O Lord,
our redemption.
Be our protection.
Direct our minds by your gracious presence.
Watch over our paths
and guide us with your love
through the hidden snares of life.
Fix our hearts on you as we go forward,
and following in faith,
arrive at your goal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Mozarabic Liturgy
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1954, also in The New Ancient Collects, #292
O God,
you do not desire the death of a sinner.
Protect with your heavenly aid
those who may now be exposed to special temptations.
Grant that in the fulfillment of your commandments
they may be strengthened by the assistance of your grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Gregorian Sacramentary
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1954
O Lord,
hear our prayers
and prepare the way of your servants in safety under your protection,
that amid all the changes of this our pilgrimage,
we may ever be guarded by your almighty aid;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Gelasian Sacramentary
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953.
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
Gracious Father,
you give your angels charge over your children
to keep them in all their ways
and protect them from danger.
Give healing and recovery
to those who were injured
or suffered losses in yesterday’s fire.
Comfort those who mourn.
Keep us and our homes from all danger.
Continue to protect and support
the fire and rescue workers
who help and protect us.
You alone, O Lord, give all deliverance and protection.
Source: Paul C. Stratman, April 8, 2018
The fire was in an apartment building only a few blocks from our church.
A Collection of Prayers 