gladness – A Collection of Prayers

September 5

Eternal God, darkness and light are the same to you, yet you send us your mercy by day and at night your song is with me. There is no light but yours, without, within. As you lift the curtain of night, take the veil from our hearts. Let your day dawn on our souls. Awaken all our labor and our prayer. Although everything else declines, let the noonday sun of your grace and peace remain. Let us follow Jesus while it is day, just as he finished your most divine work in his few years. Amen.

Source: Adapted from James Martineau (1805-1900), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Lord, make us reflect your heavenly kingdom here through mutual love, that all hatred may be banished, and all hearts full of love, joy and gladness. Amen.

Source: Ludovicus (Juan Luis) Vives, 1492-1540, 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.

September 3

Lord God, grant that we may enjoy health of mind and body, deliver us from our present sadness, and finally bring us to the joy of your eternal gladness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Roman Breviary, revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Almighty God, send us your good Spirit, that we flee to your loving arms as children, filled with trust, hope, and faith. In dark times draw us to you, that we trust you when we cannot see, and we hope in you when all seems doubtful. You are our Father who does all things well, and you order all things. Knowing that all things are in your hands, we await your time. Amen.

Source: George Dawson (1821–1876), 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.

For Spiritual Gladness

Hear us, O Lord,
and in our troubles, pity us.
Give us spiritual gladness,
and give us eternal peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Sarum Rite
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1954.