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A Prayer of St. Augustine (430 A.D.)


Before Thine eyes, O Lord, we bring our sins and we compare them with the stripes we have received


If we examine the evil we have wrought, what we suffer is little, what we deserve is great


What we have committed is very grievous, what we have suffered is slight


We feel the punishment of sin, yet withdraw not from the obstinacy of sinning


Under Thy lash our inconstancy is visited, but our sinfulness is not changed


Our suffering soul is tormented, but our neck is not bent



Our life groans under sorrow , yet amends not in deed


If Thou spares us, we correct not our ways; if Thou punish we cannot endure it


In time of correction we confess our wrong-doing; after Thy visitation we forget that we have wept


If Thou stretchest forth Thy hand, we promise amendment; if Thou witholdest the sword, we keep not our promise


If Thou strikest, we cry out for mercy; if Thou sparest, we again provoke Thee to strike


Here we are before Thee, O Lord, confessedly guilty; we know that unless Thou pardon we shall deservedly perish


Grant then, O almighty Father, without our deserving it, the pardon we ask; Thou who madest out of nothing those who ask Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.


V. Deal not with us, O Lord, according to our sins

R. Neither reward us according to our iniquities


Let us pray - O God, who by sin art offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people, and turn away the scourges of Thy wrath, which we deserve for our sins. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Roman Missal (1962) by Baronius Press


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