Morning prayer · 4 October

A still, small voice

A small guard dog stands alert at a doorway, ears pricked toward a shadowy shape slinking away just outside the frame.

Lord, keep us today in everything we do. Guard us against our great enemy, the devil. Don’t let him steal anything good you’ve stirred deep in our souls, but help us stand up to him, so he runs from us. Let us try never to grieve your Spirit, but to listen more and more to his still, small voice, and to watch over our hearts with care. So let us live today in awe of you, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, wanting everything we do to bring glory to your name. We ask every blessing in the name of Jesus Christ, and for his sake. Amen.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30 (BSB)

Adapted from William Wilberforce, Family Prayers (1834), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.