Morning prayer · 11 August

Light never made

A single small candle flame burning steadily on a plain table at dawn, its light the only source illuminating the dark room, with the sun just beginning to rise outside the window behind it.

Eternal God, Light that was never made, first of all lights, Maker of everything that exists, Fountain of pity, Sea of kindness, endless depth of love: let the light of your face shine on us! Lord, shine in our hearts, true Sun of all that is right, and fill our souls with your beauty. Teach us always to remember your just ways and talk about them, and always to own you as our Lord and Friend. Guide the work of our hands by your will, and lead us in the right way, so we do what pleases you, and so your holy name is praised through us, unworthy as we are. To you alone be praise and worship forever. Amen.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalm 90:17 (BSB)

Adapted from a prayer attributed to St Basil, via Prayers of the Ages (1868), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.