A Collection of Prayers

We ask not of you, O Father,
silver and gold,
honor and glory,
nor the pleasures of the world.
Grant us grace to seek your Kingdom
and your righteousness,
and give us what we need for body and life.
Behold, O Lord, our desire.
May it be pleasing in your sight.
We present our petition to you through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is at your right hand,
our mediator and Advocate,
through whom you sought us that we might seek you;
your Word, through whom you made us and all things;
your only Son, through whom you call us to adoption,
who intercedes with you for us,
and in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;
to him, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor, praise, and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Source: Augustine of Hippo

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953

You are great, O Lord,
and greatly to be praised;
great is your power,
and your wisdom is infinite.
We would praise you without ceasing.
You call us to delight in your praise,
for you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts find no rest until we rest in you;
with the Father and the Holy Spirit
all glory, praise, and honor be to you,
both now and forevermore. Amen.

Source: Augustine of Hippo

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953

O Lord, our Savior,
you have warned us that you will require much
of those to whom much is given.
Grant that we who have so great a heritage
may strive together more abundantly
to extend to others what we so richly enjoy.
As we have supported the labors of others,
by working with them,
in their turn others may support us in our work,
to the fulfillment of your holy will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Augustine of Hippo

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953

O God,
full of compassion,
I commit and commend myself to you,
in whom I am, and live, and know.
Be the Goal of my pilgrimage,
and my Rest by the way.
Let my soul take refuge
from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts
beneath the shadow of your wings.
Let my heart,
this sea of restless waves,
find peace in you, O God.
You bountifully give all good gifts.
Give those who are weary refreshing food.
Gather our distracted thoughts and powers into harmony again.
Set the prisoner free.
See, he stands at your door and knocks.
Open it to him,
that he may enter with a free step,
and be quickened by you.
For you are the Well-spring of Life,
the Light of eternal Brightness,
where the just live who love you.
Let it be to me according to your word. Amen.

Source: Augustine of Hippo, Fourth Century

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953

O God our Father,
you invite us to pray,
and you grant what we ask,
when we ask according to your will.
Hear me as I tremble in this darkness,
and stretch forth your hand to me.
Shine your light before me.
Recall me from my wanderings.
With you as my Guide,
restore me to myself and to you;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Source: Augustine of Hippo

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953

O Lord,
you command me to ask,
grant that I may receive what you give.
You have told me to seek,
let me be happy in finding.
You have bidden me to knock,
I pray, open for me.
Graciously direct and govern all my thoughts and actions,
that, for the future,
I may serve you
and entirely devote myself to obeying you.
Accept me,
and draw me to yourself,
that I may henceforth be yours
by obedience and love,
since I am already yours,
as your creature.
Yours, O Lord,
you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Augustine of Hippo

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953