Lancelot Andrewes · 20 of 61

Confession

I will confess my sins, and the sins of my fathers, for I have transgressed ‑\and neglected Thee, O Lord, and walked perversely before Thee. Set not, O Lord, set not my misdeeds before Thee, nor my life in the light of Thy countenance, But pardon the iniquity of Thy servant, according to Thy great mercy; as Thou hast been merciful to him from a child, even so now. I have sinned, what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou preserver of men? Why hast Thou set me as a mark against Thee, so that I am a burden to myself? O pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity. Deliver me from going down to the pit, for Thou hast found a ransom. Have mercy on me, Son of David, Lord, help me. Yea, Lord, even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Have patience with me, Lord, yet I have not wherewith to pay, I confess to Thee; forgive me the whole debt, I beseech Thee. How long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me? How long shall I seek counsel in my soul, and be vexed in my heart day and night? How long shall mine enemies triumph over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God, lighten mine eyes that I sleep not in death, lest mine enemy say I have prevailed against him, for if I be cast down, they that trouble me will rejoice at it; but my trust is in Thy mercy.