A MORNING PRAIER TO BE VSED IN CHRIstian Families, before they goe about their outwarde affaires

Omnipotent and mercifull God, we giue thee thankes, that thou hast so mercifullie kept vs this night, and that thou hast prolonged our life to this day. We beseech thee likewise, that thou wilt protect vs this day, and that thou wilt giue vs grace, that wee may bestowe it in those things, which are pleasant & acceptable vnto thee: And as nowe thou enlightenest the whole earth, with the beames of thy Sonne, so likewise thou wilt illuminate the darkenes of our soules with the brightnes of thy Spirit, least wee wauering from the path of righteousnes, wee swarue either to the one side or to the other: that wee may ever set thee who seest all thinges before our eies, that wee may reuerence and acknowledge thee, as a iust reuenger of al euill thoughtes, words, and deeds, that wee feare nothing more, than to offende thee so bountifull a Father: and that euer, it continually bee our finall drift, in all thinges whatsoeuer we take in hand or purpose to doe, to referre the same only to thy glory, and the profit of others. Moreouer, becaus wholesome counsell, fit occasions, and the happie successe and issue of matters are onlie in thine hand, graunte that wee may ask and receiue al those things from thee alone. Graunt also most merciful Father: that we bestow not so much thought, and trauell, in purchasing of those things, that perteine to the necessitie of this life, that in the meane time wee neglect & sluggishlie regarde heauenly things, but that first, we may seeke thy kingdome, and the righteousnes thereof: nothing doubting, but that thou wilt giue all things needfull and necessarie to such as do the same: keepe also, and defend this fraile body and soul of ours. Instruct vs with the counsell and power of thy Spirit, against so many and so diuers assaults of Sathan. Ridde vs out of all feare and perrills, whereby wee are in daunger alwaies in this worlde. And because it is nothing to haue begun well, except also we carefully perseuer and goe forward: Wee beseech thee, that thou wilt not onely take vs into thy protection this day, but likewise, thou wilt continually be our guide and defender all our life, confirming and increasing the guifts, which according to thy bountifulnes and mercy, thou hast bestowed vpon vs vnworthie sinners: vntill such time at last, as thou shalt fullie and perfectly, vnite vs with our head Christ: who seeing that he is that onelie Sonne of righteousnes, hee may replenishe vs with his eternall light and gladnes. In the meane time, while wee liue in this troblesome life, send out faythfull Pastours of Soules, and make thyne holy Spirite to bee effectuall in the hartes of the auditors by the power of thy word, to the end, a great Churche may be gathered to thee, and that the workes of the Diuell may be destroyed. Enarme the Magistrate with thy diuine strength, that hee may defende thy Church and common weal. Comfort, and confirme everie one, that is afflicted in soule or bodie, and that we may be bold to seeke and waite for so great good things at thy hands. Forgiue vs our horrible sins, for thy most deare Sonne Christ Iesus his sake, who hath promised to vs, that whatsoeuer we craue of thee, in a sure confidence in him, that thou wilt assuredly giue it vs, and therefore hee hath commanded vs to pray in this maner. Our Father &c.