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