7. PRAYER OF A WIFE

     O benignant God and faithful Father, since Thou hast graciously called me to domestic duties in holy wedlock, a state in which I can also serve and please Thee, O my God, give grace unto me, Thy servant, that I may constantly keep Thy fear before mine eyes and love Thee and trust in Thee, my Creator and Redeemer, above all things; but also love and honor my husband and not covet any other. Grant that I may subject my will to that of my husband, as Thou commandest me to do in Thy holy Word, yielding to him will all readiness, that my heart be ever graced with that mild, peaceful spirit and those manifold virtures shown by the holy women of ancient days, who put their hope in God and were subject to their husbands. Grant me grace, too, to lead a chaste life, in godly fear and true humility, so that with kind and modest words and in a spirit of piety I may prevent or allay any wrath or ill humor of my husband, ever treating him with gentleness and forebearance.  May I rear my children in a mild spirit, to the praise and glory of Thy holy name, unto the salvation of their souls, and incline their hearts willingly to obey me.  Grant furthermore that I may be a true helpment to my husband, being careful and not wasteful with the substance Thou has graciously given us and diligently doing the work that is incumbent on me, so that I may "have to give to him that needeth," extending my hand in charity to the poor. Preserve us from dishonest laborers and evil-minded domestics, who would diminish or waste our property.  Also grant me grace, I pray Thee, to bear my cross patiently, so that I do not grow timid and dismayed when Thou sendest some affliction, inasmuch as by trials and adversities our faith is proved.  O Lord God, into Thine almightly hand I commit myself, my dear husband, all my children, and my domestics; preserve us, I pray Thee, from sin, shame and all ills, through Christ Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.