Morning prayer · 1 September

Calm and settle my soul

A glass of churned, cloudy water set on a table slowly going still and clear as the silt sinks to the bottom, showing a scattered soul settling into calm under a quiet hand resting lightly on the glass's rim, with the words “calm and settle my soul” lettered by hand.

Lord, this is all I want: to walk the path of life you’ve given me the way Jesus my Lord would walk it, with steady faith, a gentle spirit, a humble heart and tender love. Outside events so easily scatter my thoughts and disturb the inner peace where alone your Spirit’s voice is heard. So, gracious Lord, calm and settle my soul with the quieting power that alone can bring every thought and desire of my heart under your rule. All I have is yours; do with it what you think best, because I don’t know. Don’t let the worries or duties of this life weigh on me too heavily. Lighten my load, so I can follow your way quietly, thankful for your mercy, serving you well. Amen.

Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

1 John 2:6 (BSB)

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