048. 128. For one tempted to despair.

128. For one tempted to despair.

ALMIGHTY GOD, Who when we were in the bondage of sin didst send Thy Son Jesus Christ to be our deliverer, have mercy upon Thy Servant [...], now well-nigh overwhelmed again in the terrors of the enemy. Quicken his heart with grateful love to Thyself, that he may approach Thee with such simplicity of confession and tender shame of conscience, as shall enable him, whilst accepting the discipline of Thy fatherly love, to trust with thankfulness in Thine inexhaustible mercy. Suffer not the evil one to dry up his heart in fruitless remorse; but let the inspiration of Thy grace, melting him in tears of acceptable sorrow, make the seed of Thy holy Word to bring forth fruit. Reveal to him the efficacy of the death and passion of Thy dear San, as the atonement for all sin. Teach him to seek renewal unto holiness in the sympathy of the Good Shepherd, Who was pierced upon the Cross, Who liveth now to make intercession for such as are out of the way. Stablish him with Thy free Spirit in the joyous obedience of Thy children. Open his eyes, that he may under stand the law of Thy new Covenant, and may realize the Divine and comfortable assistance of our Great High-Priest in the ministry of recon ciliation confided to Thy holy Church. Give him faith, that he may cry out unto Thee.

Bring him under the shelter of Thy wings, and put his enemies to flight, that he may be kept in Thy peace, and praise Thee as the God of his health for ever; through the merits of Thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Redeemer.

Amen.