preservation – A Collection of Prayers

September 6

Eternal and most glorious God, do not let me undervalue myself that I give away my soul for nothing, for I am your soul, your dear and precious soul. All the world is nothing, so why would I give my soul for it? Preserve my soul, Lord, for it belongs to you, and preserve my body because it belongs to my soul. You alone pilot my boat through its voyage, but a pilot has a greater concern for a boat when it comes to a narrow current, or to a dangerous waterfall. You care for the preservation of my body throughout my life. When death draws near, open your eyes wider, and watch me carefully that no illness or agony may shake or numb my soul. Prepare my bed, that in any sickness or hardship, under your hand, I may be content with any bed you make. Amen.

Source: John Donne (1573–1631), 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 the Faithful

O Lord Almighty,
the Most High,
who dwells on high,
the Holy One,
who rests among the saints,
without beginning,
the Only Power.
By Christ you have given us the preaching of knowledge,
that we may confess your glory and your name,
which he has made known to us,
for our understanding.
Through him look down on this your flock,
and deliver it from all ignorance and wickedness,
and grant that we may fear you in earnest,
and love you with affection,
and have a due reverence of your glory.
Be gracious and merciful to us,
and listen to us when we pray to you.
Keep us,
that we may be steadfast and blameless,
and holy in body and spirit,
without spot or wrinkle,
or any other blemish,
but complete,
and none of us defective or imperfect.
You are our support,
our powerful God,
you are not influenced by people.
Help your people,
whom you have redeemed with the precious blood of your Christ.
Be their protector,
helper, provider, and guardian,
their strong wall of defense,
their bulwark and security.
For “none can snatch them out of your hand.”
There is no other God like you.
We rely on you.
“Sanctify us by your truth; your word is truth.” Amen.

Source: Apostolic Constitutions

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