A Sojourner's Quest

9 8 / A S O J O U R N E R ’ S Q U E S T

Let me fly from myself and take refuge in Thee, that I may deserve to be defended by Thee. Let me fear for myself, let me fear Thee, and let me be among those who are chosen by Thee. Let me distrust myself and put my trust in Thee. Let me be willing to obey for the sake of Thee. Let me cling to nothing save only to Thee, and let me be poor because of Thee. Look upon me, that I may love Thee. Call me that I may see Thee, and forever enjoy Thee.

Prayer for Access to God, Augustine (Euchologion)

O God, the Light of the hearts that see thee, the Life of the souls that love thee, the Strength of the minds that seek thee; from whom to turn is to fall, to whom to turn is to rise, and in whom to abide is to stand fast forever: grant us thy blessing as we offer up our confessions and supplications, and though we be unworthy to approach thee, or to ask anything of thee at all, vouchsafe to hear and forgive us, for the sake of our great High Priest and only Mediator, Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen.

~ Ferguson. Prayers for Public Worship . p. 71.

Prayers for Things Unseen, Clement

O God, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow cast by turning, who hast brought us through the year that is now come near to an end: grant that if, by the providence, our life on earth be continued, we may continue to grow in knowledge of Christ and experience of his power. Fix in our minds every lesson of faith, obedience and surrender to thy gracious will, that in the midst of the years, thou hast been teaching us. And as the times go over us, assure our hearts that thou art with us and for us, and that in every change thy love abideth changeless. Help us to think lightly of things present; for small they are, short-lived and corruptible; and make us to love things yonder, the good things that are incorruptible.