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A Prayer by Queen
Elizabeth I
O Most Glorious King, and Creator of the
whole world, to whom all things be subject, both in heaven and earth, and
all best Princes most gladly obey. Hear the most humble voice of thy handmaid,
in this only happy, to be so accepted. How exceeding is thy goodness, and
how great mine offences. Of nothing hast thou made me not a worm, but a
Creature according to thine own image, heaping all the blessings upon me
that men on earth hold most happy. Drawing my blood from kings and my bringing
up in virtue; giving me that more is, even in my youth knowledge of thy
truth: and in times of most danger, most gracious deliverance: pulling
me from the prison to the palace: and placing me a Sovereign Princess over
thy people of England. And above all this, making me (though a weak woman)
yet thy instrument, to set forth the glorious Gospel of thy dear Son Christ
Jesus.
Thus inthese last and worst days of the
world, when wars and seditions with grievous persecutions have vexed almost
all Kings and Countries, round about me, my reign hath been peaceable,
and my realm a receptacle to thy afflicted church. The love of my people
hath appeared firm, and the devices of mine enemies frustrate. Now for
these and other thy benefits (O Lord of all goodness) what have I rendered
to thee? Forgetfulness, unthankfulness and great disobedience. I should
have magnified thee, I have neglected thee. I should have prayed unto thee,
I have forgotten thee. I should have served thee, I have sinned against
thee. This is my case. Then where is my hope? If thou Lord wilt be
extreme to mark what is done amiss, who
may abide it? But thou art gracious and merciful, long suffering and of
great goodness, not delighting in the death of a Sinner. Thou seest whereof
I came, of corrupt seed: what I am, a most frail substance: where I live
in the world full of wickedness: where delights be snares, where dangers
be imminent, where sin reigneth, and death abideth.
This is my state. Now where is my comfort?
In the depth of my misery I know no help (0 Lord) but the height of thy
mercy, who hast sent thine only Son into the world to save sinners. This
God of my life and life of my soul, the King of all comfort, is my only
refuge. For his sake therefore, to whom thou hast given all power, and
wilt deny no petition, hear my prayers. Turn thy face from my sins (0 Lord)
and thine eyes to thy handiwork. Create a clean heart, and renew a right
spirit within me. Order my steps in thy word, that no wickedness have dominion
over me, make me obedient to thy will, and delight in thy law. Grant me
grace to live godly and to govern justly: that so living to please thee,
and reigning
to serve thee I may ever glorify thee,
the Father of all goodness and mercy. To whom with thy dear Son, my only
Saviour, and the Holy Ghost my Sanctifier, three persons and one God: be
all praise, dominion and power, world without end.
AMEN.
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