Morning prayer · 17 September

More than we ask

A large shallow basket overflowing with many different small things it was never asked to hold - a loaf, a key, a bandage roll, a flower - spilling gently over its woven rim onto the table, showing mercy giving more than was requested.

Merciful Lord, you give us more than we ask or imagine. Deal with us, and everyone who wants our prayers, and your whole church and people, as your mercy and goodness choose. Give health to the sick, rest to the tired and weighed down, and comfort to those who grieve. Be a Father to children who have no father, and a God to widows. Hold up those who are tempted. Lift up those who fall. Forgive and restore those who are sorry. Give us strength to run with patience the race set before us, and make us all the people you want us to be, holy and godly in how we live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Hebrews 12:1 (BSB)

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