September 20

Lord, remember all for good. Have mercy on all, O God. Remember all who are in any affliction, trouble, or agony, who stand in need of your mercy and help, all who are in need or distress, all who love or hate us.

You, Lord, are the Helper of the helpless, the Hope of the hopeless, the Savior of all who are tossed with tempests, the Harbor of those who sail. Be All to all. May the kindness of the Lord our God rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands. Lord, stay within me to strengthen me, beside me to keep me, above me to protect me, beneath me to uphold me, before me to direct me, behind me to keep me from straying, round about me to defend me. Blessed are you, Lord our Father, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Lancelot Andrewes (1555–1626), 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.

This edition, Prayers Ancient Made Modern, revised by Paul C. Stratman, copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

Reprinted from Prayers Ancient Made Modern, copyright © 2024 Paul C. Stratman.

September 7

Warm my cold heart, Lord. Form me after your own image. Give me grace to obey you in all things and to always follow where you lead. Teach me to be kind to others, to be gentle and unselfish, careful to hurt no one by word or deed, but eager to do good to all and to make others happy. Lord, forgive the sins of my temper. Pardon all my hasty words and unchristian thoughts. Make me watchful, so that I do not offend with my tongue. Give me a meek and loving spirit, which is of high value in your sight. I do not want to live for myself, but for you. Keep me today, Lord, from all sin, and from anything that displeases you; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Source: Bishop Ashton Oxenden (1808-1892), 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.

This edition, Prayers Ancient Made Modern, revised by Paul C. Stratman, copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

Reprinted from Prayers Ancient Made Modern, copyright © 2024 Paul C. Stratman.