- GRACIOUS and most merciful Father, Great and Eternal God, most heartily do I beseech Thee, look down upon me from Thy heaven above and turn Thy countenance unto me. Gracious Father, so lead and guide me this day that I commit no evil, nor sin and offend against Thee. Almighty God, lead Thy poor lamb in Thy truth. Defend me, Lord, for in Thee do I put my trust. Thou only art my strength, my rock, my fortress, my shield and buckler. Righteous God, turn my mind and my lips thither; that I fear and serve Thee in love, with all my soul. Sanctify me within and without, and turn me from all that cometh not from Thee.
Hide me within Thyself, that my will subject itself entirely unto Thee, and I be freed from the dominion of self and of every other creature. Let me not be wholly possessed of mine own nature. Grant that the thirst for temporal things be quenched in my heart. Uproot all self-love and selfish desires. Banish all hatred and jealousy, and cut off passion and my attachment to the things of this world. Gather my soul unto Thee and preserve in me a pure and peaceful conscience. Glory, praise, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Joachim Muensinger von Freundeck’s Prayer-book, 1584.) (Pages 390-391)