Some well known Prayers of Dedication to God
Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being, thou hast made us for thyself, so that our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee; grant us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing thy will, no weakness from doing it; but that in thy light we may see light, and in thy service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
St. Augustine, 354-
Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest; To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest, To labour and not ask for any reward, Save that our knowing that we will do thy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
St Ignatius Loyola, 1491 –
Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which thou hast given us; For all the paints and insults which thou has borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, May be know thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, And follow thee more nearly, Now and for evermore.
St Richard of Chichester, 1197 –
Seeking God’s Presence
O Lord my God, teach my heart where and how to seek you, where and how to find you. Lord, if you are not here but absent, where shall I seek you? But you are everywhere, so you must be here, why then do I not seek you? Lord, I am not trying to make my way to your height, for my understanding is in no way equal to that, but I do desire to understand a little of your truth which my heart already believes and loves. I do not seek to understand so that I may believe, but I believe so that I may understand; and what is more, I believe that unless I do believe I shall not understand.
St Anselm, 1033-
For those who are sick
Almighty Father, giver of life and health: look mercifully, we beseech thee, on the sick and suffering, especially those for whom our prayers are desired, that by thy blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them, they may be restored, if it be thy gracious will, to health of body and mind, and give thanks to thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1928 Prayer Book
For the terminally ill
O heavenly Father, we pray for those suffering from diseases for which there is at present no cure. Give them the victory of trust and hope, that they may never lose their faith in your loving purpose. Grant your wisdom to all who are working to discover the causes of disease, and the realization that through you all things are possible. We ask this in the name of him who went about doing good and healing all manner of sickness, even your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
George Appleton
For the faithful departed
O Father of all, we pray to thee for those whom we love, but see no longer. Grant them thy peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and in thy loving wisdom and almighty power work in them the good purpose of thy perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1928 Prayer Book
For the bereaved
Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort: deal graciously, we pray, with those who mourn, that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Common Worship 2000
For the homeless and refugees
O God, you bring hope out of emptiness, energy out of fear, new life out of grief and loss. As Mary returned to mourn yet found unspeakable joy, so comfort all who have lost their homes through persecution, war, exile, or deliberate destruction. Give them security, a place to live, and neighbours they trust to be, with them, a new sign of peace to the world.
Janet Morley
A Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, vision. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-
Prayers for Children
Loving Lord, Help us to be thankful, For friends and family, For work and play, For hands to make, and eyes to see, and lips to speak, For the wonders to enjoy, And restful sleep. A-men.
Lord Jesus, I am ill, Please make me well. Help me to be brave, Help me to be patient, Help me to thank those who care for me. Thank you for being here with me, To comfort me and make me strong. A-men.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay, Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care; And fit us for heaven to live with thee there. (John McFarland)