brighter than the sun, purer than the angels, and the heavens are not clean in Thy sight; with mercy behold Thy servant, apt to be tempted with every object, and to be overcome by every enemy. I cannot, O God, stand in the day of battle and danger, unless Thou coverest me with Thy shield, and hidest me under Thy wings. Thou didst make me after Thine image; be pleased to preserve me so pure and spotless, that my body may be a holy temple, and my soul a sanctuary to entertain Thy divinest Spirit, the Spirit of love and holiness—Amen.

Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667).

O God, deliver us from earthly desires, that no sin may reign in us, but that we may with free spirits serve Thee, our only Lord; through Jesus Christ—Amen

Gelasian Sacramentary, A. D. 492.