Lutheran Prayer

O GRACIOUS and benevolent God, eternal Father, how cordial is the love, and how fatherly the care Thou hast for me, a poor sinner, having so graciously protected me all my days and hours, from my tender youth to the present moment against the manifold wiles of the devil, and the dangers and temptations of the wicked world. And I humbly pray Thee that, according to Thy fatherly love towards me, Thou wouldest nevermore remember against me all that I have transgressed against Thee this day, but graciously remit the same. Be merciful unto me, because of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, who is surety for all my sins. And during this night protect me and all mine against a sudden evil death, against disaster from fire or water, against pestilence and all manner of ills. So I now commend myself, my body, soul and all I have to Thy fatherly protection; Thy holy angel be with me, that I need fear no ill. Amen.