achment to aught except Thyself. Write down, moreover, for me, and for
such as are dear to me, and for my kindred, man and woman alike, the good
of this world and the world to come. Keep us safe, then, through Thine
unfailing protection, O Thou the Beloved of the entire creation and the
Desire of the whole universe, from them whom Thou hast made to be the
manifestations of the Evil Whisperer, who whisper in men's breasts. Potent
art Thou to do Thy pleasure. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Help in
Peril, the Self-Subsisting.

Bless Thou, O Lord my God, Him Whom Thou hast set over Thy most excellent
Titles, and through Whom Thou hast divided between the godly and the
wicked, and graciously aid us to do what Thou lovest and desirest. Bless
Thou, moreover, O my God, them Who are Thy Words and Thy Letters, and them
who have set their faces towards Thee, and turned unto Thy face, and
hearkened to Thy Call.

Thou art, truly, the Lord and King of all men, and art potent over all
things.

CXLV: "O GOD, MY GOD! BE THOU NOT FAR FROM ME, FOR..."

O God, my God! Be Thou not far from me, for tribulation upon tribulation
hath gathered about me. O God, my God! Leave me not to myself, for the
extreme of adversity hath come upon me. Out of the pure milk, drawn from
the breasts of Thy loving-kindness, give me to drink, for my thirst hath
utterly consumed me. Beneath the shadow of the wings of Thy mercy shelter
me, for all mine adversaries with one consent have fallen upon me. Keep me
near to the throne of Thy majesty, face to face with the revelation of the
signs of Thy glory, for wretchedness hath grievously touched me. With the
fruits of the Tree of Thine Eternity nourish me, for uttermost weakness
hath overtaken me. From the cups of joy, proffered by the hands of Thy
tender mercies, feed me, for manifold sorrows have laid mighty hold upon
me. With the broidered robe of Thine omnipotent sovereignty attire me, for
poverty hath altogether despoiled me. Lulled by the cooing of the Dove of
Thine Eternity, suffer me to sleep, for woes at their blackest have
befallen me. Before the throne of Thy oneness, amid the blaze of the
beauty of Thy countenance, cause me to abide, for fear and trembling have
violently crushed me. Beneath the ocean of Thy forgiveness, faced with the
restlessness of the leviathan of glory, immerse me, for my sins have
utterly doomed me.

CXLVI: "GLORY BE TO THEE, O LORD MY GOD! I BEG OF THEE..."