O God, our true Life,
in whom and by whom all things live,
you command us to seek you,
and you are ready to be found.
You command us to knock,
and open when we do so.
To know you is life,
to serve you is freedom,
to enjoy you is a kingdom,
to praise you is the joy and happiness of the soul.
I praise, bless, and adore you,
I worship you, I glorify you, I give thanks to you for your great glory.
I humbly ask you to remain with me,
to reign in me,
to make my heart your holy temple,
a fit habitation for your Divine majesty.
Maker and Preserver of all things, visible and invisible,
preserve the work of your own hands,
your people who trust in your mercy alone for safety and protection.
Guard me with the power of your grace,
here and in all places,
now and at all times, forevermore. Amen.
Source: Augustine of Hippo
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
A Collection of Prayers 