known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For Grace and Power

O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to receive the prayers of Thy people who call upon Thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For the World

Almighty and everlasting God, the Brightness of faithful souls, fill the world with Thy glory, we pray Thee, and show Thyself, by the radiance of Thy light, to all the nations of the world, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For Morning

Almighty God who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

A Litany for Strength Against Sin

O God, who didst wonderfully create and more wonderfully redeem mankind, grant us with steadfast mind to resist the allurements of sin that we may attain to the joys of everlasting life.

We beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For Bishops and Pastors

O God, who rulest over Thy people with fatherly love, give the spirit of wisdom to all who have received from Thee authority of government, that the welfare of Thy people may turn to the everlasting joy of their pastors, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For the Defense of Christ’s Church

O Lord, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church and household continually in Thy true religion, that they who do lean only upon the hope of Thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended by Thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For Forgiveness and Deliverance

O Christ, our Creator and Redeemer, Almighty Lord God, forgive the sins of all who are joined to us by friendship and relationship, all for whom we are desired to pray, or have resolved to pray, and all Thy faithful people. Deliver us all from evil, preserve us in all good, and bring us at last to everlasting joy; for Thine honour and glory. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For All in Special Need of Protection

O God, who willest not the death of a sinner, protect with Thy heavenly aid those persons who may now be exposed to special temptations; and grant that in the fulfilment of Thy commandments they may be strengthened by the assistance of Thy grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

For Love

O God, who by the grace of the Holy Ghost hast poured the gifts of love into the hearts of Thy faithful people, grant unto all Thy servants in Thy mercy health of body and soul, that they may love Thee with all their strength, and with perfect affection fulfill Thy pleasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

Epiphany

Almighty and everlasting God, the Brightness of faithful souls, who didst bring the Gentiles to Thy light, and made known unto them Him who is the true Light, and the bright and morning Star, fill, we beseech Thee, the world with Thy glory, and show Thyself by the radiance of Thy light unto all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Gregorian Sacramentary

Prayer for Pardon

O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst give Thy life for us that we might receive pardon and peace; mercifully cleanse us from all sin, and evermore keep us in Thy favour and love, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

—An Ancient Collect

For the Loving Care of the Good Shepherd

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou, good Shepherd of the sheep, who camest to seek the lost, and to gather them to Thy fold, have compassion upon those who have wandered from Thee; feed those who hunger, cause the weary to lie down in Thy pastures, bind up those who are broken in heart, and strengthen those who are weak, that we, relying on Thy care and being comforted by Thy love, may abide in Thy guidance to our lives’ end; for Thy name’s sake. Amen.

—An Ancient Collect

For Light

O Thou who art the Sun of Righteousness and the Light Eternal, giving gladness unto all things; shine upon us both now and for ever, that we may walk alway in the light of Thy countenance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—An Ancient Collect

For Rest

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the work and the changes of this fleeting world may rest upon Thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—An Ancient Collect

For Morning

O God, who hast folded back the mantle of the night to clothe us in the golden glory of the day, chase from our hearts all gloomy thoughts, and make us glad with the brightness of hope, that we may effectively aspire to unwon virtues, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—An Ancient Collect

For Love and Light

O Lord, give us, we beseech Thee, in the name of Jesus Christ Thy Son our God, that love which can never cease, that will kindle our lamps but not extinguish them, that they may burn in us and enlighten others. Do Thou, O Christ, our dearest Saviour, Thyself kindle our lamps, that they may evermore shine in Thy temple, that they may receive unquenchable light from Thee that will enlighten our darkness, and lessen the darkness of the world. Lord Jesus, we pray Thee give Thy light to our lamps, that in its light the most holy place may be revealed to us in which Thou dwellest as the Eternal Priest, that we may always behold Thee, desire Thee, look upon Thee in love, and long after Thee, for Thy sake. Amen.

—Columba

SEVENTH CENTURY PRAYERS

A Litany on the Passion

Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, grant pardon, grant remission:

And have mercy graciously.

Thou who, coming to save the world, wert brought to judgment, when