Be gracious to our prayers,
O merciful God,
and guard your people with loving protection.
May we who confess your only Son as God,
born in our human flesh,
never be corrupted by the deceits of the devil;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Ambrose
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, ed. J. Manning Potts, The Upper Room, Nashville, Tennessee, © 1953 (Public domain in the U.S.)
O Jesu! tonight,
O Shepherd of the poor,
O sinless One,
you suffered full sore,
by ban of the wicked,
and were crucified.
Save me from evil,
save me from harm,
save my body,
sanctify me tonight,
O Jesu, tonight,
nor leave me.
Endow me with strength,
Herdsman of might,
guide me aright,
guide me in your strength.
O Jesu! in your strength
preserve me.
Source: Unknown, Carmina Gadelica, Hymns and Incantations…, Vol. I, p. 71. English translation modified.
Graphic is from Carmina Gadelica, Hymns and Incantations…, Vol. I, p.70
O most merciful and gracious God,
hear our prayers,
and deliver our hearts
from the temptation of evil thoughts,
that by your goodness,
we may be a fitting dwelling for your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Source: Priest’s Prayer Book
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers Ancient and Modern
by Mary Wilder Tileston, Boston, Little Brown, 1914, p. 123 #1
To God be glory,
to the angels honor,
to Satan confusion,
to the cross reverence,
to the church exaltation,
to the departed quickening,
to the penitent acceptance,
to the prisoners release,
to the sick and infirm,
recovery and healing,
and to the four quarters of the world
great peace and tranquility.
And also on us who are weak and sinful
may the compassion and mercies of our adorable God come,
and may they overshadow us, and be poured forth,
and remain firm and reign continually.
Christ + the hope of our nature,
now and at all times,
and forever and ever. Amen.
Source: East Syrian Church, Monday Vespers
Source of this version: East Syrian Daily Office, translated and edited by Arthur John Maclean, Rivingtom, Percival & Co., London, 1894, p. 20
O God,
you justify the ungodly,
and you do not desire the death of the sinner.
Graciously help and shield your servants who trust in your mercy,
that no temptations may separate us from you,
and that we may serve you without ceasing;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Unknown
Source of this version: Modified from The Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, United Lutheran Church in America © 1918, #22
“You justify the ungodly” is a reference to Romans 4:5
“You do not desire the death of the sinner” is a reference to Ezekiel 33:11
Lord God, heavenly Father,
you command your angels concerning us to guard us in all our ways
against the tyranny of the devil
and against the evils in this dark world.
Continue to guard us with your holy angels.
Strengthen us by your Spirit,
that your will is done by humanity on earth
as it is done by the angels in heaven,
that we may live to please you here,
and forever praise you in heaven.
Amen.
Source: Wilhelm Löhe. Freely adapted from Seed Grains of Prayer, A Manual for Evangelical Christians, Wartburg Press, Chicago, 1914 (#314)
“You command your angels” is a reference to Psalm 91:11
“Your will is done…” is a reference to Matthew 6:10
The Lord will keep me from all evil;
he will keep my life.
The Lord will keep
my going out and my coming in
from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121:7-8 ESV, modified)
Lord God, heavenly Father,
whether we wake or sleep,
live or die, we are yours.
Take care of me.
Do not let me fall into destruction by the works of darkness.
Let the light of your face arise in my heart,
that by faith, true knowledge of you may increase in my soul,
and that I may continually do your will.
Guard and defend me against every deception of the evil one.
Preserve me from all evil visions and horrid dreams,
and let me rest peacefully in you this night,
and arise tomorrow in joy and health to fulfill my calling,
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
Source: Wilhelm Löhe. Freely adapted from Seed Grains of Prayer, A Manual for Evangelical Christians, Wartburg Press, Chicago, 1914 (#227)
“whether we… live or die” is a reference to Romans 14:8
“Let the light of your face arise…” may be a reference to 2 Peter 1:19
Eternal Lord,
Mighty Son of God,
you came to crush the head of the serpent
and to destroy the works of the devil.
We thank you
for delivering us from the devil
through your Word and holy Baptism,
and for making us temples of your Holy Spirit.
With your almighty arm defend us.
Do not let Satan desecrate your house
or defile your temples,
or have any power over us.
Continue to bless us with your love and defend us,
for you are our unconquerable God and Lord,
praised forever.
Amen.
Source: Wilhelm Löhe. Freely adapted from Seed Grains of Prayer, A Manual for Evangelical Christians, Wartburg Press, Chicago, 1914 (#145)
“Crush the head of the serpent” is a reference to Genesis 3:15
“Temples of your Holy Spirit” is a reference to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“almighty arm” may be a reference to Psalm 89:13
Lord Jesus Christ,
today and always,
be the beginning of all my work.
Be my comforter, my blessing, my support.
Protect me and those I love from all evil,
that the devil and the wicked
may have no power over us.
Amen.
Source: Wilhelm Löhe. Freely adapted from Seed Grains of Prayer, A Manual for Evangelical Christians, Wartburg Press, Chicago, 1914 (#107)
Everlasting Redeemer, watch over us
so that the ever-resourceful tempter may not overtake us.
You are our helper now and forever. Amen.
Source: Wilhelm Löhe. Freely adapted from Seed Grains of Prayer, A Manual for Evangelical Christians, Wartburg Press, Chicago, 1914 (#52)
A Collection of Prayers 