Morning prayer · 11 April

Child of light

A small lamp left burning on a windowsill at dawn, its flame small but steady against the brightening sky outside, suggesting a light kept safe through the night and into the day.

Father in heaven, you always watch over people who trust you, and you protect them strongly and keep them from harm. Thank you with all my heart that, in your fatherly kindness, you took care of me through the night. Please show me the same kindness today, and keep me safe in body and soul. Don’t let me think, say or do anything that displeases you, harms me, or hurts anyone else. Let everything I do fit your will, which is always good. Let it bring you glory, fit the work you’ve given me, and do good to the people around me, whom I should love as myself. And whenever you call me home, may I be found a child not of darkness but of light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

Ephesians 5:8 (BSB)

Adapted from Thomas Becon, via Prayers Ancient and Modern (1897), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.