O Lord,
I bless you because the issue of the battle
between yourself and Satan
has never been uncertain
and will end in victory.
Calvary broke the dragon's head,
and I contend with a vanquished foe,
who with all his subtlety and strength
has already been overcome.
When I feel the serpent at my heel
may I remember him whose heel was bruised,
but who, when bruised, broke the devil's head.
My soul with inward joy extols the mighty conquerer.
Heal me of any wounds received
in the great conflict
if I have gathered filthiness
if my faith has suffered damage
if my hope is less than bright
if my love is not fervent
if some worldly pleasure occupies my heart
if my soul sinks under the pressure of the fight.
O you whose every promise is balm, every touch life,
draw near to your weary warrior,
refresh me, that I may rise again
to wage the warfare,
and never tire until my enemy is trodden.
Give me such fellowship with you that I may defy Satan
unbelief, the flesh, the world,
with delight that comes not from a creature
and which a creature cannot mar.
Give me a drink of the eternal fountain
that lies in your unchangeable, everlasting love and decree.
Then shall my hand never weaken,
my feet never stumble,
my sword never rest,
my shield never rust,
my helmet never shatter,
my breastplate never fall,
as my strength rests in the power of your might.
