Lover of mankind,
bless all your people,
the flocks of your fold.
Send the peace of heaven into our hearts,
and grant us also peace in this life.
Give life to our souls,
and let no deadly sin prevail against us,
or any of your people.
Deliver all who are in trouble,
for you are our God.
You set the captives free,
you give hope to the hopeless,
and help to the helpless.
You lift up the fallen,
and you are the Haven of the shipwrecked.
Give your pity, pardon,
and refreshment to every Christian soul,
whether in affliction or error.
Preserve us in our pilgrimage through this life
from hurt and danger,
and grant that we may end our lives as Christians,
pleasing to you and free from sin,
and that we may have our portion and lot with all your saints. Amen.
Source: Liturgy of St. Mark, third century.
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
