strength – A Collection of Prayers

September 21

We awake, and we are still with you, most merciful God. Your protecting hand is over us. Be the desire of our hearts and the ruler of our thoughts. Heavenly Father, our source of strength, give us your love and peace. We do not know what may happen today, whether trouble, temptation or sorrow. You watch over our paths. You can shield our senses from temptation. Give us a correct sense of duty, shield us in all conflict, and guard us against sin and death. Lead us not into temptation, or when we are tempted, deliver us from evil.

Source: Rowland Williams (1818-1870), 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 14

Remember, most merciful Father, I can bear nothing by myself without fainting, but I can bear all things in you if you strengthen me by your grace. Give me strength, that I may endure. I ask for patience, Lord. My heart is steadfast, O God. My heart is steadfast. I am ready to receive whatever you lay on me. Teach me patience as I look on the face of Christ your Son, that as he suffered such terrible things in the body, I may remember that he suffered these things to bear my sin. I commit my strength to you, Lord, for you are my refuge and strength. Keep me and bring me safely out of this trial when it pleases you. Amen.

Source: Adapted from from Treasury of Devotion, 1869, 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 9

Lord, give us grace to hear and obey your voice which says to every one of us “This is the way, walk in it.” Do not let us hear it behind us, saying, “This is the way,” but rather before us, saying, “Follow me.” When you lead us, go before us. When the way is too difficult for us, carry us. In the shadow of death, comfort us. In the day of resurrection, satisfy us. Amen.

Source: Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Lord, sanctify and shepherd your people, that we who are strengthened by your help may walk with you daily, and serve you with a quiet spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Roman Breviary, 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 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.