Preparation For Communion
by The Revd William Vickers (d. 1719)
9
Prayers in preparation for receiving Holy Communion, from a book treasured by Jane Austen.
For The Grace Of Repentance
A Prayer for the Gift and Grace of Repentance.
"ALMIGHTY and eternal Lord God, who art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, and hast more especially enjoined all those who compass thine altar, to wash their hands in innocency," vouchsafe me unfeigned repentance for my past sins, a hearty sorrow and contrition of spirit to lament my sinfulness, and most firm and stedfast purposes to lead a new life. It is the voice of thy wondrous goodness and mercy, that if " the wicked shall forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, thou wilt have mercy upon him, and abundantly pardon him." O let thy goodness (whereof I have had so great a share, and plentiful experience) lead me to repentance, not to be repented of, that I may be a fit guest at thy Son's table! " Have mercy upon me, O Lord, and according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out all my transgressions for thy mercy's sake in Christ Jesus, the Son of thy love, whom thou hast set forth to be the propitiation for our sins." Grant this, O merciful Father, for the sake of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. See Psalms vi. xxv. xxxii. xxrviii.
| Previous | Next |
Extracts from "A Companion To The Altar", by William Vickers. Includes some minor editorial changes, chiefly paragraphing.
You can find the full text of this book at Google Books.
