A Wartime Prayer

O Lord, come quickly and reign on Thy throne, for now often something rises up within me, and tries to take possession of Thy throne; pride, covetousness, uncleanness, and sloth want to be my kings; and then evil-speaking, anger, hatred, and the whole train of vices join with me in warring against myself, and try to reign over me.  I resist them, I cry out against them, and say, 'I have no other king than Christ.'  O King of Peace, come and reign in me, for I will have no king but Thee!  Amen.

Bernard of Clairvaux

Rich Prayers Inherited from the Church Fathers

O Light that knew no dawn, that shines to endless day,

All things in earth and heav'n are lustred by thy ray;

No eye can to thy throne ascend,

Nor mind thy brightness comprehend.

In supplication meek to thee I bend the knee;

O Christ, when thou shalt come, in love remember me,

And in thy kingdom, by thy grace,

Grant me a humble servant's place.

Thy grace, O Father, give, I humbly thee implore;

And let thy mercy bless thy servant more and more. 

All grace and glory be to thee,

From age to age eternally.  Amen.

Gregory of Nanzianzus 

Thank you Father for our Church fathers.

A Prayer for Gentleness

"May I be no man's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides.  May I never quarrel with those nearest me; and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly.  May I wish for all people's happiness and envy none.  May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me.  When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends.  May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent.  May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another.  May I, to the extent of my power, give all needful help to my friends and to all who are in want.  May I never fail a friend in danger.  When visiting those in grief may I be able by gentle and healing words to soften their pain.  May I accustom myself to be gentle, and never be angry with people because of circumstances.  Amen."  Eusebius of Caesarea