"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous, and all for your love's sake."
--Book of Common Prayer
Thank you for this prayer. My father is in the hospital and he is dying. Sometime in the next few weeks he will go to his long home and be with Jesus forever. This prayer was a comfort for me and one of my daughters. Thank you. Linda S. from Canada.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful prayer to pick out! I think it would be just lovely in a sweet frame beside my bed. I might just do that. Thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeletejust letting you know we are praying for your family love grace
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard that perfect prayer in a long time.
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
Lovely.
ReplyDeleteIs everything ok with y'all?
Linda, I am so sorry about your father.
ReplyDeleteAnna, thank you for posting this. Last night as I was in bed I was pushing worries out of my mind, and I began to question whether or not I trust in God as much as I *think* I do. I prayed about it a bit and then decided to sleep, but checked my email first and then randomly thought of looking at your blog, and here this was, and it was a comfort to all the frets that were crowding my mind. It helped me remember that yes, I do trust, and why.
Farrah, yes, we're fine. Still praying for my mother, she's made it into rehab to regain strength before coming here for a little while.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this prayer. I used to pray it a lot when I was up at night nursing my baby girl or having insomnia. I especially love the phrase "shield the joyous.. . . "
ReplyDeleteAmen to a beautiful prayer.
ReplyDeleteLinda S, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My parents are living with us right now while my mother goes through more cancer treatments. It's a difficult time and I feel your pain.
I pray this nightly as I read my daily offices. Sleep comes easier somehow.
ReplyDeleteIt truly helped us through the home-going of my dear Father as I and my Mother cared for him at home.
The words continue to bring solace as I walk through emotions delayed while taking care of the "Needs-of-the-Moment.
Prayers for *your* strength to care for those little needful things.
XOXO
This is my absolute favorite collect for Evensong. Thank you for posting it.
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