O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou eternal Son of God, the Savior of the world, who , having finished the great work of redemption and risen from the grave, didst celebrate Thy triumphal ascension in imposing majesty, and wast seated on the right hand of the Father, being exalted above all angels and principalities, and above all power and might, and above everything that is named in this world and in that which is to come: we worship and glorify Thee that Thy cross and Passion was concluded in rejoicing, and through death Thou didst enter into Thine eternal glory, and hast opened again the gates of paradise, and prepared mansions of glory for the children of men.
Blessed Lord, Thou has achieved the victory; we are still in the moil and toil of conflict. Thou art exalted above all heavens; look with favor upon us, and think upon us for good, who are yet strangers on earth.
O Thou eternal High Priest, our only Mediator, who, having blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, dwellest in the high and holy place, appear in the presence of God for us, and be our Advocate with the Father, that by Thy perfect merit and gracious intercession we may escape the righteous judgment of God, and His peace may abide with us forever.
O Thou heavenly King establish Thy dominion in our hearts. Send down Thy Holy Spirit to enlighten us with Thy grace, to guide us in to all truth, and to work all in all, that Thy spiritual body may be built up. As Thou hast opened heaven to us, so keep us, that we may not close this same heaven again by impenitence and sin. Draw us to Thee, and fill our hearts with holy desires, that on the wings of faith and ardent devotion we may continually ascend to Thee.
As all power is given unto Thee in heaven and in earth, surely Thou art able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Thee; and as Thou hast promised to be with Thy faithful people alway, even unto the end of the world, comfort us with Thy presence as long as we are sojourners on earth, and let us all receive of Thy fulness (sic.), and grace for grace. [Cause Thy blessing to rest upon our Government, that peace may be maintained and justice impartially administered to the glory of Thy name. Protect and extend Thy Church, which Thou hast purchased with Thine own blood, and graciously keep us steadfast in Thy saving Word and the right use of the blessed Sacraments. Send forth faithful messengers of the Gospel, and clothe them with the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, that all flesh may see Thy salvation. Govern hearts of parents and teachers, that they may bring to Thee the children entrusted to their care, and do Thou lead those who are in the morning of their years up on the way of life. Awaken the unconverted, and such as have fallen away, that they may no more serve the world, but lift there eyes to the Land of Promise. Have mercy upon all who are in affliction and distress, in sickness and temptation; hear their cry, and refresh them with Thy heavenly comfort.] Grant that with patience and hope we may fight the good fight and obtain the prize of eternal life. And finally, when the hour of our departure is at hand, Lord Jesus, receive our spirit, and let us abide in Thy presence, where there is fulness (sic.) and joy amid pleasures at the right and of God forevermore. Amen.
(Liturgy & Agenda for Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book: CPH 1936)
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