Prayer on the Day of Purification

O LORD JESUS, Thou exalted and beloved Son of God, I thank Thee with all my heart that Thou didst not only become a true man in my behalf, but didst also place Thyself under the law for my sake, and at Thy presentation didst have the offering of purification presented for Thee, in order that I might be redeemed from the curse of the law and my soul cleansed from its base impurities. For this I acknowledge myself in duty bound to present myself to Thee as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. But since I cannot do this of myself, I pray Thee, dearest Savior, do Thou sanctify me by the Holy Ghost and Thy innocent blood, that I may henceforth earnestly guard against all manner of sin, keep my body and soul unspotted and serve Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life. O dearest Jesus, grant that I, following the example of godly Simeon, may embrace Thee with the arms of true faith in all days of trouble and distress, in every fear and anguish of conscience; that I may press Thee to my heart, yea enclose Thee in it and nevermore let Thee go hence. Let mine eyes ever be directed towards Thee, Thou welcome Light of the world, and see in Thee their only joy. Kindle within me the light of the knowledge of Thy holy will and a hearty confidence in Thy precious merits, and grant that I may cause this to shine forth before men by my good works. O Thou brightness of glory dispel all darkness of ignorance and malice from my mind, and let me believe aright, live holy and die happy, as did Simeon of old. And when the end of my life draws nigh, O blessed Redeemer, hold me safe in Thine arms of love and grace, that Satan may not snatch me out of them. Grant unto me with Simeon a joyful departure, and bestow this grace upon Thy servant, that I may in peace leave earth and enter heaven, and with all the elect, behold Thee face to face, in everlasting joy. Amen.