Another day, O Lord…
By Father Charlie
The following prayer is one of my favorites. It’s tucked away in the service for the Ministration to the Sick (BCP, 461). The prayer sits quietly… its wisdom building and building…
In the Morning
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring
forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I
am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still,
help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it
patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit
of Jesus. Amen.
It’s appropriate for those who are going through difficult times. Waiting with a sick loved one is really hard. Persons struggling with health difficulties rarely know what the day might look like. They wait on news from physicians, they wait on test results. They do a lot of waiting.
The prayer may also be prayed by anyone in any situation, though. It helps us to remember that there are options for how we respond or react to what life offers on any given day. There are times to stand up and times to sit still. While some think that we have to rush into the day (or week) having figured out all the answers, the prayer reminds us that even doing nothing can be a holy response. It’s a great prayer to begin the day. It acknowledges that there is a season for everything and that each moment has the potential to experience the presence of God.
As we begin to look to fall and the world around us begins its slow transition, remember this prayer. May we live it as fully and completely as possible, and may the spirit of Jesus be reflected in each of us.
See you in church,
Charlie+
Preferred pronouns: he, him, his
You can call me “Charlie” or “Father Charlie”
The Rev. Dr. Charles T. Dupree
Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Richmond, Virginia