Morning prayer · 29 August

Create in me

A blacksmith's mold shown empty and waiting on a workbench, with a single beam of light pouring into its hollow shape, since the prayer is entirely a request to be formed, not a description of anything already made.

Lord, please create in me a saving knowledge of you and of my duty, faith that makes me right with you, real grace that makes me holy, a hope that makes me pure, a burning love, and the respect for you that a child has for a father. Give me a constant desire to please you, and a deep care not to hurt you. Lord, create in me a heart that’s sorry for sin, a will that gives way to yours, and desires kept under control. Give me a habit of remembering you’re here, steady attention when I pray, honest motives and eagerness for your glory, staying power in every good plan, and faithfulness in every trial and temptation. Amen.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;

2 Peter 1:5 (BSB)

Adapted from Thomas Ken, A Manual of Prayers (1675), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.