wisdom – A Collection of Prayers

September 30

Eternal God, you created me to do your work among people, and to serve you now according to my abilities. Teach me to use my time wisely, to resist all temptations, and to serve my fellow Christians. As I carry out all my duties, may I glorify your name. Give me a watchful and active spirit, and wisdom as I choose my work, that I may do everything with the dignity of a Christian, and fill my time with actions of faith and charity, using and multiplying all the talents you have given me, my Lord, and finally enter my master’s happiness; for your mercy’s sake. Amen.

Source: Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667), 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 27

Almighty God, you are the strength of all who trust in you. Give us confidence in your wisdom, goodness, and abiding love, that we may endure all things with quiet spirits, meditating on your divine peace and heavenly rest. Uphold us by your mercy, that we never faint or fear, but faithfully do the duties of life. When our last hour comes, support us with your everlasting arms and guide us into life eternal. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.

September 4

Almighty God, since we are bathed in the new light of your eternal truth, show yourself to us clearly, that with heart and mind we follow you in word and deed. Amen.

Rowland Williams (1818-1870), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Almighty God, giver of all wisdom, enlighten my understanding with knowledge of right, and govern my will by your laws, that no deceit may mislead me, no temptation may corrupt me, that I may always endeavor to do good, and to hinder evil. Amid all the hopes and fears of this world, do not take your Holy Spirit from me, but grant that my thoughts may be fixed on you, and that I may finally enter your eternal happiness, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), 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 Grace to Walk in Holiness

O God of strength,
you surpass all understanding,
and you mercifully give your people mercy and judgment.
Empower us to faithfully love you,
and to walk this day in the way of righteousness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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