Prayers Ancient and Modern 10/01

“My soul remained in a kind of heavenly elysium. So far as I am capable of making a comparison, I think that what I felt each minute, during the continuance of the whole time, was worth more than all the outward comfort and pleasure, which I had enjoyed in my whole life put together. It was a pure delight, which fed and satisfied the soul. It was peasure, without the least sting, or any interruption. It was a sweetness, which my soul was lost in. It seemed to be all that my feeble frame could sustain, of that fulness of joy, which is felt by those, who behold the face of Christ, and share his love in the heavenly world.” – Sarah Edwards, wife of Jonathan Edwards

Published October 1, 2016 |

O God, who leadest us through seasons of life to be partakers of Thine eternity; the shadows of our evening hasten on. Quicken us betimes: and spare us that sad word, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Anew we dedicate ourselves to Thee. We would ask nothing, reserve nothing, for ourselves, save only leave to go whither Thou mayest guide, to live not far from Thee, and die into Thy nearer light. Content to accept the reproach of truth, we would take upon us the yoke of Christ, whom it behooved to suffer ere He entered into His glory—Amen.

James Martineau.

Bless us, O Lord, with Thy heavenly benediction; so that, rejoicing in Thy strength, and trusting in Thy loving-kindness, we may obtain a blessed immortality—Amen.

Sarum Breviary, A.D. 1085.