The First to God the Father.
Almighty God! Thou Father of mercies and God of all consolation! Have mercy upon me, as a father hath mercy upon his children. Remember that Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, became man for my sake. Remember that Thou didst so love the world, that Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In this faith my soul comes to Thee and brings with it Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast given me; for His sake do Thou remember me and receive me into Thy grace. To Thee I commend my soul. Let me, Thy dear child, remain in Thy grace, and have mercy upon me while I live, and when I die, for the sake of Thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.