Part 5

O almighty God and Father, who art ever ready to help, Thou seest the great trouble and danger in which we are living; we know of no counsel or help, and have no strength of ourselves to come out of trouble, therefore our eyes look unto Thee, who alone art our consolation, refuge and helper, and hast said: Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Our heart clings to Thy word of promise and in childlike humility and confidence seeks Thy face. O Lord, hide not Thy face, full of compassion, from us, and put not Thy children away in anger. Leave us not, neither forsake us, O God of our salvation, who workest salvation in the midst of the earth. Let Thy help also come unto us and be merciful unto us. O Lord, our God, in Thee do we put our trust and under the shadow of Thy wings do we make our refuge until these calamities be overpast. Turn again unto us and satisfy us early with Thy mercy and we will freely sacrifice unto Thee, we will praise Thy name, O Lord, for it is good. Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Give us help from trouble and we will praise Thee, and rejoice in Thy salvation all the days of our life. Amen.

50. Thanksgiving after a safe Journey.

Gracious God, heavenly Father, I thank Thee with my whole heart, that Thou hast in safety brought me to my journey's end, and that to my joy, Thy holy angels have led me back to my family. As a Father Thou hast also kept me from all evil, prevented robbers and murderers from killing me, wild beasts from tearing me to pieces, floods of water and other perils from destroying or injuring me. Thou hast led me in safety as the angel Raphael led the young Tobias. All this I owe to Thy paternal care and almighty protection. In mercy keep me and mine, take us under Thy mighty protection, and by Thy power preserve body and soul unto eternal life for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

51. Thanksgiving for Deliverance out of Tribulation.

I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Thy name forevermore. I will praise Thee for ever, because Thou canst do all things well. Behold, instead of peace I had great bitterness, but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption. In my distress I called unto Thee, and Thou hast heard my voice, and my cry did enter into Thy ears, and Thou hast comforted me. Thou hast faithfully helped me, in mercy upheld my soul, and finally delivered me out of my great tribulation. My Lord and my God, what shall I render unto Thee for all the benefits which Thou daily bestowest? I will praise Thy name all the days of my life, I will magnify Thee among all Thy people, and Thy glory shall continually be in my mouth. Thy Spirit, O faithful God, enable me to pay my vows and never to forget the benefits Thou hast bestowed upon my soul. Let me spread Thy praise in time, and also in Eternity, together with the elect, sing everlasting Hallelujahs to the honor of Thy name. Amen.

52. Morning Prayer of a sick Person.

O Thou faithful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! I will thank and praise Thee that Thou hast so mercifully kept, protected and strengthened me in my weakness. In Jesus' name, turn unto me to-day and the remaining days of my life, cleanse me from my sin, comfort me by Thy grace, strengthen me by Thy power, lead me by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may live and suffer in accordance with Thy will. I commit my sick body and my soul into Thy holy hands, let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me that the wicked one may have no power or influence over me, through Jesus Christ, our only comfort and Redeemer, in the power of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

53. Another Morning Prayer in Sickness.

I commit myself this morning and all the days of my life into Thy hands, O God, the eternal Father who hast created me, O God, the eternal Son who hast redeemed me, O God, the Holy Ghost who hast sanctified me in holy baptism. O eternal Godhead, O perfect humanity, O holy Trinity, ever keep me ready to enter into everlasting salvation. Amen.

Good and merciful God, affectionate Father, by Thy grace I have passed another night and again behold the cheering light. Thanks be unto Thee, that Thou hast been my keeper and protector, comforter and helper, that Thou hast as a Father kept my sick body, together with my distressed soul, by Thy power hast kept me from sudden death and dangerous temptations, and that Thy holy angel has defended me against the devil, the prince of darkness. By Thy grace and mercy I still live. Watch over me Thy poor creature to-day also, and so lead and guide me that I may neither think, speak, nor do evil. Lead me, the poor one of Thy flock, to Thy holy Word, and cause me to lie down in its green pastures, for this is my comfort in my distress. Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust, Thou, and Thou alone, art my strength, my God and my noblest treasure. Fill my heart and mind with fear and love to Thee. Separate me from all things not purely Thine. Hide me in Thyself, that in my trouble and affliction I may submit to Thy will, and trust in Thee alone, for besides Thee there is no other help in all the world. Thou art the true physician of the sick, the true comforter in every distress, the true helper in the hour of death. Beloved Father, heal me, comfort me, help me. Keep me this day from sin and all evil, from the wiles of the devil, from the temptations of the world and from the evil lusts of my own sinful flesh. Give patience, hope and constancy. And when my life is at an end give me an easy and blessed death through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, my Redeemer. Amen.

54. Evening Prayer of a sick Person.

Thanks be unto Thee, my God and Father, that Thou hast this day so mercifully succored me. Thy grace, Thy power, Thy comfort and Thy Spirit be with me in my sickness and help me through this night also. I commit my body and soul into Thy hands, Thy holy angels have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no power over me, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen.

55. Another Evening Prayer of a sick Person.

Almighty and merciful God, affectionate Father, Thou hast said: Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee; therefore I pray Thee, have mercy on me and forgive all my sins with which I have offended Thee this day. I commit myself this coming night into Thy keeping, and let my soul be at rest, even if my body should be full of trouble. Let me not be carried away by sudden death without knowing Thy dear Son. If it be Thy gracious will, let me live till morning and pass this night without pain of body or distress of soul. Should this be my last night on earth, and Thou, in Thy unsearchable counsel, shouldst call me into Eternity, let me awake in Heaven and make me the humblest servant in Thy kingdom. In Thy name I fall asleep. Whether I shall awake on earth or in Heaven, I shall love and praise Thee with my whole heart, my faithful God. Amen. In Jesus' name. Amen.

56. Prayer in Sickness.

Gracious God and Father, I acknowledge and confess unto Thee that I have done evil all the days of my life and have not lived to Thy honor. I have fulfilled the lusts of the flesh and have served myself and the world more than Thee. O Lord, I am very sorry that I have passed the few days of my life in doing evil. I acknowledge that Thou art only visiting my iniquities upon me in sending this sickness. By this Thou wouldst call me to repentance. O Lord, Thou judgest me righteously and chastenest me that I may not perish with the ungodly world. By this sickness Thou puttest me in mind of my mortality and teachest me to know mine end and the measure of my days, what it is. Verily, every man at his best state is altogether vanity, surely every man walketh in a vain show, he heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them. And now, Lord, what wait I for? Deliver me from my transgressions. I know, Lord, that my times are in Thy hand, Thou hast written all my members in Thy book, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. My substance was not hid from Thee when I was curiously wrought in my mother's womb. Since it is Thy will that I should be sick, may I cheerfully do this Thy will. O Lord, Thine arrows stick fast in me, and Thy hand presseth me sore, there is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine anger, neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sins, as a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. O my God, preserve my soul in every temptation, let this bodily sickness be a medicine for the healing of my soul. Keep Thou my heart and mind, and through the peace of my Lord Jesus Christ protect me with Thy shield and buckler against all the fiery darts of the devil. Lord, Thou knowest it that I am the work of Thy hands, Thou hast formed me out of the clay; we are the clay and Thou our potter. Alas! how I am broken in pieces! Spare me, O Lord; Thou wilt surely not, in Thy wrath, cast away nor break in pieces the work of Thy hands, Thou hast separated me from my mother's womb, Thou didst make me hope, when I was upon my mother's breasts. Thou art the Lord and giver of my life, and hast power to take it again at Thine own appointed time. Should it be Thy will, deal kindly with me, as Thou didst with king Hezekiah, to whose days Thou didst add fifteen years. Behold, for peace I have great bitterness, in love to my soul, deliver it from the pit of corruption and cast all my sins behind Thy back. Should this sickness not be unto death, then, O Lord, lift me up again and heal me, for I am very weak. O Lord Jesus, Thou heavenly physician, take me under Thy treatment, alleviate my pains and heal me by Thy wounds, and make Thy bitter sufferings and death my medicine. Lord, let me touch the hem of Thy garment, that is, Thy Word and sacraments, in which Thou art wrapped up, and make me whole by the virtue which cometh out of Thee. Should it be Thy will however, that in this sickness I shall go the way of all the earth, be it so, for I am no better than my fathers, only let Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Amen.

57. Prayer of a penitent in Sickness.

Almighty God and Father, because of sin Thou appointest over men all manner of diseases, but in particular bodily sickness, that they may not perish with the world. I come unto Thee with my load of sins and confess that on account of these I have deserved not only this sickness, but also eternal damnation, being a child of wrath by nature and sold under sin, besides having, all the days of my life, transgressed all Thy commandments a countless number of times. I take my refuge in Thy boundless mercy. Enter not into judgment with me, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions, but for Thy name's sake pardon mine iniquity, for it is great. Remove Thy stroke away from me and hearken unto the voice of my cry, hold not Thy peace at my tears. Spare me that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. Affectionate Father, behold, for peace I have great bitterness, in love deliver my soul from the pit of corruption and cast all my sins behind Thy back. Consider also my bodily affliction and take it away or alleviate it by Thy comfort. Give me patience, help me to bear my cross, or save me under it. Thy will be done. Do with me, O God, as it seemeth good unto Thee. I am Thine, in Thee I would remain. Amen.

58. Short Prayers in Sickness, for every Hour of the Day.

1. At One O'clock.

My Creator and Father, Thou true and only God, from whom cometh health and sickness, prosperity and adversity, it being Thy will that I should be afflicted so many days with this bodily sickness, give me Christian patience and the full assurance of hope. In times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity, Thou alone art my beloved Father. In this life, it is but the common lot of every faithful member of the church to bear the cross. Why should I make myself an exception? When even my Saviour, Jesus Christ, the head of the church, had to suffer for me. Beloved God and Father, who art upright in all Thy ways, keep me in Thy Word and let it be my surest remedy and greatest delight. Amen.

2. At Two O'clock.

Beloved Lord Jesus, my faithful Advocate and Saviour, I well know that by my sins I have deserved nothing less than this bodily infirmity, together with every affliction. I am comforted, however, by Thine inexhaustable grace and most precious atonement, through which Thou hast redeemed my body and soul. Whatever may befall my body in this life, I am assured that my body and soul are delivered from hell, and will eventually enter into eternal life and be crowned with health and heavenly glory. To this end help me, Lord Jesus. Amen.

3. At Three O'clock.

O Holy Ghost, most worthy and affectionate companion of my soul, and most faithful witness of my heavenly birthright and happiness, continue to abide in my heart during this protracted, bodily affliction, and quicken me by Thy divine comfort and keep me steadfast in Thy pure Word and most holy sacraments. Preserve in me faith, hope and charity, these three pillars of my Christianity. Enable me rightly to understand God's paternal will that I may in silence submit to it, live and die in accordance with it. Amen.

4. At Four O'clock.

Beloved and faithful God, teach me to remember mine end, that I may not sin. Give me a happy death; on the Judgment Day absolve me; keep me out of hell; take me into Heaven. In the hour of death I will lay me down in peace and sleep. On the Judgment Day let me escape hell and dwell safely in Heaven. Let the seed of Thy word take root in my heart, abide in me and quicken me, until Thou wilt come to take me to Thyself. Amen.

5. At Five O'clock.

In my affliction and pain, where, O dear Jesus, could I make my refuge, but in Thy _five_ sacred wounds? In these I will be secure when I shall have lost my mind and my senses. I will abide in Thee, abide Thou also in me. Trim the lamp of my heart with the pure oil of faith, prepare me thro' Christian penitence to go forth with joy to meet Thee at Thy second coming, and in company with all the elect, forever to enjoy the wedding feast. Amen.

6. At Six O'clock.

I thank Thee, dear Lord and Father, that Thou hast created me in Thine image, with a human body and reasonable soul; and beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst not forsake me, Thy creature, in my distress, but wouldst exercise Thy paternal care over me, and powerfully deliver me. Many are my afflictions, and every day hath its own evils; but I know that Thou wilt finally deliver me from all afflictions and troubles; in Thee do I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. Amen.

7. At Seven O'clock.

O God, heavenly Father, who didst rest on the seventh day of the creation, do Thou also rest and keep Thy sabbath in my heart, Thou, who art my soul's only rest and comfort. O Lord Jesus, let the seventh and last word, that Thou didst utter upon the cross, also be my last word in the hour of death, that I may commend my spirit into Thy hands. O God, Holy Ghost, Thou heavenly teacher, Thou spirit of prayer, do Thou kindle in me constant devotion to prayer, that in the Lord's prayer, in the seven penitential Psalms, and other prayers and sighs, I may bring my wants to God, and be graciously heard by Him. Amen.

8. At Eight O'clock.

Dearest Lord Jesus, who didst upon the eighth day begin to suffer pain and to shed Thy blood: O, give me a willing spirit, patiently to bear my bodily infirmities to Thy glory, and the hope, that Thou wouldst graciously preserve me and my soul in the waters of tribulation, as Thou didst preserve the eight souls in Noah's ark. Let me be among the eight multitudes whom Thou callest blessed, that I may be poor in spirit, patient in tribulation, meek toward my enemies, hunger and thirst after righteousness, merciful toward suffering Christians, pure in heart, peaceful toward my neighbor, steadfast in persecution. O, let me advance in the school of patience through all its grades, until through perseverance, I will be promoted to the joyful school of everlasting life, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit, I will praise and love Thee evermore. Amen.

9. At Nine O'clock.

O my dearest Lord Jesus, Thy great sufferings reached a desired end, in that Thou wast delivered from them through a blessed death. O grant unto me a blessed departure, and make an end to my wearisome afflictions.. For this I will thank, praise, and glorify Thee with my whole heart. I know, Thou wilt not forget me, and my hope will not be lost forever. Here upon earth I am a member of Thy church militant, O let me be a member of Thy church triumphant. Amen.

10. At Ten O'clock.

O righteous and gracious God, I heartily acknowledge, that I am not only conceived and born in sin, but have on account of human weakness in various ways transgressed Thy holy ten commandments in thoughts, words and actions, so that I have not only deserved this my sickness and other temporal affliction, but have also deserved everlasting punishment. But since Thy dear Son, my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, has made satisfaction for all my sins, original and actual, with His precious merits and holy blood; I beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst for His sake be gracious unto me, and of Thy great mercy, forgive my temporal and eternal punishment. Guide me by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may separate myself from the great multitude of the ungodly, that I may strive after the true faith showing itself in good works; but especially that I may be patient under afflictions, fight a good fight, keep the faith and a good conscience, and finally live in Thy tabernacle forever. Do Thou alleviate my bodily pains according to Thy good will, and help me that I may bear my afflictions, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

11. At Eleven O'clock.

O faithful Lord Jesus, who didst often and powerfully comfort Thy disciples after Thy resurrection, and doest invite the weary and heavy-laden to Thee, and doest promise to comfort them: O do Thou visit me in my sickness, comfort and refresh me; Thou alone art my refuge, my counsel and my help. I yearn for the evening time of a blessed death, and long for the joyful resurrection of my body. O let me early experience these my requests, then will I forever praise Thee with the Father and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

12. At Twelve O'clock.

Dearest Lord Jesus, I heartily thank Thee, that Thou hast revealed Thyself to me in the writings of the holy Prophets and Apostles, so that I can believe in Thee, and through faith obtain everlasting life. I beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst preserve me steadfast in true faith, that I may attain the end thereof, everlasting salvation. Make me cheerful and ready, so that when Thou, my dear bridegroom, doest come, that I may meet Thee with joy; lead me to Thy heavenly wedding-feast, where I will love and praise Thee. Amen.

59. Thanksgiving after Recovery.

I thank Thee, Lord, almighty God, that Thou hast so paternally visited and chastised me on account of my sins. Yea, Lord, I am glad that Thou hast humiliated me, that I might learn Thy ways. O my God, how often have I, like Hezekiah, thought: Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent; I have cut off like a weaver my life; he will cut me off with pining sickness; from day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me. But, my God, I see that my sickness was not unto death, but unto the glory of God, that Thou, my Lord Jesus Christ, mightest thereby be glorified. For Thou hast had mercy upon me, and hast cast all my sins behind Thee, and hast prolonged my life. I heartily thank Thee, my God, that Thou hast revived and strengthened me, that I can behold Thy holy temple, and attend to my duties. Thy goodness it is, Lord, else I should long since have perished. O, how often will I think of Thy chastening rod, and will fear Thee all my life and guard against Thy wrath. Help now, O Lord my God, that with renewed health I may also begin a new life. Grant, that I may always glorify Thy name, and Thy praise be continually found in my mouth. Guide me by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may live to Thy honor, and not yield my members as instruments of unrighteousness to serve sin, but as instruments of righteousness to serve Thee my God, that I may sing Thy hymns, and praise and glorify Thee in Thy church. Amen.

60. Three Prayers in the Hour of Death.

The First to God the Father.

Almighty God! Thou Father of mercies and God of all consolation! Have mercy upon me, as a father hath mercy upon his children. Remember that Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, became man for my sake. Remember that Thou didst so love the world, that Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In this faith my soul comes to Thee and brings with it Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast given me; for His sake do Thou remember me and receive me into Thy grace. To Thee I commend my soul. Let me, Thy dear child, remain in Thy grace, and have mercy upon me while I live, and when I die, for the sake of Thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Second to God the Son.

Lord Jesus Christ, my only consolation and help! Thou hast borne my griefs and wast wounded for my transgressions. Thou Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world! be Thou my righteousness, my sanctification and my salvation. Heal my pains through Thy wounds. Let not Thy innocent blood be shed in vain for me; take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Forsake me not in my last agony, but help me on to life everlasting. Remember that I am Thy poor sheep, and Thou art my faithful Shepherd. Take me into Thy arms, and carry me into Thy blessed Paradise. Let me behold Thy gracious countenance and Thy glory. Amen.

The Third to God the Holy Ghost.

O God Holy Spirit, Thou only consolation for the distressed! Strengthen and comfort my faint and sorrowful heart. Preserve my faith, which Thou hast wrought in me, and quench not the smoking flax. Protect me from the temptations of the wicked enemy. Let not my heart be terrified at death nor despair; restrain all impatience, make me willing to obey the Lord my God. Help me to close my life joyfully and happily. Keep my heart and mind in the peace of my Lord Jesus Christ. When I can no more speak, keep and seal the memory of the holy name of Jesus Christ in my heart, and with the same let me peacefully fall asleep. Amen.

61. Prayer of the Attendants upon a Dying Person.

Almighty, gracious God, who doest preserve our life in death, we beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst turn the eyes of Thy mercy to this sick person; comfort him in body and in soul, and in mercy forgive him all sins. Receive the offering of the innocent death of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, for the payment of his transgressions, for he is baptized in His name, and washed and purified by His blood. Deliver him from his bodily griefs, preserve him against the accusations of conscience, and against all the temptations of the wicked enemy, so that he may fight the good fight of faith and obtain the victory. Grant him a blessed journey to everlasting life, send Thy holy angels, that they may escort him to the assembly of the elect, in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

62. Another.

Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.