Here follows the third of Peter Martyr Vermigli’s Sacred Prayers, the last from Psalm 1. Again, I may come back later and add the Latin text; but, for the moment, I’ve only given the English translation.
I’ve been struck by the depth, fervor, and eloquence of each of these prayers so far. The Psalms are a school of prayer, and likewise Peter Martyr’s prayers are a school in the Psalms, and so for their own part are not only prayers but a schola orationis. I’ve said this a couple of times already, but I will repeat it again: please feel free to take these and use them in any way or setting that seems serviceable. They are not under copyright.
Translation
Since now it has been shown to us, Almighty God, that a good part of our happiness while we live here has been placed in this, that we beware of wicked counsels and corrupt morals; and that we avoid the company of those who put everything to scorn and mockery; and that exceeding zeal for the divine law should take the place of these diseases, in order that we may reflect and meditate upon it day and night:
Whence, since we perceive that we have wandered radically away from this goal of our salvation–indeed, that we sin wretchedly against these [precepts]:
We beseech you that, according to your mercy, you forgive us for the things in which we have transgressed, and that you deign hereafter to make us fruitful plants by continual zeal for and use of your Word, not only in order that we may give forth the fruits of salvation in the church while we live, but also in order that in the age to come we may be able to stand in the Judgment before you, who best know the way of the just: through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
