CHRISTIAN PRAYERS
for Church and Family and Individual Use
These prayers all date from the time of the Reformation. With exception of the "Opening Prayer for the Meetings of the Deacons," added in the beginning of the seventeenth century, they were first published in the Netherlands in the 1566 Dutch Psalter by Petrus Dathenus. Some of these prayers were composed by him, while others were taken in whole or in part from Calvin's liturgy or other Reformed liturgies. One of the prayers, the "Prayer for all the Needs of Christendom," was considerably abridged, but all the others are faithful renderings of the original.
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Prayer at the Beginning of Public Worship
Our help is in the name of Jehovah, who made heaven and earth. AMEN.
A General Confession of Sins, and Prayer before the Sermon and on Days of Fasting and Prayer
O eternal God and merciful Father, we humble ourselves before thy great majesty, against which we have frequently and grievously sinned. We acknowledge that if Thou shouldst enter into judgment with us, we would deserve nothing less than eternal death. We are deeply conscious of the fact that, on account of our original sin, we are unclean before Thee and children of wrath. Since we are conceived and born in sin, all manner of evil desires against Thee and our neighbor fill our soul. We continually transgress Thy commandments, failing to do what Thou hast commanded us, and doing that which Thou hast expressly forbidden. We all like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way. We acknowledge our waywardness, and are heartily sorry for all our sins. We confess to our humiliation and to the praise of Thy mercy that our transgressions are innumerable, and that our debt is so great that we cannot even begin to repay. We are not worthy to be called Thy children, nor to lift up our eyes heavenward to Thee in prayer.
Nevertheless, O Lord God and gracious Father, we know that Thou dost not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he should turn to Thee and live; we know that Thy mercy toward those who turn to Thee is infinite; and so we take courage to call upon Thee from the depths of our hearts, trusting in our Mediator Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. We pray that Thou, forgiving all our sins for Christ's sake, wilt have compassion upon us in our infirmities. Wash us in the pure fountain of his blood, so that we may become clean and white as snow. Cover our nakedness with His innocence and righteousness, for the glory of Thy Name. Deliver our understanding from all blindness, and our hearts from all wilfulness and rebellion.
Open now the mouth of Thy servant, and fill it with Thy wisdom and knowledge, that he may boldly proclaim Thy Word in all its purity. Prepare our hearts to receive it, to understand it, and to preserve it. Inscribe Thy law, as Thou hast promised, upon the tablet of our heart, and give us the desire and the strength to walk in the ways of Thy precepts, to the praise and glory of Thy Name, and to the edification of the Church.
All this, gracious Father, we implore in the Name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
A Prayer for all the Needs of Christendom, to be Used on the Sabbath after the First Sermon
Almighty and merciful God, we realize and confess before Thee that if Thou shouldst regard our merits, we would indeed be unworthy to lift up our eyes towards heaven and present our prayers before Thee. Our consciences accuse us, and our sins testify against us. We also know that Thou art a righteous Judge, punishing the sins of those who transgress Thy commandments. But Thou, O Lord, hast commanded us to call upon Thee in all our needs, and hast in mercy promised to hearken to our petitions. This is not because of our merits, for we have none, but because of the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast appointed as our Mediator and Advocate. Therefore we spurn all other help and take our refuge in Thy mercy alone.
We acknowledge that Thou hast showered upon us so many blessings that we are not able to comprehend them, much less to enumerate them. It behooves us especially to acknowledge that Thou hast led us to the light of Thy truth and to the knowledge of Thy holy gospel. Yet we, being ungrateful, have forgotten Thy benefits. We have departed from Thee and have followed the desires of our own heart. We have not honored Thee as we ought. We have grievously sinned against Thee. If Thou shouldst bring us into judgment, we could expect nothing but eternal death and condemnation. But, O Lord, behold the face of Thy Anointed and hide Thine eyes from our sins, that Thy wrath through His intercession may be removed. Work mightily within us by Thy Spirit, in order that we may daily mortify our sinful flesh more and more. And do Thou renew us to a better life.
And since it pleases Thee that we should pray for all mankind, we beseech Thee that Thou wilt cause Thy benediction to rest upon Thy holy gospel, that it may be proclaimed everywhere and universally received. May the world be filled with Thy knowledge, may the ignorant be converted, and the weak strengthened; may every one by word and deed magnify Thy holy Name. To this end send forth faithful servants into Thy harvest, and qualify them in such a manner that they may faithfully perform their duties. But destroy, we pray Thee, all false teachers, ravenous wolves, and hirelings, who seek their own honor and profit rather than the honor of Thy holy Name or the salvation and welfare of souls.
Wilt Thou also graciously govern Thy Church, and preserve it in the unity of true faith and in godliness of life. May Thy kingdom increase day by day; may the kingdom of Satan be destroyed, until the kingdom of God be perfected, and Thou shalt be all in all.
We also pray for all civil magistrates. Particularly would we remember those whom Thou hast set in authority over us. Grant that they may fulfil their task in such a manner that the King of kings may reign over them and us, and that the kingdom of Satan, which is a kingdom of shame and iniquity, may through them as Thy servants be more and more opposed and destroyed, and that we may live a peaceful life in all godliness and honor.
Furthermore we pray for all our brethren who are suffering affliction because of civil or ecclesiastical persecution. Comfort them with Thy Holy Spirit, and grant them deliverance. Permit not the memory of Thy Name to be removed from the earth, and give the enemies no occasion to dishonor or blaspheme Thy Name. But should it be Thy will that persecuted Christians must by their death witness to Thy truth, grant them comfort in their sufferings; may they accept their trial as from Thy hand, and, doing Thy will, may they remain firm in life and death to Thy honor, to the edification of the Church, and to their salvation.
We remember before Thee also all those whom Thou art chastening with poverty, imprisonment, physical illness, or spiritual distress. Comfort them all, O Lord, according to their several needs. Grant that their chastening may lead them to acknowledge their sins and to amend their lives. Give them unwavering patience, alleviate their sufferings, and deliver them, that they may rejoice because of Thy goodness, and may eternally praise Thy Name. Comfort all widows and orphans, and be to them a Father. Strengthen those who are weak, and heal those who are ill in body. Remember also those who are mentally ill, and strengthen within them the gift of understanding, that they may use it to the magnifying of Thy Name and the edifying of their neighbors.
Finally, O Lord, wilt Thou take us and our dear ones and all that concern us into Thy care and keeping. Remember particularly those who are journeying afar over land and sea, along dangerous trails for the promotion of Thy kingdom, for the benefit of our country, or for the promotion of honorable personal interests. Bless also the products of the soil. Grant favorable weather and fruitful increase. Grant that in our several callings we may live according to Thy will. May we so use the talents which we have received from Thy hand that they may not hinder but rather promote the interests of our spiritual life. In all temptations strengthen us, so that we may be victorious in the battle, and thereafter may with Christ possess eternal life.
We pray Thee for all these things, even as our faithful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Himself has taught us, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Strengthen us in the true Christian faith that we may increase daily therein. Of this faith we make confession with mouth and heart, saying:
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, etc. AMEN.
¶ Afterward the congregation is dismissed with the usual blessing:
Lift up your hearts unto God and receive the blessing of the Lord:
Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee;
Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. AMEN.
A Public Confession of Sins, and Prayer before the Sermon
Heavenly Father, eternal and merciful God, we acknowledge and confess before Thy divine majesty that we are poor miserable sinners. We were conceived and born in utter wickedness and corruption and are prone to all manner of evil and incapable by nature of doing any good. By our sinful life we transgress Thy holy commandments without ceasing, and thereby incur Thy wrath and bring down upon ourselves eternal damnation according to Thy righteous judgment.
But we are penitent, Lord, and we grieve because of our sins whereby we provoked Thy wrath. We bring accusation against ourselves and lay transgression to our own charge. Yet we make bold to desire that Thou mayest in mercy regard our miseries. Have compassion on us, most merciful God and Father, and be pleased to forgive all our sins for the sake of the passion of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ.
Grant us also the grace of Thy holy Spirit, in order that He may teach us to confess our sins in sincerity of heart, to abhor ourselves indeed, and may lead us to the mortification of sin in our lives. For we earnestly desire to return to a life that is truly holy and righteous and that is acceptable to Thee through Jesus Christ.
May it also please Thee to lead us into the comprehension of Thy holy Word according to Thy divine will, in order that we may be taught to put our trust wholly in Thee and not to repose confidence in any creature. May our old nature with all its lusts be increasingly mortified day by day, and may we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to Thee, to the honor of Thy Name and the edification of our neighbor.
We also beseech Thee, gracious God, to turn unto Thyself in true penitence all that depart from Thy truth, for we eagerly desire that we all of one accord may serve Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.
This we ask of Thee through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught and commanded us to pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
A Brief Form of Prayer after the Sermon
O Lord, Almighty God, we pray that Thy holy Name may not be blasphemed on account of our sins. For we have sinned against Thee in many ways. We do not obey Thy holy Word as it behooves us. Through ignorance, unthankfulness, and discontent, we daily provoke Thee to wrath. We confess, Lord, that Thou art just in inflicting punishment upon us.
But we beseech Thee, O Lord, remember Thy great mercy and have compassion upon us. Teach us truly to know our sins and sincerely to mourn for them and to amend our life. Strengthen the ministers of Thy Church in order that they may faithfully and stedfastly preach Thy holy Word. Likewise, Lord, give strength to our rulers that they may wield the sword of civil authority in justice and equity.
We pray thee particularly for N—.
Keep us, we beseech Thee, from all hypocrisy and unfaithfulness, and frustrate all evil and subtle designs against Thy Word and Thy Church. O Lord, do not withhold from us Thy Word and Thy Spirit, but grant us increase in faith, and patience and stedfastness in all suffering and adversity. Succor Thy Church, and deliver Thy people from opposition, ridicule, and tyranny, which it suffers at the hands of wicked men. Impart from on high strength to those that are sorely burdened with sorrow. And visit upon us Thy peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who gave us this sure promise: Verily, verily, I say unto you, If ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name, and would have us pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Prayer before the Explanation of the Catechism
O heavenly Father, Thy Word is perfect, restoring the soul, making wise the simple, and enlightening the eyes of the blind, and a power of God unto salvation for every one that believes. We, however, are by nature blind and incapable of doing anything good, and Thou wilt succor only those who have a broken and contrite heart and who revere Thy Word. We beseech thee, therefore, that thou wilt illumine our darkened minds with Thy Holy Spirit and give us a humble heart, free from all haughtiness and carnal wisdom, in order that we, hearing Thy Word, may rightly understand it and may regulate our lives accordingly. Wilt Thou also graciously convert those who are straying from the truth, that we all in unity may serve Thee in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. These things we crave of Thee only for the sake of Christ, who promised to hear us and also taught us to pray in his Name, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Prayer after the Explanation of the Catechism
O gracious and merciful God and Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast established Thy covenant with believers and their seed. This Thou hast not only sealed by holy baptism, but Thou daily showest it by perfecting Thy praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, thus putting to shame the wise and prudent of this world. We beseech Thee that Thou wilt increase Thy grace in them, in order that they may unceasingly grow in Christ, Thy Son, until they have reached complete maturity in all wisdom and righteousness. Give us grace to instruct them in Thy knowledge and fear, according to Thy commandment. May by their godliness the kingdom of Satan be destroyed and the kingdom of Jesus Christ in this and other congregations strengthened, unto the glory of Thy holy Name and unto their eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Lord, who taught us to pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Prayer before Meals
Ps. 145:15, 16—The eyes of all wait for thee; and thou givest them their food in due season. Thou openest thy hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Lord God Almighty, Thou hast made the worlds; Thou dost uphold all things by the word of Thy power. Thou didst sustain the children of Israel in the wilderness with food from on high. Wilt Thou also bless us, Thy humble servants, and sanctify to us these gifts which we have received from Thy generous hand. May we use them temperately; help us to devote them to their proper purpose. May we thus acknowledge that Thou art our Father and the source of all good things. Grant also that we may at all times and above all things yearn for the spiritual bread of Thy Word. May our souls thus be nourished unto eternal life, which Thou hast prepared for us through time precious blood of Thy beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Even so we are admonished by our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke 21:34, 35—
But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwelt on the face of the earth.
Thanksgiving after Meals
Thus speaks the Lord in the fifth book of Moses, Deut. 8:10, 11—And thou shalt eat and be full, and thou shalt bless Jehovah thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware lest thou forget Jehovah thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his ordinances, and his statutes, which I command thee this day.
Lord God, our heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all Thy benefits, which we so unceasingly receive from Thy bountiful hand. We thank Thee that it pleases Thee to sustain us in this temporal life and to supply all our needs. We are especially grateful that Thou hast regenerated us unto the hope of a better life, which Thou hast revealed unto us in Thy holy gospel. We pray Thee, merciful God and Father, that our hearts may not become too deeply attached to these earthly and perishable things, but that we may always look heavenward, expecting our Savior Jesus Christ, until He shall appear upon the clouds unto our deliverance. AMEN.
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Psalm 106:1—Praise ye Jehovah. Oh give thanks unto Jehovah, for he is good; for his lovingkindness endureth forever. AMEN.
Prayer for the Sick and the Spiritually Distressed
Eternal and merciful God and Father, the eternal salvation of the living and the eternal life of the dying, Thou alone hast life and death in Thy hands. Thou dost continually care for us in such a way that neither health nor sickness, neither good nor evil can befall us, yea, not even a hair can fall from our heads without Thy will. Thou dost order all things for the good of believers.
We beseech Thee that Thou wilt grant us the grace of the Holy Spirit, that He may teach us to know truly our miseries, and to bear patiently Thy chastisements, which as far as our merits are concerned might have been ten thousand times more severe. We know that they are not tokens of Thy wrath but of Thy fatherly love towards us, that we might not be condemned with the world.
Increase, O Lord, our faith, by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more united with Christ, our spiritual Head, to whom Thou dost desire to conform us both in suffering and glory. Lighten our cross so that we in our weakness may be able to bear it. We submit ourselves without reserve to Thy holy will, regardless whether Thou wouldst leave our souls here in these earthly tabernacles or whether Thou wouldst take them home unto Thyself. We have no fear because we belong to Christ, and therefore shall not perish. We even desire to depart from this weak body in the hope of a blessed resurrection, knowing that then it will be restored to us in a much more glorious form.
Grant that we may experience the blessed comfort of the remission of sins and justification in Christ. May we with that defense overcome all the assaults of Satan. May Jesus' innocent blood wash away our stain and may His righteousness cover our unrighteousness in Thy judgment at last. Arm us with faith and hope, that we may not be put to shame by any fear of death. May the eyes of our soul be fastened upon Thee when the eyes of our body become dim. When Thou shalt have taken from us the power of speech, may our hearts never cease to call upon Thee. O Lord, we commit our souls into Thy hands; do not forsake us in the hour of death. This we pray only for the sake of Christ, who taught us to say:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Or as follows:
O Almighty, eternal, and righteous God, our merciful Father: Thou art the Lord of life and death; without Thy will nothing occurs in heaven or upon earth. We are not worthy to call upon Thy Name, nor to hope that Thou wilt hearken unto us, when we consider how we have hitherto spent our time. Yet we pray Thee that Thou wilt, according to Thy mercy, look upon us in Him who has taken upon Himself all our infirmities. We acknowledge that we have within ourselves nothing but evil inclinations and inability to do any good. On this account also we have merited this affliction, yea, have deserved far more.
But Lord, Thou knowest that we are Thy people and that Thou art our God. Thy mercy, which Thou hast never withheld from those who turn to Thee, is our only refuge. Therefore we pray, count not our sins against us, but impute to us the wisdom, righteousness, and holiness of our Savior. For His sake deliver us from this suffering in order that the evil one may not regard us as forsaken of God. And if it please Thee to prolong our trial, give us patience and strength to bear it all according to Thy will; and may it thus in Thy wisdom redound to our edification.
Rather chastise us here, Lord, than that we should have to perish with the world hereafter. Grant that we may die to this world and to all earthly things, that we may be renewed daily after the image of Jesus Christ. Suffer us never to be separated from Thy love, but draw us daily closer and closer to Thee, that at last we may enter with joy upon the end of our divine calling, which is to die with Christ, rise with Him triumphantly, and live with Him eternally. We also believe that Thou wilt hear us through Jesus Christ, who has taught us to pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Strengthen us also in the true faith which we confess with heart and mouth, saying:
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, etc. AMEN.
Morning Prayer
O merciful Father, we thank Thee that Thou didst keep watch over us this past night, in Thy great faithfulness. We pray that Thou mayest strengthen and guide us henceforth by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may put this day as well as all the days of our life to the service of holiness and righteousness. Grant, we pray Thee, that in all our undertakings we may always have an eye single to Thy glory. May we ever labor in the consciousness of our dependence upon Thy beneficence for the success of our work.
We beseech Thee to forgive all our sins according to Thy promise, for the sake of the passion and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we are truly sorry for all our transgressions. Illumine our hearts, we pray Thee, that we may lay aside all works of darkness and as children of light may lead new lives in all godliness.
May it please Thee to bless us also as we engage in the proclamation of the divine Word. Frustrate all the works of the devil. Endue all the ministers of the Church who are faithful to Thee with strength, and make the magistrates of Thy people strong. Instil comfort in the hearts of all that are distressed, through Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son. For He has assured us that thou wilt surely grant us all that we ask of Thee in His Name, and has enjoined us to pray after this fashion, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
May grace also be given us, we pray Thee, to order our lives according to Thy will which thou didst reveal in Thy law as contained in the Ten Commandments:
I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me, etc. AMEN.
Evening Prayer
O merciful God, light eternal shining in the darkness, Thou dispellest the night of our sins and the blindness of our hearts. Since Thou didst ordain that man should rest in the night and labor during the day, we pray Thee that our bodies may rest in peace and quiet, in order that they may be enabled to sustain the labors to which we shall again be called. Control our sleep and rule our hearts while we slumber, in order that we may not be defiled in either body or soul, but may glorify Thee even in our nightly rest. Enlighten once more, we beseech Thee, the eyes of our mind, lest we enter upon the sleep of death. Grant that we may ever cherish the expectation of our redemption from the misery of the life that now is. Defend us against all assaults of the devil and take us in Thy holy protection.
We confess that we have not spent this day without grievously sinning against Thee. We pray Thee to cover our sins in Thy mercy, even as Thou dost shroud all the things of earth in the darkness of the night, lest we be cast away from Thy face. Be pleased to bestow comfort and rest upon all that are sick, bowed down with grief, or afflicted with distress of soul, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who would have us pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. AMEN.
Opening Prayer for Ecclesiastical Assemblies
Heavenly Father, eternal and merciful God: It has pleased Thee according to Thy infinite wisdom and lovingkindness to gather a Church unto Thyself out of the peoples of all the earth, and to govern Thy Church through the service of men. Thou hast graciously called us to this office of government, and hast enjoined us to watch over ourselves and to bestow due care upon the flock which Christ purchased with his precious blood.
We are now assembled in this place in Thy holy Name, in order to deal, after the fashion of the apostolic churches, with such matters as shall come before us and concern the edification and welfare of Thy churches, agreeably to our office. We confess that we are unworthy and unable of ourselves to accomplish any good thing. We beseech Thee, therefore, faithful God and Father, that, in accordance with Thy promise, Thou wilt abide in the midst of the present assembly through Thy Holy Spirit, and that He may lead us into all the truth.
Remove all misunderstandings and guard us against the influence of our sinful hearts. Grant that Thy Word may be our only rule and standard, in order that our deliberations may redound to the glory of Thy Name, the edification of Thy churches, and the peace of our own consciences.
This we ask in the Name of Christ Jesus, Thy Son, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit, the only and true God, is deserving of eternal praise and glory. AMEN.
Closing Prayer for Ecclesiastical Assemblies
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee from our hearts that it pleases Thee to gather a Church in our land and to employ our services to that end. Thou dost graciously so order all things that we can preach the gospel without any hindrance and may engage in public worship. Thou hast also been present with Thy Holy Spirit in our assembly, guiding our deliberations according to Thy Will, and binding our hearts together in mutual peace and unity.
Wilt Thou, O faithful God and Father, graciously bless the efforts that we purpose to put forth, and wilt Thou finish in power the work which Thou hast begun. Continue to gather unto Thyself a true Church, and cause it to preserve the purity of doctrine; guide it in the proper use of the holy sacraments; and inspire it with zeal for the maintenance of church purity.
Bring to nought all wicked and subtle counsels that are devised against Thy Word and Church. Give strength to all whom Thou hast placed in authority over Thy Church, to the end that they may preach Thy Word in faithfulness and stedfastness.
Strengthen the civil magistrates of Thy people, in order that they may wield the sword of worldly power in justice and with wise restraint. In particular do we pray for the civil rulers, both higher and lower officers of government, whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint over us. We commend unto Thee especially the esteemed council of this city. Grant that their rule may be entirely directed toward the supremacy of the King of kings over rulers and ruled alike. May through their labors the shameful and wicked dominion of Satan be increasingly disturbed and broken down. May it be given unto us to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and gravity.
Hear us, O God and Father, through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit, the only and true God, is worthy of eternal praise and glory. AMEN.
Opening Prayer for the Meetings of the Deacons
Merciful God and Father, Thou hast not only declared that we shall always have the poor with us, but hast also commanded us to succor them in their need. Thou hast ordained the service of the deacons for Thy Church, in order that its needy members may receive the aid they require. Since we whom Thou hast called to the deaconal office in this church are now met in Thy Name to discuss matters pertaining to our office, we humbly beseech Thee that Thou mayest, for the sake of Jesus Christ, dwell among us with the spirit of discrimination. May Thy Spirit help us to distinguish between those really poor and those who feign destitution, and to distribute the alms that have been collected as each one's need may render necessary, in the spirit of joy and fidelity. May we neither fail to comfort the needy members of Thy dear Son, nor dispense gifts to those who are not in want.
Kindle fervent love to the poor in men's hearts, in order that they may contribute generously of their temporal possessions over which Thou didst appoint them stewards, and we may have command of sufficient means to bring relief to those that are indigent, and may faithfully perform our task with true liberality of heart and without difficulty.
Bestow upon us also the grace we need, not only to relieve want by means of external gifts, but also to instil the comfort of Thy holy Word in hearts afflicted with misery. Truly, man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of Thy mouth. We pray, therefore, that Thou wilt bless our ministrations and wilt multiply the bread of the poor, to the end that both they and we may have reasons to praise and thank Thee; meanwhile awaiting the blessed appearance of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, who for our sakes became poor that He might enrich us with eternal treasures. AMEN.