COLLECTS

O GOD, our Salvation and Protection,* arm us with the helmet of hope, and with the shield of Thy glorious defence, that we, being helped by Thee in all time of our necessity, may merit to enter into the joy of them that love Thee. Through (2.)

CHRIST, the SON of GOD, Who wast not terrified when Thine adversaries,* like roaring lions, gnashed their teeth at Thee, but with singular patience didst endure all their ragings; we beseech Thee to restore our souls by penitence to Thyself, that we, constantly following Thine example, may not by yielding to anger fall into Thy condemnation, but, by the pattern of Thy long-suffering, may be rendered gentle to all. Amen. Through (11.)

O LORD, Who didst of old time suffer in our body,* when wilt Thou look upon us? when wilt Thou turn the eyes of Thy clemency to our groans and distress? Delay not, tarry not; now draw nigh; now be Thou turned; now regard us, that our prayer, which now, by reason of our secret sins, returns back again into our own bosom, may, by the abundance of Thy mercy, enter into Thy Presence, and be accepted by Thee. Amen. Through (11.)

Lay hold,* O LORD JESU CHRIST, of Thy victorious arms, and stand up to avenge the quarrel of Thine heritage, redeemed by Thine own precious Blood: guard us with the shield of faith, that the fiery darts of the enemy may not be able to hurt us; and with the weapons of Thy might beat down, O King of Glory, the Enemy himself: and, because Thou art the Salvation of our souls, grant that we, laying aside all the load of sin, may attain to the blessings of Thy promises. Amen. Through (11.)

[Judge,* O LORD, them that hurt us, and fight Thon against them that fight against us, that as Thou wast Thyself attacked in our body, so Thou mayest make us invincible, abiding in Thy body. Through (11.)

O GOD, strong and mighty, lay hold of the shield and buckler, (D. C.) and stand up to help us against them that fight with us, and defend in all places our weakness from their malice, that being glad and rejoicing in Thee, we may alway securely magnify Thee, and sing praises unto Thee all the day long of eternity. Through (1.)]