O Lord, let that become possible to me by Thy grace, which by nature seems impossible to me. Thou knowest that I am able to suffer but little, and that I am quickly cast down, when a slight adversity ariseth. For Thy Name’s sake, let every exercise of tribulation be amiable and desirable to me; for to suffer and to be disquieted for Thy sake is very wholesome for my soul—Amen.

Thomas à Kempis.

Almighty and everlasting God, who, in the abundance of Thy goodness, dost exceed the deserts as well as the desires of Thy suppliants, pour forth upon us Thy mercy; that Thou mayest forgive those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and add unto us those things which our prayer dareth not to ask; through Jesus Christ our Lord—Amen. Gelasian, A.D. 492.

Sarum Breviary, A.D. 1085.