Morning prayer · 9 August

Rest for the weary

A tired old donkey stands at a gate at dusk, finally unburdened, its empty saddle resting beside it on the ground.

God, as we come before you, set us free from the fear of life’s sudden changes and the fear of death. Let us finish the rest of our road without shame to ourselves or harm to others, and when the day comes, let us die in peace. Keep us from being swayed by fear or by wanting to be liked, and from small-minded hopes and cheap pleasures. Have mercy on each of us where we fall short, and don’t let anyone be crushed. Hold up those who are stumbling on the way, and give rest at last to the weary. Amen.

and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Hebrews 2:15 (BSB)

Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson, Prayers Written at Vailima (1904), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.