contemporary prayers for today
beautiful prayers
Featured on this page are a selection of beautiful prayers suitable for various occasions such as weddings, baptisms and daily morning or evening prayer. There are also three beautiful prayers from the bible and some prayer quotes appropriate for use in cards or as messages.
a beautiful daily prayer to God
Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which you have given us,
for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day.
Amen.
St Richard of Chichester (1197 – 1253) is the patron Saint of Sussex, England. He is said to have spoken these words shortly before dying.
The Prayer of St Francis
the famous 'make me an instrument of your peace' prayer, with inspiring images and tranquil music:-
light without and light within"
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
(ancient irish blessing)
The following short video is a contemporary song interpretation of "May The Road Rise Up To Meet You". It's possible to download this track at prayerscapes:-
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
The serenity prayer is attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971) an American theologian and writer. It has become popular in recent years through the work of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Beautiful Prayer Poem
a contemporary reflection on the birth of Jesus:-Love came, held safely within a gentle womb
All the truth, majesty, and creativity of a living God
Poured into a tiny heart
Making a quiet entrance in a dark and uninviting shack
Just one star shone anew as a handful of people were brought
Led by angelic voices, and open hearts
A young mother
A faith-filled father
Men of wisdom who searched for truth
And a group of humble herdsmen
They came to bow before a new life
And acknowledge that the rescuer had arrived
That the Word of God had come alive
And that the extraordinary transformation of heaven and earth
Had begun
(Poem by Julie Palmer, c. 2011)
Scottish Blessing Prayer
discover prayers for Easter Sunday here
Take time to think...
It is the source of power.
Take time to play...
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to laugh...
It is the music of the soul.
Take time to pray...
It is the greatest power on Earth.
(Anon., inscribed on the walls of the "Missionaries of Charity" children's home in Calcutta, India)
(Souza)
Ralph Waldo Emerson - American lecturer and poet (1803-1882)
"As I looked, I heard the voices of a lot of angels around the throne and the voices of the living creatures and of the elders. There were millions and millions of them, and they were saying in a loud voice,
“The Lamb who was killed
is worthy to receive power,
riches, wisdom, strength,
honor, glory, and praise.”"
(Revelation 5:11-12, CEV)
And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea-all living beings in the universe-and they were singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!"
(Revelation 5:13, GNT)
"O my soul, bless GOD.
From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless GOD,
don't forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins-every one.
He heals your diseases-every one.
He redeems you from hell-saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy-a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness-beauty eternal.
He renews your youth-you're always young in his presence."
(Psalm 103:1-5, The Message)