Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/392

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Before giving his blessing to the people, the priest again turns to the bridegroom and bride, and blesses them in particular, saying:

MAY the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, be with you: and may He fulfil his blessing in you: that you may see your children's children to the third and fourth generation: and afterward enter into the possession of eternal life, by the help of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen.

Then the priest may exhort them to observe an inviolable fidelity toward each other; and to persevere in the fear and love of God. He sprinkles them with holy water, and concludes the Mass as usual.


Devotions for Confession

Before Confession

REFLECT that this confession may be the last of your life. Therefore, prepare yourself for it as if you were lying sick upon your deathbed, and already at the brink of the grave. Ask God to give you the grace to make a good examination of conscience, the light to see your sins clearly, and the strength to make a sincere confession and to amend your life.

Prayer

MOST merciful God, Father in heaven, relying on Thy goodness and mercy, I come to Thee with filial confidence to confess my sins and to implore Thy forgiveness. Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart.