28. PRAYER FOR SUNSHINE IN SEASON OF CONTINUED RAINS.

    Lord God Almighty, Thou hast clothed the heavens in darkness and covered the earth as with a shroud.  In days of yore Thou didst visit the world in Thy wrath with the waters of the FLood because of man's vice and wickedness, destroying everything that had life and breath on dry land.  At this time we, too, are being visited on account of our manifold transgressions and in accordance with Thy stern justice with unusual rains and with protracted and continued we weather, greatly to the injury of the fruits of the land.  O merciful Father, Thou didst after the Flood close the fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens and madest the rains to cease; remove from us all our sins and transgressions, avert the punishment we deserve, and let the damaging rains and great waters subside.  fFor the earth is gloomy, and the heavens above are mounrful.  Look upon that token in the clouds, the rainbow, and remember Thy promise.  Grant good and fruitful weather, so that the fruits of the field and the garden will not be ruined by excessive rains and a famine ensue.  O Lord, Thou faithful God, who canst not lie, Thou hast said:  The waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.  Therefore, O Lord, be merciful.  Do not have Thy compassion shut out by Thy wrath; do not take Thy grace and mercy from us.  Graciously preserve us from a dearth of bread; bless our bread, so that we may always have food sufficient and praise Thy name.  Thus we shall see that we are truly Thy children, for whom Thou dost faithfully provide, and we will honor and praise Thee, our heavenly Father, all the days of our lives.  Amen.