Morning prayer · 15 November

Hearts of children

A small child plays dress-up in an oversized servant's apron that's clearly too big, but skips about joyfully with a toy feather duster, showing obedience turned into glad play rather than forced labour.

Most merciful God and Father, we put ourselves and everything we have into your almighty hands. By your good Spirit, keep us from all sin, misfortune and heartache. Give us the Spirit of grace and prayer, so that we take comfort in trusting your love, and our sighs and requests please you. Give us the Spirit of faith to light a bright flame of real faith in our hearts, so that we truly know we’re saved, and our whole life becomes a thank-you for the mercy we’ve received. Give us the Spirit of love, so that we taste how sweet your love for us is, and love you back. Help us obey you, not forced like slaves, but with the willing, joyful hearts of children. Amen.

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

Galatians 4:7 (BSB)

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