Read Ebook: The Little Treasure of Prayers Being a Translation of the Epitome from the German Larger Treasure of Prayers [Gebets-Schatz] of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by Anonymous

Font size: 10 px 15 px 20 px 25 px 30 px 35 px

Background color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Text color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Apply/Save settings

Ebook has 201 lines and 39702 words, and 5 pages

Translator: Juhani Siljo

EL?INTEN NAHOISSA

Tarina Ruijasta

Kirj.

MATTI AIKIO

Tekij?n luvalla suomentanut Juhani Siljo

Kustannusosakeyhti? Kirja, Helsinki, 1912.

Helsingin Uusi Kirjapaino-osakeyhti?.

Matti Aikio.

Se suomalaisniminen, lappalaissyntyinen kirjailija, joka nyt ensi kertaa teoksella k??ntyy suomenkielisen yleis?n puoleen, on Norjan kirjallisuudessa jo hankkinut itselleen tunnustetun aseman.

Matti Aikio on syntynyt Karasjoella, Norjan Lapissa, 1872. H?nen is?ns? oli Inarin lappalaisia, ?idiss? lienee ollut hiukan germaanista verta. Aikio puhui lapsuudessaan ainoastaan lappia ja vasta lukioon valmistuessa opetteli h?n norjankielen. Ylioppilaaksi tuli h?n v. 1896, jonka j?lkeen h?n on el?nyt sanomalehtimiehen?, opettajana ja vapaana kirjailijana. Ensim?isen teoksensa romaanin "Kong Akab" julkaisi h?n v. 1904.

T?ss? teoksessa ei Aikio viel? esiinny sin? jona h?n ensi sijassa on ansainnut mielenkiintomme: Lapin kansanel?m?n ja luonnon kuvaajana. Tosin "Kong Akabissakin" tapahtumien kehyksen? on pohjoinen Norja tuntureineen ja vuonoineen, mutta henkil?kuvaus, joka romaanissa astuu etualalle, ei v?litt?m?sti liity t?h?n ymp?rist??n. Kirjan p??henkil?, nuori, seikkailunhaluinen ylioppilas, on omituinen sekoitus luonnonlasta ja keikaria. H?n on v?lit?n tunteissaan, samalla kertaa rohkea ja ujo, panee paljon huolta ulkonaiseen olemukseensa ja ylpeilee syd?mess??n pienest? yhdenn?k?isyydest? Napoleonin kanssa. H?n tulee kotiopettajaksi varakkaan tilanomistajan ja kapteenin perheeseen, rakastuu talon 16-vuotiaaseen tytt?reen, voittaa tyt?n suosion, mutta ei is?n, ja l?htee ?kkiarvaamatta merimatkalle aina Afrikaan saakka. Jonkun ajan kuluttua palaa sankarimme Kristianiaan, sepittelee matkakirjeit? lehtiin, kirjoittaa pienen kasvitieteelisen tutkielman ja samoilee el?m?nhaluisena ja n?lk?isen? p??kaupungin katuja. Nuoruuden rakastettu on t?ll? v?lin mennyt kihloihin, mutta tavattuaan entisen ylioppilaansa elpyy h?ness? vanha rakkaus, kihlaus puretaan, toinen solmitaan, ja ylpe? kapteenikin, joka on tullut synnintuntoon er??st? vanhasta rikoksesta, suostuu n?yrtyneen? miehen? nuorten liittoon.

T?m? pieni rakkausaihe, johon tilanomistajakapteenin mukana tulee er?it? traagillisiakin aineksia, on kerrottu vallattomalla, nuorekkaalla lyyrillisyydell?. Esityksess? on v?ri? ja rytmi?, mutta ei varmoja psykoloogisia ??riviivoja.

Edellisen sankari on Helgolannissa syntyi nyt, hylkeenpyyt?j?laivasta karannut seikkailija, joka osuu joutumaan Norjan pohjoisrannikolle. T?m? el?m?nhaluinen kulkuriluonne, joka komealla ulkomuodollaan ja rohkealla k?yt?ksell??n voittaa kaikkien syd?met, joutuu paikkakunnalla ensin lemmensuhteihin ja sitten naimisiin sek? j?? sinne kalastajana asumaan, mutta h?nen kaipuunsa vet?? suureen maailmaan ja h?nen toimihalunsa etsii merkitsevi? teht?vi?. H?nest? tulee valtiollinen agitaattori, jonka seudun kalastajat jo asettavat ehdokkaaksi suurk?r?jille. T?m?n kehityksen rinnalla avosyd?misest? luonnonlapsesta katkerasanaiseksi kansankiihottajaksi esitet??n teoksessa hento, lyyrillinen rakkaussuhde.

"Hebraeerens S?n" on taiteilija-romaani. Sen p??henkil? on juutalaissyntyinen kuvanveist?j?, joka, eletty??n lapsuutensa kaukana pohjolassa k?yh?n talonpojan ja h?nen vaimonsa kasvattina, l?htee maailmalle, kokee siell? menestyst? ja vastoink?ymist?, taistelee ankaran sis?llisen taistelun taiteellisen kutsumuksensa ja maailman tuomion v?lill?, palaa k?ym?selt??n entisille lapsuuden seuduille, j?tt?? ne taas ja l?htee etsim??n heimonsa juuria Puolaan, mist? tiet?? is?ns? suvun polveutuvan, tutustuu siell? juutalaistytt??n, jonka rakkaudessa h?n l?yt?? sovinnon ja onnen. -- T?m? romaani on psykoloogisessa suhteessa Aikion herkin ja v?l?htelevin teos. Sen sielukuvauksissa on joskus -- varsinkin silloin kun tekij? esitt?? p??henkil?ns?, juutalaisen, avutonta yksin?isyytt? europpalaisessa taiteilijamaailmassa -- unissakulkijan omituista tarkkan?k?isyytt? ja varmuutta. Ulkonaiselta rakenteeltaan on t?m?kin romaani hiukan l?yh?, mutta se todistaa kuitenkin paremmin kuin Aikion muut teokset, ett? t?m? lappalainen kirjailija kykenee my?skin suorittamaan teht?vi? vaativamman ja yhdistetymm?n ihmiskuvauksen alalla.

Kun l?hemmin tarkastaa Aikion kuvaamia henkil?it?, huomaa helposti, ett? ne voi kaikki johtaa melkeinp? yhteen ainoaan perustyyppiin. Kaikissa h?nen sankareissaan on jotain alkuper?isen-avutonta, kaaoksellista, heill? on veress? taipumus ihmisvihaan ja raskasmielisyyteen, ja heid?n intohimonsa, milloin ne her?tet??n, ovat rajut ja ohjattomat. He ovat ?lykk?it? itsens?-erittelij?it?, mutta eiv?t voi laskea suhteitaan ulkomaailmaan, joutuvat helposti p??h?npistojensa viskelt?viksi ja kuluttavat hukkaan rohkeutensa ja suuren henkisen tarmonsa. T?t? miesluonnetta vastaa sille l?heisesti sukulainen naistyyppi: rakkautensa puolesta kaikki uhraava, oikullisen intohimoinen ja lujatahtoinen.

Aikion teokset eiv?t yhten?isin? kertomuksina muodosta lujaa, elimellist? kokonaisuutta. Mutta niiden ihmiskuvausta kannattaa aina eloisa, hermostunut, samalla kertaa ?lyllisesti viljelty ja lyyrillisesti herkk? proosatyyli. Sit? seikkaa, ett? kirjailija k?ytt?? kielt?, jonka h?n on verrattain my?h??n omaksunut, saa t?m? tyyli varmaan kiitt?? monesta tehoisasta omituisuudestaan. Tuntuu nim. toisinaan silt? -- kuten arvostelu kirjailijan kotimaassakin on huomauttanut -- kuin olisi norjan kieliaines juuri sen kautta ik??nkuin tuoreempana ja muovailulle alttiimpana Aikion k?siss?. Ett? n?in voi olla asianlaita, merkitsee luonnollisesti sit?, ett? Aikio on harvinainen tuottava kielitaiteilija.

Aikiossa on ensim?inen lappalaissyntyinen mies taistellut itselleen taidekirjailijana huomatun aseman. Ett? se on -- satunnaisten olosuhteiden takia -- tapahtunut norjan- eik? suomenkielell?, on ollut tappioksi meid?n kirjallisuudellemme, jossa t?m? ?lyk?s ja mielikuvitusrikas karasjokelainen olisi ollut kunnioitettava, uusia her?tteit? antava voima.

Helsingiss?, marraskuun 24:n? 1912.

Pienen lappalaiskyl?n k?r?j?tupa oli t?ysi viimeist? sijaa my?ten. Aitauksen-sis?inen lava oli parahiksi suuri, ett? sille mahtui kruununvouti, molemmat asianajajat sek? tulkki.

Biettar Oula ja h?nen vaimonsa seisoivat nojaten aitausta vasten, pyh?pukuisina, ik??nkuin heihin olisi h??puhe kohdistuva, -- ik??nkuin he eiv?t olisi suorasukaisen ristikuulustelun alaisia ja er??n poronvarkausjutun osallisia.

Lasse, jota alkujaan ep?iltiin, seisoi toisen pienen putkahuoneen nurkassa, painaen korvaansa tiukasti avaimenrei?lle ja koettaen siepata jonkun sanan is?nt?ns? todistuksesta. H?n oli edelt?puolisten ?kki? alkanut l?rp?tell?, ja juttu oli sekoittunut sek? l?htenyt Biettar Oulalle vaaralliseen suuntaan.

"Kuusi vaadinta" , kuiskasi er?s mies, joka seisoi aivan putkanoven vieress?, keskustellen huomattavan innokkaasti naapurinsa kanssa. "Kuusi vaadinta", kertasi h?n. Ja Lasse oli kyllin viisas ymm?rt?m??n, ett? tuo oli vain Biettar Oulan uusi uhkaus. H?n maiskautti suutaan. No niin... Sit?paitsi, oppihan Trondhjemin laitoksessa norjaa ja ihmistapoja. Oli kaupunkikin n?kemisen arvoinen, niin h?n oli kuullut. Ja siell? kuului vankikoppi olevan hyvin valoisa ja kodikas, ei sit? ainakaan voinut verrata t?h?n synkk??n, sontaiseen pes??n.

Tuomarin toimeen m??r?tty, sangen nuori vouti katsoi tutkien Biettar Oulaa. "Sanokaapa, miten voi ymm?rt??, ett? te muutamissa vuosissa olette voinut ahertautua t?m?n kihlakunnan rikkaimmaksi tunturilappalaiseksi?"

Biettar Oula hymyili h?mill??n sek? siveli mustaa ja lappalaiselle harvinaisen tuuheaa partaansa. "Min? hoidan karjaani", sanoi h?n. H?n tunsi vaistomaisesti, ett? v?h?isest? viattomasta kehaisusta h?nen sanansa voisivat saada luotettavuuden leiman. "T??ll? ihmisten ilmoilla ei minulle, jumalan kiitos, uuninl?mp? ole viel? tullut niin rakkaaksi, ett? min? j?tt?isin karjani palkollisille, -- niinkuin tuntuu tulleen tavaksi nykyisin? aikoina". Silm?luomet, jotka muutoin salasivat ter?viin linjoihinsa paljon rohkeata viisautta, pysyiv?t v?r?ht?m?tt? ehdottomasti vakuuttavissa rypyiss??n. N?ytti silt?, niinkuin h?nell? ei olisi aavistustakaan siit?, ett? vouti koetti viritt?? ansoja h?nen polulleen. T?ysin ymm?rt?en, ett? puku tekee miehen, h?n oli pukeutunut mustaan, hienoimmasta vasannahasta tehtyyn peskiin. Nivusten kohdalle sidottu vy? oli koristettu lukuisilla nelikulmaisilla soljilla, joiden kieliss? v?r?hteli kiilto aina kun h?n liikahti. Pystyynnostetun peskinkauluksen ymp?rill? h?nell? oli suuri, veripunainen, silkkinen kaulahuivi, jonka nipukat ja vaaleat, paksut hetaleet valuivat yli leve?n rinnan. Suoria, voimakkaita s??ri? verhosivat kiilt?v?n mustat, lyhytkarvaiset s??rystimet, jotka oli tehty poron s??rinahasta. Koko h?nen suuripiirteinen olentonsa ilmaisi, ett? h?nen suonissaan virtasi runsaasti kainulais-verta, viel?p? lajiaan jalointa.

Elle, Biettar Oulan uhkeann?k?inen vaimo, jonka suuret, tummansiniset silm?t varmasti olivat peruisin rodun ulkopuolelta, oli sill? v?liajalla, jolloin vouti valmisteli p?yt?kirjaa, unhoittanut ne liukkaasti mietityt vastaukset, joilla Biettar Oula t?n??n viime kiireess? oli varaillut h?net. H?n oli lumoutunut nuoren voudin avoimiin, pitkulaisiin kasvoihin, h?nen pieniin, lihaviin k?siins? ja virkatakin kultahelyihin; t?ss? h?n n?ki ihmisen korkeamman ilmestysmuodon, jolla oli tuloja viisituhatta kruunua ja melkein jumalan katsanto. Ei se kuitenkaan ollut vain lappalaisen kunnioittavaa, puoleksi pelokasta ihailua kuninkaallista norjalaista virkamiest? kohtaan. Salateit? saatu germaaninen veri yltyi aistilliseen hehkuun.

Herk?t, eloisat kuvut hymykuoppasten edess? v?r?htiv?t niin vieh?tt?v?sti suupieliin saakka, kun sieramet paisuivat el?m?nhimon henk?yksest?. H?net riisti lumouksesta irti pikku Andin hellitt?m?t?n: tshitshi, tshitshi! Se veti ?iti??n mustasta p??llystakista: tshitshi, tshitshi!

Elle istuutui alas lattialle, paljasti povensa ja veti esiin melkein peloittavan suuren nis?n. Poika maiskautti huuliaan ja imeytyi kiinni siihen; se pusersi kaikki kymmenen sormeaan syv?lle rintaan sek? heitti tyytyv?isen silm?yksen voutiin, jonka juhlallisilla kasvoilla karehti hetkisen hymynh?ive. Vaikka oli jo puolikolmatta-vuotias, ei pikku Andi viel? ollut voinut luopua vanhoista tavoistaan.

Joka kerta kun ovi avautui, hulmahti sis??n lattian yli harmaina pilvin? kylm?? huurua, vieri lavan yli, nuuski hiukan paksun, kaljup?isen ja rokonarpisen puolustajan s??ri?, sitten katosi. Mutta se tippui taas katosta alas pisaroina. Muuan pikkuruinen, riippuva vesiherne t?ht?si tiens? oikop??t? pikku Andin suuhun -- ja osui parahiksi maidon sekoitteeksi. Pikku Andi sattui ilmituomaan suuttumuksensa t?st? ehk? vahvemmalla tavalla kuin oli aikonutkaan. Se sanoi "Baelgalak": sen kieli oli viel? liian avuton lausumaan "Baergalak", mik? merkitsee "perkelett?".

Kaakeliuunista hehkuva l?mp? sulasi v?hitellen pieni?, pitkulaisia reiki? ikkunaruutujen j??h?n, joiden takana pikkupojat vimmaisessa kiihkossaan tappelivat, saadakseen pilkist?? tupaan. Ne eiv?t olleet onnistuneet yht? hyvin kuin Jussa, seudun huomatuimman lappalaisen Jongon poika. Jussa oli imartelevalla hymyll??n sek? lupaamalla yhdeks?n hyv?? ja kahdeksan kaunista lahjonut nimismiehen rengin. Varmuuden vuoksi h?n oli sit?paitsi vannonut kalliin valan, ett? oli t?ytt?ny them according to Thy great goodness, and for the sake of the bitter sufferings and death of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ. And finally, let us this day, and all the remaining time of our mortal life in this vale of tears, be commended to Thy fatherly blessing and divine protection; and may Thy holy angels keep charge over us, that the wicked one may have no power over us.

But as the evening of this world is now approaching, and the day is far spent, grant us the grace of Thy Spirit, that we may constantly watch, and, in living faith, ardent love, firm hope and a holy walk and demeanor, wait for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, when He shall come to judge the quick and the dead, in order that we may then receive Him in a worthy manner and with joy, enter with Him into eternal life, and celebrate with all the elect the Sabbath without end. Have mercy, O Lord! upon Thy whole Christian Church, and deliver Thy poor persecuted flock from all oppression, mockery and tyranny, comfort all anxious and troubled consciences by the true comforter, the Holy Spirit, and send us all Thy peace through Jesus Christ, our Intercessor and only Mediator. Amen.

Holy and faithful God, heavenly Father! I most heartily praise, honor and adore Thee, that during the past night Thou hast permitted me to rest and sleep in safety, and by Thy fatherly love hast awakened me again refreshed and in the enjoyment of health. I most heartily pray Thee that Thou wouldst this day also and always graciously preserve me together with all true Christians from all danger and harm both of body and soul, in order that I may always be found in Thy will. For I commend myself, my body and soul, heart, sense, mind and thoughts, all my strivings and aspirations, all I do and all I leave undone, my going in and coming out, my life and death, and everything that I am and can do, to Thy divine protection. May Thy holy angel be and remain with me, that no misfortune may befall me either in body or soul. Grant this for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son. Amen.

Merciful God, gracious Father! I heartily thank Thee that during the past day and up to the present hour Thou hast graciously protected me from all danger and harm of body and soul, and pray Thee, that, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, Thou wouldst graciously forgive all the sins which I have this day again committed against Thee in thoughts, words and deeds, and let them be remembered against me no more. And as I am now about to lie down to rest, I pray, Thou wouldst this night also protect and defend me from all harm and danger of body and soul, so that, being defended against the wiles and power of the devil, against evil, harmful and wicked dreams, I may safely rest and sleep this night, and awake again refreshed and in health to Thy honor. I now commend myself entirely into Thy divine hand; Thou hast redeemed me, Thou faithful God. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou only Saviour of the world! to Thee I lift my heart and mind, and thank Thee again, that Thou hast by Thy boundless mercy and love kept me safe and secure this night from the wiles and power of the wicked one. Lord Jesus Christ, Thou art the portion of my inheritance, my salvation is in Thy hands, and besides Thee I know of no Helper in heaven or on earth. Therefore I pray Thee for the sake of Thy unutterable suffering and anguish, of Thy most painful and bitter death, which in great love Thou didst suffer for me, that Thou wouldst be gracious and merciful unto me, and this day and through my whole life bless, spare, preserve and keep me from all sin and evil in this world of sorrow, until Thou shalt take me to eternal joy and blessedness, for Thy most holy name's sake. Amen.

O eternal and merciful God, God of all riches, who art in heaven, I most heartily thank Thee for Thy great mercy and paternal providence by which Thou hast again permitted me to end this day in the enjoyment of health. And since I, alas! have not spent this day to Thy praise and honor, and the welfare of my neighbor, inasmuch as my depraved nature is always inclined more to evil than to good, help, Thou faithful God, that I who am conceived and born in sin, may recognize my infirmity and become a partaker of Thy heavenly grace; and teach me to think much and often of my end, that I may prepare myself for it in true repentance, and when it approaches may depart from this world of trouble full of consolation and blessedness, and with all believing Christians be translated into Thy heavenly paradise. In the mean time, as long as I sojourn on earth, take me into Thy almighty protection and mercifully keep and preserve me from all harm and danger of body and soul, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son. Amen.

O almighty, merciful God, gracious Father in heaven, since Thou hast again kept me safe this night by Thy ministering spirits, the holy angels, and permitted me to see this new day refreshed and in the enjoyment of health, I most heartily give Thee praise, honor and eternal thanks therefore, and pray Thee again, dear heavenly Father, to whose will I subject all that I do and leave undone, my beginning and end, that Thou wouldst henceforth graciously have mercy upon me, and govern all my thoughts and aspirations, my heart, sense, mind and thoughts, all my words and deeds by Thy Holy Spirit, so that I may understand what is good or evil, and that I may this day so walk and live in this evil and perverse world, that I above all things, free from my sins, may have a heartfelt desire for that eternal home which Christ, my Saviour, purchased and secured for me, and may not lose it by reason of my wicked, sinful life. To this end wilt Thou graciously help me with Thy divine love and the power of Thy Holy Spirit, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I thank Thee, O almighty God and kind Father, that Thou hast this day again graciously kept me safe from harm both in body and soul. I pray Thee, that Thou wouldst according to Thy great goodness blot out every sin that I have this day committed against Thee and Thy holy commandments with my heart, tongue, or in other ways, and not forsake me, Thy creature, whom Thou hast redeemed with the precious blood of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and protect me this night under Thy almighty wings, against the wicked one, who goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking to devour me, so that under the shadow of Thy goodness I may rest and sleep securely, and the wicked one may not be able to approach me or do me any harm. Amen.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Thou ever blessed Trinity! to Thee I resign myself with body and soul both now and forever, and heartily thank Thee that Thou didst not permit the wicked one to harm me during the past night, but didst, by the protection of Thy holy angels, keep me safe to this day. What shall I render unto Thee, wherewith shall I worthily praise Thee? I will give Thee a contrite and broken heart, full of sins like scarlet, but sorrowing and penitent; graciously accept of it, and wash it white as snow in the precious blood of Thy dear Son, my Redeemer, bury it in His holy innocent wounds, and thus do Thou graciously impart to me the forgiveness of all my sins. And help me to hold myself in Christian readiness every day, inasmuch as I do not know, when Thou wilt come, how and where Thou wilt call me hence, so that I may by Thy blessing be conducted to eternal joy. Grant me this, gracious Father, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gracious and most merciful God, eternal Father, what heartfelt love and fatherly care Thou hast for me, a poor sinner, in that Thou hast so graciously preserved me all the days and hours of my life, from my earliest youth to the present time, against all the wiles of the devil, and the danger and harm of the wicked world; and I humbly pray Thee, that, according to Thy paternal love toward me, Thou wouldst to all eternity not remember against me what I have done against Thee this day, but mercifully forgive it, and be gracious unto me for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, who became the Surety for all my sins, and keep me and all who are near and dear to me safe this night from sudden death, from danger by fire and water, pestilence and all harm. I therefore commend myself, my body and soul and everything that I have to Thy fatherly protection; may Thy holy angel be with me, that, I may fear no danger. Amen.

I, a poor sinner, have now arisen in Thy name, Thou crucified Lord Jesus Christ, who, as the truly patient Lamb for the slaughter, didst suffer for me the most ignominious death on the cross, and with Thy precious blood redeemed me from all my sins, from death, the devil and hell: govern my heart with Thy Holy Spirit, refresh it with the heavenly dew of Thy grace, preserve me with Thy divine love, and hide me this day, both body and soul, in Thy holy wounds; wash me clean from all my sins, keep me in all good works, and lead me from this world of sorrow to eternal joy and glory, Thou most faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ, my only Comfort, Hope and Life. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou patient Lamb for the slaughter and holy sacrificial offering for all my sins, and not for mine alone, but for the sins of the whole world! I most heartily thank Thee again that Thou hast so graciously kept both my body and soul under Thy protecting care this day, and pray Thee that Thou wouldst graciously pardon and forgive all my sins which I have committed this day through the weakness of my depraved nature and the enticement of the evil spirit, and which sorely trouble and oppress my heart and conscience; and as I am now about to lie down to rest and sleep, cover me with the wings of Thy grace, and help that I may with my body sleep under them this night in peace and rest, but with my soul may I always watch for Thee, wait for Thy glorious coming to judgment, and with heartfelt longing keep myself in readiness to go with Thee at last to Thy blessed kingdom.

Unto this help me, O faithful God! blessed forevermore with Thy dear Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O thou faithful Father in heaven! Could I but sufficiently praise and thank Thee for all the benefits Thou hast bestowed upon me during all the days of my life! But this is beyond my power and ability. For I am flesh and blood, which can do nothing but what is evil. But Thou doest daily grant me blessings without number, and especially in the past night, if Thou hadst not been my Shield and Defence, the devil would have injured me greatly with his power, so that I could not have arisen in health. But by Thy gracious protection I have been kept safe. I humbly pray Thee, extend to me Thy grace this day, and mercifully keep me, who am Thine through the blood of Christ, henceforth unto eternal life. Amen, Lord Jesus, take my soul into Thy hands and let me be commended unto Thee. Amen.

Merciful, gracious God and Father! Most heartily do I again give Thee praise and thanks, that Thou hast during the whole period of my life taken thought for me in such a fatherly manner, and hast so graciously protected me from all harm and danger of soul and body during this day, even during the whole week up to the present hour. And I further pray Thee, that Thou wouldst through Thy grace, which all penitent sinners have with Thee, blot out all my sins, which I have this day and through the whole week committed knowingly or unknowingly against Thee and my neighbor, and let them be remembered against me no more for ever. And help me graciously that I may pass from the old week into a new Christian life, well-pleasing to Thee, and to all the elect in heaven. May I be commended to Thy gracious arms this night, that I may rest and sleep safely, and arise again refreshed and in health further to praise Thee. And when my last hour comes, take me to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ; for I am Thine and Thou art mine, how gladly and willingly would I soon be with Thee! Amen.

I hereby renew the covenant of my holy baptism, and renounce, both now and forever, the devil and all his works and all his ways, and this ungodly and wicked world, together with my own sinful flesh and blood. Into Thy hands, O Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I commend my body and soul. Into Thy care I commend my temporal, spiritual and eternal welfare, and the welfare of those dear and near to me. I commit myself entirely into Thy care, mercy, love and faithfullness, O Thou my Father! I clothe myself with Thy merits, with Thy precious blood and wounds and Thy blessed communion, O Lord Jesus, my Redeemer! I commend myself entirely to Thy merciful guidance, to Thy power, light and comfort, O Holy Spirit, most blessed Comforter! O Triune God! Thou art mine, I am Thine; Thou art my Father, I am Thy child; Thou art my shepherd, I am Thy lamb; Thou art my Lord, I am Thine own. O my God! How can I sufficiently thank Thee! Thou hast regarded me very highly and hast bestowed upon me, a poor sinful being, salvation in Jesus Christ, through the blessed regeneration in the sacrament of Holy Baptism. O do Thou preserve me in this Thy Grace unto death. Grant, my God, that this my salvation may be my comfort at all times against satan, sin and death, and that I may value it more highly than all worldly honor and earthly fame, and diligently endeavor to lead a holy and godly life in accordance with it until a happy death in Christ Jesus. Do Thou, in mercy, grant this my prayer, O my Father, for the sake of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. For all which, all honor, praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee, the Triune God, forevermore. Amen.

My Lord and my God, in Thee I live, and move, and have my being, Thou art my stay in life and in death. I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb; my substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect, and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. To-day I will call to my mind the day of my birth which is the beginning both of my temporal and spiritual life, when I was brought unto Holy Baptism, and became reconciled unto my God, and was cleansed by the Water in connection with the Word, when my sins were taken away and the Holy Ghost bestowed upon me; for all which I thank and praise Thee. I praise Thee, O God, my Creator! that on this day Thou hast brought me forth from my mother's womb, although in pain and sorrow. I thank Thee, that Thou hast brought me to a place where Thy name is rightfully known, Thy holy Word taught in all purity, and that I am thus enabled, under Thy guidance, to come unto the true and living faith. I thank Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ! for all the blessings, with which Thou in loving-kindness often hast remembered my body and soul, from the hour of my birth until the present time, inasmuch as Thou didst not only nourish and preserve my body, and in various ways protect my temporal life through Thy holy angels, who always behold the face of the Father in heaven, and daily provide me with abundant food and raiment, but, above all things, Thou hast bestowed upon me through Thy Word, spiritual and imperishable gifts, and hast assured me in Holy Baptism, the bath of Regeneration, that I have been made a new creature and have become the first-fruit of Christ Jesus; Thou hast pardoned all my sins, and hast blessed me with the gift of the Holy Ghost and made me heir of eternal Life; and though I have often, through the weakness of my flesh, or wantonly, forsaken my God and forgotten His commandments, and have even more than seventy times seven committed fearful sins against God in Heaven and my fellow-men on earth, yet didst Thou not, O Lord Jesus! enter into judgment with Thy servant, and visit him with immediate and well-deserved punishment. O God, Holy Spirit! what a shameful life have I thus far led! How often, and on how many occasions have I stumbled in my Christian walk, and have become guilty of great and atrocious sins! But Thou, O God, Holy Ghost! hast just as often sought the lost sheep, and hast brought me again upon the path of rectitude, and hast sanctified, comforted and guided me. Thou hast preserved me in my station, and hast restrained the devil and averted a host of bodily and spiritual dangers in which I should have perished long ago, if Thou hadst not stood by me. O blessed Trinity! There is a time to be born; do Thou graciously help all fruit of the womb and grant, a joyful birthday, forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Grant that I may to-day spend my birthday, as also all future days of my life, without committing mortal sins, and that I may become conscious of my humble birth and wretchedness by nature. Do Thou bestow upon me the blessings of health and life until the goal is reached. Grant me patience to endure all afflictions and sufferings. Comfort me in all misfortunes and distress. Forgive me daily my sins and grant that I may thus continue firm unto my soul's salvation, and that I may, in the true and saving faith and with a good conscience, serve Thee even unto the end, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Almighty God, Heavenly Father! since Thou hast so earnestly enjoined upon me, in the fourth commandment, to honor my father and my mother, and hast also promised, graciously to reward such service with long life and prosperity: I would pray Thee from the depth of my heart, that Thou wouldst bestow upon me an obedient heart, which, with due submission, obeys my dear parents in all things, and also those who are my superiors in the place of my parents; that I may honor them in deed, word and with patience, and that I may not grieve, disregard or despise them as long as I live, in order that Thy blessing may rest upon me. Grant that I may well remember and firmly keep to heart their words, rules and precepts, yea, that I may at all times be mindful of them, and that I may not forget their instructions, in order that my days may be long upon earth. Do Thou govern me through Thy good Spirit, that I may hear the instruction of my father and not forsake the law of my mother, in order that I may be a cause of joy and comfort unto them. Grant that I may, in all my actions, diligently follow the example of my Lord and Saviour, who, being a true model for all pious children, was subject unto the virgin Mary, His blessed mother, and unto Joseph, His foster-father. Bestow also upon me a grateful and humble heart, that I may recompense my dear parents and again serve them, especially that I may administer unto them in old age and bear with them when they have become childish and simple, and that I may never forget that they are my parents. Do Thou also graciously forgive me whenever I have offended them through childish weakness and rashness. Do Thou preserve me from evil society and frivolous people, and when sinners entice me, that I may not consent nor walk in their way with them, but that I may refrain my foot from their path and not bring disgrace and crime upon myself. O Lord! Thou hast thus far chastened me as a man chasteneth his son; grant that I may bow down mine ear and hear the words of the wise, and learn while I am young, that I may acquire knowledge and discretion. Grant that I may increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour before Thee and my fellow-men, for the sake of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!

O father of all Grace and Mercy, who art a God of Holiness, it is Thy holy will that we also should be holy and lead a life without lust and evil desires of our sinful flesh. I confess unto Thee my weakness and the sinful infirmities of my nature; for, to will is present with me, but how to perform that which, is good, I find not. The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life surround me like three powerful enemies and threaten to entice me away from Thy Grace. Therefore, O my Father, I pray Thee to create and preserve within me a pure heart. Grant, that I may avoid, with all my heart, all places and occasions where opportunity is given for impurities, and that I may be afraid, lest I should take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot. Grant, that I may rather abide in fervent devotion and at all times have a sincere desire and longing after true holiness, that my body may, in truth, be the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that I may not cease to love Jesus Christ, who was crucified and has given Himself into death for my sake. Grant that I may love heavenly wisdom, in order that I may never more enter upon the paths of deceivers. O Thou just and holy God! who triest the hearts and reins, grant, that I may so cling unto Thee in this world, as to remain unseparated from Thee in all eternity. Amen!

Merciful God! Thou who hast redeemed and liberated me, through the precious suffering and death of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, from everlasting servitude, from the power of sin, from the power of darkness, and from the cruel tyranny of the devil, and hast made me lord over death and hell,--I pray Thou wouldst in mercy grant, that I may not conceive a dislike to my calling of bodily service, into which Thou hast placed me according to Thy will and good pleasure, and that I may not impatiently rebel against Thy order, nor begrudge other people their higher station, but that I may obey Thy will with a cheerful heart, and that I do not regard it otherwise than that I were serving Thee, O God in Heaven, and not men on earth. To this end, dear Father, do Thou assist me, that I may, in true knowledge and fear, serve Thee, the highest Lord in Heaven and on Earth; that I may love Thee above all things, placing in Thee all my hope and salvation and walking unblamably according to Thy commandments; and that I may also, in addition to this, be obedient in all things which are not displeasing unto Thee, to my master and mistress, according to the flesh, not only to them that are kind and lenient, but also to them who are rude and froward, serving them with patience, in all fear and simplicity of heart, just as I should serve Christ, my Lord, not with mere visible works, as if to gain favor before men, but with a sincere heart for the sake of Thy command and precept. Grant in mercy, that I may be found faithful in every thing that is enjoined upon and intrusted unto me, that I may neither neglect nor destroy anything, nor cause any mishap or loss through my carelessness, and that I may not defraud others, nor covet their property which is entrusted to me and placed into my hands. Preserve unto me good health, strengthen the members of my body and increase my powers; bestow upon me knowledge and wisdom, that I may be able to perform the labor of my master and mistress, to improve their property by Thy divine help, that they may be blessed through my industry and increase abundantly, and grant that all that I do may redound to Thy glory and be profitable unto me to the blessed exercise unto godliness for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, world-without-end. Amen!

Almighty and Gracious God! Thou who Thyself hast instituted the holy state of matrimony, and by the first miracle of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, hast honored and adorned it as a state pleasing in Thy sight, in which state also many sainted patriarchs and prophets have led a godly life unto Thy good pleasure; and since Thou hast also helped me to enter holy matrimony and hast placed me at the head of my household, and as Thou art pleased with these three things, namely, when brethren dwell together in unity, when neighbors love each other, and when husband and wife dwell together in love and purity; I would therefore pray Thee with all my heart, to grant unto me, that I may, in Christian love and harmony and with reasonableness, live with my wife, giving honor unto her, as unto the weaker vessel and as also being heir of the grace of life, and that I may advise her, with the children and servants, into Thy knowledge and Divine honor in all chastity and decency. Unto this end, do Thou bestow Thy grace, that they may observe my instructions in that which is good and which leads to all godliness, and that they may cheerfully abide in them. Do Thou restrain satan, that he may not cause discord and strife between us, and if we should, out of weakness, be at variance at any time, do Thou help, that we may soon become reconciled again. Do Thou give me grace, that I may not lust after another spouse or woman, or look upon her with an evil eye to desire her. Protect me, my wife, my children and servants against sickness, according to Thy divine will. Grant unto me, Thy servant, that I may diligently attend to my calling, eating my daily bread in the sweat of my brow, and that I may not grow impatient, whenever my task becomes bitter, for thus Thou hast instituted it. Do Thou prosper and bless my substance, that it may increase without injury or disadvantage to others. Give me pious and faithful servants. Preserve unto me my house and home, and all that Thou hast bestowed upon me. Help us to bear the cross in our calling with patience, and after this life gather us together with all Thy saints in Thy kingdom above. Amen.

Gracious God, faithful Father! Since Thou hast, through Thy mercy, called me into the holy state of matrimony to be the mistress of a house, in which state I can also serve and please Thee, my God, do Thou bestow grace upon me, Thy servant, that I may at all times sincerely fear Thee, and trust in Thee above all things, O my Creator and Redeemer; and that I may, next to Thee, fear, love and honor my husband, and desire none other besides him. Help, that according to Thy command, my will be in subjection to my husband, to obey him with all readiness, and that I, in the innermost of my heart, may ever be adorned with a meek and quiet spirit and many virtues, like unto the holy women of olden times who trusted in God, being in subjection to their own husbands. Grant that I may lead a chaste and pure life in fear and humility, that I may in all godliness and with kind and modest words restrain and subdue the anger and ill-humor of my husband, and be enabled to meet him with indulgence; that I may, in meekness, train my children and servants unto the praise and honor of Thy holy name, and that they may, with willing hearts, obey me in those things which are good and righteous before Thee. Help that I may be a faithful helpmeet unto my husband, that I may with care guard over the blessings which Thou hast graciously bestowed upon us and not squander them, but that I may work and assist, as is becoming me in this my calling, that I may be able to give unto the needy and extend a helping hand unto the poor. Protect us against unfaithful and wicked servants, who neglect and waste our property. Give me grace that I may patiently bear the cross in married life, and not so soon become discouraged or intimidated whenever afflictions come upon us; for our faith must be tested through trials and adversities. O Lord God! Into Thy almighty power I commend myself, my dear husband, all my children and servants, do Thou preserve us from sin, disgrace and all afflictions, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Share on: WhatsApp @Hash Facebook Tweet