Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant me to be strengthened with might in the inner man, and to empty my heart of all useless care and anguish. O Lord, grant me heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to seek and to find Thee, above all things to relish and to love Thee, and to think of all other things as being, what indeed they are, at the disposal of Thy wisdom—Amen.

Thomas à Kempis.

O Most merciful God, the Foundation of our hope and our Refuge in trouble, deliver us from the snares of death; so that, saved from the multitude of troubles which surround us, we may sing praises to Thy holy Name, in purity and innocence; through our Lord Jesus Christ—Amen.

Sarum Breviary, A.D. 1085.