Part 2

We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us, Save Thee, O Father, Who Thine own hast made us; But Thy dear presence will not leave them lonely, Who seek Thee only.

Father, Thy name be praised, Thy kingdom given; Thy will be done on earth as 'tis in heaven; Keep us in life, forgive our sins, deliver Us now and ever.

Petrus Herbert, 1566. St. 5, Anon., 1627. Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863.

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.

Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit.

Dayspring of Eternity, Light from endless Light proceeding, Let Thy beams upon us shine As the shadows are receding; And dispel by Thy great might Our dark night.

As the soft refreshing dew Falls upon the drooping flower, So our fainting hearts renew By Thy Spirit's quickening power; Ne'er Thy bounteous grace withhold From Thy fold.

Let the glow of Thy pure love All our icy coldness banish; In the radiance from above May our doubts and fears all vanish, That ere dying we may be Found in Thee.

O Thou glorious Sun of grace, May Thy light be ne'er denied us! Till we reach the heavenly place Shine upon our way to guide us, That at last among the blest We may rest.

Christian Knorr v. Rosenroth, 1684. Tr. J. F. Ohl, 1915.

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.

Hirte deiner Schafe.

Shepherd never sleeping, In Thy gracious keeping I have been today. Thou art my Defender, So in mercy tender Come and with me stay; All this night Keep me in sight, Send Thine angels to attend me And protection lend me.

While I lie and slumber, Let Thine hosts outnumber All my raging foes. Be of grace the Giver, And Thy child deliver From guilt's painful throes. For Thy Son My soul hath won; By His wounds, so sorely stricken, He my heart doth quicken.

Shield Thou from all danger Ev'ry lonely stranger And my dear ones, too. Tenderly embrace us And with mercy grace us, Be our Father true. Thou with me And I with Thee, Thus shall I, mine eyelids closing, Be in peace reposing.

Close the door behind us, Let no evil find us, Keep all ills away. Be our shield and cover, Let Thine angels hover O'er us now, we pray. By sweet rest Let us be blest, Ev'ry fear of Satan's raging In our hearts assuaging.

What if death should take me And no light awake me From my sleep and rest? If Thou hast intended That my life be ended, Let Thy name be blest; As for me, I yield to Thee. In the wounds of Jesus lying, I am daily dying.

By no cares encumbered, Though my hours be numbered, I now fall asleep. All to Thee commending Who Thine hosts are sending Watch o'er me to keep. Through the night Be my delight, And if I should see the morrow, Thou wilt cure all sorrow.

Benjamin Schmolcke, 1715. Tr. H. Brueckner, 1918.

Prayer for Thursday Morning.

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

Wach auf, mein Herz, die Nacht ist hin.

Awake, my soul; the rising sun Dispels the night of mourning; Awake, with songs of praises run To greet the Lord returning. He burst the gates of death today And left the gloomy grave for aye While all the world rejoices.

Arise, my soul, from sin and death, To thee new life is given; Arise and run the race of faith; Fix thy desires on heaven Where Jesus, thy Redeemer reigns, And seek the things that it contains, If thou with Him be risen.

Art thou distressed by weight of care? Thy Savior will remove it. Believing, thou with joy canst bear Thy cross and learn to love it. Cast all thy burden on the Lord; Fear not; for He will help afford, For now He hath arisen.

Now Judah's Lion, true and tried, The victory obtaineth; The Lamb of God, the Crucified, For us salvation gaineth, And giveth righteousness and life; For after all the dreadful strife, O'er every foe He triumphs.

Then up, my soul, begin the fight, For Christ, the Victor, leadeth. He arms thee with a victor's might; With Him thy cause succeedeth. Now thou can'st rise and live anew And righteousness and peace pursue And be a faithful servant.

Fear not the angry jaws of hell, Nor world, nor death, nor devil. Thy Savior lives and all is well, Though sore has been His travail. A Victor crowned, He as a Friend The mean and feeble doth attend, And therefore thou shalt conquer.

Ah, Lord, whom death could not defile, Who from the dead hast risen, Free us from Satan's might and guile And save us from his prison. O grant, that, as one body, we May enter that new life in Thee Which Thou for us hast gotten.

Laurentius Laurenti, 1700. Tr. A. Ramsey.

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.

Nur in Jesu Blut und Wunden.

Now in Jesus' wounds reposing, I my tired eyes am closing. For His love and pardoning grace Are my only resting place.

Through the day His mercy holds me, And by night His arm enfolds me. Of Thy strong protection sure, Jesus, I shall rest secure.

Tr. H. Brueckner, 1916.

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.

Die helle Sonn leucht jetzt herfuer.

The morning sun shines in the skies, And we from peaceful slumbers rise. All praise to God who hath this night Protected us from Satan's might.

Lord Jesus, shield us now by day From sin and error on our way. To us Thy holy angels send, And let them to our wants attend.

Make Thou our hearts obedient, To use Thy word and sacrament, To do Thy will whate'er betide, Thus pleasing Thee, our trusty guide.

Bless Thou the labor of our hands And help us keep Thy law's demands, That all our work, begun in Thee, May to Thy praise and glory be.

Nicolaus Hermann, 1560. Tr. H. Brueckner, 1918.

Prayer for Friday Evening.

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

Hinunter ist der Sonnen Schein.

Sunk is the sun's last beam of light, And now the world is wrapt in night. Christ, light us with Thy heavenly ray, Nor let our feet in darkness stray.

Thanks, Lord, that Thou throughout the day Hast kept all grief and harm away; That angels tarried round about Our coming in and going out.

Whate'er of wrong we've done or said, Let not the charge on us be laid; That, through Thy free forgiveness blest, In peaceful slumber we may rest.

Thy guardian angels round us place All evil from our couch to chase; Our soul and body, while we sleep, In safety, gracious Father, keep.

Nicolaus Hermann, 1560. Tr. Frances Elizabeth Cox, 1841.

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.

Die gueldne Sonne.

The sun, ascending, To us is lending Bliss, joy, and gladness, Cure for all sadness, Filling the world with its rich, golden light. I was reclining When no light was shining; But the sun's beauty Now calls me to duty, As I behold it so fair and so bright.

Mine eye beholdeth What God unfoldeth: Heaven's bright glory Tells me the story Of His unlimited power and love, And how the sainted In beauty untainted, Free from things mortal, Beyond death's dark portal, Dwell in the heavenly mansions above.

To God in heaven Be praises given; Come, let us offer And gladly proffer To the Creator the gifts that we prize. He well receiveth A heart that believeth, Hymns that adore Him Are precious before Him And to His throne like sweet incense arise.

At the day's ending Sweet slumbers sending, And in the morning All things adorning, These are His works and His blessings so true. When night descendeth Protection He lendeth When morn appeareth Our spirits He cheereth, Causing His mercy to crown us anew.

Father above me, Thou who dost love me, Bless my beginning, Keep me from sinning, Move ev'ry hindrance well out of my way. Strength ever lend me, From Satan defend me, Spare me temptation, So that in my station I may Thy holy commandments obey.

Let me with pleasure See the full measure Which upon others, Who are my brothers, Thou of Thy blessings dost richly bestow. Bid envy vanish! All greediness banish! Make me Thy dwelling, Sin's darkness dispelling. Grant that in virtue I daily may grow.

What is man's being? It is like seeing Autumn's bleak shadows Sweep o'er the meadows When the cold winds drive the clouds on their way. All that we cherish Must crumble and perish. Plants must stop growing, And stars must cease glowing; Heaven and earth are not destined to stay.

All else decayeth, God only stayeth, He of creation Is the foundation. His will and word must forever abide. His grace endureth And for us secureth Comfort in sorrow And help for the morrow, Keeping us cheerful, whate'er may betide.

God of creation, Be my salvation! Calm all my terrors, Blot out my errors, Grant that Thy pardon I fully may share; Withal attend me, Rule, guide, and defend me In mercy tender, Because I surrender Soul, will, and all to Thy fatherly care.