Prayers in times of need
What is Prayer ? By the Rev Anne Le Bas
Prayer is simply us as we are meeting God as God is. We can talk to God as to a friend, saying whatever is in our hearts, or we can just sit in silence with him – God knows our needs even before we do. But sometimes it helps to have some words to say – words which become familiar to us, and give us a sense that we are part of a wider Christian family, who have prayed these prayers before us. Below you will find some prayers from many traditions, and simple services of morning and night prayer which you can say at home. There are links in the column on the left to forms of prayer to use through the day and also to some excellent meditative prayer sites, where you will be taken through a series of prayer exercises.
SHORT FORMS OF MORNING AND NIGHT PRAYER
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MORNING PRAYER
OPENING PRAYER
This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
The night has passed and the day lies open before me. Help me to rejoice in the gift of this new day, and see the light of your presence in it, O God.
Read some of these words from the Bible and think about them:
God says “I will not forget you. I have written your names on the palm of my hand.” Isaiah 49.16
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1.31
“When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you.” Isaiah 43.2
St Peter says; “Cast all your cares on God, for he cares for you.” I Peter 5.7
Jesus says, “I have come to give you life in all its fullness.” John 10.10
Think of the day ahead – imagine the things you will be doing.
If you are worried about any of them, tell God what you are worried about.
If you are excited by them, tell God about that too.
Imagine God with you as you do those things.
What do you think he would be saying to you about them?
Think, too, of those who are on your heart and entrust them to God.
CLOSING PRAYERS
I awake this morning in the presence of the holy angels of God.
May heaven open wide before me and around me,
that I may see Christ and his sunlit company in all the things of earth this day.
Amen.
Send me out in peace Lord to live and work in the light of your love,
and let me see you beside me in all I do today. Amen
“I awake this morning” is from Phillip Newell’s. Each day and each night . (Wild Goose Publications)
More prayers to use on waking
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
Habbakuk’s prayer of trust
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3. 17-19
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we will be saved,
in quietness and confidence will be our strength:
By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence,
where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God be in my head and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at mine end, and at my departing. Amen.
Father in heaven! When the thought of thee wakes in our hearts let it not awaken like a frightened bird that flies about in dismay, but like a child waking from its sleep with a heavenly smile. Amen.
Soren Kierkegaard
As the rain hides the stars, as the autumn mist hides the hills, as the clouds veil the blue of the sky,
so the dark happenings of my lot hide the shining of thy face from me.
Yet, if I may hold thy hand in the darkness, it is enough.
Since I know that, though I may stumble in my going, thou dost not fall.
Amen.
Gaelic prayer. Translated Alistair MacLean.
NIGHT PRAYER
OPENING PRAYER
Stay with me Jesus, for the night is at hand and the day is now passed. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you make me live in safety.
Read some of these words from the Bible and think about them:
The darkness is not dark for you, Lord, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you. Psalm 139.12
My help comes from God, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall. He who watches over you does not slumber or sleep. The Lord will guard you. He is by your side to protect you. Psalm 121.4
Even though I walk through the dark valleys you are with me. Psalm 23
St John says, “God’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not put it out.” John 1.9
Jesus says, “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28
Think of the day that has gone- the things you have done and the people you have met.
Think of one thing (at least) that you have enjoyed, and thank God for it.
f there is anything that has worried or upset you, tell God about it.
What do you think he says to you at the end of the day?
Think of those who are on your heart and entrust them to God.
CLOSING PRAYERS
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, sustain the dying, calm the suffering, and pity the distressed; all for your love’s sake, O Christ our Redeemer. Amen
May the peace of the night enfold me, so that I may be bathed in love.
The love of the Father who made me,
the love of the Son who died for me,
the love of the Spirit who dwells within me,
bless me and keep me.
May heaven come close as I sleep this night,
and angels surround me with Christ’s pure light. Amen
More prayers before sleep
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of his night, so that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest upon your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace, and may your blessing be always upon us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, Lord we pray, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night, for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, sustain the dying, calm the suffering, and pity the distressed; all for your love’s sake, O Christ our Redeemer. Amen
O heavenly Father, you gave your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give me such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Dear Jesus, as a hen covers her chicks with her wings to keep them safe, do thou this night protect us under thy golden wings. Amen Prayer from India
