Morning Prayers
LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Is 33:2
I arise today
embraced in the arms
of God the Father,
empowered by the strength
of God the Spirit,
immersed in the love
of God the Son.
I arise today
in the company
of the Trinity,
Father, Spirit and Son.
I arise today
But as for me, justified, I will behold your face;
when I awake, your presence will satisfy me. Ps 17:15 (ISV)
I call to you, Lord
at the dawn of this new day,
place into your hands
family and friends,
work to be done,
decisions I shall make,
obstacles I encounter,
strangers who pass my way,
the service I shall offer.
I call to you, Lord
at the dawn of this new day,
my rock and my fortress,
my strength and deliverer,
for all I am is yours,
each moment of this day
gifted to me by grace,
and offered in your name,
my offering of praise.
John Birch
This is another day, O Lord...
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.”
― Kathleen Norris
Evening Prayers
Ps 141:2 Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.
Through the dark hours of this night
protect and surround us
Father, Son and Spirit, Three
Forgive the ill that we have done
Forgive the pride that we have shown
Forgive the words that have caused harm
that we might sleep peaceably
and rise refreshed to do your will
Through the dark hours of this night
protect and surround us
Father, Son and Spirit, Three
John Birch
Dear Jesus, as a hen covers her chicks with her wings to keep them safe, do thou this night protect us under thy golden wings. Amen Prayer from India
Save us, O Lord, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ
and asleep may rest in peace.
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death.
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
Allfor you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
(Church of England Order for Compline)
Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,
and let your angels protect those who sleep.
Tend the sick. Refresh the weary. Sustain the dying.
Calm the suffering. Pity the distressed. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen
(St Augustine)
A Prayer of John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
May he support us all the day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done.
Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.