To Do the Will of Our Father

Greetings,

            Another of William Barclay’s prayers, this one based on the Church of England collect for the Monday of Holy Week.

Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant, that we may follow the example of his patience and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

                Isaiah 63                                                              Mark 14

Eternal and everblessed God, you sent your Son Jesus into the world to be an example to us.  Help us ever to walk in his steps.

            Help us to walk

                        In his humility,

                                    So that we too may be among our fellow men

                                    and women as those who serve:

                        In his forgiveness,

                                    So that we too may forgive,

                                    as we hope to be forgiven:

            Help us to walk

                        In his courage,

                                    So that nothing may ever deflect us from

                                    the way we ought to take;

                        In his endurance,

                                    So that nothing may daunt or discourage us,

                                    until we reach our goal;

                        In his loyalty,

                                    So that nothing may ever seduce our hearts

                                    from our devotion to him.

Help us to share the life that our Lord once lived on earth

that we may also share the life he lives in his risen power.

 

            Grant that it may be our meat and drink to do the will

            of our Father who is in heaven.

            Grant unto us to take up whatever cross is laid upon

            us and gallantly and gladly to carry it.

            Grant that

                        As we may share his cross,

                        So we may share his crown;

                        As we share his death,

                        So we may also share his life.

And so grant that having suffered with him

we may also reign with him.

This we ask for your love’s sake.  Amen.

Yours & His,

DED