Morning prayer · 19 February

Beyond our own strength

A small ant carrying a leaf many times its own size, lifted easily on a tiny gust of wind drawn as a curling breath beside it, with the words “carry us beyond our own strength” lettered by hand.

Lord God Almighty, you give power to the tired and strength to those who have none. Without you we can do nothing, but with your kind help we can do every duty we’re given. Lord of power and love, we come trusting in your almighty strength and your endless goodness, to ask you for what we lack: the help to be and to do what you want. Our God, let your grace be enough for us, and always with us, so we do everything as we should. We’ll trust in you; your strength lasts forever. Be our helper. Carry us on beyond our own strength, and make everything we think and say and do pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29 (BSB)

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