Prayer XIV

O Lord our Father, Who hast set before us the perfect ’ love which suffereth long and is kind, is not easily provoked nor soon angry,’ but beareth all our evil ways, and hopeth all things of the worst of us, help us, we beseech Thee, that we may be ’ imitators of God as beloved children,’ and walking in love as Thou hast loved us. Dwell in our hearts that they may be gentle and good. Dwell in our minds that we may know and love and hold by Him Who is the Truth and the Life. Dwell in our wills that we may run in the way of Thy commandments with glad hearts, and never be unwilling to do any of the things that Thou, in our consciences and in Thy word, dost bid us to do.

Grant that this hour of worship may be full of blessings for each of us. Thou knowest what each of us most requires in the spiritual life. We can but partially interpret our own necessities, but we bless Thee that we have recourse to One Who understands our needs altogether. So we would not dictate to Thee, O Lord, but would pray Thee that Thou wouldst arm each of us with the special qualities and graces which our vocations and characters and circumstances most require. Be near any of us that may have special burdens of sorrow or solitude to carry. If any of us are rejoicing in hope, and the world seems bright to us, may we learn not to be dazzled by the light, but carry a full cup without loss or spilling. Whatever be our tasks or our condition, come Thou to us, and we shall be lords of all things, and fit for every duty. Abide in our hearts, and may we not shut their doors against Thee ever. Lead us by Thy grace and counsel, and be to each of us that which we most need.

Now, Lord, we desire to commend to Thee others than ourselves, to pray for the good estate of the whole Catholic Church; and to beseech Thee that all Thy children may growingly know the Father’s will, and delight to do it, and that all may more fully discharge the functions which Thou hast laid upon them, and be Thy witnesses in the world.

We pray for our Sovereign and our country, and all can influence its action or opinion. ‘Give peace in our time, O Lord.’ Turn away men’s thoughts from the false glories of battle to the conflicts and contests and possibilities of Peace which ’ hath her victories no less renowned.’ And we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst graciously grant that the perturbations of human society may drive and draw many to Him Who alone can speak peace to the nations, and give rest to the world.

And now we pray Thee to take us into Thy gracious care, and mercifully be with us as we wait before Thee, for our Lord Christ’s sake.