The next of Hyperius’s prayers, this one for the evening, is translated below. It is a good bit longer than his morning prayer; but it is also quite good. After this, only one more remains to be done.
An evening prayer.
Lord God, most generous Father, for thy kindnesses both internal and external, by which thou hast this day influenced likewise my mind and my body, with a grateful heart I give thanks to thy mercy.
If, therefore, in anything I have performed the duty of manifesting faith or charity, I earnestly desire it to be pleasing to thee, since it is to be ascribed to thy Spirit and grace alone.
But those things that I have done that are repugnant to thy holy will, whether through mine own ignorance or weakness or viciousness and sin, these things I beg in supplication to be forgiven through thy Son Jesus Christ, my Advocate, Redeemer, and Lord; since surely if thou shouldst wish to make a reckoning of thy justice and my sins, none of which can be hidden from thee, I know indeed that I would in no way be able to stand in thy sight.
Further, that thou wouldest take care of me this night as well in accordance with thy customary goodness; yea, still more that thy providence would watch over me, lest my mind in some way fall into the thoughts or works of darkness, which thou bitterly hatest and which as their fruit bring forth death, whose image we experience in sleep; but rather that it would watch and long for thy Son Jesus Christ, who is the true light that gives light even in the darkness, until the light of day returns:
With humble heart I beseech thee again and again, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee forever. Amen.
