Peter Martyr Vermigli’s first prayer from Psalm 3 from his Preces sacrae ex Psalmis Davidis.
Translation
From Psalm 3.1
Beyond measure, O God Best and Greatest, have the armies of those who assail your church increased; very many now dare to attack it, and cruelly to rise up against it–not relying on any other counsel except that they determine before you that salvation is no longer to be hoped for from you, as if you have abandoned your people altogether and have disarmed them of every bulwark and defense.
We do not at all deny, when we look upon the sins by which we have offended you, that we deserve to be destitute of your help and exposed to the mockery, insults, and injuries of the enemies of your name.
But nonetheless, in keeping with the faith that remains in us because of your mercy, we dare to approach you, and we pray that, in the midst of these reproaches of our adversaries, you deign to furnish us with so much of your Spirit and steadfastness that we do not doubt that you are the only bulwark, adornment, and deliverer for your people.
Strengthened by this trust, if we implore your help with our invocations, you will doubtless grant to us [our request] from your heavenly habitation; while we are secure in this protection of yours, fear will so be absent, even if very many myriads of enemies besiege us, that we will take our sleep and awake, in our customary way, while we boldly rely on you alone.
Therefore, in accordance with this faith that we have received, arise, O God, and break the teeth of those who lift themselves up against you, lest they have the strength to tear apart your church in keeping with their lust, and show that salvation belongs to you and that your people is able to be helped by your goodness even in these extreme misfortunes, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
