Freedom of thought

A small set of old-fashioned kitchen scales on a table, one side holding a modest plain plate of bread and a cup, the other side empty and balanced level, showing a life kept in quiet measure rather than piled high.

God, help me to be moderate in food, drink and sleep and all the pleasures of the body, so that I’m fit for the duties you call me to. By your blessing, may that give me freedom of thought and a quiet mind, so that I serve you in this short and fragile life in such a way that, when I die, you welcome me into everlasting happiness. Lord, don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Don’t leave me to empty fears. Have mercy on me, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7 (BSB)

Adapted from Samuel Johnson, Prayers and Meditations (1785), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.