Prayer has been an integral part of Christian faith since the beginning. Jesus counselled the disciples in how they could approach God in prayer. Today in our private lives and in corporate worship we also pray to God. We offer praise, seek intercession and offer thanks among other things.
This morning we look at three prayers of ancient origins.
O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore thee,
a heart to delight in thee,
to follow and to enjoy thee,
for Christ’s sake.
– Ambrose of Milan, 339-397
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you, for ever.
– Unknown Source, early Scottish
Jesus, my feet are dirty.
Come even as a slave to me,
pour water into your bowl,
come and wash my feet.
In asking such a thing I know I am overbold,
but I dread what was threatened when you said to me,
“If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.”
Wash my feet then, because I long for your companionship.
– Origen, 185-254
I rise today
Through the strength of heaven –
Light of sun,
Radience of moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
– Unknown Source, early Scottish
Read more at: Faith and Worship / Early Christian Prayers
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