Thursday, June 14, 2012

Prayers for Today

“May I be no man’s enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me: and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly.
May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good.
May I wish for all men’s happiness and envy none.
May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me.
When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends.
May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent.
May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another.
May I never fail a friend who is in danger.
When visiting those in grief may I be able by gentle and healing words to soften their pain.
May I respect myself.
May I always keep tame that which rages within me.
May I accustom myself to be gentle, and never be angry with people because of circumstances.
May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but know good men and follow in their footsteps.” - Prayer of Eusebius, 3rd century
"You know what good things I am most in need of and how poor I am in virtue. Behold I stand before You, poor and naked, asking Your grace and imploring Your mercy.
  
"Feed Your hungry beggar. Inflame my coldness with the fire of Your love. Enlighten my blindness with the brightness of Your presence. Turn...all grievance and adversity to patience...Raise my heart to You in heaven and suffer me not to wander on earth. From this moment to all eternity do You alone grow sweet to me, for You alone are my food and drink, my love and my joy, my sweetness and my total good."   - Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis


5 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I especially like that first one, Karen.

Thank you --

Anonymous said...

Wow, the Prayer of Eusebius just touches my core. It is really a prayer that speaks to me. As I first read through it, I was thinking how well the writer knows human nature. I was surprised, but not surprised, if you know what I mean, to discover that it was written in the 3rd Century. We humans don't change much! Thank you for this lovely devotional.

Karen B.

Pam said...

Beautiful words for this morning! What a wonderful place this would be "if only" all people could embrace these words. Hugs and love, my friend!

Kims4Him said...

Wow. We all should say this prayer everyday of our lives. Thank you for posting.
Blessings~

Karen said...

Loved the prayers. I know you are about to meet with Robin and my heart is with you both. I am praying for my day with you both! Just finished a book I loved and want to pass on to you and your readers, "To Heaven and Back" by Dr. Mary Neal--very thought provoking.