COLLECTS

O Almighty LORD,* Whose power and mercy we laud in the morning season, we beseech Thee, our Strength, to guard us, that we, freed from all blackness of darkness, may be illumined by the morning light. (1.)

O CHRIST the LORD,* restrain by the might of Thy power the mighty men that are gathered against me; and as for them that laid wait for Thy soul in the Passion, let their offspring be brought under the yoke of Thy service, that Thou only, O LORD, mayest be confessed the Redeemer of the world, when Thou arisest to help Thy Church. (11.)

O CHRIST the LORD,* the mighty men that laid wait for Thy soul gathered themselves fiercely against Thee, when at the time of Thy Passion the company of the proud rushed upon Thee; we therefore beseech Thee, hearken to the prayer of Thy Church, and take away the bloody sword from the hand of the enemy, that they may feel its edge blunted when they shall know that the doctrine of Thy Faith is preached by them who announce Thee. (11.)

Deliver us from our enemies,* O LORD; and as Thou didst vouchsafe to lay down Thy life for us, save us evermore from them that rise up against us. (11.)

O CHRIST, SON of GOD,* Who, without cause of sin, wast even delivered unto death, and caught in the snare of the hunters; grant that, through Thine unmerited death, the death which we merit may be overcome, that Thou, Who, though innocent, wast given up for us, mayest through the gift of innocency make us come at length in blessedness to Thee. Through Thy mercy. (11.)

O CHRIST, GOD of our salvation,* Who by Thy Passion dost guard our passions, deliver us from the bloodthirsty men and from all our corruptions, that, shunning the deeds of flesh and blood, we may not share in the headlong ruin of the bloodthirsty men, but be added to the number of them that please Thee. Through Thy mercy. (11.)

The LORD vouchsafe to grant that we,* protected by His help, aided by His mercy, glorified by His Resurrection, may with spotless minds lift up His praises in the holy Church. Amen.