25. PRAYER FOR PRESERVATION FROM SIN, AND FOR THEIR REMISSION WHEN COMMITTED

     O Thou God of grace and mercy, our dear Father in heaven, moved by grace and divine love, Thou hast given us Thy dear Son and with Him full salvation and grace.   We now pray Thee, dear Father, preserve unto us this precious boon and heavenly gift, even the blessed contemplation of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, so that we do not lose Him through ingratitude or otherwise be deprived of Him.  We are indeed poor, wretched, and frail beings, who fall from one sin into another, sinning now in thoughts, now in words, now in deeds, so that we are in great danger of falling from faith.  We have no rest, no peace; the devil lies in wait for our thoughts, ever tempting and instigating; the world is on the watch for our words and deeds, for our walk and ways, giving us many an offense and many occasions for sinning; nor is our flesh by any means idle.  Besides, there are incidental sins, vices, and faults to which we are daily subject, which grievously burden our consciences and turn the joy of our hearts to nothing but sorrow and grief.

     Therefore we pray Thee, Thou God of mercy and grace, be Thou ever our faithful God though we may have been negligent and thankless, not walking so carefully as we should.  Be kind, comforting, gracious, and merciful towards us; reward us not according to our iniquities, but cleanse our hearts and consciences by Thy Word that we may serve Thee in sorrow and in joy and render unto Thee thanks, honor, and praise in time and eternity.  Amen.