A great prayer from long ago
Martin Bucer (1491–1551) was among the first generation of Protestant Reformers, spending most of his ministerial life in Strasbourg and serving in later years as regius professor of divinity at the University of Cambridge. This was his prayer: Show me your grace and favour so that I may truly learn to hate my sins. Instead of lulling myself to sleep in sin, let me be so cast down in heart that I may confess with my mouth the honour, glory, and praise due to your holy name. In your great mercy, you instruct us by your holy word. For your name’s sake, then, allow your instruction to so lighten and clear our conscience that in due examination of all our holy life we may truly learn to be angry and displeased with all our former and corrupt living. Please draw near to us and guide our footsteps truly and perfectly in obedience to your holy laws and commandments. Send your holy angel to protect us; the enemy’s infernal army can never prevail against us. With strong faith in Jes...