Gracious God and Father, watch over all your people, those who struggle with doubts, those who struggle with the labors of life, those who sometimes struggle as they seek you. Calm our hearts with your Word, and with your dear Son’s promise, “I will give you rest.” Pour out your abundant blessings on us, give us the assurance of your love in Jesus Christ. Give us confidence as we face the challenges ahead. Give us health of body and spirit, and blessings in all things; through your Son who gave himself for us so that we could be his, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Paul C. Stratman, April 27, 2024, from an online request.
Us / we may be substituted with a name or names, him / her or they / them.
The book Prayers Ancient and Modern was also published under the title Great Souls at Prayer. Mary Wilder Tileston made a revised edition in 1928 in which she removed about a quarter of the prayers from the 1897 edition and added newer prayers. This revision is based on the 1897 edition to give preference to ancient prayers. A few prayers resisted revision and even rewriting. Prayers from the 1928 edition were included as replacements, noted, and the originals are included in an appendix.
Devotional writing in the late 1800s was often very flowery and redundant. (“Why use one word when ten will do?”) Many wordings of prayers were reduced. Passive verbs were reworked to be active and resulted in stronger, more direct prayers.
Devotional writing in the late 1800s was often pietistic, with perfectionist theology, us for God language dominating, and God for us language often lacking.
All the prayers in this edition have been modified, some more freely than others. Most I revised in such a way that they remain direct quotes of the originals.
Some prayers were completely rewritten, and the resulting content may have some different themes than the original. This kind of revision is indicated with “Adapted from N.” in the attribution. Prayers so noted should not be considered direct quotes from the original authors.
In all the revision and overhauling, I tried to keep some of the language and spirit of the originals. Prayers Ancient and Modern is available and downloadable from Google Books and from Archive.org if readers wish to compare this book with the original.
Prayers Ancient Made Modern is offered here as a print book through Lulu, and without cost in EPUB, PDF, and DOCX formats.
Lord God, heavenly Father, in your special love and mercy you gave us your Son who became truly human and died on the cross for us. Pour your Holy Spirit into our hearts that we may put all our trust in him, just as the Centurion believed that Christ would help his sick servant, may we be assured of the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. We have your Word: “Whoever believes in me will never see death.” Dear Father in heaven, grant that we may believe with no doubts in our hearts, and remain in the faith until our last hour.
Almighty and eternal God, mercifully look on our weaknesses, and in all dangers and needs defend us with your power against our enemies; through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever.
O God,
Father of your only Son,
you dwell in heaven
and you scoff at those
who rise against your Anointed One.
Grant us special grace
that we may not yield to adversities,
that the unbelief of those who do not know you
may be done away with,
and the faith of those who cling to you
may be crowned.
Source: Mozarabic Rite, 7th Century
Source of this version: Oremus, edited by Paul Zeller Strodach
Merciful Lord,
Comforter and Teacher of your faithful people,
increase in your Church the desires you have given.
Strengthen the hearts of those who hope in you,
and show them the depth of your promises.
Lead all your adopted children to see with the eyes of faith,
and help them wait patiently for the light that is now hidden;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, never-failing Light,
Lord our God, source of light,
light of the angels, principalities, powers
and all intelligent beings.
You have created the light for your saints.
May our souls be your lamps
kindled and illuminated by you.
May we shine and burn with the truth
and never go out in darkness and ashes.
May the gloom of sins be cleared away
and the light of constant faith abide within us.
Amen.
Hear us, never-failing Light,
A Collection of Prayers 
