The Sixth Hour: A Midday Prayer

A prayer

You who, at all times and at every hour, both in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, O Christ our God, long-suffering, plenteous in mercy and compassion; who love the just and show mercy to those who are hardened in sin; who call all men to repentance through the promise of good things to come: you, the same Lord, receive also our supplications at this present time, and direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; and deliver us from all calamity, wrath and distress. Compass us round about with your holy Angels; that, guided and guarded by their host, we may attain unto the unity of the faith, and unto the comprehension of your ineffable glory. For blessed are you unto ages of ages. Amen. O you who, on the sixth day and hour, nailed to the Cross the sin which Adam, through presumption, committed in Paradise: tear asunder also the handwriting of our iniquities, O Christ our God, and save us. You have wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O Christ our God. You stretched out your all-pure hands upon the Cross; you have gathered together all the nations, who cry aloud unto you: Glory to you, O Lord. O God and Lord of hosts, and Maker of all things created, who through the tender-hearted compassion of your incomparable mercy sent down your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the redemption of our race, and by his precious Cross destroyed the handwriting of our sins, and thereby triumphed over the Origin and Powers of darkness: you, the same Lord, who love mankind, accept also these thanksgivings and fervent prayers of us sinners. And deliver us from every harmful and gloomy transgression, and from all enemies, both visible and invisible, who seek after us to destroy us. Nail our flesh to the fear of you, and incline not our hearts to words or thoughts of guile: but wound our souls with the love of you; that looking ever unto you, and guided by you in the light, beholding you, the Light Ineffable and Everlasting, we may ascribe unto you ceaseless praise and thanksgiving: unto the Father who has no beginning, together with your Only-begotten Son, and your all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.