Morning prayer · 25 July

Helper of the helpless

An old woman walking with a cane is met halfway by a younger figure stepping out from a lit doorway to take her free hand and guide her home.

God, give us peace, and make your truth firm in us, as you fill every living thing with plenty. Remember everyone who trusts you and is going through trials, and comfort, if it can be, everyone in sorrow and distress. Helper of the helpless, bring the wanderer home, give health to the sick and freedom to prisoners. Hold up the old, comfort the fainthearted, and set free those whose souls are chained in misery. Remember everyone, everywhere, who is suffering, in need or in crisis. Let us live with you in peace, as children of light, and in your light, Lord, let us see the light. Amen.

He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.

Psalm 146:7–8 (BSB)

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