O my dearest Lord Jesus Christ,
you know my poor soul
and my great transgressions,
and I cry out to you alone
with an open heart.
I am sorry
that I do not have
will or intentions as I should
and I fall behind daily,
for I am a poor, sick sinner.
You know
that I want to have good will and good intentions,
but my foe strikes
and leads me captive.
Redeem me,
a poor sinner,
according to your divine will.
Deliver me from all evil
and all afflictions.
Strengthen and
increase in me
true Christian faith.
Give me grace
to faithfully
love my neighbor
as myself
with all my heart,
and to love him as a brother.
Give me patience and perseverance
in all persecution and trouble.
You told St. Peter
not to forgive only seven times,
and you have called us to come to you
for consolation.
So I come with the assurance
of what you have pledged,
and I cry to you
as my true Pastor
and Bishop of my soul
in all my needs.
You alone know
how and when
I need your help.
Your will be done,
and your name be praised forever.
Amen.

– Martin Luther (1483-1546AD)