Christian Prayer – Page 136 – A Collection of Prayers

Take, Enlighten, Teach

Take from us
all impurity of thought and desire,
all envy, pride and hypocrisy,
all falsehood and deceit,
all covetousness, arrogance and laziness,
all malice and anger,
everything that is against your will,
O most holy Lord.

Enlighten our understanding
that we may know
the greatness of your love in Christ,
the mysteries of your kingdom,
and the riches of your eternal glory.

Teach us what you would have us do,
and uphold us with your mighty power,
that in everything we do
we begin, proceed, and end
with your blessing.
Amen.

Source of this version: A Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland, 1896, p. 263 #3

“that in everything we do…” in the Book of Common Order is “that every work of ours may begin always from Thee, and in Thee be happily ended.”

With You There Is No Darkness

O God,
with you there is no darkness,
but the night shines like the day.
Keep and defend us and all your saints
in soul and body
during the coming night.
May we rest knowing your favor,
in the peace of a clear conscience,
in the hope of your blessing,
in faith in your providence,
in the love of your Spirit.

May we rise again
diligently carrying out our callings,
to do God’s work while it is day,
for the night comes when no one can work.
Whether we wake or sleep,
we live together with Christ.
Amen.

Source of this version: A Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland, 1896, p. 193 #4

“No darkness” may be a reference to 1 John 1:5

Variant:

O God, with whom there is no darkness, but the night shines as the day: keep and defend us and all your children, we beseech you, throughout the coming night. Renew our hearts with your forgiveness and our bodies with untroubled sleep, that we may wake to use more faithfully your gift of life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Source of this version: http://ourladyofloreto.org/bulletins_2014/Mar_16.pdf

“Work while it is day…” is a reference to John 9:4

For those in Affliction

Almighty and eternal God,
you are the comfort of the sorrowful
and the strength of the weak.
Graciously hear the prayers of those
who call out to you in any trouble or distress,
that in all their needs
they may receive your abundant help
and know your immeasurable comfort;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Source: Modified from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, Board of Publication of the United Lutheran Church in America, Philadelphia, 1919, p. 223 #62

My Heart Rests in You

220px-sandro_botticelli_050 Almighty God,
you care for me as if you thought of me alone,
and you care for all as if all were one.
I see the things of this earth pass away,
and I see other things take their place,
but you remain forever.
Therefore, my God and Father,
to you I entrust all I have received from you,
for then, I can lose nothing.
You, O Lord,
have made me for yourself,
and my heart can find no rest
until it rests in you.
Amen.

Source: Augustine

Source of this version: Freely modified The Hymnal and Order of Service, The Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod, 1925, p. 680 #3

Note: Many published prayers attributed to Augustine contain some form of the words “our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

Graphic by Sandro Botticeli from Wikipedia.com.

I Come to You at Your Holy Table

800px-lucas_cranach_d-c384-_-_martin_luther2c_1528_28veste_coburg29_28cropped29 Dear God and Father,
it is altogether true
that I am not worthy
that you should come under my roof,
but at your own command and invitation
I come to you at your holy table.
I fully and firmly believe
that you have mercifully forgiven my sins.
Preserve me in faith
and in unbroken communion with you.
I do not doubt your word of power.
You have fulfilled it in me,
a poor wretched sinner,
to your glory.
Amen.

Source: Martin Luther

Source of this version: Freely modified The Hymnal and Order of Service, The Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod, 1925, p. 682 #1

This prayer paraphrases Matthew 8:8 and is similar to a prayer in the Latin Mass, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” See this article in America: National Catholic Review about the return of the prayer in the most recent revision of the Mass.

Mozarabic Evening Prayer and Blessing

antifonariodelec3b3n1 May the Lord hear us and bless us.
May he save us from our spiritual enemy
and from all that is evil,
and keep us under the shadow of his wings,
this night, and forevermore;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In the name of Jesus + Christ our Lord,
let us have quiet sleep this night,
and rest in peace.
Amen.

Source: from Mozarabic Evening Prayer from Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Hale, New York, 1881, p. 61

Graphic: Mozarabic manuscript from the Cathedral of Leon, from Wikimedia Commons.

A Prayer for Help in Troubles

antifonariodelec3b3n1 O Lord, you have preserved us during the labors of the day.
Guard us through the dangers of the night.
Let your Holy Spirit watch over us,
and be our defense, now and forever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Source: from Mozarabic Evening Prayer from Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Hale, New York, 1881, p. 61

Graphic: Mozarabic manuscript from the Cathedral of Leon, from Wikimedia Commons.

A Prayer for Peace

antifonariodelec3b3n1 O God, all good things come from you.
Strengthen your people against all troubles
and fill them with your peace,
so they may worship you with a quiet mind,
and forgetting all earthly troubles,
may give you honor and praise;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Source: from Mozarabic Evening Prayer from Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Hale, New York, 1881, p. 61

Graphic: Mozarabic manuscript from the Cathedral of Leon, from Wikimedia Commons.

Mozarabic Evening Prayer

In the name of Jesus + Christ our Lord, light and peace be with us.
Amen.

Sentence for Advent:
The Lord comes,
who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Sentence for Christmas to Epiphany:
The sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness. (Luke 1:78-79)

Sentence for Epiphany to Septuagesima:
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Sentence for Septuagesima to Lent:
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:135)

Sentence for Lent:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1)

Sentence for Easter to Ascension:
Christ Jesus, has abolished death
and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)

Sentence for Ascension to Pentecost:
Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (Psalm 43:3)

Sentence for Pentecost to Trinity:
With you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

Sentence for Trinity to Advent:
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:5,7)

Sentence for Minor Festivals:
Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart. (Psalm 97:11)

One of the Penitential Psalms may be said with accompanying prayers.
The Psalm concludes:

Glory and honor be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised! (Psalm 113:3)

Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forevermore.
the name of the Lord is to be praised!

A Psalm may be said, followed by the Gloria.

An Old Testament Lesson may be read. Before it shall be said:

The blessing of God almighty, who long ago spoke to our fathers by the prophets, be on you who hear his holy Word.
And upon you who read it.

A New Testament Lesson may be read. Before it shall be said:

The blessing of God almighty, who in these last days has spoken to us by his Son, be on you who hear his holy Word.
And upon you who read it.

After the Lesson, the Benedictus or a suitable hymn may be sung.

Then the Apostles’ Creed shall be said:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Then the Lord’s Prayer shall be said.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. [1] Amen.

Deliver us from evil, and confirm in us your faith, O Triune God, and let us constantly serve you, our God and Lord, who lives and governs all things, forever and ever.
Amen.

Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:7)

O Lord, save our country,
And hear us when we call to you.

Let your servants be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy. (Psalm 132:9)

Oh, save your people
and bless your heritage! (Psalm 28:9)

Give peace in our time, O Lord.
You alone, O Lord, make us dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

A Prayer for Peace
O God, all good things come from you.
Strengthen your people against all troubles
and fill them with your peace,
so they may worship you with a quiet mind,
and forgetting all earthly troubles,
may give you honor and praise;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

A Prayer for Help in Troubles
O Lord, you have preserved us during the labors of the day.
Guard us through the dangers of the night.
Let your Holy Spirit watch over us,
and be our defense, now and forever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Other prayers may be said, after which follows:
May the Lord hear us and bless us.
May he save us from our spiritual enemy and from all that is evil,
and keep us under the shadow of his wings, this night, and forevermore;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In the name of Jesus + Christ our Lord, let us have quiet sleep this night, and rest in peace.
Amen.

[1] In some liturgical traditions, the doxology of the Lord’s Prayer is omitted, or when used, it is used as a response.

Source: Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Hale, New York, 1881, p. 61

Mozarabic Morning Prayer

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, light and peace be with us.
Amen.

Sentence for Advent:
The Lord comes,
who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Sentence for Christmas to Epiphany:
The sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness. (Luke 1:78-79)

Sentence for Epiphany to Septuagesima:
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Sentence for Septuagesima to Lent:
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:135)

Sentence for Lent:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1)

Sentence for Easter to Ascension:
Christ Jesus, has abolished death
and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)

Sentence for Ascension to Pentecost:
Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (Psalm 43:3)

Sentence for Pentecost to Trinity:
With you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

Sentence for Trinity to Advent:
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:5,7)

Sentence for Minor Festivals:
Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart. (Psalm 97:11)

One of the Penitential Psalms may be said with accompanying prayers.
The Psalm concludes:

Glory and honor be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised! (Psalm 113:3)

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray.

Deliver us from evil, and confirm in us your faith, O Triune God, and let us constantly serve you, our God and Lord, who lives and governs all things, forever and ever.
Amen.

Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:7)

O Lord, save our country,
And hear us when we call to you.

Let your servants be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy. (Psalm 132:9)

Oh, save your people
and bless your heritage! (Psalm 28:9)

Give peace in our time, O Lord.
You alone, O Lord, make us dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

Create in us clean hearts, O God,
Do not take your Holy Spirit from us. (Psalm 51:10-11)

The Prayer of the Day follows, after which another prayer for the season may be said.

Then the following prayers shall be said:

A Prayer for Peace
O God, you are the author of peace.
Spread abroad your peace in our hearts and minds,
guard and protect us in all danger,
and lead us to always trust in your defense,
that we may serve you without fear
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

A Prayer for Grace
O Lord Jesus Christ,
you took on yourself the weakness of our mortal nature.
Grant that we may pass this day in safety without sin,
resisting all the temptations of the enemy,
that in the evening, we may joyfully praise you,
O King eternal, through your mercy.
O our God, you are blessed, and live and rule over all things,
forever and ever.
Amen.

Other prayers may be said, after which follows:
May the everlasting God bless us this day.
May he save and defend us from all that is evil,
and make us partakers of his heavenly kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In the name of Jesus + Christ our Lord, let us go to the work to which we are called this day, in peace.
Amen.
[1] In some liturgical traditions, the doxology of the Lord’s Prayer is omitted, or when used, it is used as a response.

Source: Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Hale, New York, 1881, p. 61