Eternal and most glorious God, do not let me undervalue myself that I give away my soul for nothing, for I am your soul, your dear and precious soul. All the world is nothing, so why would I give my soul for it? Preserve my soul, Lord, for it belongs to you, and preserve my body because it belongs to my soul. You alone pilot my boat through its voyage, but a pilot has a greater concern for a boat when it comes to a narrow current, or to a dangerous waterfall. You care for the preservation of my body throughout my life. When death draws near, open your eyes wider, and watch me carefully that no illness or agony may shake or numb my soul. Prepare my bed, that in any sickness or hardship, under your hand, I may be content with any bed you make. Amen.
Source: John Donne (1573–1631), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.
Prayers Ancient Made Modern (annotated) is available in print and on Amazon Kindle through Amazon.com.
Based on Prayers Ancient and Modern originally selected and arranged by Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897. Now in public domain.
This edition, Prayers Ancient Made Modern, revised by Paul C. Stratman, copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
Reprinted from Prayers Ancient Made Modern, copyright © 2024 Paul C. Stratman.
A Collection of Prayers 