As I come to the end of this year, and the end of the first decade of the 21st century, I feel the need for the guidance and protection of God for myself and for those I love. The following two prayers come from David Adam’s Celtic Prayer Companion.
Lord be with us this day,
Within us to purify us;
Above us to draw us up;
Beneath us to sustain us;
Before us to lead us;
Behind us to restrain us;
Around us to protect us.
St. Patrick
Lord, who made sea and land,
Always give me aid,
And guide my life here
In the way of truth.
Lord Jesus, look on me,
And grant me your unfailing grace.
Every hour, Jesus, it is my desire
In the world to please you.
St. Meryadoc
To these I would add my own prayer:
Lord, help me, for I am helpless;
Life is too complex and I am too simple.
Lord strengthen me to serve you, for I am weak;
Life is too full of challenges and I am too inadequate.
Lord, enlighten me with your wisdom, for I am ignorant;
Life is too confusing and I am too blind.
Lord, fill me with your love, joy and peace; for I am discouraged and disturbed;
Life is too sad and cruel, and I am too selfish.
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit, so that I become more like you.
Life is ripe with opportunities to do good;
May I be a blessing to others, and so extend your kingdom.
Empower me with your risen life to be renewed in your likeness.