Morning prayer · 14 January

Courage to go on

A small boat with a patched sail steadily crossing choppy water toward a lighthouse beam in the distance.

Almighty God, have mercy on us. When we’re troubled by the past, we lose faith and life, courage and hope. So have mercy on us and hold us up with a true faith that you’re merciful and forgiving. Then we can go on into the future, keeping your commands, enjoying your generosity, trusting your mercy and hoping for eternal life. Whatever happens to us, help us always remember that it’s all under your guidance, in your care and by your will. Then in the darkest days, looking to you, we’ll have courage to go on, faith to endure, patience to bear and hope to hold out, right to the end. Amen.

Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19 (BSB)

Adapted from George Dawson, via Prayers Ancient and Modern (1897), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.