sute of thy seruant and grant me thy peace all my daies graciously pardon all mine infirmities and defend mee in all dangers of body goods or name but most chiefly my soule against all assaults temptations accusations subtile sleights and baites of that old enemie of mankind Sathan that roaring Lyon euer seeking whom hee may deuoure Fauourably protect and keepe all that thou hast giuen mee as Wife Children or Seruants and aide me ô Lord with thy grace that I may be able to gouerne nourish and bring them vp in thy feare and seruice Cast a gracious eye vpon mee and lend mee thy directing hand that the labour and paines which I am to vndertake this day may prosper and let all my dealings be iust and true Blesse ô Lord thy Vniuersall Church and perfect the worke which thou hast begun amongst vs Beare out most gracious King Iames the Queene his wife their royall Sonne Prince Henry and all their Children alwaies in thine owne bosom and set thine eies alwayes vpon them for good Let the spirit of knowledge and holinesse remaine in his Ministers Blesse all his Counsell with wisedome and discretion his Nobles with fortitude courage his Iudges with iustice and mercie his Magistrates with diligence and faithfulnesse his people with feare obedience that we may all with one minde and one mouth say with the Prophet He that is mightie hath done great things for vs and Holy is his Name Amen ¶ Another of the Housholders Know that your Maister also is in Heauen neither is there respect of persons with him LEad me ô Lord in the way of thy truth and righteousnes and gouerne all mine actions to thy glory the good of thy Church and the discharge of my dutie Defend and deliuer me from all temptations from all mine enemies and from all deceits and dangers Kindle my heart and minde with a feruent zeale of thy holy word that I may vnderstand and know thy will and walke in thy wayes Strengthen mee with thy holy spirit boldly and constantly to professe the honour and seruice of thy holy Name least at any time through feare of worldy afflictions I fall from thee Giue mee a contented minde with my estate and such blessings as thou O LORD of thy bountifull goodnesse and mercie hast bestowed vpon mee that I may vse them be thankfull for them Graunt mee patience in all my troubles and afflictions that I neither grudge at thy fatherly corrections knowing them to be tokens of thy loue and instruments of my exercise and tryall neither seeke reuenge of my wrongs knowing vengeance to bee thine and that thou wilt reward it in due season Keepe my minde from all euill thoughts my tongue from lewd and vaine speeches my body and euery member thereof from all sinfull actions Let all my loue my faith and hope my delight and confidence only and alwaies be in thee Open my heart to haue pitty vpon the poore brethren giue mee the gift of chastitie that I may possesse my vessell with sanctification and honour and not in the lust of concupiscence euen as the Heathen doe which know not God Giue me ô Lord sorrow for my sinnes thankfullnes for thy benefites feare of thy iudgements and loue of thy mercies and teach me to bring vp my children and gouerne my seruants in good order and godly discipline according to thy holy ordinance because by thy grace I am that I am let thy demaunds be no greater then thou hast giuen mee grace to performe O Lord pardon and forgiue all my sinnes and grant me grace to liue in thy feare and die in thy fauour that I may rise to liue with my Lord Iesus euermore dwell with him in thy most glorious and ioyfull kingdome the onely thing which I desire and hope for through the merits and mercie of the same Iesus Christ thy onely Sonne and my onely Sauiour and Lord Amen The Wiues Praier for her Husband in absence or otherwise Delight thy selfe also in the Lord and he shall giue thee the desires of thy heart O Lord God which hast made euerie marryed Couple one flesh and hast ordained that they should be of one mind and one iudgement and carefull one for another as members one of another I beseech thee leade mee and my husband in the way of thy Truth and Righteousnesse Gouerne all our actions to thy glory the good of thy Church and the discharge of our duties Defend and deliuer vs ô Lord from all temptations from all our enemies and from all deceits and dangers here or elsewhere Grant my husband being abroad to prosper in his businesse send him a healthfull and happie returne home that I who without him am sorrowfull in my selfe and should be a stranger to the world if he were not may with him liue in the estate of thine honourable ordinance in peace and comfort and alwayes for thy great goodnesse and mercie towards vs prayse thy most holy Name Grant vs both grace ô Lord one to loue cherish the other one to be faithfull dutifull towards the other and giue vs both the gift of Chastitie and Sobrietie that both in body and minde wee may liue a pure life bring vp our children and gouerne our seruants with godly Discipline and good order in and according to thy holy word O LORD pardon and forgiue both of vs all our sinnes and grant vs both grace to loue honor feare and serue thee all the dayes of this our miserable and sinfull life that in this life wee may haue comfort in that which thou hast giuen vs
bond or free LEad me ô Lord I beseech thee in the way of thy Trueth and righteousnesse Gouerne all mine actions to thy glory the good of thy Church and the discharge of my dutie Defend and deliuer me O Lord from all temptations from all mine enemies and from all deceits and dangers Blesse O Lord I beseech thee my Lord Master and Mistresse with all heauenly wisedome vnderstanding and godlynesse and with worldly health and happinesse that I who am their Seruant may by them and vnder them receiue not onely the spirituall food of my soule but also the temporall sustenance of my bodie doing my seruice not outwardly as desirous to please men but with singlenesse of minde from the heart as fearing thee O Lord my God that thereby I may receiue that reward which thou hast promised Giue me ô Lord an obedient and duti-full mind towards them that I may submit my selfe to their honest and lawfull commandements and do them true and faithfull seruice with all humblenesse and patience Grant me grace ô Lord to frame my life according to thy holy word nourish mutual loue and good wil between me my fellowes preserue me from all euill wayes from lewd company from idlenesse Keepe my minde from euill thoughts my tongue from lewd vaine speeches and my body and euery member thereof from all sinfull actions Mortifie in mee O Lord the raging lusts and follyes of youthfull affections O Lord pardon and forgiue me all my sins and grant me grace to loue honour and serue thee in holines righteousnes all my dayes that I may glorifie thee in this world and be glorified of thee in the world to come through Iesus Christ my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen The Maydes prayer Let thy hand-mayd I Pray thee speake in thy audience and heare the words of thine hand-mayd BLessed LORD which in former times hast not despised the low estate of thy Hand-mayds when they sought vnto thee vouchsafe to lend thine eares to the heartie desires of mee thy poore seruant Consider O Lord that in the labours both of body and minde I am the weaker vessel of lesse capacitie and more infirmitie and bestow vpon my youth such competent strength that I may grow in stature wisedome and fauour with God and man As I grow vp in years so Lord let me grow vp in grace Crowne my Virginitie with chaste and religious thoughts and my body and mind with godly watchfulnesse to waite for thy comming with the wise virgins Giue me grace to thinke alwayes that a good Name and honest reputation is better then any dowry to a modest Maide Make my behauiour meeke my talke sober my body chast and keep me from lewd wanton company that I partake not with them in the follies of youth Pardon my fore-past vanities and by the power of thy Spirit enable my weaknesse to auoyde all euill Defend me from slanderous and bad tongues surmising mindes and wicked temptations I beseech thee O Lord make mee faithfull and trusty wise and warie in the ordering of such goods as are committed to my custody by my Master or Mistresse father or mother Marry me vnto thee O Lord in righteousnes in iudgement in mercy and compassion and if it be thy will hereafter to call mee to the honorable estate of corporal Matrimonie make me to follow Rachel in loue Rebecca in wisedom Sara in faithfulnesse and obedience to my husband and all other worthy Matrons in modestie and honestie for Iesus Christs sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen The Prayer of one afflicted in conscience for sinne O Lord heare O Lord forgiue O Lord hearken and doe deferre not for thine owne sake O my God O Most mercifull God which by the sending of thy Sonne into the world hast brought to passe that where sinne abounded there grace abounded much more I forlorne wretch disquieted in mind and afflicted in conscience for feare of thy iudgements vpon my sin doe with bended knees and teares vnfeined a most humble supplyant beg craue of thee some succour and reliefe open ô open the gates of thy mercy to the greatnes of my miseries my abiect countenance witnesseth my distressed minde My spirit is sorrowfull my heart is heauie my words are stopt with sighes and my plants watered with teares to thee I hold vp my hands to thee I lift vp my heart to thee I pray requiring thee of mercie O Lord what shall I desire of thee that deserue nothing at thy hands what can I hope for that am euen heartlesse Lord if thou hast said Shall not my soule be auenged on such a one as this remember thy promise else where I will haue mercy on him that could finde no mercy and let it light vpon me if Sathan presume God hath forsaken him thinke vpon the decree for the seed of the Woman and let the power of thy Sons Passion defeate all the deuises of the deuill against me O Lord heare mee speedily if thou doe not then I am out of hope my conscience accuseth me my memory giues euidence against me my reason condemneth mee My spirit is weary of this bondage and I haue bid my life farewell My conscience is clogged when I behold the bloody wounds of my soule the voyce of ioy and mirth is gone from me I am deepely plunged in discomfort I haue neither worth to appease thy wrath nor patience to endure thy indignation I pray thee therefore send the comfort of thy holy Spirit into my heart and strengthen my faith that I be not swallowed vp with ouer much heauinesse O Lord let thy Maiestie appeare in thy mercy forgiue my sinnes the vnhappy ground of all this woe and I am recouered of all mine infirmities Trye not the lawe with mee lest I come to iudgement sanctifie all those good means vnto me wherein I seeke reliefe as Prayer Conference Reading and hearing of thy holy WORD Moderate and mitigate my vexation increase Faith establish hope graunt patience and keepe mee from despaire Take away this Cup from me if it be thy will if not suffer mee not to be tempted aboue my strength I haue an humbled and contrite heart O LORD looke vpon me I go mourning all the day long and am like vnto him that is at the point to die O Lord comfort me thou that wilt not breake a bruised Reed spare me thou that delightest not in the death of a sinner reuiue me though my heart condemne mee yet good Lord acquite me relieue me release me say vnto my soule I am thy saluation Hearken Lord vnto my Prayer and grant my requests for Iesus Christs sake Amen The Sicke-mans Prayer Naked came I out of my Mothers wombe and naked shall I returne thither O Louing LORD and most holy Father I poore wretch thy seruant feeling in this sickenesse which thou hast layd vpon mee the punishment of that corruption transgression that is in mee and all flesh doe most willingly submit