A Garden of Spiritual Flowers

- William Perkins (image #60)

A Prayer to be Said Before the Public Exercise Begins

O Most mighty and eternal God, before whose presence together with the rest of this congregation, I vile and sinful wretch, at this time do present my self to hear Thy holy Word, and to offer up the sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving unto Thee: bless (I beseech Thee) this our meeting, sanctify and prepare m heart, that it may be apt and fit for this exercise which now we have in hand: inflame my heart with zeal, and teach me how to open mine ears, that I may understand that which shall at this time out of Thy holy Word be taught unto me. Take from me all wandering and by-thoughts; and grant that now and ever, I may bear Thy Word effectually, and pray unto Thee sincerely, through Jesus Christ.