Lewis Bayly: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Create in me, O Christ, a new heart, and renew in me a right spirit. Then you will see how I will serve you as your new creature, in a new life, after a new way, with a new tongue and new manners, with new words and new works, to the glory of your name, and the winning of other sinful souls to your faith.

Keep me forever, O my Savior, from the torments of hell and tyranny of the devil. And when I am to depart this life, send your angels to carry me, as they did the soul of Lazarus, into your kingdom. Receive me into that joyful paradise you promised to the penitent thief, who at his last gasp upon the cross begged for your mercy and admission into your kingdom.

Grant this, O Christ, for your own name’s sake. I give you all glory, honor, praise, and dominion, both now and forever.

Amen.