2. SUNDAY BEFORE GOING TO CHURCH

     O gracious God and Father, Thou seest that because of my depraved nature I have no desire for Thy Word. I am, alas! so easily enticed from it or am indolent and slow to hear and keep it because of the devil, my flesh and blood, the children of this world, and also because of false teachers and preachers.  Therefore, I pray Thee, O eternal God, forgive me my natural indolence and slothfulness and give me a willing and alsert heart to hear and ponder Thy Word.  Awaken in me such a heartfelt desire for the sincere milk of Thy Word as a newborn babe shows for its mother's milk.  Grant that my highest pleasure and delight may ever center in Thy Word.  May nothing be dearer to me in this world than Thy Word; may I love it more than gold and much fine gold, ever considering it my best treasure!  And since, alas! I have lived to see the time foretold by Thine own Son in which false Christs shall rise and "show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect," I pray Thee that Thou wouldst graciously guard and keep me from error and false doctrine.  Preserve me in Thy truth - Thy Word is the Truth - that I may adhere to it and remain steadfast in it to my last hour. Grant all this I beseech Thee, for the sake of Thy glory and Thy most holy exalted name.  Amen.