Morning prayer · 14 August

Sound in faith

A single large tree with many different roofs of small houses nestled among its roots, one gentle hand reaching down from above to shelter the whole cluster under its spreading branches, showing the whole church and all its people held together under one care.

Merciful God, bless your holy church throughout the world, especially the part of it where we live. Make all its members sound in faith and holy in life, so they truly serve you with all their hearts. We bring to your fatherly goodness our families, our friends and the people around us, and everyone who wants or needs a special place in our prayers. Help the poor, comfort everyone in trouble, have mercy on the sick and the dying, and by your grace help us get ready every day for the life to come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18 (BSB)

Adapted from E. M. Goulburn, via A Chain of Prayer Across the Ages (1913), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.