Nathan reproaches King David, Paris Psaulter, 10th century
Grant, Almighty God,
that as we have so often provoked your wrath against us,
and you have in your paternal patience borne with us,
or at least disciplined us gently so as to spare us,
O grant, that we may not become hardened in our sinfulness,
but repent often
that we may not be drawn away by the inventions of our flesh,
nor seek ways to run away from you,
but come straight forward to your presence,
making a humble, sincere, and honest confession of our sins,
that you may receive us into favor,
and being reconciled to us,
you may present to us a larger measure of your blessings,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
John Calvin, 1509 – 1564, French theologian and reformer
from his Commentary on Hosea, freely modified
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Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
for your sins have brought you down.
Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord.
Say to him,
“Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us,
so that we may offer you our praises.”
prayer & verse 
